Arrogant snot. That was her first thought as she saw him swathed in his expensive black armor with a bright red chlamys, and rigidly perched on the back of an exceptional black stallion. His regal pride bled from every pore of his body. Still, he cut a gorgeous picture as the light breeze ruffled his unruly blond curls that gave him an unorthodox, boyish appearance. Dark brown brows slashed above intelligent eyes so blue they matched the Aegean Sea for clarity and vibrance.
His stern expression made his cheekbones sharp and well sculpted. Too young for a full beard, he held the lightest bit of dark brown dusting around his chin and upper lip.
He was truly a thing of great beauty.
"Your aspis, young prince."
Bethany's gaze narrowed as she saw Athena, in the guise of a foot soldier, holding the red shield up to her champion who had no idea the Greek goddess intended to ride with him into battle.
So this is your choice? Really? An arrogant prince with no battle experience?
She'd laugh if it weren't so pathetic.
The prince inclined his head to Athena and took the shield that held a black phoenix topped by a Greek crown of laurels and the words "I defend." The weight of the hoplon caused the muscles in his arm to protrude and define themselves even more. He said something to the goddess that made her smile.
Athena handed him his black helm.
With one hand, the prince slid it down over his head then reached for his xiphos. What a pity she'd have to kill him. Beauty such as his was all too rare in the human world.
If only Athena had chosen another to favor ...
Sighing at the waste, Bethany manifested her bow and nocked an arrow. She took aim for the prince's heart.
Just as she released her arrow, he kicked his horse forward.
Damn it! The arrow flew past the stallion's flanks and hit a tent post.
The moment it did, Athena turned to glare at her.
Bethany made a rude gesture at the Greek goddess. Summoning her horse, she flipped onto Herita's back and flew away before the Greek goddess could return her fire.
The battle was starting.
Her heart heavy, Bethany glanced over the Greeks, hoping her Hector was safe.
"Well?" Diafonia asked as Bethany returned to their side of the field. "Did you stir them up?"
"Not as much as normal. I caught Athena's champion and almost had him. But the bitch saw me."
The goddess of discord patted her on the shoulder. "Have no fear, sweet cousin. The day is young. We will drink well on the blood of the fallen Greeks tonight." Diafonia spread her wings and dove for the soldiers with her brother Pali at her side. She and her brother Strife always ran among their enemies to incite their wrath and create confusion.
Times like this, Bethany truly missed Apollymi. The goddess of destruction had always been her best ally in battle.
Oh well. They had a war to fight and she had a Didymosian prince to slay. "Get ready, Hades. I'm about to send Athena's newest pet knocking on your door."
She flew to Xan's side and kept his arm strong throughout the day as he slaughtered Greek after Greek.
Until she finally sighted the young prince of Didymos again.
He'd dismounted at some point during battle, and was fighting on foot beside his men, with Athena nowhere to be found.
Bethany paused as she watched the grace and beauty of his brutal art. Someone had trained the prince well. Even at his young age, he fought like a seasoned veteran. Fearless. There was no hesitation in his attacks or blocks. He met every enemy without flinching or tiring. Indeed, he looked to be gaining strength with each opponent.
Incredible. Blood soaked him, dripping from his armor and skin, and still he fought on in a graceful dance of the absolute macabre.
"Styxx!" Xan's unexpected bellow startled her. She'd had no idea that her prince knew Athena's champion. And judging by the rage of that tone, they were not friendly.
Xan ran at the prince, slashing his way through the men who came between them.