“Blueberries?” I take a sip. The intense apple flavor warms my throat and belly.
“Yes. It helps highlight the taste of the fruit.” She winks at me. “Give it a try sometime.”
We continue onward, wandering the market for a time. It seems that there’s been a recent harvest, for there are tables laden with squashes and gourds, turnips and carrots. Demi is kind enough to purchase a jar of honey for me, despite my protests. At one point, someone stops to ask her how often they should water the new ornamental plant they’ve purchased. I observe the interaction carefully. Though she seems genuinely interested in spending time with me, I hardly know her. How can I trust that her intentions are pure?
“Can I ask you something?”
The goddess casts me a sidelong glance. Kohl intensifies the yellow of her irises. “Of course.”
“You said you haven’t seen the East Wind in centuries. What was he like back then?” I should not be so fascinated by my captor, but I find my questions multiplying the longer I spend in his company.
She shrugs. “Not much has changed. He was less closed, maybe. Then again, pain affects everyone differently.”
“What pain?”
At this, the goddess smiles, albeit sadly. “I love gossip as much as the next deity, Min from Marles, but that story is not mine to tell.”
I tuck my tongue into my cheek thoughtfully, ignoring the growling of my stomach. “Then I assume his banishment is off limits as well?”
“Oh.” She flaps a hand dismissively. “That is no great secret. Eurus, along with his brothers—the Anemoi, they are called—helped overthrow our previous governing body and bring the current Council of Gods to power. But not long after, the council turned on them. The Anemoi were deemed traitors and thus banished.”
I may not particularly like the East Wind, but the punishment seems unjust to me. It must hurt to be barred from entering one’s home. “I don’t understand. Why would the council banish the Anemoi if they helped them gain control? It doesn’t seem fair.”
“The divine are rarely fair.” She speaks fondly, as though referring to a small child’s antics. “The council was paranoid the Anemoi would one day turn against them, so they were banished. It was a shock to the community. Oh—avert your gaze, love, lest you be turned to stone.” Demi cups a hand over my eyes as we pass a gray-skinned woman standing on one of the benches, spouting insults at any man who dares venture too close. Two serpents coil her shoulders and upper arms.
Once we are beyond the gray-skinned woman and her verbal abuse, Demi lowers her hand. “But you’re right,” she adds thoughtfully. “It wasn’t fair what the council did. I imagine it to be a difficult life, living out eternity alone.”
“I don’t believe his brothers are alone,” I say, recalling Eurus’ conversation with Zephyrus. “They are mortal now, and all are in committed relationships. Eurus is the only one who is not.”
The goddess halts, eyebrows winged all the way up to her hairline. “Mortal? But that would mean Eurus’ brothers relinquished their power, or it was taken from them.” At my confusion, she elaborates, “See, often—but not always—a god’s power is tied to a specific object. Eurus and his brothers each possess a weapon that acts as a conduit to their power. If the weapon was destroyed, then theoretically, their power and tie to immortality would be, too.”
Interesting. How very, very interesting. “And this is common knowledge?”
“On the contrary, it is relatively unknown. Best to keep that information hush-hush, if you know what I mean.”
So if her ladyship destroyed the East Wind’s ax, he would be made mortal. Although,wouldshe destroy his ax? Once he is mortal, I can’t imagine his blood would be of any use to her. Perhaps, if he is killed by his god-touched weapon, his blood will retain its divine properties longenough for her to create that potion of immortality. The power of a god, extinguished. It is difficult to imagine.
Sometime later, we arrive at an outdoor cafe tucked inside a shade-dappled courtyard. As Demi veers toward a table in the back, I halt in surprise. “Arin.”
The gray-eyed immortal unfurls to his feet. I frown in confusion, for Demi has taken a seat at his table.Heis the friend we are to meet for lunch?
Arin casts the goddess a look I cannot hope to dissect as he resettles in his chair. “You didn’t tell me Min would be joining us.”
Demi unfolds her napkin across her lap. The vibrant hues of her outfit grant her the appearance of a flower herself, one of many dotting the courtyard. “I wasn’t sure if she would agree to it.”
As a well-groomed server arrives to pour wine, Demi covers my glass with one bejeweled hand. “Do you have anything less potent?” At the server’s bewilderment, she elaborates, “We’re dining in the presence of a mortal.” She smiles, and the immortal—a young fellow with antlers sprouting from his skull—stares at me for so long I grow uncomfortable.
Eventually, he dips his chin in assent. “Let me see what else we have.” He disappears and returns, pouring a clear, sparkling liquid from a copper pitcher. It is the sweetest, most refreshing water I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
“May I get you something to eat?” the server asks.
“What do you think, Arin?” Demi angles toward her friend, cheek resting in her open palm. “Spotted elimna? Or how about a bowl of fruit. Min can sample all sorts of flavors! At the very least, she should try the pasta. Or… you know what?” She turns to the antlered attendant. “We’ll have one of everything on the menu.”
The server departs. I, however, gape at Demi. “Are you sure that’s not too costly?”
She flaps a hand, leans back in her chair, one leg tossed over the other. Her pink heel hangs, slapping the sole of her foot as her leg bounces. “Cost is irrelevant. You should experience everything our realm has to offer. I can’t imagine Eurus is playing tour guide with you.”
“Speaking of which, I haven’t seen you around the palace much,” Arin states with honed focus.
