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“You are on the Board? How did you— Does he know?”

Nemesis scooped up a spoon of ice cream.

“He doesn’t seem to know much. He’s entirely obsessed with… other things.”

Full lips wrapped around the sparkling utensil, and Hera forgot what they were talking about. Then, the pink tongue came into play, and she forgot why they were talking to begin with.

The sound of an incoming text message chimed. Nemesis put down the spoon. A moment later, she rolled up her sleeves. Hera gulped at the sight of muscled forearms.

Was she saying something?

“You’re leaving?”

Nemesis turned to her, and a perfect eyebrow lifted.

“Is this your way of saying you’ll miss my company?”

Hera tsked.

“I was just wondering where you’re going, is all.”

Hera tried for nonchalant.

“Sabine Goddard wants to speak to me. She’s… interesting.”

Hera frowned.

“She’s also very married.”

Nemesis let out a bark of laughter.

“I know, this marriage has your fingertips all over it. Happy, sappy, perfect. I know Aphrodite and her cupids make sure the matches fit and all that, but marriages last with your blessing. And you blessed that one, you softie.”

“I never said I didn’t like her wife, or her choice, despite how long it took for her to make it.” Hera sniffed and got up, trying to put as much distance between herself and Nemesis. Nemesis, who was not to be thwarted so easily, however, as she crossed the room in three strides of those long legs. Not that Hera looked at her legs. Because she didn’t.

Nemesis came closer. Hera took a step back. Then another. Then backed right into the wall. Nemesis came closer still, until they were face-to-face. Well, once Nemesis reached out and lifted her chin gently, they were face-to-face.

“And Aphrodite and Athena? And Erato and your sister?” Nemesis’ eyes sparkled in the dusk. “You have blessed more immortal marriages lately than you have in your long life, Hera. Don’t think I’ve not noticed. Don’t think others haven’t noticed either. Some might even think your plan to take Zeus down a peg is why you did it. To balance the scales, so to speak. Some good in exchange for all his villainy.”

It was Hera’s turn to smile. If this was the gossip behind her back, she really could put more fuel to that particular fire.

“I am the Empress of Olympus, Vengeance. I don’t have to explain myself.”

Hera expected a leer. Maybe a smirk. She did not count on a concerned stare.

“Sadly, lying becomes you, Your Majesty. Or avoiding the truth, in this instance.”

Hera shook her head to free herself from the cold fingertips. The eyes watching her stayed even and dark, belying their color.

“Darkness begot her. Darkness consumes her.”

The voice of the Fate rang in Hera’s ears. The frisson of anticipation ran up her spine. Nemesis lowered her face, full lips grazing Hera’s cheekbone. She wanted them lower. Lower… Lower…

“Your Majesty, Muse Erato is here.” The bear let out a squeak and disappeared. Hera wished she’d had a conversation with them about their timing.

Nemesis’s mouth lifted off her skin. Hera told herself she did not regret it.

“I’m sure you will hear from me soon, Your Majesty.” Nemesis nodded to Erato and closed the door behind herself.