“Thank you for coming to my rescue,” I confessed softly.
“I wasn’t,” Morpheus replied. “It was purely selfish.”
“Well, thank you anyway,” I said, rolling my eyes. A silent moment filled the space between us, until I continued. “Did you find Darce?”
“He’s currently occupied with his brothers.”
“Do you think he’ll be alright?”
Morpheus shrugged slightly. “He will be as long as he’s careful with his words. He knows this is like a game of chess. We all must move our pieces with thought.”
Darce had warned me of this too. This whole scene was a game. We were all pieces on Zeus’ chess board; he was waiting to see what we’d do. Wrinkling my brow with thought, I lifted my gaze to meet Morpheus’s.
“Is it easy to anger them? Zeus, I mean?”
“Between the two brothers, yes,” Morpheus said with a snort. “Darce can be just as stubborn as you sometimes.” I didn’t know if I should feel proud or insulted. Looking back at the doors, I had hoped to see Darce standing, sipping on his champagne, but he was nowhere to be found.
“Darce is justified in his anger,” Morpheus continued, drawing my attention back to him. “But it’s his temper that offends Zeus.”
“And Minthe...”
“She’ll do whatever she needs to stay in their good graces. Just as we all will.”
“What does—”
Morpheus sighed in frustration. “Speak of the devil…and she shall appear.”
He spun me back around just as Minthe made her entrance, and my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Darce was right behind her, and on her face she wore the biggest grin I had ever seen. I was the first one she found in the crowd and she made it a point to speak as loudly as possible.
“Thank you for indulging me with a dance, my Lord,” she purred.
Dance? Darce was going to dance with her? After everything? Was this his way of trying to make peace with her? With. . .them? I couldn’t see anything but red. My heart drummed against my chest, and I started towards the two of them. Minthe had wanted a reaction, and she was going to get one. But a hand snaked around my arm, keeping me in place.
“Just need to keep your focus on me,” Morpheus whispered against my ear. “See it for what it is. A charade.”
“He can’t just dance with her! She’s the reason why we’re here!” I hissed. “What did they do? Ask him to?”
“See it for what it is, Summer,” he said again, harder this time. I didn’t understand. Was this a part of the game? Was this all a part of a plan Darce had come up with? A plan that I hadn’t been privy to? I dug my fingers into Morpheus’ shoulder as I glared up at him.
“She’s taunting me,” I snarled between my gritted teeth.
“Don’t give her the satisfaction. You’re better than that.” Better than her. His eyes said it all.
“He wouldn’t just dance with her, not without good reason,” he continued. Minthe and Darce were only steps away from us when I heard her giggle again. She was making a scene in front of me, on purpose.
“It’s been so long since you and I. . .” Her magenta eyes found mine again, “spent time together.”
I wanted to barf—again. He had created an illusion of being with her, so long ago, for all of these people. He wanted them to believe he had moved on. And perhaps now, he felt like he had to keep up the act. She was his discarded mistress. . .
Darce didn’t respond. Though, he didn’t bother to look in my direction either.
I was grateful when the song ended, though another slow melody followed the next. I released my grip on Morpheus as I glared at the two of them. At Minthe and Darce. If she was trying to make me look like an idiot, I wasn’t going to let her win.
“I’ve had enough of these games for one day.” I spat as I pulled away from Morpheus. Turning, I pushed my way through the small crowd; away from them. I could feel the gaze of the other Gods and Goddesses watching after me. It was like being last picked for kickball in gym class, only I didn’t care what they had to say after I was gone. In fact, I didn’t care if they spoke about me all evening. They could all go to hell.
I wasn’t going to stand there while Minthe had her way with Darce in front of them all. I couldn't stomach it.
“Summer! Summer, wait!” Eros called after me, but I ignored him too. Just as I turned towards the flight of stairs, I bumped into Ares—once again. I braced myself, grabbing onto the nearest wall.
