*Chapter may be triggering to some readers*

The four deities stood in silence for a long while. The three seemed to grow more and more angered as Anahit retold her dealings with Orion.

“The nerve of a minor god to commit such an offense!” Aries let out a “huff” and crossed his arms in frustration. “I’m glad that Nane allowed you to drain him of his chi.”

“You must have felt so lonely in that moment Ana.” Eros’s hand was resting on her shoulder. “Though, I’m shocked that you were able to stop Tir from killing him.”

Tir let out a “humph” at this statement. “Believe me, I was fuming. My K’uyr was the levelheaded one for once. Although, this time around, he’s not going to be so lucky.”

“Tir…” Anahit shook her head. “Just because Pythia said to kill him doesn’t mean we shouldn’t bring him to Nane first. I have a feeling she would approve such actions.”

***

The passageway from the underground qanat had led the four deities to a well-used kitchen and grand hall. Pots and pans were piled recklessly around them while vials, glasses, and tools of various shapes and sizes were strewn randomly about the counter. What a mess. Anahit thought. Whomever was cooking in here last seemed to have been in a hurry. There were still contents left rotting in the dishware. The scent was oddly dulled in the kitchen though, as if that person intentionally masked the odor. The only aroma Anahit was able to pick up was cardamom, and very little at that.

“Good gods… Someone forgot to clean up.” Aries picked up a glass, peering at the muddied substance in it. “Absolutely vile.”

“Look.” Eros was nearest to the kitchen counter. He picked up one of the vials, examining it. “That’s odd…”

Tir walked towards him, looking over his shoulder. “What?”

“This vial, it looks almost identical to the one Venus uses for her perfumes.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Aries said. “Anyone could have swiped those types of vials. We are by Roma remember.”

Eros’s face strained. His fingertips rubbed against the top of the vial, near the round lid. A worn carving of a dove perched delicately at the top. His worried eyes darted to Tir and then to Anahit. “Yeah, but this is part of her personal collection.”

Anahit then remembered the vial of sleeping potion Venus had gifted her. She brought it out of her pocket, carefully inspecting it as she did. A dove was perched at the top of the lid, the same exact dove carved out on the vial Eros picked up. “What does this mean?”

“It means that Venus wanted us to go to this brothel, to discover the 300 souls here, but for what reason?” Tir reached for the vial nestled in Eros’ palm and brought it over to Anahit.

Holding both side by side, Anahit could barely tell a difference between the two. Something was off. The 300 souls. Venus telling Eros to be their guide to Epithmia. Orion being the one behind the killings of the prostitutes who had once lived here. Anahit could not get the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach to reside. Did Venus intend for this to happen? Did she know Orion was behind the killings here? Furthermore, was she aware of Anahit’s past with the minor god?

“Surety, then ruin right?! Isn’t that what the mad oracle muttered back there in the brothel. We shouldn’t be so quick to assume Venus is conspiring with Orion!” Aries said this as if he could read Anahit’s thoughts. He looked uncomfortable. “Venus must have learned what was happening. Maybe she even sent us here to fix it? Is that not possible?”

“Maybe, but we can’t rule out her involvement just yet.” Tir took the empty vial from Anahit and slipped it into his pocket. “Besides, if she wanted our involvement, she would have told us. We are more than aware of the verse Aries. I wouldn’t be so quick either with your certainty, folly could result.”

Aries’s hand formed into a fist, causing veins to pop out. “That sharp-tongue strikes with malice Tir. I would tame it if I were you.” The war god then pulled out his sword, pointing it in the direction of the sun god.

A deep chuckle came from Tir, reverberating out of his throat. With a head tilted back and arms crossed he squared his chest at Aries. “And what if I don’t Aries? Nane would be displeased if that weapon that you carry pointed at me instead of our enemy. It’s best if we remain level-headed, and not let anger be our guiding post.”

Anahit shook her head. “Tir is right Aries. We are not condemning Venus by any means, just looking at the evidence in front of us. Maybe she had nothing to do with this and someone here had gotten a hold of her personal collection of perfumes. If anything, we might have a devoted follower of Venus helping Orion. Come on, let’s move on.”

Aries finally relented at this comment and pushed his sword back in its holster. Shaking his head, he haughtily walked out of the kitchen. The three followed close behind.

