Free Only in Her Dreams by Christina McKnight

Oneiroi.”
    He turned. Lucessa’s face had turned a chalky white. “What?”
    “They came for something else. Look hard, is anything missing from your room?” The object under Alexander’s arm, as he threw himself out the window, was the only clue he had to what Darius and his men were up to.
    She looked around the room, focusing on a spot against the far wall. “My wedding picture isn’t on my dresser,” she called. “Why are they interested in my pictures?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “They took a picture of my dad and me last night, and now my wedding picture. It makes no sense.” She stood with her hands on her hips.
    He’d been so preoccupied with figuring out his brother’s plan that he’d neglected to further question her about the break in the night before. He mentally scolded himself.
    Her face scrunched together as she concentrated on finding the link between her family photos and the Oneiroi.
    Maxim changed the subject, before she pieced the puzzle together and asked the important question. “At least we know they’re not after you. They broke in twice and neither time made an attempt to snatch you.”
    The puzzled look remained on her face. Is she close to piecing things together? Maxim could only hope not.
    Maxim continued, “You should rest now. They have found what they seek.”
    “How can you think of bed at a time like this? We need to find out why they’re interested in my family’s pictures.”
    “That can wait until morning. You should maybe watch some television and try to fall asleep.” The truth was he needed time alone to think about the connection Darius was trying to make, what his plans were.
    “Maxim, why would they take a picture of my dead husband?”
     

Chapter 11
     
    Hera reclined on a cream colored pillow. A strong finger stroked her shoulder and she gazed into the still water before them.
    “It has gone too far, my lover.” She made to sit up, but the hand, caressing her a moment before, tightened on her arm. The grasp held her in place.
    “I prefer to see how this plays itself out,” Zeus said.
    There had been a time when she would have preferred to observe things play out as well.
    She turned away from the water bowl and looked into his face which was lit with delight and mischief. His boyish features had drawn her to him, all those centuries ago...but now she sought peace. A calm life with the being she loved.
    “You so enjoy havoc and chaos.”
    His blue eyes stared in fixation at the scene unfolding before him. “That I do. The order of the gods is forever changing. Alliances are formed and broken right before our eyes.”
    “Yes, but why not put an end to their fighting?” She’d often wondered this.
    “Without them fighting amongst themselves, they may likely set their sights on Olympus. Would you have them taking all this from us?” Zeus’s arm arced to encompass the garden they lounged in.
    He had a point. He always had a point. It frustrated her to see the discord and all the lives affected by the turmoil. She also looked around herself. The roses grew in perfect formation, their hypnotic fragrance covered Olympus. The sun shone brightly over them, so close yet not burning her porcelain skin. No, I don’t wish to lose this. Ever!
    “Sometimes, I think you like besting your brother.” They’d been in competition for as long as she’d known him. The constant bickering and bargaining between Zeus and Hades would never cease.
    “There is nothing I delight in more than a little healthy competition between brothers.” Zeus released her arm.
    Hera dragged her focus from his handsome face, returning her attention to the bowl in front of her. I cannot change him.
    “But Morpheus’ children? He was your ally, always on your side against Hades.”
    “Order will be restored...as soon as my brother fails. He must be put in his place.”
    How is he so sure of himself , she wondered. “But at what cost?”
    “Not ours, my love.”
    “I do not