Warrior Rising by P. C. Cast Read Free Book Online Page B

perfectly curled hair, they were alone.
    â€œThe Goddess Hera!” The boy shrieked and dropped instantly to the ground, pressing his face to the richly carpeted floor. Agamemnon merely bowed—and not low enough for Hera’s taste. She pointedly ignored the king and touched the back of the boy’s blond head.
    â€œArise, child. I wish to speak with your king alone, but know that you go with my blessing.” Hera waited until the boy left the room before turning her attention to Agamemnon. She took her time studying him, knowing that it annoyed him to keep his head bowed before her. She noted how he’d swathed himself in gold and had to force herself not to grimace with distaste. Did the man think he was a god?
    If so, he was vastly mistaken.
    â€œArise, Agamemnon. I come with glad news,” Hera finally said.
    â€œGreat Goddess, do you bring a message from the mighty Zeus?”
    Hera’s eyes flashed with anger and her voice sizzled with power so tangible it brushed, crackling, against the arrogant mortal’s skin. “I am not a messenger for my husband!”
    This time Agamemnon’s bow was low and obsequious and much more appropriate. “Forgive me! I did not mean to offend the Queen of the Gods.”
    Hera curled one lip delicately. “Mores the pity you don’t mean offense because it comes so naturally to you. Heed my warning, Greek king, your arrogance will be your doom.” Happily, she saw him pale. “But, no matter.” She waved her hand graciously, motioning for him to rise. “The news I bring has to do with your empty bed.” Although Hera remembered the slender, hairless boy and wondered just how empty the king’s bed had been.
    â€œIndeed, Goddess, my war prize was returned to appease the golden twins. Though I meant no disrespect by claiming Khryseis, it seems her father disapproved.”
    â€œKhryseis was no good for you. A king should have a worthy prize. Only Briseis is beautiful enough for one such as you.” Silently Hera promised herself that she would look up poor Briseis after this whole debacle was finished and grant the girl a boon to make up for sharing this blustering fool’s bed.
    â€œBriseis! She is lovely, but she belongs to Achilles.” The king’s expression turned sly. “Although I hear all that beauty is wasted on him. Achilles frightens maidens.”
    Ah, Hera thought, then the rumors about Achilles are true. “Exactly why Briseis would do better with you.”
    Agamemnon stroked his thick beard contemplatively. “True . . . true . . . but still, Achilles—”
    â€œDoes Achilles or Agamemnon rule here?” Hera interrupted.
    â€œI rule the Greeks!”
    â€œThen claim the war prize that most suits you,” Hera said.
    Agamemnon met the goddess’s gaze. “May I do so with your blessing?”
    â€œOf course. And to help soothe Achilles’ well-known rage, I shall arrange for a bedmate to be sent to him. This new war bride will be unlike other women. You should know that she has my very special blessing.”
    â€œI bow to your will, Great Goddess,” Agamemnon said.
    â€œExcellent. Then send your men for Briseis immediately.” While Agamemnon bowed, Hera clapped her hands and disappeared in a rush of glittering blue smoke.
    Thetis curtseyed respectfully to Athena. Then, hastily conjuring ambrosia and cushioned chairs made of mother of pearl, she motioned for the gray-eyed goddess to sit.
    â€œRest yourself, Athena. To what do I owe this—” Her words broke when she realized that the goddess was blood-spattered and hard-eyed. “By Poseidon’s trident! What has happened?”
    Athena waved a dismissive hand at the bloodstains, which instantly disappeared. “It is all because of the tedium of the Trojan War. We have decided it must end.”
    Thetis’s beautiful face drained of its alluring peach color. “My son is