“Your own visions foretell of your and Thor’s death.”
“That was before you gave him to me to raise and train. Why have you never told him?” He leaned against the pillar, crossing his arms over his massive chest.
“He needs strength for the battles he will face, and your warriors are epic in their prowess in battle. I did what needed to be done to prevent my visions from coming true. I had to try…” Fate’s voice broke off.
“He is a fine warrior. No one can best him,” Odin bragged, proud of his son.
“That’s what they said about Achilles.” Fate’s eyes went back to the stars. “I pray you are right.”
“I am.” Odin, as always, was confident.
Fate added an extra prayer it wouldn’t be his downfall.
Weary, Fate was tired and wanted her bed. “Go, Odin.”
She could tell her order angered him.
“You have not asked Valentine to leave,” he stated harshly.
“Nor will I allow him in my bed, if that is what concerns you. Valentine does not want me. He merely waits for Zerina’s return and wants to be here to protect us from whomever seeks to destroy my family.”
“I could protect you better. What protection could Valentine give? Make them kiss each other until they drop their weapons?” His snide voice insulting her children’s father made Fate regret lowering her guard, telling herself she only suffered his presence because of Broni.
“Leave, Odin, and take your menagerie with you.” Fate motioned to the two wolves that had laid patiently sprawled on the balcony for their master and the two ravens sitting on the parapet, listening to their conversation.
“I’mleaving, but Muninn will stay behind. In case you need help, you may send him for my aid.”
“You’re leaving him to spy on me,” Fate stated angrily.
“He stays or I do; it’s your choice.” Fate could see Odin wasn’t going to budge in his demands.
“Very well, leave him.” Fate rudely gave him her back, determined to show the buffoon she wanted him gone. Her shoulders drooped when she heard his voice behind her.
“He deserves to dwell in my hall. Rhys has earned that right.”
“I plan to give Rhys exactly what he deserves,” Fate said, forcing herself to deny herself the pleasure of a last glance at his body.
“I agreed with your request to give Broni a chance with him on fair ground, but I cannot delay his homecoming indefinitely. I expect to be rewarded another night for my compliance.”
Fate swung around furiously. “I agreed, didn’t I? Do you really think two nights in your bed will change how I feel about you?” she asked scornfully.
“You made your mind up about me long ago, I don’t expect you to change it now.” His lips twisted. “Don’t dread it so much, Fate. You enjoyed it last time, didn’t you?” The bastard dared to mock her, making her want to smack his gloating face.
“Leave, Odin. Go home to Athena. I believe she’s waiting for you.”
“Farewell, Fate. May Zerina be returned soon.” As Odin’s seductive voice whispered through the night, Fate shivered at hearing the promise in his voice.
Fate looked at the raven watching her with dark eyes.
“Your Master is an idiot if he thinks I’ll ever allow him to touch me again.”
Angrily, she left the silent bird, going inside and up the steps. She moved through the quiet castle. Everyone had gone to sleep hours earlier.
Fate stopped outside Broni’s room, silently opening and closing the door behind her before going to the chair beside her daughter’s bed where she sat and waited. When nightmares came, Fate soothed her until they passed. When she was assured that Broni had slipped into a deep slumber, she left her side, returning to the chair by her bed. She then watched over her as she had when she was younger, and the memories of her past life had begun to torment her.
Two of her daughters were home, and it was time to find Zerina. Once that was accomplished, she would be able to turn her complete attention to the one who had started this mess. They had made a dire mistake in daring to harm her house, one they would live to regret.
Chapter 14