An abundant fountain stood in the middle of the grand dining hall. The fountain took the shape of that of a large stone statue. A hunter, big in stature, wielding a bow and arrow, made up the length of the statue. Out of the tip of the drawn back arrow sprayed fountain water, causing it to cascade down the muscular legs of the man to the pool below. Anahit approached the fountain slowing letting out an audible gasp as she did. Orion. It was without a doubt the large hunter. As she circled around the statue, gliding her hands across the marble as she did, she couldn’t help but marvel at the craftmanship.

“What a ghastly statue,” Tir mumbled, following close behind Anahit. “How vain to put your own statue up of yourself.”

“Did he put it up?”

The twins turned to Eros, who was looking around at the rest of the hall. “I mean…” He looked bashful at that moment. “Like you said before Tir, if that woman is truly the front man for this operation, then he must have others working under him. Wouldn’t it be safe to say that he is like Mors in that he was able to amass followers?”

“If that’s the case…” Anahit’s voice was cut off in that instant by a large bang. Moments after the sound of chains scraping across the floor came from beyond the doors leading out of the dinner hall. She quickly and soundlessly made her way to the door of the hall, the three deities behind her following.

Leaning beside the wall nearest to the entry the four listened in on the conversation.

“Move it! Come on!”

“Thwack!”

Anahit and her brother exchanged glances. She could see Tir’s brow was creasing, creating a stress line. Eros was nearby with his hand cupped to the wall listening intently. Tapping Tir on the shoulder he whispered to the two. “It sounds like multiple people are being dragged.”

The deities relaxed when the group of people finished passing through the corridor.

“What’s the plan?” Aries asked.

“We could just barge in; we have the element of surprise.” Anahit suggested. She was now leaning away from the wall and stripping her outer robe, revealing a pair of glistening marble white arrows and bow strapped to her back. Pushing the flowy fabric to her elbow and tying her hair back she sat straight up, looking ready for a brawl. “Simple. Just burst in the corridor, follow them from behind, and do a sneak attack.”

“But what about the captives.” Tir was changing also. Loosening up his outer robe and unsnapping the small mahogany lyre from his side, he leaned on the wall. “We need a distraction. Something to catch their attention and draw the guards in our direction. I could play my lyre.”

Anahit scratched absentmindedly at her temple. “Great idea Tir but we don’t know how many guards there are. Even if you draw some your way, we still don’t know how many will stay behind with those captives.”

“Is it not the same with your idea Anahit?!” Tir shook his head, vexed by his sister.

“If I may…” Eros’s tall frame shrank ever-so-slightly, as well as his muscular appearance. They now appeared that of the same women the three gods had met when they made their way through the city of love. Eros’s long flowing blonde hair was striking against the glistening tanned skin. The pink robe remained, but only was more revealing around their breasts. “What you three need is someone from the inside.” Eros was brimming with confidence.

“Absolutely not,” was all Tir said. He looked like he was about to play his lyre when Aries and Anahit stopped him.

“I hate to say it, but Eros is our best option. His disguise makes sense, especially since this is attached to a brothel. Plus, he’ll be with the captives, ensuring their safety.” Aries looked pleased as he glanced up and down at Eros’s disguise. “Yeah, it’ll be perfect.”

Eros’s and Anahit’s eyebrows raised while Tir’s furrowed at this statement and Eros laughed out in response. “Already falling for me again I, see?”

“This is not the time to joke!” Tir was gripping the demigod’s shoulder, worry showing across his face.

Anahit was slightly taken aback by her brothers’ response. Her eyes shifted to Eros, who had a complicated expression on.

“Relax Tir. You will be nearby, besides you said it yourself that I’m meddlesome. Let me be meddlesome.”

***

Eros stumbled through the winding corridors. His flowing blush pink dress rippled behind him as he did so. In the distance he could hear voices, the same ones he had heard before. They inched closer, careful not to make a sound with the heels they were wearing. Suddenly, from behind him, he heard a faint note. Tir. He thought. Tir must be warning him of Orion.

Part of the plan was for Eros to get caught, as well as to ensure the safety of the other captives. Tir would draw Orion away, as well as the rest of the guards, leading them to where Anahit and Aries were stationed at.

