Ryssa took his hand in hers and led him through the hallways, out the front door as if she wasn't ashamed in the least to be seen in his company. But as they moved among people, Acheron remembered one thing that hadn't changed.
Other people's reactions to his beauty. He pulled the cowl low over his face and kept his eyes on the ground at Ryssa's feet. He'd spent so much time with Artemis lately that he'd all but forgotten about his eyes and how much they repulsed regular people.
As they walked through the town square, he paused. There was a group of children with a teacher standing in front of a temple. A boy around the age of seven was reading the text that was written at the feet of the god.
" 'In all things moderation. The key to the future is understanding the past.' "
"Acheron?"
He blinked at Ryssa's voice and turned away to see her staring up at him with a frown. "Do all children know how to read?"
She glanced at the students. "Not all. Those are senators' sons. They come out here to learn about the pantheon and to see how the priests serve the gods while their fathers make the laws to govern people."
Acheron stared at the words that held no meaning to him. He was too ashamed to admit to Ryssa that he remembered almost nothing of his lessons with her and Maia. "All noblemen can read though, can't they?"
She tugged at his hand without answering. "We're going to be late to the play."
Acheron turned and followed her. "Have you any word about Maia?"
Ryssa smiled. "She married last year and is expecting her first child."
The news hit him hard. He didn't like the thought of a man hurting the girl he'd been so fond of. He hoped whoever she'd married treated her with the regard she deserved. "Isn't she too young for that?"
"Not really. Most girls wed at her age. I was a rare exception, but Father refused all suitors who asked for my hand."
"Why?"
"I honestly don't know. He would never explain himself to me. I suppose I should be grateful to Apollo. If not for him, I'm sure I would have lived my life as a spinster."
He could think of many things worse than that. But his sister was allowed her delusions he supposed. "Does Apollo make you happy now?"
"He's gentle most of the time." There was a sadness in her beautiful blue eyes that belied her words.
"But?"
She touched her neck in a nervous gesture that made him frown in understanding. "I'm not allowed to talk about what we do when we're together."
So Apollo fed from her in the same manner Artemis drank from him. It made him wonder if all the gods did that or was it something unique between Artemis and Apollo. "You deserve to be happy, Ryssa. More than anyone I know."
She smiled at him. "Not true. You're the one who deserves happiness. I could just choke Father for his blindness."
"I don't mind it so much anymore," he said honestly. "I'd much rather be ignored than abused."
She shook her head before she bypassed the crowd to show him where the proprietor had made a special entrance to the royal seats reserved for them.
Acheron hesitated. They were separated from the crowd by a cord and each of the ten seats was covered with a cushion. But what he didn't like was the fact that the area stood out and others kept glancing over at them. He hated people to focus their attention on him.
But he didn't want to insult Ryssa's gift. Pulling his cloak tighter, he followed her to the seats.
Neither of them spoke while the actors came out to perform. Acheron watched them as he thought about the children they'd seen on their way here. He wanted to read the way they did. Artemis deserved a consort who was literate.
Maybe if he could read, she might not have to hide their friendship . . .
Artemis felt her brother's presence behind her like a physical touch. As twins, the two of them shared a special bond.
And a special hatred.
She wasn't sure when they'd become friendly enemies, but it was a cold fact. Though there was nothing they wouldn't do for each other, they could barely stand to be in the same room.
Hatred aside, she couldn't deny that Apollo was one of the more handsome gods. His shining blond hair was cropped short and the strong lean lines of his face were set off by the small goatee. His blue eyes were riveting with intelligence, power and a hint of cruelty.
He arched a brow at her. "I'm surprised to see you here."
"I could say the same for you. It's about time you crawled out of your human pet's bed. I was beginning to think she was the one controlling you."
His look turned arctic. "And what has been keeping you so occupied? Father said you haven't been to the Olympian hall in weeks."
She shrugged. "It's boring there."
"That's never stopped you before."
She rolled her eyes at him. "Do you mind? I'm trying to watch the humans worship me."
Before she could move away, Apollo took her arm and pulled her closer to him so that he could whisper in her ear. "You haven't come to me to feed in a while. Who have you been taking your nourishment from?"
"What do you care?"