Styxx (Dark-Hunter 22)

Chapter Ten

"So you went in common clothes and sat in the common area without your guards ... fascinating."

Styxx froze as he realized he wasn't hearing Dorus's thoughts. How rare and wonderful. It didn't happen often, and he loved the mental silence. "Thank you for your aid. I won't forget it."

Dorus bowed to him. "Ever at your service, Highness. And should you ever desire to go again, let me know and I'll get you the worst seats in the house."

Styxx almost laughed at his unexpected humor. He started to leave then stopped himself. There was nothing at the palace to do. But the man beside him seemed a decent enough companion. At least for a few hours. "Dorus? Would you like to dine with me?"

"It would be my honor, Highness."

Styxx lowered his cowl as they walked toward a small kentro where they could eat in relative peace.

The owner came up immediately and bowed low before Styxx. "Highness, it's so good to see you again. Come, I have a private table for you." He led them through the small building, to a table and chaises in a back corner that had a curtain drawn up to shield it from the rest of the occupants. "Would you like your usual fare?"

"Please, Cosmos. Thank you."

He ran to gather it.

Styxx sat with his back to the wall while Dorus took the chaise across from him.

"It's good to be king, eh?" Dorus teased.

If the bastard only knew the truth ... "Prince, and yes. Some days it is."

"But not all days?"

Styxx swallowed hard. It was very rare he enjoyed the privileges of his rank. But he wasn't about to confide in someone he didn't know that well. Someone who would think him petty for complaining. "Were you at the play?"

"No, Highness. I was returning home from the market when I just happened to catch a glimpse of you. At first, I wasn't sure if I was correct. But once I was..."

Cosmos returned with kylixes of wine, while his servants brought food. Styxx and Dorus poured a small bit of wine on the floor as tribute to the gods before they took their own drink.

Styxx spent several hours with Dorus, talking about nothing and everything. By the time they parted company, he had a friend. At least that's what he assumed they were. Since he'd never had one before, he wasn't sure.

He's probably only talking to you because you're prince. Maybe. But he'd seemed sincere in his interest. And since Styxx couldn't hear his thoughts, why not? Even if Dorus had ulterior motives, it had been nice to laugh and converse with someone for once, while not knowing that the person thought him a complete and utter spoiled ass.

"Where have you been?"

He paused inside the palace at his father's demanding tone. "In town." He frowned as he saw the king's stern glower. "Is something the matter?"

"I have received disturbing news from your uncle."

Styxx went cold as dread washed over him. "What does he say?"

"Acheron has run away. He wrote to ask if I'd seen him. Have you?"

Styxx forced himself to betray no emotion whatsoever. "No, Father. Did Uncle say anything else?"

Like how he whored me to others ...

"Not really. He asked after you and sent you a gift."

His stomach cramped with dread. "What gift?"

"I didn't open it. It's in your room. Why don't you freshen up? Dinner will be served in about an hour."

He gave his father a curt bow before he went to his room on shaking legs. What would Estes send to him?

This can't be good.

Closing the door to his room, he saw the box waiting on the table. His heart pounded as he crossed the room then lifted the lid and cursed out loud. Inside was the erotiki sfaira his uncle had removed from his tongue and the small gold tag that had been around his neck. The tag of a tsoulus.

Styxx opened the note.

If I don't have my property back in my home by your birthday, you will take his place. Were I you, I'd do everything I can to help my father find him.

Styxx slammed the box shut and started to throw it into the fire. But he caught himself.

What if it was found only partially burned?

So he hid it deep in his chest near the window. He'd take it and throw it in the sea on the morrow.

The note, however, he burned, making sure not a trace of it was left behind.

What am I going to do?

He refused to help Estes find Acheron. He'd never be able to live with himself if he returned his own brother to that existence.

Are you willing to be a whore in his stead? After what he did to you?

Acheron betrayed you and held you down and laughed while Estes branded you a tsoulus....

"Welcome to my world, brother. I want you to think of me every time you see 'whore' next to your cock...."

He was furious about that and Acheron's harsh words. He wanted his brother's blood for it.

But wanting blood and actually condemning someone to something so horrific ...

I can't do it. He wasn't his father.