“He could be the end of everything, if he’s here for a nefarious purpose.” Atreus warned.

“He could be the answer to everything if he isn’t, and if we ingratiate House Leos to him and his theoretical puppet masters from Terra come calling, and we end up in their good graces by proxy, well… that is an advantage I’m willing to seize as well. You saw how positively he responded to my offer, and my honesty. Arthur could fix everything.”

“This gamble could cost you and Menelaus everything, Cassandra.”

“It could.” she agreed. “But not doing anything will. We have nothing left, Atreus. There is only Circe to fight for us, and I will not see my daughter destroyed by our enemies if I can stop it. I cannot sit back and wait for my family by birth and by marriage torn asunder because I was too worried to act.”

Atreus stared at her in silence, debating what to say, how to say it, and what words would have the best impact. He considered which examples to use, which caveats to raise, which cautionary tales to wield—and then, as if from on high, a realization pierced the nebulous web of his own rapid thoughts.

If she did nothing, she truly would have nothing by the end.

Atreus sighed when he realized he would not be able to change her mind, and he settled back against the desk. “I can see you are set on this.” he rumbled. “And I understand why, even if I worry for your safety—and for Menelaus and Circe’s as well.”

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“You have done all you can to protect us within the confines of your oaths, my love.” Cassandra said warmly. “You would have been Menelaus’ Strategos, had your calling not taken you elsewhere. You know that. It broke his heart when the Myrmidónes took you.”

“I know.” Atreus said with a ghost of old regret. “I remember.”

“Good. Then when Arthur is gone, I will ask Menelaus to keep you apprised of—”

“There will be no need.” Atreus interjected while the decision was already resolving in his mind. With things as they were, he realized that sitting back would never be an option. “Regardless of where he goes, I will stay with him. Once you enact your schemes, and if they work to convince him, I’ll go with him to Laconia—to House Leos’ grounds, instead of the Fortress of Ares.”

Cassandra looked up at him in surprise. “Just like that?”

“There are many reasons to watch him, but if you truly plan to recruit him, and he is to do what I could not and become Strategos? Well, that is a compelling one.”

“I’ll need to send a message to Diogenes before he reaches him, then.” Cassandra murmured. “The changes I’ll need to make, I…” she paused and looked back up at Atreus. “Really, though? Just like that you’ll go to Laconia?”

“If he is to ensure the safety of my vaptistikí̱,” Atreus said stoically, “I cannot afford to let him do so absent guidance.”

“And in the act, you have the time to visit your metamor.”

“Menelaus tires of my warnings faster than you do, Cassandra.”

“That’s because you’ve never fucked him.”

“You’re being crass.” he scolded without heat.

“So punish me.”

“Cassandra…”

“Atreus.”

He sighed at the shit-eating grin on her face and pushed himself off her desk. “I only have an hour at most before my Kidemónes brothers will wonder at my tarrying.”

“And I have schemes to concoct, my handsome Knight.” Cassandra said with a distinctly predatory and heart-breakingly beautiful smile. “So, let’s not waste a second.”

Atreus couldn’t help but let loose a low, bass chuckle.

“As you wish, Lady Leos.”