The iron edge, p.22
The Iron Edge, page 22
Halcyon composed her reply, but she held her silence as Glauce arrived and announced that dinner would be soon. Halcyon told Glauce that she and Gorgo would dine in the master's suite. Glauce hurried back to the kitchen. Halcyon escorted Gorgo across the courtyard and into the large suite. Gorgo was drawn to the Athena statue, marveling at it.
Thora entered and carried a single cup, which she delivered to Halcyon. She turned to Gorgo and asked, "Wine?"
"Yes, please."
Thora went to the table and organized a cup of wine for Gorgo, who returned her attention to the statue. Halcyon raised the filled cup to her nose and sniffed the fruity flavor. There was no alcohol, rather it was an apple juice. She rumbled at Thora's consideration, loud enough to capture Gorgo's attention. Halcyon smiled and sipped the juice.
"Who is the sculptor?" Gorgo asked and reached around the medium-sized statue when Thora handed her a cup. "Thank you."
Not responding, Thora exited the suite. However, her heady Alpha scent lingered in the air. Halcyon ignored the prickles on her skin that Thora brought on. She cleared her throat and answered Gorgo's question. Next they went to the wall fresco of Aphrodite.
"Who is the artist?" Gorgo asked while she studied the fresco before them. Aphrodite wore a buttery yellow toga and was midmotion of clipping a red rose from a bush. Her long dark hair was half up and half tumbling over her shoulders.
Halcyon trailed her eyes over to the fresco and smiled at it. "An artist from Athens named Olus."
"It is beautiful."
"Thank you," Halcyon replied, also appreciating the beauty of the artwork. She loved having a few luxuries in her home such as the frescoes and sculptures.
Gorgo shifted her attention to Halcyon. "You did not answer my earlier question."
Earlier in the courtyard, Halcyon had skipped over Gorgo's inquiry about her health. To do so a second time would be impolite. "My wounds have healed well." She directed her queen over to the long chairs in the center of the room.
"Almost fully healed?" Gorgo checked and spread out her legs on the chair.
"Yes." Halcyon detected a curious note in both Gorgo's tone and scent. But Gorgo's next question cemented Halcyon's suspicions that Leonidas may have told Gorgo why Halcyon returned to Sparta.
"No other ailments?" Gorgo asked.
Halcyon drank more of her juice in hopes to buy enough time. After she lowered the cup to the chair, she met Gorgo's gaze and replied, "No other ailments." A pregnancy wasn't considered an ailment by healers, but it was a condition. Not a positive condition in Halcyon's opinion, at least for her.
Letting go of the discussion, they shifted the conversation to the recent politics, especially the war. Many were pleased with the council's decision to send forth the Spartan army. The last time Persia attacked Greece, the Spartans had joined the battle too late. This time, King Leonidas would be remembered as the first Greek to face the Persian army.
They were soon interrupted by the arrival of the meal. Halcyon watched Thora place several plates of food on the table. She and Glauce filled the empty plates with food, then Glauce served one each to Halcyon and Gorgo. Thora handled refilling Gorgo's and Halcyon's cups. Earlier Glauce had brought in a second pitcher, which was probably filled with juice rather than wine. In her own subtle way, Thora had a controlling streak that was natural to Alphas. She didn't exhibit it in an unhealthy or even violent manner like some male Alphas. In this case, Thora was aware of Halcyon's pregnancy and ensured alcohol was far from Halcyon's lips. Glauce finished tending to Gorgo and left with Thora, who had stiff shoulders.
"She is quieter than the last time I met her," Gorgo remarked when they were alone again.
Halcyon pretended to be unbothered by Gorgo's intrigue of Thora. "She is focused on her duties." She first tried the smoked goose meat. "As she should be." After a swallow, she asked, "How is Pleistarchus?"
Gorgo smiled upon hearing her son's name. "He is well and grows every day." Then her smile crumbled. "I have not told Pleistarchus about his sire's death." After a pause, she murmured, "I will tomorrow."
"I am sorry." Halcyon liked Pleistarchus. Even at his young age, he had a good head on his shoulders. He was, after all, the union of Gorgo and Leonidas. Pleistarchus was also next in line to become king, but a male family member would act as regent for him until he was old enough.
