Wanting to beat Acheron for his selfish thought that came through loud and clear, Styxx covered Acheron's mouth with his hand, and grabbed him. With no clear-cut plan, he pulled him toward the only other door in the room. It led to a bathing chamber. Styxx tried to pick Acheron up to carry him, but his brother dropped his weight, making it impossible.
Even so, couldn't leave him here and save his own ass. He couldn't.
Styxx was still trying to make it to the door on the opposite side of the room when Estes entered from the bedroom they'd just left.
He went cold as Estes's jaw dropped.
After a few seconds, a slow smile curved his uncle's lips. "Well, well ... what gifts the gods do give us who are faithful."
Styxx released Acheron and ran for the opposite door, but Estes caught him before he could open it. He slammed him back against the wall with enough force to knock the air from his lungs.
"My little squirrel ... If you wanted to stay with me, all you had to do was ask."
"I hate you! Let go of me!"
In spite of his struggles, Estes pulled something from his purse while holding him against the wall.
"Acheron!" Styxx held his hand out to him. "Help me, brother!"
Shaking his head adamantly, Acheron stepped back and sank to the floor in abject submission.
Furious at him, Styxx shoved at Estes with everything he had. It loosened Estes's hold enough that he was able to break free. But he didn't make it far before Estes had him again. This time, he covered Styxx's face with a rag.
Styxx bellowed and fought, but before he could do much his vision dulled and the room swam. An instant later, everything went black.
* * *
Styxx came awake slowly to find himself tied to a chair. It took him a few seconds to clear his vision enough to see that he was in his uncle's study. Estes sat behind a large table in a padded chair similar to his father's throne. But what really pissed him off was that Acheron knelt on the cold stone floor at the right side of his uncle. Completely naked, Acheron had his gaze on the ground. He sat back on his haunches with his hands resting on his parted thighs, within easy reach of Estes.
You fucking idiot!
If Acheron had only run with him, they wouldn't have been caught.
"So you're finally awake."
Styxx lifted his gaze to his uncle. "You can't keep me here."
"No? You rode out alone. And I'm quite certain you didn't tell your father where you were going. I know you damn sure didn't tell him what you intended to do once you got here. Even if he did know where you were, all I'd have to say is that you left and that I have no idea what happened to you. You're a prince. Any of your father's rivals or enemies would love to lay hands on you. For ransom. Torture ... and other things. You have no idea how much money a prince is worth on the market." He smiled as if the thought warmed him through and through. "Especially one so young, pretty, and fair. Blue-eyed blonds are the most valued of all, even when they're scarred and used."
Estes reached for a sugared fig that was in a small dish on his desk. He cradled it in his palm then held it out for Acheron. Cupping his uncle's hand, Acheron took it into his mouth, and gently laved Estes's palm and suckled his fingers.
The sight disgusted Styxx.
"Because of your arrogance and actions, you leave me with a bit of a dilemma." Estes pressed his thumb into Acheron's mouth so that his brother could suck on it in a manner that let Styxx know fast his brother was extremely skilled with using his tongue to please others. "Tell me, Styxx, do you know what erotiki sfairi are?"
Sex balls? That would be the closest translation. One that made him fearful of answering.
"I'm going to wager that you don't." He pulled his hand back. "Acheron, open your mouth and let your brother see yours."
When Acheron obeyed, Styxx feared he might vomit. Down the entire center of Acheron's tongue was a solid line of small silver balls that had been pierced into it.
So that was the pain that had caused him to be "treated" in the temple.
"Do you know what they're used for?"
Styxx glared at him. "I think I can guess."
Estes gave him a cruel, taunting smile as he pulled the hem of his chiton up until he was completely exposed to Styxx's gaze from the waist down.