Everlasting Fate (Third Book)

Chapter Sixteen

I sat stone faced at the large feasting table with my brother Cael to my left and my father Loren to my right. Alexios sat at the head of the table with Gabriela at his left side. I felt the heavy irony of the seating situations all too well. Fate was a bitch.

"Aren't you going to eat your food?" Loren whispered. The table was rife with numerous conversations. At the time, most of them were happy.

"Long day." I explained.

"Did something happen with her?" He asked.

"With Gabriela?" Cael was now listening too. Loren gazed longingly at his other son. I knew how badly he wanted to speak to him as comfortably as he did with me. The mountain of lies piling on my shoulders was a weight I would have to carry, until Gabby was honest with Alexios and Loren was honest with everyone.

I let my gaze stealthily trail to Gabriela's stoic face. I didn't turn my head, just my eyes. She was staring down at her plate, also not eating. She silently sipped on her wine and then her eyes drifted to mine. I knew I needed to avert my eyes in case anyone, specifically Alexios, was watching. But I didn't look away, almost as if my body wouldn't allow me to. Our eyes exchanged words our mouths could not.

Alexios slid his hand over hers and grinned at her. She returned his cheery smile and held his hand comfortably. My insides boiled with jealousy, and at the same time, guilt gnawed at my stomach lining. For all of Alexios conservative holier than thou ways, he was still a good man with a good heart. In another time I might have selfishly not cared if I hurt him in order to woo Gabby back to me. Now, the guilt was eating me alive. I was in the midst of an affair and I never thought I would be feeling this sick over it.

"Brother?" Cael touched my shoulder. I broke the heated gaze and acknowledged the two men worrying about me.

"Sorry, it's been an interesting night." I murmured and lifted my glass to my lips.

"Something happened." Loren stated. He knew me so well now. Cael's forehead creased with confusion, probably trying to figure out how we had gotten so close.

"Yes, not a full blown affair, but enough to tempt us, open us to the possibilities, and leave us wanting more. It's exactly what I wanted, but I can't stop feeling this dread in the pit of my stomach. From what I've heard, Alexios and Gabby have only just begun their romantic relationship and I'm interfering. If I was a better man, I'd walk away now, but she asked to see me again. How could I say no, to her or to myself?" I raked a hand through my shaggy hair.

Loren sighed, "You know my past experiences. I can't tell you that you're wrong and that you're being a horrible person. It would be hypocritical on my part. All I can say is try to find a way to figure out what she wants as quickly as you can and with as less damage inflicted as possible. You don't want this to become an ugly human-like affair. Trust me, it will ruin all involved."

Cael had no idea what he spoke of. There were no rumors of Loren having an affair in our pantheon. My mother and father saw to it that their indiscretion would never be discovered.

Cael didn't ask for details, instead he said, "I agree with Loren. I've never been in your shoes, but only imagining my Phina stuck between two great loves kills me. I wouldn't stop until I knew I had done everything to win her heart. I know that might make us bad people, but I guess the Gods are more human than they'd like to admit. Don't let this continue too long, brother. It could destroy this pantheon."

Someone clinked their glass three times and cleared their throat. Alexios stood and commanded the attention of the great feast hall. His kind smile only caused more guilt to burden my shoulders. I've surely bought a one-way ticket to hell.