“Summer,” Ares said, slightly startled. He gave a small, low nod of greeting. “I didn’t see you. I apologize.”
“It’s fine,” I snapped and shoved past him. I didn’t give him a chance to continue. I didn’t want to talk to him, or anyone. I just wanted to go back home—back to the Underworld. I just wanted away from all of the faces, the laughter, the music—away from Minthe and her stupid smile. I felt sick thinking about her touching his arms, sliding her finger along the side of his neck. I didn’t understand the jealous rage I felt, but it overwhelmed me entirely.
As soon as I reached my room, I slammed the door and tugged the flowers free from my hair. Tonight I might have been their walking, talking, breathing Persephone. But tomorrow—I would be no one except for Summer.
Summer, who spoke her mind.
Summer, who didn’t bend to the will of fickle Gods.
Chapter 12
“Summer,” a warm, gentle voice whispered against my ear. Their breath fluttered across my flush skin like the wings of a butterfly. It was warm and sweet smelling. I curled deeper into the blankets, turning my chin into the soft pillow.
“Summer,” the voice said again, as a soft hand slid over my hip, and down around my stomach. It pulled me back against it, crushing me tenderly into a cushioned wall. Lips brushed over my exposed neck, leaving a small kiss in its wake.
I slowly opened my eyes, taking in the darkness of the room. What time was it? I felt the strength of the arms around me, holding me tightly. Darce.
“Darce?” I asked groggily.
“Hmmm…” he hummed, nestling my neck. My body began to react, welcoming the warmth of him. Everything inside of me wanted him, invited him—all except my brain. It screamed for me to turn around, to confront him about the stunt he had just pulled out on the dance floor. Minthe. Dancing. Her wicked, smug grin.
“What—” I untangled myself from him, turning to my side to face his dark silhouette. He sucked in a breath as I pulled the blankets up around myself. “What are you doing?”
He pulled a hand through his hair; I could feel his gaze on me even in the darkness.
“You disappeared.”
“You were occupied.” I didn’t even try to hide the venom in my words.
“I was doing what I had been asked to do,” He retorted curtly.
I didn’t know how to respond. I remained still, curling my fingers into the blankets.
“Do you think I enjoyed a moment of it?” He asked after a long, silent moment. The rumble in his chest vibrated against the bed as his voice deepened. I shivered and bit my bottom lip. Of course he hadn’t. I had known but. . .
“I saw you both and it felt like. . .like you were allowing her to win.”
“Win?” Darce asked. I shook my head, though, I knew he couldn’t see me.
“She knew what she was doing.”
“As did I,” Darce interjected.
The sound of my heart was racing in my ears, and I pushed myself up to sit. After a moment, I finally found my voice again.
“But why?” There were so many whys. Why had they asked him to dance with her? What did they have to gain from the interaction? What were they planning with Darce? With Minthe? With me? My head was spinning with so many questions that it was beginning to ache. I had already thought of a thousand different ways Minthe could have seduced him or touched him, and the whole thing made me even more angry. Jealous. I bet I could give Hera a run for her money in the jealousy department.
“Why?” He asked, ec
hoing my question.
“Why did they ask you to? What did they. . .” but I couldn’t bring myself to continue. I couldn’t become like her. I had to trust Darce, now more than ever. I felt the smoothness of his hand slide over my knee and come to rest there.
“I will do whatever is needed to bring peace. To bring us the freedom to—”
“She wants the Underworld,” I interjected. “There is no peace with her around.”
“She just wants your throne,” he corrected.
“Just,” I scoffed. “She wants you too.” I added, drawing my knees up to my chest. I wrapped my arms around my legs and lowered my chin to the tops of my knees.
“She can’t have me,” he replied softly, drawing me closer against him. He tugged at my waist, drawing me underneath him. “I belong to no one but you.” His whisper was husky and warm against my cheek, and it sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine. I gasped with surprise as his hands drew my legs to rest on either side of his. He was so warm, and I felt myself melting into him. I knew what he was doing, and my body suddenly craved his. It felt strange to want him as I did, all the while being surrounded by Gods and Goddesses who were seemingly plotting against us.
