Page 5 of A Veil of Gods and Kings

“Did you bring this animal in all by yourself? You’ve become quite the huntress in the past year.”

She hissed through her teeth and pushed her arm into its stomach. “Don’t try to flatter me, especially so falsely. Ares has been waiting for an hour—”

“Oh, so he made it?”

“Of course he made it.”

“Then why are you in here?”

“Because”—she thrusted entrails out of the animal and into a bowl with a smack and I shuddered—“he’s your guest, not mine. Speaking of which, you should see to him.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry, Temi.”

She rolled her eyes. “Go see Ares.”

I cleared my throat and strode out of the kitchen and down the hall into the dining room. Blue and gold patterned tiles stretched across the floor, and candles flickered, making the painted scenes on the walls dance.

Ares reclined on a dining couch, one of his tan arms crossed over his stomach, the other poised, holding a goblet of wine. The silver glow emanated around him, his golden eyes shimmering. He took a drink and wrinkled his nose. “So, you not only make me wait, but you offer me this damn awful wine human peasants consume.”

“Ares, it’s good to see you, brother.”

He sat up, setting the cup on the table with a clink. “Why am I surprised you wouldn’t bother to be on time? You know I’ve started wars over less.”

I smirked and leaned against the doorframe. “But I’m your favorite brother. You won’t start a war with me over a few measly minutes, now, will you?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Your position as favorite wanes. Heracles is starting to look more attractive. And you’ve had me waiting for well over an hour.”

I clicked my tongue and dropped on the couch next to his. “What’s an hour for an immortal? And, Heracles, really? There has to be a brother you like better. Perseus, or gods, even Dionysus.”

Ares chuckled. “I swear you’re going to get yourself killed with your arrogance one of these days. And what was that trick with the tablespoon of olive oil? Are you wanting me to flatten your little village?”

“Come now.” I readjusted the cushion behind me and stretched out against it. “Tell me that didn’t make you laugh?”

“You know, I don’t put up with bullshit like this from anyone else.”

“Like I said.” I poured myself wine from the carafe, my mouth drying as the floral aroma of it swirled around. “I’m your favorite brother. It comes with privileges.”

“Hmm,” Ares said. He cleared his throat. “As enjoyable”—he drew the word out dryly—“as it is to spend time with you, you should know I’m not here for a casual visit.”

I tensed. “Father sent you?”

“He did.”

I groaned and took a drink of the wine, which landed sour and flat on my tongue. “What have I done that’s attracted his ire this time?”

“Nothing. He desires for you to come for a visit.”

I froze. “To Olympus?”

Ares laughed. “Where else?”

“I’m rather busy.”

Ares rolled his eyes. “Sure you are. And this is coming from someone who is, in fact, actually busy. Speaking of our other brothers, Father wished to send someone else to you, but I volunteered.” He gave me a firm look. “Keep that in mind.”

My voice lowered. “I appreciate that. You’re the only one Temi can tolerate.”

“Tolerate is a good choice of words.” He paused, popping an almond into his mouth and chewing it before continuing. “She will scarcely look me in the eye.”