Page 36 of Hera

“This is kefalotyri cheese,” the sommelier said. “It is one of Greece’s most prominent cheeses, made with goat or sheep’s milk. You’ll find it hard and salty, and it pairs well with this sweeter wine thanks to the lack of tannins—”

Augustine and Hera took sips of their wine and Hera picked up one slice of cheese, breaking it in half. She held one half out for him and he leaned in to take it. She moved her hand away slowly, letting him chase the food until she put it between her lips.

He smirked and tipped her head back. “You are so tantalizing,” he said before claiming her. The cheese was very salty, mixing with the sweet wine and sweeter taste of Hera in his mouth.

They managed to control themselves this time, pulling away before too long. Augustine admired the blush on Hera’s cheeks and the starry look in her eyes. “I could almost like wine after this, if this is the way to taste it.”

Her dreamy expression evaporated, replaced by shock. “You don’t like wine? Why did you agree to this date?”

“It is with you,” he said, brushing a thumb over her cheekbone. “And the painting part sounded like a lot of fun. It is just that wine is so dreadfully dull. It all tastes the same. I know that I could have told you if I was not interested in something. You would have listened and not made fun of me.”

“Well, I might have teased you a little,” Hera replied playfully. “But you’re right, it does all taste the same.”

Augustine booped her nose. “I am glad you agree with me. I would not have minded the teasing so much coming from you.”

The last round came out then; a fish course.

“This wine pairs well with the Mediterranean fish—”

“Much harder to feed each other this,” Augustine said of the flaky fish that was before them.

Hera picked up a fork. “You’re not trying hard enough,” she said, spearing a bite and offering it to him.

They ate their way through the perfectly cooked fish, sipping from their glasses as they ate, completely ignoring the sommelier’s words.

“I hope the sommelier isn’t the painting instructor,” Hera whispered to Augustine, making him choke on the last of his wine.

He swallowed his mouthful quickly, rubbing down his sternum to ease the liquid’s passage. “Warn me next time you make a joke and I am drinking, will you?”

“What joke?” Hera asked innocently.

Augustine linked their fingers together. “You are adorable.”

Hera beamed at him.

“Have a good rest of your night, my friends. I bid you adieu,” the sommelier said with a little bow before he left the front of the room.

“If you would follow me?” the greeter called to them from the doorway. Immediately, chairs scraped across the floor as people got to their feet.

“Shall we?” Augustine said, offering Hera his arm.

She took it and lightly stepped down from her chair.

“The painting portion of your evening will take place on the parapet of the fortress for the best views,” the greeter continued.

“Views?” Hera asked. “I thought paint nights were recreations of a painting?”

“Most are,” the greeter confirmed. “We do that on days with inclement weather. But this evening is shaping up to have excellent views of the simulated sunset over the River Phlegethon.”

Augustine’s eyes widened. “I am not sure I could capture such beauty in paint on canvas.”

Hera smiled up at him. “That’s what the teacher’s for. Don’t give up before you even start.”

Taking a deep breath, Augustine followed the rest of the group up to the highest tower’s flat roof, taking in the spread of the vineyards around the fortress. Just beyond them was the vast stretch of the River Phlegethon. “Stunning,” he murmured. “Limitless. Makes you want to take off and fly into the horizon.”

“Very poetic,” said a tall, willowy woman with oversized glasses. “Let’s hope you can paint as well as you can speak.” She gestured to the easels, all of which were facing the water. “Everything is set up for you, so please take your seats. My name is Phoebe and I will be your instructor for tonight.”

Hera pulled Augustine to two easels at one end and picked up her brush, wiggling a little on her stool as she eagerly waited for instructions.

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