“All of this is such a dangerous game,” I murmured as I felt his thumb hook around the waistband of my sleeping shorts.
“I like dangerous games,” he said with a chuckle as he pressed a tender kiss against my stomach. I sucked in a breath, trying to concentrate on what I wanted to say. We were walking around on this boat with targets on our backs. We were far from safe—and he knew that. We wouldn’t be until we reached the depths of the Underworld again.
But his mouth was so hot against my skin and it was bliss.
“Not me,” I said, shaking my head, pressing my hands against his bare chest. “Them! The game they’re playing. The things I’ve learned. . .” I sighed as he nipped my hip bone. Tears welled in my eyes as I sucked in a breath.
“I just want to go home.”
Darce paused, his warm palm cupped my cheek.
“I know,” he said tenderly and leaned forward to press a kiss against my temple. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, burrowing my nose into the crook of his neck.
“We’ll go home, I promise,” he said gently.
“Together,” I reiterated as I traced a line down the length of his back. He tensed and nodded beside me.
“Together,” he finished as his hands went to work, swiftly removing my shirt and shorts. I let myself sink into him, and the temporary comfort he could provide. It was easier to hide the truth in the shadows of the night. And in the darkness of his arms, I allowed myself to disappear.
There was warmth on my face, and for a moment, I thought it was Darce again, pressing a kiss against my cheek. But as I cracked my eyes open, I realized it was the sunlight pooling into the room. I slowly turned over, sliding my hand over the space where Darce should have been. But I found the sheets were cool and empty. He had been gone for a while.
I jumped up, glancing around the room quickly.
“Darce?”
There was no reply. I tugged the blankets away and pushed myself up onto my feet. My legs felt like jelly and my hips were sore from our love-making the night before. My cheeks flushed at the remembrance of him, and his lips and all the places his hands had touched me.
‘Get a grip, Summer,’ I told myself and bolted for my suitcase. I pulled out a pair of jeans, and a long-sleeved lace top. Ignoring Arae’s voice in my head, I also slid my feet into my soft pair of well-worn Keds and darted for the door. I would bother with my other needs later. I needed to find Darce.
There was silence in the halls, and I wondered if everyone was already on deck. What time was it? Had I really slept in so late? I turned as I rounded the ascending stairwell, and raced up to the top, where I had run into Ares the night before.
Thankfully though, I didn’t have the misfortune of bumping into him again.
I first saw Dionysus passed out on the plush sofa; an empty bottle of wine near his outstretched hand. Beside him, Eros and Aphrodite were asleep. Their outfits were a tangled mess from the night before. They were far from the picture of perfection they had been, especially after a night of drinking. In fact, they looked as ordinary as anyone else after binging on nothing but alcohol and finger foods.
I turned my gaze towards the set of doors, leading to the place where Zeus and Poseidon seemed to spend most of their time. As I came to the entrance, I saw Darce sitting quietly beside Poseidon, eating fresh berries from a bowl. It seemed so odd to see him sitting there, eating beside his other brother. Why hadn’t he awakened me?
Poseidon looked up from their quiet conversation and greeted me with a small smile.
Darce quickly turned; his dark gaze meeting mine. I could see the lines of worry around his eyes. What was going on? I crossed the space of the room and took a seat in the chair beside him. I admired how handsome he looked in the maroon sweater he wore. It reminded me of the first time I had ever seen him in the hospital.
They all seemed so normal—so human—that no one would have ever guessed at what they really were.
“Good morning,” I greeted them, glancing from Darce to Poseidon. Despite Poseidon’s put-together attire: a cream pull-over shirt and tan slacks, his hair was disheveled, and he seemed tired. I wondered if he had a hangover. Could Gods even get hangovers?
“Good morning, Summer. You have a beautiful glow about you today,” Poseidon said, a smirk growing on his lips as he turned his gaze to Darce. “The ocean does wonders, it seems.”