"In the spring he will begin training," Gorgo informed.
"Yes, I thought his seventh birthday was soon." Halcyon recalled the day when she entered Sparta's rigorous training program at the age of seven. They were difficult and demanding days, but she was a better person from having gone through them. After Gorgo's nod, they continued to converse well into the evening. Glauce returned with the sweet dish and lit more candles in the room. She refilled the cups before she departed.
Halcyon was uncertain about Thora's lack of appearance and would question her later. She remained focused on Gorgo, who intrigued her from the first time they met years ago. She had always admired Gorgo's strength, especially when it came to politics. Halcyon had steered away from the politics because a hoplite's lifestyle was simple and logical. She loved it. But Gorgo's will to hold power in the political games was an amazement.
Later, Halcyon walked Gorgo to the gate and called for Cesare to accompany them back to Gorgo's home. Together, they crossed through the city until they came to a large home, and a helot opened the gate.
"Thank you for tonight," Gorgo said.
Halcyon offered a smile. "I enjoyed your company." Her sincerity brought a smile from Gorgo. Halcyon had a nice visit with her queen, finding that she needed the social time. She suspected Gorgo appreciated being kept busy while she waited for her mate's body upon his shield. "Perhaps tomorrow evening you can join me again."
Gorgo's eyes glowed after the offer. "At the same time?"
"If you wish." Halcyon bowed her head in respect.
Gorgo reached and grazed her fingertips over Halcyon's jawline. "I will see you then."
"Goodnight, my queen." Halcyon straightened and smiled while Gorgo slipped into the entrance of her villa. She and Cesare headed back home, both quiet.
Once back at home, Halcyon bid goodnight to Cesare, who handled locking up the stable and villa. She detoured to the kitchen, which was clean and dim. Going upstairs, she noted that both female slaves were in their shared room. The warm glow from the master bedroom invited Halcyon. She dragged her fingers through her curly hair and stared at the bed. As nice as the evening was, it exhausted her too. But before she could prepare for bed, a warm scent drifted under her nose and soothed her Omega.
"I change your bandage," Thora murmured after she came behind her owner.
Halcyon bit her bottom lip, keeping back a moan. "I thought you were asleep." She turned her head sidelong, gaining a partial view of Thora's profile. Part of her wanted to lean back in hopes Thora would hold her. She tensed her shoulders, fighting off the desire.
"I have been waiting for you." Thora stepped around Halcyon and went to the table by the bed. "Sit."
Halcyon huffed at the order, but she went to the trunk and took a seat. She undid the chiton from her injured shoulder and allowed it to fall away. If her breast was exposed, she didn't care. Nor would it bother Thora.
With the salve, linen, and fresh bandage, Thora took care of replacing the old wrap with a fresh one. She was meticulous and delicate, checking Halcyon's features for any signs of discomfort. "The wound is much better." The small talk was enough of an opening for Halcyon.
"Yes." Halcyon canted her head to the side, gaining a better view of her slave. "You were quiet tonight." Thora offered a narrowed gaze and a slight head shake of denial. "Are you jealous of Queen Gorgo?"
Thora focused on tying off the bandage. She remained on her knees, cleaned her hands, and looked at Halcyon. "You ask many questions."
"I'm a curious Omega." Halcyon reached for her first sandal, but Thora shoved her hands away.
"You are a thinker." Thora worked the sandal's straps while they spoke. After Halcyon's huff, she paused and met Halcyon's stare. "You are known for sleeping with other Omegas."
Halcyon pressed her hands flat against the trunk and glared after her slave's attempt to redirect the conversation. "Then you are jealous."
Thora pulled off one sandal and went to the next one. After a beat, her pheromones grew heavier, then she yanked the strap a little harder than necessary. "Já." She removed the second sandal and set it by the other one, then looked up at Halcyon again. "How can I not?" Her argument was sound, in every way.