They could hear voices behind them in that instance. Their heart pounding and their chest rising they ran towards the group of people, making sure their high heels struck pristinely against the wood floor as they did. Bunching up his hair and loosening his robe he made himself appear disheveled and distressed.

“Who the hell are you?!” One of the guards yelled. The group was ten yards from where Eros was. There were two guards, both tanned with rippling biceps. Their faces were darkened and worn, making them appear older than they were. One of the men wielded a thin sword while the other a large dagger. Unsheathing his sword, the man stormed over towards Eros. “How the hell did you escape! Get back here!”

Eros let out a shriek and stumbled back, making sure to “trip” as they did so. “Stop! Don’t come any closer!” Eros’s voice was shrill in this form.

The man grabbed onto Eros’s ancle and dragged them towards him. “Now I don’t remember you…” He said, his voice slightly changing octaves as he did. “I would have remembered you from the bundle that we caught.”

Eros kicked and squirmed against the man. To sell their performance, they bit down hard on the man’s shoulder, making sure to draw blood.

“You putana!” The guard slapped Eros, making the demigod’s ears ring as he did so. The sharp blow was crisp and loud. A resounding whack bounced off the walls of the corridor. As Eros’s eyes steadied, he scanned the people with the two guards. They were all in chains, women and men, young boys and girls, all people of different shapes and appearances. They were cowering, their eyes wide with fear at the sight. Some of the teens in the groups sobbed and wept. The women shook and the men looked down in shame.

From behind Eros came another crowd. Looking back his eyes shrank. There were four other guards, all men, and they were following a tall man with dark blond flowing hair wielding a bow and arrows. Orion. Eros could not be mistaken. The same man as the statue in the great dining hall.

“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing with the merchandise?” Orion’s undulating muscles gave him a domineering appearance.

Eros remained limp on the ground, attempting to appear weak and defeated. The man on the other hand scrambled. “Get up! Get up and get in line!” The guard who had struck Eros took the demigod by the arm and dragged them to the rest of the captives.

“I sure hope you are willing to pay a healer for the damage you inflicted.” Orion’s eyes were brimming with anger as he lumbered towards the guard. Grabbing the man by the collar of his tunic took the sword he was wielding. “Nice slim frame. Just what were you planning to do with an unsheathed sword.” The man looked ghastly. He was shaking in fear.

“Pardon me my lord. I did not mean to offend.”

“And yet you did.” The words came out icy and struck the man dead.

Eros could feel a murderous aura rising from Orion. Orion shoved the man to the ground. The surrounding guards only scowled. There lack of reaction indicated to Eros that Orion lost his temper often. Taking the man’s sword in his hand he struck fast, sticking the sharp blade between the pointer finger and thumb of the man. It missed by inches. The man shrank down, cowering. Eros watched in shock as Orion grabbed the man by his collar and struck him, causing the man’s body to slam hard against the wood floor. “I guess your body is repayment enough.” Orion shrugged and sauntered over to Eros and the rest of the captives. As he did so he fixed his robe, yet again appearing composed. Running his hand through his hair he scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on Eros.

Bending down his hand caught Eros’s chin, turning the demigod’s head slightly. “Does it hurt?”

Eros felt shivers spread all over their body. What a creep. They thought. To act like the savior when you’re the reason these people are here shackled. “I-I’m fine.”

Eros stuttered, making sure his voice shook. “I-It just took me by surprise.”

“I’m sure it did. We’ll have to get you cleaned up.” Orion shot a baleful glance at Eros, causing him to tremble under Orion’s touch. “How about my men and I escort you to my private chamber. I keep all my ointments there. Hm?” His grip on Eros’s chin tightened. “Take her,” Orion gestured at the guard still slumped on the floor, “and lock them up. We’ll bring her there when we’re done.” The four men who had come with Orion snickered at this comment.

Tir is sure taking his sweet time with that signal. Just as the thought left him a string of notes carried from across the corridor, causing the men to turn their heads.

Orion’s eyes shrank. “What in the Hades was that?!” The tune became louder and more drawn out. Eros could imagine Tir’s limber fingers lightly caressing the lyre, pulling at the strings with ease. “One of you come with me! That song is coming in that direction. We have intruders! The rest of you take the prisoners and put them with the others. Don’t let them escape!”

