Ortrera snorted. “That’s because you can’t see anything clearly at all right now. All you can see is him. He will break your heart, you know. He will disappoint you eventually. They always do.”
“Honestly, Ortrera,” I sighed. “I do not understand why you dislike men so. To my knowledge, you’ve never been affronted by one.”
“Of course I haven’t!” Ortrera’s eyes flashed. “Or it would have been the last thing that particular man ever did.”
I sighed again. Ortrera’s very personality was fierce, much like our father’s. But unlike Ares, she never allowed herself the chance to relax or laugh. It was as though she felt she had to prove to the world that she was as capable as any man. It had to be exhausting.
“And father knows. I can tell,” Ortrera added. “He’s watching, so you had best be careful.”
“I haven’t done anything!” I protested. “Cadmus and I have only been alone a few times. We’ve only kissed. A crime has not been committed, I assure you.”
“Tell that to our father,” Ortrera muttered. “I’m sure he would just love to hear it.”
Picking up a silver hairbrush, I combed my dark hair and wrapped it into a coil at my nape.
“You never said what you needed, sister,” I reminded her gently. She had arrived before I was even out of bed and all she had done was talk badly about men, mortals and Cadmus. “I know you must have had a purpose in visiting me so early.”
She nodded. “Father told me that you wished to learn to hunt. I came to tell you that my warriors and I will be leaving for the mountains at dusk. If you’d like to come, I will give you instruction.”
I shuddered without realizing it at the sheer memory of attempting to shoot the peacock. Ortrera smiled. “I see that capturing a dragon doesn’t interest you?”
I glanced at her sharply, setting my hairbrush down on the dressing table. “A dragon?”
She nodded again. “As you know, father has never found a suitable dragon to replace the one your mortal killed. We have heard tales of a magnificent specimen that supposedly lives in the mountains beyond the villages of Cattan. My warriors and I are going to seek it out and if it is as large and fierce as the villagers claim, we will capture it for Ares.”
I stared at her. “Only you, Ortrera, would seek out a wild dragon.”
She laughed. “To each their own,” she agreed. “I’ll just leave you here to your…embroidery.” Laughing, she pivoted and walked away.
I started to feel annoyed at my sister’s insinuation that I was a simpering female who sat around and embroidered all day, but a brilliant idea interrupted me.
If Cadmus could capture the dragon and replace the one he had killed, Ares would look upon him favorably. Perhaps, he would look upon him favorably enough that he would not kill Cadmus for being with me. I gulped. It was worth a try. And it just might work.
I forgot about anything else but finding Cadmus and I slipped from my rooms before I could change my mind.
* * *
I found Cadmus with my father, which was exactly the place where I wanted to find him the least. I had hoped to speak with him alone. But my disappointment was short-lived as I watched them swing their heavy swords at one another. I gasped in alarm, afraid that my worst fears had been realized, but quickly realized that they were simply practicing.
Cadmus was shirtless, a fact that instantly muddled my thoughts as I watched his muscles ripple with each of his movements. Even sweating as he was, he was breathtaking. Expertly, he fended off my father’s blows and then returned them with his own. It was difficult to say who was more skilled with a sword.
My father, the god of war himself, was an expert to be sure. But Cadmus made their exercise as smooth as a dance. It was exhilarating to watch.
They battled to and fro, with each having the upper hand at one point. Finally, my father’s voice boomed across the clearing, echoing off of the bath house that they were sparring next to.
“You will lose to me this day, slave!” He lunged forward and parried, while Cadmus instinctively leaped backward. Ares’ face clouded and he moved forward once again. Cadmus laughed.
“I think not,” he grinned, heaving yet another heavy blow, which my father deflected. They both must be exhausted. They were dripping in sweat, so heaven only knew how long they had been at it. Or how much longer they would continue. I decided I would have to take matters into my own hands to end it.
Stepping from the corner of the bath house, I walked toward them and they both stopped in surprise, dropping their swords to their sides.
“Daughter,” Ares said at the same time as Cadmus murmured, “Harmonia.”
Ares shot a disgusted look at Cadmus before stalking toward me.
“Put some clothes on,” he grunted over his shoulder. Cadmus grinned from behind him, but made no move to comply. I smiled.
“What do you need, Harmonia?” Ares demanded. “We’re busy here.”
“I see that,” I nodded. “Impressive skill…both of you. I’m here to say thank you for having Ortrera offer to teach me to hunt. I think the trip to the mountains sounds exciting and so I will be going.”
“You will?” Ares arched an eyebrow doubtfully. “You’re going to camp in the mountains?”
“Why do you look so surprised?” I grumbled. “You act as though I never get my hands dirty. It’s annoying, father.”
He laughed. “Don’t get your back up, girl. I am only giving you a hard time. Enjoy your time with your sister.” Ares turned to return to their sparring, but I grabbed his arm. He turned back around in surprise. “Yes?”
“You didn’t give me the opportunity to finish,” I told him. “I’m going. But I’m not going with Ortrera. I think a competition sounds fun.”
My heart began thudding in my chest. If I didn’t sell this, he would never bite, which would ruin everything.
“A competition?” Ares asked in confusion. I nodded.
“Yes. I’m in the mood for a game, father. I think it would be fun to compete with Ortrera and see which of us can bring back your dragon for you.”
Ares was still for a moment and I could see that he was choosing his words very carefully so as not to hurt my feelings. It was commendable and I loved him for it. Nonetheless, I kept my expression neutral.
“Harmonia,” he began cautiously. “Your sister is a skilled warrior. I trained her myself. It would not be a fair competition.”