Page 68 of A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows

Zephyrus draped his fingers along my arm, and I fought a cringe. “The last few days have provided an opportunity for us to make and reaffirm alliances,” he said loudly enough that his voice carried through the room to everyone who watched us. Boreas frowned, crossing his arms as Zephyrus continued. “A new day comes where—”

Apollo strode up, wrapping his arm around my back, pulling me out of Zephyrus’ grasp, curling his fingers over my hip.

I froze. And then Apollo leaned over and kissed me hard, our teeth clinking together. My mouth gaped, and I jerked away.

What the fuck?

He peeled away from me, glaring at Zephyrus. Everyone in the room tittered and laughed, and Zephyrus glowered.

I had spent an entire lifetime learning to act appropriately in tense situations.

To know how to fake authority and calm in front of a crowd.

But at that moment, I couldn’t force my mouth shut. I couldn’t stop gaping at Apollo.

He had just forced himself on me to embarrass Zephyrus.

He had just… used me.

Boreas cleared his throat, swallowing his drink before turning and exiting the room. The crowd’s voices had dropped to whispers covered by hands.

Everyone stared at us.

Our plan—all the careful maneuvering and work from the past week—was fucked.

But that wasn’t what draped over me like a cloak of misery at the moment.

Apollo had violated me for vengeance.

I sucked in a sharp breath as Zephyrus spoke, his mouth twisting up like he swallowed back bitter wine. His voice came as a stinging whisper that punctuated the air as he snapped at Apollo. “I knew if I pushed you hard enough, made you jealous enough, you’d show your hand. I didn’t realize you were so foolish to do so in front of a crowd of gods who will carry your secrets into the world and undo you. But I suppose you’ve made a fool of me as well. Congratulations,” he hissed at him before shifting towards me. “I presume, as you remain in his embrace, that you two are together?”

I sucked in a breath and jerked away from Apollo, who crossed his arms. We stared at each other for a moment. There were so many things I should say, so many actions I should take to smooth this out. But I couldn’t find the words. Apollo had betrayed me.

Zephyrus leaned in towards Apollo, his eyes glittering. “I hope my shame is worth what all it will cost you in the end.”

“Fuck you,” Apollo growled.

Zephyrus’ features tightened, and he shifted to me. “And, as to you, Hyacinth. You can forget everything we’ve discussed. I wouldn’t align myself with someone as manipulative and traitorous as you for anything. Best of luck to you with your purpose.” He turned, his coat rippling out behind him, and he swept out of the room.

The laughter among the crowd picked up. My cheeks flamed, and I shifted back to Apollo.

Words.

Come up with words.

But they froze on my tongue, painful icicles that stung through me.

He’d used me.

Without my consent.

Publicly.

Flora walked up, her lips spread wide, her teeth glimmering, and she lifted her chin towards Apollo. “I must say, Apollo, you’ve vastly improved my day.”

She bowed and sauntered away.

Notus covered his gaping mouth with his hand. “Wait,” he said. “Are you two fellows together? Gods,”—he smacked his forehead—“that does make sense, I suppose.”