He closed his eyes and savored the sensation of her body next to his and her breath falling against his neck. "I will be counting down the heartbeats."
Styxx handed her the basket and pole and watched as she vanished into the forest. He didn't move until she was completely gone from his sight.
There was nothing he wanted more than to stay with her forever. But it was an impossible dream. He'd be more likely to convince his father to return Acheron to the line of succession.
And yet ...
She is just another trick of the gods sent to torture you with something you know you'll never be worthy to have.
It was true. Why else would she be here?
July 26, 9532 BC
"Styxx! Come in here, there's a matter of great importance I need to speak to you about."
Resisting the urge to let out a frustrated breath, Styxx turned on the stairs and headed for his father's study.
Just what I was looking forward to. Another lecture on how I've disappointed you.
He entered the room and shut the door behind him. "Yes, Father?"
"Have a seat."
What did I do now?
Styxx complied as his father sat back in his own chair to stare at him with an unsettling intensity. Yes, this was going to go badly for him.
His father stroked his beard as if seeking the right words. "A troubling matter has come to me."
The blood left his face. He knows I'm a whore....
Don't overreact. Calm yourself.
"And that is, Father?"
"You haven't sired any bastards."
A relieved breath left him so suddenly that he was slightly dizzy from it. How was that a bad thing?
"I learned that the last whore I paid off wasn't yours and so I went and investigated the others only to learn that none of them had slept with you either."
If his father had only listened to him, he'd have known it a lot sooner. "How did you find out, Father?"
"None of them had knowledge of your scars."
That would do it. Not like any of them could be hidden from a lover.
Styxx sighed. His poor father. The only thing he'd been proud of was bastard children Styxx didn't have. "I don't see how this is a problem."
"It disturbs me that I can find no woman you've ever touched."
His anger exploding with that comment, Styxx rose to his feet. "This is not a discussion I want to have."
"Sit!"
He debated the wisest course of action. Well, not necessarily the wisest, but the one that would leave him with the most dignity. Unfortunately, it was the last action he wanted to take.
He sank back into his chair.