“As you are aware, there are a great many of you, and you are all exceptional candidates,” Penelope continued. “So I hope you will allow me the proper time to decide who among you I will choose as my betrothed.”
“That is most excellent news, Queen Penelope!” Eurymachus exclaimed.
She turned to him, silver fire dancing in her eyes as she said, “I must inform you, Eurymachus, that something I value highly in a man iscontrolin all things.” She stared pointedly at his arm locked around my waist, inviting a few amused murmurs.
“And why should a woman have a say in where her husband sticks his cock?” Antinous sneered.
Penelope’s lips cut upward. “She should not, of course, and you are free to indulge however you see fit, Antinous. I would not dream of denying you that freedom. I am merely statingmypreference in a husband.” She turned her smile to Eurymachus, and I swore I saw its edges sharpening. “I hope I have made myself clear.”
“Well, it hardly seems fair to deny your guests their fun,” Eurymachus countered. “Do you not think, men?”
“Only if you’re too weak to keep it in your pants,” one sniggered.
“I have no problem abstaining, Queen Penelope,” another piped up.
“Nor me!”
“I haven’t evenlookedat your handmaids!”
More shouts joined the others, desperate, pathetic pleas, all vying for Penelope’s attention.
“Enjoy your night, gentlemen,” she said sweetly, and my heart lifted with pride as she glided from the room.
“Get off.” Eurymachus shoved me away as soon as Penelope had disappeared.
I turned back to him, a cold triumph flooding through me.
“What’s the matter, my lord?” I pursed my lips. “Not in the mood anymore?”
“Go back to your queen.Now,” he spat. “Tell her I didn’t touch you. Make sure she knows.”
I gave a slow, mocking bow. “Of course. I am sure Mistress Penelope will bemost pleasedto hear that.”
49
As soon as I escaped the banquet hall, Penelope pulled me into theshadows and her waiting arms.
Our embrace was desperate and fleeting, a too-brief gulp of air amid a raging storm.
“Are you hurt?” she asked, gray eyes wide as she reached for my face.
“I’m fine, I swear.” I took her trembling hands in mine. “Penelope—”
She shook her head, silencing me, then tugged me down the hallway, away from the raucous laughter that chased our every step. She did not slow until she pulled me into a small storeroom. The space inside was dark and cool, the smell of olive oil lacing the air.
Penelope shut the door behind us, then spun, seizing my face between her hands.
“What were youthinking?” She punctuated each word with a frantic kiss. “Why did you go back in there? Why did you promise yourself to him?”
“My brother,” I gasped against her lips. “I had to protect him.”
She drew back, growing horribly still. “They made him fight.”
I nodded. “It was the only way I could stop it.”
“His opponent?”
“Philoetius. He is alive…just about,” I added with a wince.
