Page 8 of Guided by the Stars (Creating Destiny #1)

“Have fun,” she teases, turning and sauntering back into the Feast Hall, giggling the entire time. I, on other hand, straighten my spine and inhale a lung full of air before walking towards the open door.

My body relaxes a fraction, noticing it’s only Zeus sitting on his royal seat in the greeting room.

He’s wearing his signature white robe, making him look like a carbon copy of the ridiculous depictions the mortals have of us.

When Zeus wears them it means only thing, there will be entertainment for him today.

As I walk forward, his head remains locked downward, his eyes unwavering from the liquid inside his goblet and his other hand holding his prized golden chocolate balls, twisting them around. I roll my shoulders, shifting my feet, looking around the room as I wait .

This area is the entryway leading into the personal chambers of Zeus and Hera.

Unlike the rest of the Hall, this room lacks the booming personality.

The walls still reflect the golden shine, but not a single portrait or decoration hangs.

It’s bare, except for a small table placed in the corner, collecting dust and lined with three chairs facing away from the enormous fireplace.

It’s doors hang open displaying the ever-burning fire, and it expands from one side of the wall towards the other, filling the room with warmth.

The only thing placed in its view is Zeus’ stage.

It’s nothing like the Feast Hall, where he sits up high.

Not in this room. Here, he’s just a step above the rest of us and the only barrier between me and the personal chambers.

The motion of his hand popping a ball into his mouth catches my attention and he signals for me to join him. Guess five minutes of waiting was enough.

I reach forward, pulling out one of the wooden chairs, and placing it underneath his stern stare.

Familiar, stone-cold eyes, vacant of any emotion, scan my body.

He’s unreadable, thoughts locked away as he assesses me, comparing how similar we are.

I either piss him off or there’s a fraction of pride in the smirk he gives me.

Whichever way he sees it, it fades and his gaze moves towards the crackling of fire behind me.

“Today the Underworld opened, letting Kai into the Mortal World.” He nods somberly before continuing, “It’s not Hades, but we still need to get ahead and figure out their plan.

Alexius, as you know, the shift requires my full attention.

What you felt could change our balance, draining our power and altering the rules between gods and mortals—”

His words trail off as he drinks from his goblet, draining it in one go, acting as if his power has already been taken .

He sighs, leaning back into his chair, holding his head towards me.

“Your assignment is to follow Kai. He’ll slip, he’s Hades’ son after all.

If we keep our eyes and ears open, we can stay ahead of our enemy.

Always remember, that’s how we maintain power,” he hisses out with the same disdain I’ll feel chasing that asshole around.

I nod, restraining my eyes from rolling back into my head.

Centuries of feuding without change. Two brothers, fighting like idiots, both jealous of the other.

Hades doesn’t want Olympus. He enjoys his control over the dead just as much as Zeus can’t abandon the mortals.

He’d rather declare a war than step foot into the Underworld.

Yet here I sit, knowing he will order me to play a game of chase.

The assignment is already surpassing this shift he is adamant could unbalance the worlds we are used to.

“This is important. Follow Kai and report back to me,” he barks his orders, leaning forward, challenging me to argue.

I don’t, there’s no point. I’d rather be there than here.

My attention flickers to his fingers as he strokes the black hair from his lips to his chin, forming his next words with care. “I mean it. You’re the last loyal prince in Olympus allowed at my side, my son,” he says and my eyes snap to his.

I mask my clenched jaw, forcing the pulse of my rage to simmer and keep a neutral look at his stormy blue eyes.

The ones identical to mine. None of us had a choice in our assignment.

My brothers are spread across the worlds, following the orders he has given, ensuring none of us will ever equal his strength.

We’re left separated and taught to fight each other for power.

“We’re the royal gods, faced with many rivals, with the ones closest to us causing the most damage.

I’ve taught you this. Keep your enemies near, but those who bleed the same blood, keep them tied to your hand.

One misstep and they’ll strike.” His words are true.

I witness it firsthand each time I come back to this fucking Hall.

“Understood, my father,” I agree with the only words he wants to hear, ending this meeting.

He nods, standing and dismissing me, “Now go, son. I have a ruling to make.”

He grabs his olive leaf crown and fixes his robe, completing his outfit for judgement day.

Someone is about to have their court date in the Feast Hall.

Punishment for crimes will be served. I don’t give a shit about their fate.

Without hesitation, I leave, making my way back to the wooden cottage, to the place I call home.

I’m still assigned one of the noble Halls in the Garden Arena, but there is no fucking way I want to live that close to Zeus.

I had to endure weeks of staying in the Feast Hall before I was awarded my choice of living with my guard.

As a guard, Daemyn is provided a small house secluded on the outskirts of Olympus.

All the lower level gods live in this area.

They are considered to be beneath the noble ones.

It helps us out. My family refuses to set foot in this part of Olympus unless they’re forced into action to maintain order.

It’s a part of the appeal. We’re kept hidden by the forest surrounding us.

We’re able to hide off the radar, giving us the privacy we want and need.

“You made it back, man. After last time, I was worried how long they’d keep you.” Daemyn’s words reach me before I can even pull the door closed.

He’s sitting relaxed against the back of the couch, eyeing me with caution.

He isn’t wrong. This summons could’ve ended with my judgement in the Feast Hall.

Last night, his shield that keeps my powers hidden fell a few minutes too early, exposing me to any god wanting to pay attention.

We got lucky. If they felt anything, I wouldn’t be standing here.

I shake my head, making my way towards the kitchen. “Asshole didn’t sense a thing, but I’m opening a portal in ten. Time to chase Kai again,” I call out over my shoulder, leaving him to get ready.

I smile, making my way up the stairs, as he grunts in fake irritation. Unlike myself, he doesn’t mind chasing gods around in the Mortal World.