“Enjoy yourself,” Fate said snidely before she disappeared.
Rhys turned back to Odin who was gazing at him with a smile of welcome. Standing to his feet, he raised his hand, and the room grew silent.
Rhys turned, taking a good look for the first time at the men sitting around the tables filled from one end to the other with food and pitchers. Men of different time periods stared back. One after the other, they began banging their goblets on the table.
“I welcome you home. Take your due; it’s well deserved,” Odin’s loud voice boomed through the room.
A chorus of cheers brought a surge of emotion from deep within him.Rhys didn’t know how or why, he only knew that, at long last, he was home.
* * *
Broni stood in the corner of the room alone, observing the crowd her mother had gathered to pool their thoughts on how Zerina had disappeared from their view. Not far away, Athena and Aphrodite were seated, discussing their latest conquest.
“Don’t let those bitches see they are hurting you.” Her aunt’s advice was already too late.
“Destiny, Rhys has the right to share their bed. I should have left the table when his name was first mentioned.”
“The spiteful whores are taking their hatred of your mother out on you.”
Broni reached out, taking Destiny’s hand in hers.“They can give him what I cannot.”
“What? A migraine?” Her disdainful voice brought a smile to her lips despite the agony tearing through her soul at the women describing how wonderful a lover Rhys was. Athena had shared his bed on numerous occasions, making sure Broni was aware of the fact. Aphrodite, who had only managed to snare him for a single night, was jealous, stating a need for him again. Both Goddesses had vengefully monitored her reaction to their talk.She had risen from the table with tears in her eyes, unable to listen to more.
“Freedom to be with anyone he wants,” Broni answered.
“You should take another to your bed. Maybe—”
Broni was already shaking her head.“I won’t repeat his mistake. You can’t forget the one you love in another’s arms. I’ll be fine. Go to my mother before she loses her temper. I’ll see you in the morning.”
With that, Broni went to her room. After she had readied for bed, she sat in a chair by the window searching the sky for any trace of Zerina.
She felt his presence before she felt his hand on her shoulder. Placing her hand over his, she looked up into her father’s compassionate gaze.
“I would make him love you if I could.”
“I know.”
Her father sat down next to her, placing his arm over her shoulders, and Broni lay her head on his shoulder.“Will you answer a question for me?” Broni asked.
“If I can.”
“Is he capable of loving another?”
“No. That’s why I can’t influence him toward you.”
“So he will always be in pain from losing his wife?”
“Yes. I’m sorry.” Her father ran his hand through her hair, soothing her as only a father could.
Broni nodded her head. Her father had told her what she had already known, only Deena was capable of making Rhys happy. He loved her with the same single-minded determination he had fought wars over.
They sat in silence, her father offering what comfort he could. He had witnessed many great love stories and just as many that were unrequited. Broni hoped when he learned of her decision, that he most of all, would understand.
Chapter 19
Broni knelt before Chronos.
“I will not grant your request, Broni. The last time was not successful, why would sending you back in time again work?”