Page 20 of A Veil of Gods and Kings

“You’re asking the man who spends every hour preparing for a lifetime of working to keep this kingdom prosperous, even after my death. I can’t say I understand what you’re saying at all.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s your problem. You’re dull. You need to let go of some of these rules and restrictions that govern everything and enjoy life some.”

I leaned back against the bench. “Want to take over for me, Princess Epiphany?”

She laughed and thwacked the bouquet against my chest. “Like the laws would ever allow that.” The flowers dropped, and I scrambled to gather them up, cringing as petals tumbled over the dyed silk threading of the robe. Epiphany jumped up. “Well, I have plans.”

“You remember what I said?”

She twirled her dress out, brushing away leaves. “Yes. Praise Zeus, don’t use Jupiter’s name as a curse, and leave the handsome deity to you.”

“That’s not—” She smirked, and I blew out a breath. “Go on then,” I said.

She bowed. “Your Highness.” And she grinned as she bounded away.

I stood and drifted farther into the gardens, crossing my hands behind my back as I ambled over to the stables. I’d love nothing more than to take some time for contemplation outside, perhaps jot down a verse to two. The flowers bloomed like jewels laced throughout the greening shrubbery. The sky floated ahead, a piercing blue peppered with foamy clouds.

I meandered into the stables, which held the pleasant, earthy smells of animals and the sweet grassiness of their food. Light streamed in through windows, causing all the golds of the wood and the hay to illuminate in a hundred warm colors.

I sighed and gripped my fingers around the back of my neck.

With a thump, someone landed beside me, my robes ruffling with the motion.

I jumped backward. “Hades’ realm, you scared the shit out of me.”

Valerian raised a dark eyebrow, his eyes twinkling. He crossed his arms, his leather boots shining in the afternoon light. “Cowardice is not an attractive feature on a future king.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t give me that bullshit right now.”

He elbowed me. “What’s got you so uptight?”

“Zeus sends Apollo here,” I said, releasing a breath with the words.

He pinched his lips. “That selfish bastard from the decade tribute?”

“Yes.”

He groaned and leaned back against a stall, rapping his knuckles against the wood. “I guess there’s no way you can get out of it?”

“Not that I can see.”

“Well”—his expression brightened—“all the more reason for you to blow off some steam with us this evening.”

“Val, I can’t.”

He clicked his tongue. “You can’t take an hour to exercise and maintain your health?”

“Is that what we call discus now?”

He smirked. “If we’re not, then I haven’t played tough enough on you. And I shall remedy that tonight.”

I sighed again and slipped the crown off my head, running it between my fingers. “Truly I can’t. I wish I could.” I replaced the crown. “Actually I came in here to have a moment alone, but I have meetings all afternoon.”

Valerian grimaced. “I don’t envy you that.” He clicked his tongue. “And Delon is going to be pissed you aren’t coming. We won’t have even teams without you.”

“Oh, it’s good to know that’s the issue and not that you all miss me.” He flashed a bright smile. “Tell Delon, I’m sorry,” I said.

“I’ll pass that message to him. Your future king wants to inform you that he can do whatever he damn well pleases, and sports with you tonight was not that.”