Eros watched as Orion left with one of his guards in the opposite direction toward the sound of the Tir’s lyre. Letting out a faint sigh he looked to the others in binds. Good. They thought. So far, the plan is working.

Eros and the other captives were dragged to an open garden area. As Eros scanned his surroundings. They had ended up in a clay-style villa home. A courtyard was situated at the center while the rest of the home was wrapped around it. The inner garden was filled with poppies and orchids, tulips, and hyacinth. It was a quant courtyard with stone patio furniture.

A sudden jerk from his arm took him out of his brief engrossment of the courtyard. “You take your guard friend and the rest of the pornai. We’ll join you.” Eros was being tugged by a burly guard. Rather large in stature, he and his three companions eyed the demigod expectantly.

“Didn’t Orion say to—”

“That was an order! Or did your friends little lesson not make it clear to you?”

The guard who had been carrying the man hit by Orion stood up straight in terror. Wiping his sweaty hands on his tunic awkwardly he replied. “Very well.”

Fuck. Eros knew that there was a risk shapeshifting into such an attractive woman, but they also knew that this skin would get the best results. It was a lousy trade-off which, in the end, put him in a vulnerable position. His male form wasn’t any different. In the previous couple of months, it wasn’t his female form that got him assaulted by that drunkard, but his male form. They were used to it by now and could somewhat defend themself. They were without their aulos though. Although he had inherited his shapeshifting ability from his mother, his musical abilities were far more helpful in fights. He was the god of desire of course. One strung out note from their aulos could captivate an entire crowd, sending them into a trance. They hated it though. Every time he played that devilish instrument, he got flashbacks to what he had done to Tir. On the fateful night they turned Tir into a love-sick beast for Daphne they had played a cord of notes, the song of ‘polos pathos’, in other words, “to suffer in love, polar in passion.” Now, being left alone with four men of burly sizes, they cursed themself for their foolishness.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Eros’s wrist was snatched, and he felt his entire body sink into the ground below. The four guards had dragged him well into the garden path. This isn’t good… They thought. I was supposed to stay with those imprisoned. This wasn’t part of the plan. Eros gritted their teeth, fighting back the urge to beat these men. Just endure it. All you must do is endure it.

The man holding them down was tall and quite harry. The unkempt beard stretched out the length of his aged face and onto his thick neck. His hands were rough, probably from the labor he had endured over the years while his arms were tanned from the burning hot sun. The other guards watched impatiently. Some of them cracked their knuckles while others loosened their tunics. The weapons they had been lugging around were tossed in the grassy knoll.

Eros struggled against the mans grasp. They kicked and squirmed under the guard, their heartbeat rising as they did so. The man’s grip was tight, making it hard for the demigod to break away. Before Eros could scream out the mans other hand covered his mouth.

“Try not to make too much noise. We wouldn’t want anyone to interrupt our fun.”

You idiots have intruders here and all you can think of is getting your cock wet?! Eros’s outer robe was undone and tossed aside as if it were trash. His silk gold inner lining left little for the imagination.

They continued to flail violently. The three other guards watched in a lascivious manner. There was purple hyacinth in Eros’s sight, and they trained their eyes on the flower, noting the way it swayed slightly in the summer air. Just endure it. He repeated in his head. As they took away their eyes from the flower, they noticed the guard shedding their tunic, his hand still roaming Eros’s body. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He had not been touched like this in centuries. Of course, those past touches were welcomed. Although he was a famed flirt within the upper and lower court of Olypias, just like his mother was, he had only lain with one person. The flirtations were part of his antics; his mischievous personality if you will. Many had called them numerous, shameful names and they had endured it all.

Bile was starting to coat the inside of the demigods’ mouth. He could feel his eyes watering slightly. Training their eyes back on the purple hyacinth and breathing deeply they steadied themself. Then he heard it. A trail of strings being pulled. “Tir!” they gasped out from under the man’s burly palm.

***

Anahit found herself sprinting down a winding corridor, Aries following closely behind her. A crisp white arrow was tightly secured in the bow. Tir’s musical notes bled into her ear, bathing her in a stream of tones. Turning around swiftly on her heels she pulled back her arrow.

“What are you doing?!” Aries turned abruptly, almost falling over the goddess.

