“I wouldn’t turn down such an invite, sir,” he said as he walked toward the long tables laden with food and wine.
Eurymachus’s eyes slid to mine. “And you brought us a gift? Howgenerousof you.”
I could only see my brother’s back, but I noted the way his shoulders stiffened.
“Melantho was just leaving,” he said quickly.
“Leaving?” Eurymachus repeated.
Beside him, Antinous’s grin widened.
“But she’ll miss all the fun! Come on, darling. Come here.”
“She has to return to Mistress Penelope,” Melanthius insisted.
“Do not make me ask twice.” Eurymachus’s voice was jovial, yet I could sense the threat edging each word.
I walked forward, brushing past Melanthius as I approached Eurymachus. The suitor’s pale hazel eyes slipped over me.
“You are a stunning sight, aren’t you?” he mused, inviting jeers from the men around him. “A little old but still beautiful. And those eyes.” He gave a laugh. “You look like you want to slit my throat. It’s incredibly alluring.”
I lowered my gaze to the knife on the table, arching a brow in silent challenge.
Eurymachus laughed again. Beside me, Melanthius watched our interaction beneath a tight scowl.
“My brother is required by my queen,” I said evenly. “He and I must depart immediately.”
“The queen requireshim?” Eurymachus tapped his chin slowly. “How strange. What use could a lonely queen have for a goatherd atthishour? Hmm. Questions like that could spread some nasty rumors, you know. Are you sure Queen Penelope has summonedhim?”
Panic flared inside me as I recognized the trap I had so foolishlyfallen into.
“You are right,” I said hastily, hating that this swine had outmaneuvered me so easily. “I am mistaken.”
Eurymachus smirked. “I thought so. But not to worry, forwehave a use for your brother.”
Melanthius smiled, moving to take the empty place beside him.
“What do you think you are doing?” Eurymachus barked.
Melanthius halted. “You said I could join you.”
“You think you can just take a seat besideme, slave?” Eurymachus sneered, inviting more laughter from the table.
I watched my brother’s cheeks redden.
“You need toearnyour place, goatherd.”
“How?”
“The same way any young man must prove himself in this world.”
Melanthius glanced between the suitors questioningly, and I felt my heart thump sickeningly in my ears.
It was Antinous who spoke, his smile cut from the bleakest night.
“You mustfight, boy.”
48
