Page 119 of Axios

“I do not wish to return to Sparta,” he spoke after a brief silence. “There is nothing there for me now. Here is where I belong.”

He did not say the words, but I suspected he wished to stay in Orchomenus because that was where Theon was buried. I could not blame him.

If Eryx had been the one who had died, I would not leave him either.

When I retired for the night, Eryx was still gone. I laid on the mat and rolled onto my back, feeling impatient and wishing for his return. After the deep conversation about loss with Quill, I needed the comfort of my lover’s arms.

I might have inwardly—and often outwardly—complained about his incessant fussing over my health, but deep in my soul, I loved how he cared so much. Quill’s statement about having disliked Theon’s snoring and now greatly missing it now that he was gone had put things into perspective for me. It had made me consider my own peeves about Eryx. Things I grumbled about, but knew I’d be devastated without.

I was nearly asleep when Eryx finally slipped into bed.

He gently draped his arm over my stomach and snuggled against my side, placing his cheek on my shoulder. His earthy scent wrapped around me, and I breathed him in, stirring to hold him as well.

“Did I wake you?” he asked, peering up at me through his long lashes.

“No. I was not yet sleeping.”

I was waiting for you.

“Good.” He smiled and caressed my jaw. “I apologize for coming in so late. We had many things to discuss. The cities are speaking of peace, or at least a temporary ceasefire. We might be returning home soon if it is agreed upon.”

I froze as a wave of rage came over me.

“Peace?” I growled. “I do not wish for peace. I wish for the filth that killed Theon to pay with their lives. I want to crush them, Ery. Make them bleed and beg for our mercy. A mercy I will give them by slashing my sword across their throats.”

“I was not expecting such a thing from you,” Eryx said, arching his eyebrows in shock. “Where is the man who hated war and only fought because his state asked it of him? The one who hated violence?”

I returned his stare. “He died when they killed my brother.”

His face fell and understanding flashed in his eyes.

“I share your thoughts and wish for all of them to suffer horrendous deaths, but if we do not make peace, more men will die,” he said, taking my hand. “The Thebans are not the weak force they used to be. The Sacred Band is gradually taking control and building the morale of our enemies and their allies. If there is a chance for peace, we shall take it.”

I saw his reasoning and bit back my anger.

“Quill will not leave Orchomenus,” I said, playing with the silky hair at his nape. It was calming.

Eryx pondered my words before responding, “Some of our men will need to hold the territory when we leave. If Quill wishes to stay, I will request for him to remain stationed here with them.”

I nodded before nuzzling my head to his.

He asked me how I was feeling, and I kissed down his cheek and to the side of his neck, answering him in between them. Even when he pressed further and wanted to know my pain level, I did not argue about his constant concern for my health, and answered him without giving him any trouble.

“You seem… different,” he said, a bit bewildered. “Not as grumpy when I inquire about your wound. Perhaps I shall leave you alone more often. It makes the reunion all the sweeter.”

“Please, do not,” I answered. “Being away from you makes me anxious. Especially now.”

Displaying neediness toward him should have made me feel pathetic, but it did not. He made me stronger and kept me sane, and there was no shame in admitting such a thing.

“When you are near, it’s as if my soul reaches out to touch yours,” he spoke, moving his fingers along my jaw and staring at me with a look that made my stomach flutter. “To reconnect with a missing piece. And when we part, I leave that piece with you.”

“Stop talking and kiss me,” I said, pressing my forehead to his and knotting my fingers in his hair.

My body craved his, and I yearned to feel his heart beating against mine. To feel his breaths feathering on my skin and to hear the moans of pleasure I drew from him with every raising of my hips.

We had not joined since my injury, and I was out of patience.

Fortunately, I did not have to persuade him. He kissed me and cupped the back of my head, carefully moving to his back and pulling me on top of him.