Page 152 of Eryx

Hostility between Thebes and Orchomenus remained high, in spite of the treaty, so our forces had remained in place to prevent further fighting.

Quill’s absence—as well as Theon’s—was still felt by Axios, Haden, and me, but we were healing. Meals with thesyssitionbecame more tolerable as the year drew on. The memories didn’t hurt as much, and we were able to discuss them now with joy in our hearts instead of pain.

“Is it wise for Sparta to become involved in another city’s politics when we finally have peace?” Axios asked one morning in the dining hall.

Exiled oligarchs from the city of Corcyra had requested Spartan aid to sail into the Ionian Sea and help defeat their rivals. After little debate among the leaders, Sparta answered their call and sent a fleet of twenty-twotriremes.

“The decision has been made,” I responded, soaking a piece of bread in my broth to make it softer. “It matters not if it was wise or foolish. What’s done is done. We can do nothing but wait for further news.”

Axios made a valid point, however. The treaty was like a wound barely healed. It was closed for the time being, but one wrong move and it would split open again.

After the meal, we headed for the field where Leonidas was training. The summer day was sweltering, and the dirt was hot beneath my feet. A breeze would be welcomed, yet none came. If not for Axios’ fondness for my hair, I would’ve grabbed my blade and sliced it off in that moment.

“I suspect Leanna is with child again,” Haden said. “She has the glow. And her breasts have become larger. Like melons.”

“Enough,” Axios responded with a laugh, swatting at him. “I do not wish to hear of my sister’s breasts.”

“What incredible breasts they are too,” Haden taunted him further. I shoved his shoulder, and he laughed. “Fine! I shall stop. However, I speak true about her being with child. When we lay together, I noticed her stomach felt firmer and it jutted a bit.”

“Do you wish for another son or a daughter?” I asked him, bumping against Axios, who seemed lost in his beautiful head again. He grinned and bumped me in return.

“It matters not,” Haden answered in a somber tone. “I only pray that the gods bestow health on the babe and that they protect my wife and give her strength during the birth.”

The smile fell from my lips. Leanna had nearly died after giving birth to Leonidas. I understood Haden’s unease.

Reaching the arena, I saw the youths sweating profusely as they practiced their combat drills. Leo smirked as he battled his opponent, not letting the heat or the exhaustion sway him. His resemblance to Haden was remarkable.

“Look at my boy,” Haden said, leaning against the fence. “My own father never came to see me train. He considered me the state’s responsibility once I left home. His duty to me was finished. I swore to myself that if I ever had a son, I would not treat him that way. That I would support him and be there for him in all situations.”

Leo pinned his opponent down, and the other boy struggled beneath his weight.

“Okay, enough,” Nikias said, nodding to Leo. “Excellent work.”

As he instructed the youths, I studied the boys’ faces. Acamas intently listened, his dark hair cut nearly to the scalp. Paris and Galen came to the field sometimes to watch him, but they had left with the fleet sent for the Ionian Sea.

Axios swiped a hand across his forehead, softly panting as sweat trickled down his face.

“I know a way to cool off,” I said, nudging his arm. I was in a playful mood that day, which was a rarity.

“Is that so?” Suspicion shone in his eyes. “By the wicked grin upon your face, I am almost afraid to ask.”

Without warning, I grabbed his arm and took off running toward the meadow. He stumbled and laughed as I pulled him along.

“Where are you two sneaking off to?” Haden yelled after us.

I sprinted faster, keeping a firm hold on Axios. When we reached the woods, I finally let go of him. By then, he seemed to know where we were headed. I looked at him over my shoulder, seeing him smile as he followed. We jumped over fallen branches and found the secret trail through the hanging vines and shrubs.

Our stream.

Once we were passed the barrier of trees and in the small clearing, Axios approached the bank and sat on the grass, dipping his feet in the water.

Like a predator stalking prey, I neared him. “That will not cool you off nearly as much as this will.”

He turned to me, confused. “What do y—”

I pushed him into the stream, smirking as he thrashed around in the cool water. He stood waist deep and shivered as droplets of water rolled off his hair and down his bare chest.

“Are you pleased with yourself?” He narrowed his eyes.