So we sat there in silence, listening to the waves below crash against the rocks. For the first time, I finally understood some of his pain. His humiliation. I wanted no part in my future and yet I had no choice.
As I listened to the waves, it reminded me of the time we'd spent alone when he was younger. Of the hours he used to spend on the rocks, listening to the sea and the voices that called out to him. "Do you still hear the gods' voices, Acheron?"
He nodded.
"Do you hear them now?"
"Yes."
Years ago, he'd told me they were the gods calling out to him. Telling him to come home. "Do you ever think of doing what they say?"
He shook his head. "I never want to go back to Atlantis. I hate it there."
I could well understand that and it made me wonder how much more he must hate it here. Sorrow always followed him and it was never his fault. How awful not to be able to show your own face for fear of people assaulting you. Everywhere he went, everyone who came near wanted him with a desperation that made no sense.
Even I desired him. I was only grateful that he couldn't feel those impure thoughts that came to me at the worst possible times.
But unlike the other people in his life, I would never act on them. He was my brother and I only wanted to protect him. Unlike the rest of my family, he saw the real me and loved me in spite of my faults. Just I as loved him in spite of his.
"Will you go with me tomorrow to the temple?" I asked quietly.
He looked startled by the question.
"Please, Acheron. I'm so scared of what they're planning. I don't want to be the mistress of a god. I've never been touched by any man. Never been kissed. I don't think I have the courage for this."
"It's not hard, Ryssa. Just lie there and act as if you like it."
"And if I don't?"
"You pretend you do. He'll be so intent on his own pleasure that he'll never even notice if you're grimacing or crying. Just tell him how skilled he is and how good it feels. That's all that matters."
I reached up from my place on the ground and took his hand in mine. I stared at the strength of his tanned tendons. He'd been through so much. Truly, I had no right to complain or bemoan my fate. No one had ever been there to comfort him through the terrors of his life.
But I wasn't as strong as Acheron. I couldn't do this alone. I wanted . . . no, I needed someone to be there. Someone I could trust to tell me the truth and to see tomorrow for the horror that it was. "Please come with me."
There was still reservation in his eyes. He didn't want to do this, but he nodded anyway.
Grateful, I kissed his hand and held it tightly in mine. He alone understood my fears. Knew what it felt like to be sold against his will.
In this we were kindred spirits.
December 11, 9529 BC
I'd tried my best to sleep, but it was fitful at best. This was to be the worst day of my life. Today, my own father would tie me to a god . . .
When it was time to leave for the temple, I found Acheron in the hallway outside my room wearing the bland colored peplos he used to visit the plays. As always, it was pulled up over his head to shield him from others.
It was good of him to come with me when I knew he didn't want to. I wanted to hold his hand for courage, but didn't dare for fear of drawing attention to him. The last thing I wanted was for him to be hurt again because of me.
Without a word, he followed me and my maidservants as we left the palace. I thought Father would meet me outside, but I was told he was already at the temple.
I hesitated there in the street as my courage fled and left me on trembling legs.
Turning back, I met Acheron's gaze. "Should I run?"
"They always brought me back whenever I tried and made me very sorry for the attempt."
My stomach cramped even more as I remembered the time I'd taken him from Atlantis. He'd told me then that he would be punished for my actions, but not once had he ever told me how. "What did Uncle do to you after I took you from-"
He placed his hand over my lips and shook his head. "You don't ever want to know."
I stared up into his silver eyes and saw the pain that was there and it was then I fully understood why he hadn't left behind the life our uncle had taught him. I remembered what he'd said to me at the brothel.
Without skills there was nothing either one of us could do. No way to support ourselves.
"I tried to find honorable work . . ."
His words haunted me now.
Acheron was right. They would find me and they would punish me.
Taking a deep breath for courage, I turned and headed toward the temple district.
There was a crowd waiting for me there to cheer the fact that I was being sold against my will to a god. Six young girls stood with baskets of white and red rose petals in their hands. They scattered them before my feet as they led me toward Apollo's temple.
At the door, I met my father. He smiled at me until his gaze went past my shoulder to see my tall "guard."
A snarl curved his lips. "What is he doing here?"
"I asked him to come."
Father shoved Acheron back. "He's not allowed here. He's unclean."
"I want him here."
"No!"
I looked back to see Acheron lift his chin as if the words didn't hurt him, but I saw the pain in his gaze.
"I shall wait outside for you, Ryssa."
Father made a disgusted noise and I knew it was only fear of making a scene before Apollo that kept him from doing anything. However, there would be punishment for Acheron later. Of that I had no doubt.