Page 258 of Blood of Hercules
He sauntered across the arena, fur cape dragging through the sand, silver crown jagged atop his head.
Blood was splattered across his face, and his knuckles were bruised like he’d been fighting.
Ice-blue eyes locked on mine.
“She’s already betrothed,” he announced.
Murmurs erupted.
Persephone looked up at me with confusion—I stared at Kharon.
What is he doing?
His smirk was wicked. “She’s already betrothed to me and my partner. In accordance with the new marriage law, she is the one we’ve decided to wed.”
The murmurs became shouts.
“Excuse me?” Hades snarled. “What did you just say about my daughter?” Inky fog rolled.
No, I’m not.
Why is he lying?
I narrowed my eyes at him and shook my head, trying to get him to stop whatever ploy he was pulling.
“I can prove it!” he shouted, and the sands fell silent.
He arched a dark brow, like he was daring someone to call him out on his bluff.
Hades gestured to Patro. “Check if he’s lying.”
Green eyes widened, then Patro slowly moved over to his friend, like he wanted to be anywhere else.
I scoffed.They’re probably in on it together. It’s all an act.
Kharon smiled, still staring directly at me. “My partner and I sent Alexis Hert two betrothal gifts—two boxes,” he said proudly.
The world shook.
My knees gave out.
Everything spun.
Kharon smirked, like he had me pinned, right where he wanted me.
“Each box was wrapped in red velvet, and a black silk bow with gold trim was tied at the top—each contained two of the three customary gifts. Symbols of our protection were laid atop priceless heirlooms.”
I tasted bile.
Symbols of protection. He means body parts.
I’d never looked beneath the tissue paper, but something had glinted.
Kharon continued, “We also gifted her a priceless blanket and clothes straight off our backs—she opened both boxes, used the blanket, and wore the clothes.Unequivocalacceptance of the betrothal.”
Sparta erupted with a roar.
People shouted and talked, and everyone clamored like I’d done something shocking.