“I’m not waiting any longer.” A string of incantations bled out from Anahit’s mouth and into the marble white bow and arrow.

Long ago, before her ascension, she had dipped this very weapon in Dionysus’s wine, coating it in his insanity. Legends said that the wine of Dionysus was poisonous. Anyone or anything exposed to it would surely drown in madness. As a result, many deities before her transformed their weapons into fierce devices with minds of their own. It was quickly discovered though that those weapons would eventually become shrouded in insanity, just like Dionysus himself, and turn on their owners in revenge for transforming them. Tir had spent months fuming after learning of what she did, later gifting her a dagger so that she would avoid using the weapon. It was no use though, for curses always had their way of lingering.

“Find Orion and pierce his heart.” It was as if Anahit breathed life into the arrow. As she released it, it whizzed down the corridor and out of their sight.

It did not take long for a blood curdling to bounce off the walls and into Anahit and Aries ears. It had pierced. Running. Someone was running down the corridor to Anahit and Aries.

“I thought I had recognized those awful white arrows.”

Anahit stood her ground with a fierce expression etched across her face. Standing before her was her once close friend Orion. Her eyes made their way down to his chest where she was expecting an arrow to be piecing it but found nothing.

“You shouldn’t use those enchantments of yours too much Anahit… You wouldn’t want your arrows turning on you too soon.” A sneer was showing on Orion’s face, revealing his pearly white teeth.

Aries was standing next to her and unsheathed his sword. “Anahit…”

“He’s mine,” was all she said before she lunged.

“Oh, how I would have loved to hear that centuries ago,” Orion said in a snarky manner.

***

A fire ball came, blasting into an assortment of orchids. The flames licked the edges of the flowers, engulfing them in light. The man’s face paled at the sight. The guard who had been touching Eros quickly backtracked his hand, stumbling back a few inches.

“What—What in the Hades was that?!” One of the guards expressed, stuttering as he did so.

Another blast of fire came this one closer than the one before. The men watched in horror as a dark olive-skinned young man wearing a teal blue tunic stepped into the garden knoll. One hand delicately carried a small mahogany lyre while the other was producing a vibrant yellow and red flame. A symbol of the sun was etched out in ink above his eyebrows, visibly showing through his brown curls. The symbol, previously hidden by the tight tendrils, now was glowing bright yellow. How long had it been since Eros had witnessed Tir in this manner? His face brimming with anger, his eyes reddened in worry. Far too long. The demigod thought.

Tir said nothing. His eyes wavered over Eros for a second and turned back towards the guards cowering in his presence. Eros watched his fist clench and unclenched; an attempt to calm down.

“Tir--”

“Are you fine?” Tirs disposition was far from tranquil. He bent down and picked up the blush pink robe that was tossed to the side by one of the guards. Bending down to Eros’s side he draped it lightly on the demigod. “I’m sorry I didn’t show up sooner.”

Eros sighed at this. “I hate when you use that word with me. I’m fine, really.” Though he said these words he was shaking softly. Their hands trembled as they put on the blush pink robe. Securing it in place, Eros attempted to stand up only to find Tir’s hand grasping his own. “Thanks.” He accepted the hand and slowly hoisted himself off the ground. Looking down they could see it was caked in dirt. They tried to brush it off but to no avail.

“That’s a shame. I liked this robe. Now it’s all dirty.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

Eros looked up to see Tir’s expression darken. He’s upset. They thought.

“’That’s a shame?’ Is that all you have to say? Just what were you going to do if I hadn’t come in time? If I had decided to help out my K’uyr instead of you?”

“Well, I—” Eros clenched his jaw. “I’m sorry.”

Tir let out a faint chuckle. He didn’t laugh often and every time he did it was more intimidating than light-hearted. His words were often laced in sarcasm if he decided to utter a laugh. “I hate it even more when you use that word with me.”

“Let’s leave it then.” Eros brushed his light blonde hair out of his face. Once he had gotten his robe back, he had transformed into his usual form. He heard crackling behind him and turned to see the balls of flame spreading.

“Fuck Tir… You didn’t have to go so far…” Taking a few steps forward he brought his foot down, to stomp out the flames. Seeing what Eros was doing Tir decided to help.

“I lost my cool.”

