Page 5 of Blood of Olympus

Apollo shot me an encouraging wink across the gleaming room.

“You shall all retain your duties and responsibilities… for now. But as for input in the realm’s administration? Not a chance in Tartarus. Not unless you can prove yourselves worthy — prove that you can put the good of all realms above your own wellbeing.” I leaned forward, elbows balanced on knees. “Because war is coming. And we had all best be ready when it arrives.”

“Agreed,” Athena chimed in, her striking blue eyes snagging on each of the four primals in question. “Kronos and Hera may be hidden for now — but they won’t stay gone forever. They will not surrender; will not rest until the realms are either in their possession… or burned to the ground,” she warned, her steely gaze meeting mine. “And he has already made it clear he wants you, my queen.”

“I know,” I answered quietly, blinking at the sharp, icy burst of Caelus’ fear that erupted behind my sternum. I fought the urge to rub my knuckles across my breastbone, knowing that every word I spoke, every breath I took, and every glance I shared was being monitored. “Athena. Caelus. Apollo. Hephaestus. Demeter. Hestia. Aphrodite.” I met each of their eyes as I named them, earning a small nod — a tiny gesture of their respect — with every name uttered. “You shall all retain seats on my council.”

Ignoring the scowls and glares piercing me from those I’d circumvented, I raised my chin. And after speaking with Athena and Apollo at length about their secret rebellion, mere hours before calling for this meeting, I knew I needed real, substantial change to start here. To start now.

Before Kronos and Hera could tear us all apart.

“Additionally, I decree that a position in the queen’s council need not be held only by those with Primal power.”

Ares’ face reddened at the declaration, his amber eyes sparking with flames. But at least he was seething silently, despite the fact that his own son glowered at him from across the room.

“Aros…” The son in question straightened, with a smirk aimed at the Primal god of violence. “...has earned his position in the new council tenfold. But today you may all bear witness as I extend an even greater honour to him.”

Aros twisted sharply, his eyes desperately seeking answers from mine.

Softly smiling at his gaping mouth, I continued, “From this moment onwards, Aros will serve as the Queen’s Blade — High Commander of Olympus — if he accepts.”

Several perfectly sculpted brows rose — but not Ares’. His own son had just been elevated above any other war god in history, certainly exceeding any expectations placed upon him at birth, but all Ares could do now was scowl.

“In addition to this, I name him — I name you,” I said, directing my words to him, “Hades’ Harrow — High Commander of the Underworld.”

Aros blinked quickly, his lower lashes glinting suspiciously in the light. Frowning, he withdrew Flameless from the sheath on his back and jabbed sharply — holding the dual-headed axe blade-first at my throat. With a mischievous wink, he jerked it back, flipped it in the air, and caught the weapon by that same blade. Extending the handle towards me, he waited until my fingers wrapped around its hilt, then knelt at my feet.

In an otherwise silent chamber, Aros’ voice rang out clearly as he spoke, bouncing off the marble pillars. “With you all as my witness, and by the blood I offer this day, I make this oath freely and of my own volition.”

Eyes of warm, flickering, honeyed amber gazed up at me. For once, I found them hard to meet. The raw emotion he exhibited — only for me — cracked something deep within me.

Swallowing around the lump in my throat, I lifted Flameless and held it against the side of his neck, catching the dancing torchlight mirrored across its surface. His pulse throbbed visibly, steady and slow, reverberating softly up the shaft of the axe.

The chamber quieted — like the Parthenon itself held its breath. The breeze stilled as even Fate seemed to pay witness.

Still holding my gaze, Aros nodded slowly — just once.

Fighting against every instinct rioting within me, I dragged the blade across his throat.

Ichor bloomed along the cut — a thin, precise line of oozing gold. Deep enough to scar, to demonstrate his standing within the ranks of warriors. To show all he encountered that he could bear the pain of leadership like a mantle.

Just like he’d waited his entire life to prove he could.

He didn’t blink, didn’t flinch, and only after blood soaked the collar of his shirt did he allow his lip to quirk. That brazen grin transformed his face back into the Aros I knew and loved. The one who ate flames for breakfast. Who was as steadfast and loyal as he was seductive and open-minded.

The only one I could entrust this role to.

“You have been found worthy, Aros — god of war.” When I deviated from the expected script, omitting any mention of his father, as was tradition, his eyes crinkled at the corners.

Aros would not be held — not by any length, width, or depth — against Ares. Aros would stand on his own two feet and carve his own path through the realms. And now, he would do it by my side — as the first warrior in history to claim both titles of High Commander.

Just as I was the first queen of both.

A glimmer of something bright tucked itself behind my breastbone — something more than just the pride I felt. Something belonging to my soul-bonded storm-wielder, and my High Commander’s best friend.

A small smile graced my lips. “I would hear your oath now,” I said as I surreptitiously imbued the weapon still clutched in my fingers. Only the tiny twitch of Caelus’ mouth indicated he knew what I’d done — everyone else remained, momentarily, oblivious.

Aros sobered, inhaling deeply. “With my blood as my binding, and my bones as your pillar, I pledge myself to you.