Heart's Desire

Chapter 14

"T-There's something I've been keeping from you."

"That is?" I asked.

"Promise this won't change anything about us?"

"I promise."

"Alright."

She pulled away, taking in a deep breath. Under the water, she lifted her leg and placed one foot on the ledge, the other following. As she stood up, her abs were revealed and I swallowed hard. I knew they were defined and prominent, I just wasn't expecting it to be so defined and prominent. But that wasn't what she wanted to show me. I followed her distinguished V-line down to her thighs and right before me, was what she kept from me all along. My father's words made sense now. That she wasn't the person I thought she was. My eyes widened, my lips parting as my mouth hung open.

"I-I'm sorry for keeping this a secret from you," she said, looking away from me as I looked up at her.

"And this will change our relationship how?" I asked.

"I'm a woman, Y/N."

"And?"

"With a penis," she said.

"So?"

"That's not normal. The same with the fact that I also have a vagina."

"Wait what?" I asked. "You have both?"

"Yes, I have both."

"Odessa," I reached over and grabbed her hand, holding it tightly in mine. "I don't care if you have one, both, or neither. That doesn't change who you are to me. How I see you. I'll always see you as the strong gladiator who is going for what she wants. A woman who is strong and won't let anyone tell her what to do and how to think. You don't conform to the norms. Neither will I."

She smiled as she lowered herself back into the water, "Thank you, Y/N."

"Is that why your father and my father stopped being friends?" I asked. "Because of you?"

"Yes. He thought it wasn't normal for a baby girl to have both genitalia of a man and a woman. He told my father to cut it off. My mother and father were skeptical since I could have died from infection or the procedure going wrong. When my father refused, your father ordered him to kill me. Of course he wasn't going to do that. That's why your father stopped coming around."

"Bastard," I whispered. "He wanted his friend to kill off the first child he had? That's disgusting."

"That's why I trained in secret. Went to the bathroom in secret. I couldn't let anyone know. Because if they did, who knows what kind of position I would be in."

"You've made it this far without anyone knowing aside from your family and my father."

"Which I am surprised he hasn't told the entire empire by now," Odessa said.

"Probably because he didn't want your father to tell everyone what happened. That my father basically ordered your father to kill his own child."

"Yeah. The people would sentence your father to a trial."

"Which is something we should do!" I said.

"What?"

"Can I know what you were going to ask if you win the challenge?"

"That's a surprise," Odessa smirked.

"Ok. Well, what if you and I take my father to the council and have him tried for infanticide?"

"Y/N, do you know how many years ago that is?"

"We have all the witnesses we need. Your mother and you can account for it."

"What would you have your father tried for?"

"Abuse of power," I said. "Nothing against me, but to help your case."

"Y/N, we don't have anything recent that will help us. Besides, your father could always rig the council since Aetius' father is on it. And I know how much he wants you to marry his son."

"Yeah."

"Look, we will find a way to be together," she said, pressing a peck to my cheek. "I promise."

I nodded my head, "Alright."

She pulled me into a hug. It was warm and comforting. Like I was being greeted by the sun. Even her hugs were soft and gentle. I smiled, relishing in this moment as I wrapped my arms around her, my hands running up and down her muscular back.

"I should get going."

"W-Why don't you stay the night?"

"Y/N, I am not allowed to go anywhere near your room."

"I didn't say we had to be in my room."

"What?"

"There are a number of empty rooms here. You're welcome to have your pick. I can lead you to one of my choosing if you wish," I smirked.

"Lead the way then."

She got out of the water, dried off, and placed her toga back on. I led her down a long hallway that was far away from my bedroom and my father's. When we reached a room, I opened the door and despite it being small, it was a bit roomier than her house. There was a large bed in the corner and a couch on the other side.

"I should be going," I said.

"Stay with me," she said. "Let's celebrate us coming together."

I chuckled, "I just want to lay with you. That's all."

"No worries. Didn't think you were ready to move that fast."

"You never know," I said.

We both walked over to the bed and laid down in it. I rolled onto my side to face her as she did the same. She reached over and moved a strand of hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear. A smile crept onto both of our faces as she pressed her forehead against mine. I leaned over and pecked her lips quickly before I was pulled into her embrace.

"Goodnight, Y/N."

"Goodnight, Odessa."

"Dez."

"What?"

"The people close to me call me Dez."

I smiled, "And I couldn't call you it before now?"

"I was still getting to know you."

"Alright. Goodnight, Dez."

I opened my eyes and found Odessa to be sitting on the edge of the bed. I was about to say good morning to her, but I found my father to be standing in the doorway. I quickly sat up, thankfully I was still in my toga from last night.

"A word, Y/N."

"Y-Yes, father."

"Have a good day, Odessa," he said in a venomous tone. "I hope you train well."

The two of us got up and Odessa walked out of the palace, considering my father's tone with her wasn't the best. He reached over and grabbed my arm, yanking me towards him as we walked to the other side of the palace. Where the throne was.

"If you know what's good for you, you better listen very carefully," he harshly whispered.

"Yes, father."