Eros shook his head at this comment and laughed lightly. “You seem to be doing that often.” Looking around he saw the purple hyacinth was untouched by Tir’s orbs of fire. Reaching for them he took a bundle. Bringing a stray string from his robe and wrapping it around the bundle, they scanned the result. Turning them over in his hand he was reminded of the time he had visited Tigranocerta. The time Tir and them had met for the first time.

***

“I will not!”

“I was not asking, Eros. I do not know why you are being so uptight. It is not like you have not charmed anyone with that aulos of yours?!” Venus was relaxing on her luxurious cushion, several servants fanning her. “Look, it will be a quick mission. I would rather not be the one to do it.”

“You know I hate making matches that are not meant to be made. This is all because you are jealous of that princess! What is she to you? You’re Venus good gods!” Eros was pacing back and forth, their hands flailing in annoyance.

“I refuse to. This man has not made any inclinations of feelings for me to draw from. It would be best if we not get involved.”

At this last statement Venus held up her hand, stopping the servants from fanning her. “Not get involved?! My dear Eros do I need to explain to you what exactly is occurring in Tigranocerta?”

“Of course I do, don’t be ridiculous! Either of those twins are set to take on the throne.”

“And who is the first in line for the throne hm?” Venus’s eyes were darkening as she inched towards her child. “It’s the one who was born first, Princess Anahit, of course. If she marries, she will end up not only ruling over the capital of Armenia, let alone the rest of the nation, but Rome too.”

“How do you know that?” Eros’s eyes squinted, staring daggers at his own mom.

“How do I know? HOW DO I KNOW?! My child, you dare question my abilities. She is set to marry Lucious Lucullus of Rome. I receive all offers of marriage and love proclamations and he has made his.”

Eros paused drawing in an exhausted breath. “You cannot make me… I refuse. If she marries him, so be it.”

“You are bound to me Eros; I own you,” Venus hissed out.

Eros writhed in pain at that moment. Clenching his lower stomach, he bent down. Taking deep breaths, he settled his body on the floor in a pathetic state. It was as Venus said, Eros was bound to her-- in spirit and in blood—bound forever under her control. His whole self was hers and was made by her. They could not sever that tie.

Eros’s eyes began tearing up. Bile made its way out of his mouth, making them feel even more pathetic. Clenching and unclenching their fists they relented. “Fine. I will do as you say.”

“Lovely!” Venus clapped her hands together. She bent down to Eros, who was now slumped over in defeat. “Ensure not to disappoint me my child.”

***

It was nearing nightfall in the great city of Tigranocerta. The celebrations started with people buzzing around excited for the night to come. The ‘Festival of Many’ was one revered by the nation as an important celebration of the goddess Nane and her many gifts to her people. It was then that the people of Tigranocerta gave back to her through their worship. A parade, like many before it, was set to take place at nightfall, crystallizing the sky in hues of various colors and shadowing the city in blankets of lanterns. Stalls of performers and artists lined the streets, their nerves bursting forth. For not only were they dedicating their dances and art to the goddess Nane, but they would end their route at the palace of Tigranes the Great. These performers were to carry out musical routine for the King and his family, as a show of respect and dedication to the great nation.

His two children, Aria Anahit and Artavas Tir II were revered as much as he, for they also held the titles ‘god of war’ and ‘god of wisdom’. This year though was unique because both twins invited notable suitors to the celebration. For Anahit, it was Lucious of Rome and Tir, Daphne of Utik.

The performers neared the palace of Tigranes. Dancers tumbled and twirled, and musicians sung tunes and melodies of joy. One of these musicians was particularly captivating as they marched alongside their fellow band members. Their looks, as well as their melodies, were highlighted throughout the night.

To ensure that no performer outweighed the other the King had decreed that they wear a mask every year to cover their features. To quote Tigranes the Great: “No one’s abilities are more than the other. They come to worship and revere, not to be revered.”

The drums beat louder as the dancers picked up their feet joyously. Tigranes the great, as well as his family, looked to the performance for his many balconies in anticipation. The one unique musician led the rest to face the King. Bringing an aulos to their lips and smiling slightly, they basked in the attention. Beautiful harmonic music flowed, interweaving with the other instruments there making for a wonderful melody.

