Page 36 of A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows

I wrapped my arms around her as shock coursed its way down me. “Epiphany?”

Valerian jumped out from his seat and ran behind the table, bowing beside us.

Sappho clicked her tongue. “She’ll be fine. She just can’t handle the wine because she’s human.”

I lifted my face. “You intentionally gave her a drink that you knew would harm her?”

“She isn’t harmed. She’s only asleep. However, it’s confirmation for you.”

“Of what?” I bit the words out through my teeth.

“That you’re a half-deity.” She drifted her eyes to Valerian, who swept Epiphany into his arms. “And what of you? Are you god-born as well?”

He frowned. “No. I’m just a servant. I know better than drinking on a job.”

“Ah.” She smirked. “A wise man and a compassionate one. I like you better and better.” He glowered at her in such a manner that it was clear he did not share the sentiment, but she continued speaking as if nothing had happened. “Let me allow some attendants to show you to a suite.”

“No, thank you,” he said, his voice as cold as ice. “I plan to stay with the horses tonight, and I’ll keep Epiphany near me and her guards.”

“Very well, if that suits you.”

Valerian bobbed his head, his jaw jumping, and strode out of the room with Epiphany in his arms, the silks rippling as he passed them. I jumped up to join him, but Sappho grabbed my arm. “No, let them go, my dear. You know he’ll look after her. You and I have things to discuss. We’ve already confirmed”—she nodded to my wine glass—“that you’re a deity. I’m sorry to tell you I don’t have the knowledge of who your father is, but”—her eyebrows inched up her forehead—“I know someone who will.”

My eyes darted to the passageway Valerian had disappeared with Pip to. I hesitated, but then shifted back towards Sappho. “Who?”

15

Hyacinth

Zephyrus stepped into the dining hall, grazing his hand over the olive skin of his jaw and then brushing his sandy hair back. He sat in the chair beside me, his wings fluttering as if he stretched them out for the first time that morning. Apollo lifted his golden eyes up to us. They pinched for a moment before he dropped them to his plate.

At the head of the table, Boreas took a sip from his glass, his attention caught in a letter in his hand. Notus ripped up pieces of meat from his platter and tossed them to the hounds that scattered around his chair, their tails wagging. A mumble of conversation hummed through the air from farther down the room where Delon and Len sat together.

“Do you still ride?” Zephyrus said.

I startled. “What?”

He grinned above his goblet. “Horses. Are you still as proficient as you used to be?”

“I don’t ride as frequently as I once did, but I imagine I could still keep up.”

He smiled, his eyes lingering on me. My throat tightened, and I forced the muscles on my face to stay relaxed. He leaned in towards me—too close—his breath trailing over my cheek. Goosebumps rose on my skin and my stomach twisted with discomfort. Apollo had lifted his face to us again, but I refused to meet his gaze, afraid too much would show in my expression.

Every moment I spent with Zephyrus made me long for Apollo. How I wished to lie in the safety and surety of his arms, knowing I could be fully myself and loved for that. How I longed to have his eyes skim over me as a wicked grin creeped over his lips. To press my mouth to his and swallow that smirk, run my tongue over his, shudder as sparks snapped between us with our touches.

“Well?” Zephyrus said, raising his eyebrows.

I cleared my throat. “Forgive me. I missed what you asked.”

“Would you want to take a few horses out today, explore the mountains?”

I took a taste of my drink to stall my words. Because no, no, I did not. I set the glass down with a clink. “Yes, I’d love to.”

His smile widened, and he leaned in towards me, his crystal blue eyes glimmering, his wings behind him stretching out, curling in my direction, and I fought a shudder as his feathers traced over my shoulder.

Notus smacked his hands together, the hounds at his feet whining. “Sorry, loves, I’m all out.” He turned in our direction. “Now, where are you two headed off to?”

Zephyrus frowned. “I thought I might take Hyacinth to see the peaks. They’re beautiful this time of year.”