I didn’t know what to say. Though, I knew what he was implying. Ignoring the remark and my embarrassment, I reached for the pitcher of orange juice lingering just on the other side of the table. An array of covered plates were there, just waiting to be uncovered. My stomach growled as I curiously began to uncover the platters. I was relieved to find familiar foods—a surprising difference from the food of the Underworld.
My mouth salivated at the smell of fried potatoes and onions, gloriously golden on one large serving plate. On another, a small stack of pancakes, and another, a line of golden-brown muffins. In my greedy hunger, I almost grabbed one of everything.
“Take it easy,” Darce said softly with a smile, reaching for my wrist. “I think your eyes are bigger than your stomach.”
“I’m hungry,” I said, raising a brow.
“Oh, let the girl eat,” Poseidon replied with a sigh. “It’s going to go to waste anyway. No one else will rise until almost noon.”
To finish my assortment, I grabbed a bowl of fresh cut fruit and began to nibble on it first. The pineapple was sweet and juicy, and the grapes were tart. Darce grabbed a strawberry from my bowl and took a bite; his eyes watching me for a long moment. It looked as though he were about to say something when a voice from the door broke the moment.
“Good Morning,” Zeus said, strolling in looking as fresh as the day before.
Of course he wouldn’t let anyone see him hungover, I thought ruefully.
I nearly dropped my fork as I watched him stroll towards the table. A moment later, Hera was there beside him, never too far or too near. She was dressed in a shimmering, short black dress with a plunging neckline. It certainly left very little to the imagination—again. Around her head, she swore an intricate crown, made up of golden leaves and flower blossoms.
Zeus was in less formal attire than her; a black button-down shirt - almost the same as Poseidon’s, with white slacks. He took a seat at the head of the table and reached for Hera’s hand as she took her own.
“We are lucky men,” Zeus said with a smile. “To be in love with such beautiful women.”
I could tell that Hera approved of his compliment.
“Which one?” Darce muttered under his breath. Poseidon choked on a bite of his banana. My eyes darted towards Zeus, who was busy pouring himself a cup of coffee. He didn’t seem bothered at all by the comment. But it was Hera who glared in Darce’s direction.
“Excuse me?” Hera asked, her tone sharp. Her eyes were like daggers as she stared at Darce.
“Ignore him, love,” Zeus said as a stewardess came to his side, offering a pitcher of milk. I suddenly craved my own cup of coffee. “He’s just a little upset with me, that’s all.”
“I’m just tired of your games, brother,” Darce said, choosing a grape from the nearby fruit bowl. “Summer and I wish to go home.”
“By all means,” he purred as he lifted his hand. “Go. You may return to your cavern of horrors.”
“It’s not—”
“We all know you don’t like to leave your dark hole.”
“You’re the one who banished me there.” There was a bite to Darce this morning. He sounded dangerously close to losing his temper.
Zeus scoffed, shaking his head. The way he pretended to be offended made my skin crawl. “I did no such thing. And it’s neither here, nor there. What’s done is done. You have your kingdom, and we have ours.”
Zeus looked to Poseidon and flashed him a full smile. I didn’t like how either of them played together on one side of the court while Darce was on his own. It felt unfair.
“I’m not going home without Summer. I’m going to take her with me,” Darce said, making my stomach flip at the sound of my name.
Zeus pounded one fist against the table and dug his fingers into his hair before releasing a breath. “The day has only just begun. I’m in no mood to talk about these things. Not yet. Not until Demeter—”
“She doesn’t need to be here. Our relationship has nothing to do with her.” Darce snapped.
“It has everything to do with her. You’re the one who got yourself into this mess.”
“Actually,” I interjected, “I don’t think it’s fair to call his and Persephone’s relationship a mess. Only the obstacles that have gotten in their way.” I paused and looked at Darce before I realized what I said.
Gilded Ruins Page 11