It was Tir who pulled himself from the festivities that night, for he found it difficult to breathe under the pressure mounting on his sturdy shoulders. Making his way to the gardens outside of the palace he weaved and circled the various plants and flowers, peering at the statues carved to perfection his mother had handpicked.

There was a snap that came from behind him and her turned abruptly.

“Sorry, I did not mean to interrupt. I was needing some fresh air.”

Tir scanned the person in front of him, a sigh escaping his lips once he realized that Daphne did not in fact follow him. A man stood before him shrouded in an elegant gold mask, a crystal cup of wine in hand and a aulos hanging at his waist.

“Pardon my insolence; I did not recognize it was you, Prince Artavas Tir. I’ll make my leave.” The stranger turned to leave only to be stopped by Tir.

“You’re the lead musician. You did exceptionally well. I absolutely was captivated by your performance.”

“Well, many people are.”

“Your rendition of Mesrop Mashtots work was spectacular. The singularity and artistry represented was both masterful and soft.”

If Tir could only see under that mask for he could only guess that the stranger was now blushing. “I came across his work early on in my studies. The piece was meant to represent the journey Nane went through in creating humanity, as well as the trepidations that came with looking upon her creation in disappointment. I’m glad to hear that it translated well.”

“What’s your name?” Tir was now facing this stranger, skimming his eyes over them.

“Ah, is that necessary?” There was a brief pause before the stranger continued. “What I mean is that my name holds no relevance. I am not supposed to reveal much about myself, like the rest of the performers.” Their hand went to their mask in that instance, hovering over the intricate details.

“Are you refusing the son of Tigranes the Great the pleasure of knowing your name?” Tir now had his eyebrows raised in anticipation.

The person before Tir seemed to stumble over their words in that instance. “No, I did not mean to offend.” Almost in a playful manner the stranger continued. “What would you like my name to be?”

Tir was taken aback by the question. As he analyzed the stranger, he could not help but note the overwhelming charm that encircled them, drawing him further in. “Eumelia…” he said softly.

“A bit too obvious, do you not think? Besides, that’s a Greek name is it not?”

“You’re not Greek then?” Tir asked, stepping closer as he did.

“I mean, I suppose I am. My mother is from Cyprus though.”

Another beat held between the two, the air almost softening around them. It seemed almost too delicate that the distance between them might shatter completely.

“I do not mind it though.”

“What?”

“The name.” The stranger before Tir inched closer, closing in the gap between them. “I’d much rather my mother named me that, at least I would be tied to something I enjoy greatly.”

“Then I am fine with knowing you as Eumelia for the time being.” Tir said in earnest.

Trees rustled around the two, entrapping them in the sounds of nature. Tir joined Eumelia, the two studying a perfectly carved out statue. “Is this—?”

“Nane.”

Eumelia’s hands grazed the statue hesitantly, taking in the key details of her domineering frame, her stretched out scaly hands, and the snake that always encircles her. “Extremely accurate…” he whispered.

“Sorry?”

“I said it’s beautiful. The details tell me this was an early rendition of the goddess before she created us.” Eumelia cleared his throat, afraid they might slip up again.

“You’re right. The carver was specifically asked by my mother to do such a piece. It was to show Nane in her purest form.”

Eumelia looked at the prince, noting the curvature of his face, his strong jawline. “Do you come to this garden often then?”

Tir looked back at him, a grin forming. “No, actually; I don’t. The greenhouse is nice though. I used to practice my lyre there sometimes. I always liked looking at the flowers.”

“Oh? Do you have a favorite?”

The prince turned to him with the same confident grin. “I like hyacinths quite a lot.”

***

Something strange happened that night in the garden of Tigranes the Great. Although the potential for Artavas Tir to spend the entirety of the celebration to beguile Daphne of Utik was there, it did not occur to the fates that he would be swooned at by another. For whom could have guessed that Daphne was not his type in the slightest. Yes, she was quite charming in the face and produced wonderful paintings. Her voice was sweet to the ears and her waist thin. All of this is true, but although she was attractive their relationship did not have rapport. Tir could talk his way through anything with his sharp tongue, and his wisdom allowed him a balanced perspective on most subjects. Truth be told he tried talking with Daphne, tried to learn of her interests. He wouldn’t say that she was dull, only that they did not click in the manner he had hoped for with a future partner. She knew nothing of the poets which excited him to his core, knew little of the philosophers who changed centuries of thought. When talking of art, she only knew the basics, nothing of deeper value. In discovering all of this he became frustrated, storming out to the grassy knoll outside of the palace.