Halcyon would turn green if Thora became involved with another slave, like Glauce. Early on, she had wondered if Thora and Glauce would form a relationship. When Halcyon threatened to return Glauce to Telamon over the kitchen fire, a jealous piece of her saw it as a chance to separate Thora and Glauce. However, Thora's protective response over Glauce wasn't romantic interest. It was closer to pack mentality, which included Cesare. Still, the idea that Thora could form a romantic bond with a slave or helot created deep, unpleasant feelings in her. The major difference between her situation and Thora's own was that Halcyon held power over Thora's personal life.
After a deep breath, Halcyon faced her own fear and asked, "You and Glauce—"
"Nei," Thora cut off, then shook her head. "She is younger sister to me."
Halcyon allowed a line of tension to unbuckle inside her heart after the confirmation. She could separate them if they were together. However, such control over Thora would destroy any peace or hope between them. Nor did her Omega like the idea of distressing the sire of her pup. Leaning a little closer, she whispered, "Stay with me tonight." She grinned a little. "I'm already pregnant."
Thora raised an eyebrow after Halcyon's suggestive invite. For a beat, her eyes dropped to Halcyon's chest, which was semi-bare from the loose chiton. Her attention darted back to Halcyon's expectant features. "I am not rutting." She stood and took the items to the table but kept hold of the soiled bandage.
With a shake of her head, Halcyon attempted to recover from Thora's rejection and speedy escape. "Thora—"
"Goodnight, mistress." Thora was gone before Halcyon could stand.
"By the gods," Halcyon muttered and played with her hair. She stared at the quiet doorway and wondered if Thora had been here at all. Thora's lingering scent was the only confirmation that she hadn't daydreamed their strange interaction. After a tired sigh, she decided it was best to sleep than pursue her slave, who seemed to need space. Their attraction for each other had always been strong. Tomorrow she could think more on Thora's rejection and what it meant for them.
Chapter 17
Halcyon
After entering the bathing room, Glauce bowed to her owner, then carried in clean clothes and checked that a dry linen was ready too. She paused when Halcyon spoke to her.
"Glauce?" Halcyon was comfortable in the bathing pool. "Where is Thora?" She had risen close to dawn and had yet to see her Alpha slave. Every morning Thora would check on Halcyon, even assist her. Thora wasn't one to be aloof, so she was certain Thora was avoiding her.
"She is with Vitus this morning," Glauce replied in a meek tone. She turned and revealed the slight color in her cheeks. Either it was a lie or Glauce was embarrassed by her owner's nudity. After she shuffled on her feet, she asked, "Is there anything else you need, mistress?" Their relationship remained tarnished by the kitchen fire and Halcyon's subsequent threat to return Glauce to Telamon. One day Halcyon would find the heart to mend it but not today.
Halcyon waved off Glauce, who took her leave from the room. After a sigh, Halcyon pushed aside her concerns and decided that she was too sensitive to Thora. Today would be spent with Euclid before he left for war, then Gorgo would visit for an evening meal together.
The morning had begun like the others, with Halcyon's head in the chamber pot. However, Thora had not come to her aid, and she waited alone until the sickness passed. This morning's bath had helped soothe the aches of early pregnancy, but it was only temporary.
After her bath and dressing, Halcyon went to the kitchen in hopes to inform Thora about Gorgo's visit tonight. She frowned at Glauce by herself at the oven. The morning lesson with Vitus seemed to run longer than normal. But Halcyon had ordered both Thora and Vitus to learn as much as possible before Vitus returned to Rome.
"Is Thora still with Vitus?"
Glauce shook her head and looked from the baking bread to her owner. "No, mistress. She is at the market."
Halcyon grumbled and gave a faint nod. "Inform her that Queen Gorgo will be here this evening." It wasn't unusual for Thora to handle picking up supplies from the market, especially if Glauce was tending to the bread today.
"Yes, of course."
Halcyon went in search of Cesare next and located him in the shed, performing maintenance on the tools. He set down a large old blade called a kopis. The weapon was once a blade of war, but Halcyon had retired it and gave it to Cesare to use around the villa. There were certain plants that required a heavy blade to trim them back.
Cesare was seated on a cracked massive clay pot. He placed the blade across his lap and set the oily rag on top of it. "Good morning, mistress. How are you?"
