Free House of the Rising Son by Sherrilyn Kenyon Page B

“I think we could all use a furlough. I’ll talk to Malphas and the goddess to see if we can have a week to ourselves so that we can see our families and make peace in our hearts.”
    Monokles clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re always looking after us. Thank you, brother.”
    Aricles inclined his head to them. “Anything for you, you know that.” He set his carving aside and left their barracks to head to the small temple they’d erected for their goddess. Every time they came home from battle, they’d leave an offering to her for her favor and honor. Not that it was needed. She always watched over them.
    And while she seldom stayed in the temple, she would come any time Aricles called for her.
    â€œBathia?” he said gently.
    She appeared instantly with a bright smile before she pulled him against her. “I hadn’t realized you’d returned from battle.”
    For fear of betraying themselves, they tried not to be together too much during war and training. She was finding it harder and harder to not react whenever he was injured, and his fear for her safety was extremely distracting while he had people trying to kill him.
    â€œWe came in this morning.” He kissed her lightly on the lips and savored the taste and scent of her. “I’ve missed you.”
    â€œAnd I, you.” Closing her eyes, she sank her hand in his hair and took a deep breath against his neck that left him covered with chills.
    He wanted inside her so badly, his body felt as if it were on fire. But this was neither the time nor the place. “May I ask a favor of you?”
    â€œAnything.”
    â€œThe men are weary. Is there any way to arrange a small reprieve so that they can visit their families?”
    â€œYou ask for them and not yourself?”
    â€œYou are my family, goddess. I am more than content to be here, even in your absence.”
    She fingered his lips before she kissed him. “I wish we never had to be apart, for any reason.”
    As did he, but it couldn’t be helped. “You are always in my heart, no matter where I am.”
    She pulled him close and held him tight. “Tell the men that they may take three weeks to ride home and see their families, so long as another war doesn’t break out. I might have to recall them, and they should be ready to return at any time. But hopefully, they won’t be needed.”
    When he started to pull away, she stopped him. “However, I’m hoping you won’t go with them.”
    He pressed her hand against his lips and kissed her palm. “I will stay.”
    With one last kiss, he returned to the barracks to let the others know. Everyone was thrilled, except Galen who frowned at him. “Why can’t you come with me?”
    â€œShould something come up, one of us is needed to stay behind. I volunteered.”
    â€œIt’s not fair!”
    â€œFair has nothing to do with life or war, little brother. It just is. And we get through both as best we can. Now, pack. Take your furlough and send my love to Father, Perseus and Julia, and their son. Tell them that I think of them often.”
    â€œAll right. But I shall miss you.”
    â€œI will miss you, too. However, I will enjoy a night’s sleep without your snoring.”
    Laughing, Galen shoved at him. “I’m not the bear in the room. That would be Hector.”
    Hector grinned as he packed up his gear. “I would say I’m insulted by that, but it’s true.”
    Aricles went to his chest and pulled out the small carved horse and soldier he’d made for his nephew. He handed them to Galen. “Take these to Theodorus and tell him that his uncle will hopefully see him soon.”
    â€œI will.”
    â€œAnd give Talia my best, too.”
    Galen blushed, yet didn’t speak as he continued to pack.
    Within an hour, even though it was almost nightfall, the men were gone and Aricles was alone in