***

The night carried on with guests gleefully dancing away with their established partners and others sloshed beyond recognition. Although the King of Tigranes had hoped something would spark between his children and their esteemed guests that night he discovered quickly that his daughter Anahit had retired to her room with her guard Calisto and her son, well he was busy moping in the garden, leaving Daphne to dance with the other men there. He paced in his chamber tirelessly, going over the festivities that night.

“Do I sense disappointment on the night I am supposed to be celebrated?” Nane was standing at the foot of his chamber bed, watching the King intensely. She appeared in a form more humanistic than usual. Still appearing pregnant her skin was that of a human and her hair, long and braided. She did have a slight glow about her, giving the goddess an ethereal appearance.

“What am I supposed to do Nane?!” He stopped his pacing and faced the goddess. “I created everything for those two! Allow them to live lavishly! Anahit runs around rubbing shoulders with neighboring kingdoms and ruffing up the feathers of leaders. She pays way too little attention to Lucious while spending way too much time with Calisto. As for Tir… that boy… He didn’t even dance with Daphne once. It’s like he has an aversion to the damn woman! He says he must love! Love! What a foolish thing to desire when you’re up for the throne!”

“Desire… Love…” Nane seemed to take in the full word and mull it over on her tongue. “I have watched over many Kingdoms and seen many of King’s crumble into ruin, disappointment, and dread. Seeing your own creation stumble around, struggling to live, wanting to laugh, and finding themselves crying is a fascinating, but almost excruciating ordeal. I have helped you make Tigranocerta the nation that it is simply with the flick of my hand. Watched your daughter conquer nations behind the strong power of her bow and arrows. Saw your son smooth talk leaders and weave effortlessly into dominate conversations. They have given you your great nation as much as I have. Tigranes, is it too much for not to see the pains you are causing them?”

“You know as much as I the roles they lead goddess Nane, the roles you gifted them. Do not forget that!”

“Do not tell me what I already know.” Nane’s face darkened as she made her way to King Tigranes. “Humans are foolish for their roles and unruly commands. Of their stringent policies and make-shift lives. Poverty. Famine. War. It is not the gods who create such things, yet we graciously extend our powers to masses of poor souls. So no, Tigranes, I do not know of this life you thrust upon your children in earnest despite their reserve. Do you really believe your children are worth so little to be pawns in your seeking of power?”

It was as if lightning had struck down from the heavens, sending shockwaves through King Tigranes body.

“Do you want me to tell you a tale your highness?” She began. Nane prowled near the King, circling him like a vulture with its prey. “A demigod, fine and beautiful will be fated to fall in love with a mortal. That love will be honest and true. This demigod seeing the person they love go into battle will become fearful for their lover’s life. Shattered by the thought of losing them due to their mortal blood. This mortal, although born with intelligence and a quick tongue, will not hold a similar fate to the one closest to them. The demigod knows this. They know that if they do not act, they will end up witnessing the one they love bleed out on the battlefield. This demigod then has no choice but to go to the one who can make a mortal into an immortal. To make a human into a god. Who do you think that deity is your Majesty?”

“What does this have to do with anything Nane?!” Tigranes retorted, sweat dripping from his brow.

“The demigod will come to me begging for their lover to be made immortal. For this person’s life to be spared in battle. I will grant it, of course, but for a singular item. An item most dear to them.”

Nane paused, a sense of smugness in what she was saying. “There will be another, a mortal who will beg me not to make them immortal. Beg me so that they can stay by their companion’s side. I will not be so gracious there. Tigranes, I say this now because I must. Your Kingdom will fall, and with it you will lose your two children that you hold most dear. Your lust for power ends with Rome trampling over your lands.”

With this last statement Nane vanished into thin air leaving King Tigranes to erupt in a fit of rage. The servants that night did not anticipate the destruction his Majesty would do to his chambers. The many ornate dishes and cups thrown upon the walls, shattering into a million pieces. When he was all said and done, he ordered the servants to send a letter to Lucious of Rome, telling him that he approves of him marrying Princess Anahit.