"Well. You?" Halcyon noted his long stare. Cesare knew her well and probably sensed Halcyon's pregnancy to a degree. However, he was also smart enough to not inquire about it and to wait for Halcyon to discuss it first.
"Well too." Cesare tilted his head and waited for whatever his owner required of him.
"Have you seen Thora?" Halcyon was curious whether Cesare would have the same answer as Glauce. At least then she could learn whether or not something was amiss.
"Briefly, mistress. She went to the market to collect goods." Cesare pursed his lips a little, then asked, "Is something the matter?"
"No." Halcyon wrote off the eerie morning as Thora's avoidance. They would face each other at some point and maybe the space would help Thora. "I will be spending the day with Euclid." Before she could say more, Cesare was on his feet and started to put away the blade. Halcyon halted him and ordered, "You will stay here."
"But, mistress, you should have company." Cesare had a spark of determination that he often hid around his owner. Halcyon was certain that Cesare was aware of her pregnancy if he was willing to overstep his reserved role.
"No." Halcyon's rejection ended his attempt. "I'll visit Euclid alone." She half turned and placed a hand on the doorframe of the shed's open door. "I'll return early afternoon or so. Queen Gorgo is dining with me tonight."
"I'll inform Thora," Cesare promised.
Halcyon glanced at him over her shoulder and caught the concern in his features. She didn't have time to console him or any of her slaves. Their worry over her pregnancy was unnecessary. The unborn pup was her concern and hers alone.
The walk to Euclid's assigned barracks seemed longer than normal. For a moment, Halcyon had to reorient herself in the streets. The barracks' shade and coolness were a blessing. Halcyon visited with her mate for some time, and they discussed many things about their war with King Xerxes. By midday, Halcyon took her leave and wished Euclid glory in battle. She hoped to see him again, but they kissed for perhaps the last time.
Halcyon never revealed her pregnancy to Euclid.
* * *
In the midafternoon, Halcyon visited the council house and listened to the latest politics, but she didn't stay long. The walk home was tiresome, due to the marching hoplites leaving the city. Halcyon recognized several faces under the helmets, and she wished her brothers well. She would pray to Ares and Athena for them.
At home, the kitchen was busy with Thora and Glauce's preparations for an evening meal. Halcyon retired to the bedroom and managed a short nap until Cesare woke her. After Halcyon freshened up, Gorgo arrived at the villa, bringing a special dessert. Since sunset wasn't for another hour, they enjoyed the courtyard and chatted. Only once had Thora appeared, delivering wine for Gorgo and an apple juice with pomegranate for Halcyon. Before the meal was ready, Halcyon directed Gorgo into the master's suite where they would be more comfortable.
Cesare finished lighting the lamps in the suite. He gazed over at Glauce and Thora when they came through the open doors. He noted their full hands, so he hastened to them and distributed the dishes. Similar to last night, Thora put together plates of food from the larger dishes, then Glauce delivered one each to Gorgo and Halcyon.
Cesare took a step back, toward the door. "Anything else, mistress?"
Halcyon received a full plate from Glauce. "No, but thank you, Cesare." The response prompted all three slaves to exit the suite. She sighed at Thora's continued avoidance, but it would have to wait until Gorgo left the villa.
"You treat your slaves well."
Halcyon hummed, unsure whether it was true. She was better than other masters and mistresses, but she could still have a heavy hand.
"How did your slave Thora learn Greek?" Gorgo asked after a brief silence.
Halcyon tried the grapes first and toyed with one between her fingers. She considered a safe answer that would protect Thora and herself. "Perhaps from her previous owner." After she popped the fruit into her mouth, she watched her queen's features for any disbelief.
"She is bright for a barbar."
Halcyon bit the inside of her mouth to contain her harsh retort. She had taken offense on her slave's behalf without any thought. In that moment, Halcyon realized she wasn't the only person protective over the other. Her Omega nature bristled to the point that she almost growled—at her queen. She shifted on the long chair, then peered down at the plate in her lap. After a deep breath, she forced a smile in Gorgo's direction. "Yes," she said in a monotone.
"I wish I had such intelligent slaves." Gorgo popped a torn piece of bread into her mouth. "Perhaps I will have you select my next one."
Halcyon peered up and smirked. "Perhaps."
