His breathing ragged, he returned to bed and sighed even though he could still feel the very thing that was causing both him and his brother pain. Closing his eyes, he wished he was still ignorant of what it was. Because now that he knew exactly what was being done to Acheron, he understood the true horror of what his brother lived with.
And there was nothing he could do about it. He'd tried to free his brother and Acheron had refused.
Damn him for it.
Styxx gasped as another pain stabbed him and then he laughed bitterly. His brother wasn't the only one damned. It was both of them. Two lives tied together in complete and utter misery.
November 15, 9533 BC
Styxx raked his hand through his hair as his head reeled. He was so high right now that he'd give his mother a good run. The herbs he'd bought in town had been even stronger than Estes's mixture. The merchant hadn't been kidding when he'd told him it would ease whatever ailments plagued him.
But honestly, he didn't want to feel like this. He just wanted to be normal again.
What do you know of normal?
Nothing. He'd never been normal. Not like other people. And all because of his brother. If Acheron had just been born with human eyes, no one would have ever known. Neither of them would have been tortured ...
A knock sounded on his door.
"Yes?" He lifted his head to see a small pretty maid there.
She bowed low. "His Majesty requests you join him in the outer courtyard, Highness."
Requests ... He loved whenever his father used such words. As if Styxx had a choice in the matter. If he didn't go, his father would be furious.
He shook his head to clear it then pushed himself to his feet.
The maid didn't budge as he neared her. Instead of moving out of his way, she planted herself so that he'd have to brush up against her lush body to leave.
Biting her lip, she gave him a hot, needful look. "Would you like for me to prep your room while you're away, Highness? I could easily be here on your return." I'd make the best mistress you've ever seen. I could and would gladly suck your nectar until you're blind from it....
She was beautiful and tempting. But right now, his mark was still plainly obvious. He'd been lucky the physician hadn't seen it. The last thing he wanted was her gossiping to the rest of the servants about their whore prince.
"No, thank you."
She poked her lip out into a seductive pout. "Perhaps later, Highness?" If I could carry a royal bastard, I'd never have to work again.
That quelled his erection better than an icy bath. Unlike his progenitor, he didn't believe in abandoning the children he fathered. The world and people were far too cruel for that. "No. Thank you."
He left her and headed to where his father was waiting out in the bright sunshine that split his head with pain. Holding his hand up to shield his bloodshot eyes, he stopped next to the cushioned chair his father reclined on. "You summoned me, Majesty?"
His father snorted. "I'd hoped it would take you longer to answer."
"How so?"
"You were supposed to be enjoying the charms of the little minx I sent you. I'd hoped she would please you. She's extremely talented. One of the best we have."
Great. Just what he wanted. One of his father's cast-off whores.
"Forgive me, Father. In the past, whenever I dawdled after a summons, you didn't take it well."
His father laughed. "That is true. In the future, when I send a man or old woman for you, come swiftly. Should it be a winsome maid ... take your time." He gestured to the seat beside him. "Come and sit with me for a while. I have some things I wish to discuss with you."
His head still messed up quite a bit, Styxx moved to the chaise and did his best to keep his father from detecting his condition.
A servant came forward to pour his wine then returned to a distance out of hearing range.
"We may be going to war soon."