Styxx

Chapter 6: Finally

Chapter Six

"Are you mad? He has the same blond hair and blue eyes. The same broad shoulders."

"His features-"

"Are his own. Granted. Still, most men would kill to have a boy so handsome. If you doubt it, offer him up at market and see how rich you'll be."

"I'm not going to sell my son!" Xerxes growled.

"Then you admit he's yours?"

Xerxes snorted at his brother's trickery. Estes had always been able to outmaneuver him. It was what made his brother such a brilliant military commander. He could always think nine steps ahead of anyone else and he knew how to manipulate people to get them to do exactly what he wanted.

Even so, Xerxes couldn't get past the feeling in his gut that told him Styxx had a father other than him. That Styxx was more Acheron's brother than Xerxes's son.

Estes rubbed at his beard. "Brother, have you seen the scars Styxx carries?"

Xerxes scowled. "What scars?"

"He's your son. How have you missed them? They cover the poor child. Down his back, across his groin and ribs ... Not to mention his own mother tried to kill him and his older sister berates him every time he speaks and many times when he doesn't, and all the while you laugh at her attacks and think her disrespect is cute. Given all that, I should think he's entitled to being a little strange from time to time. He's been through more tragedies and challenges in his short life than most men experience in a lifetime."

That might be part of what he sensed.

But there were times when he felt absolute hatred for him radiating from the boy. Times when he felt like Styxx was plotting and conniving against him. "He keeps things from me."

"Should I remind you of the secrets we hid from Father? Starting with that red-haired slave girl we shared when we were at our Uncle Arel's?"

He laughed at the memory of two of the best weeks of his life. "She was a sweet treat."

"Indeed."

Maybe Estes was right, after all.... "I suppose I am overreacting. I just worry about him and our kingdom."

"That is what kings and fathers do."

Xerxes laughed. "Then I am great at both."

"Of course you are."

Xerxes smiled at the brother he loved more than anything. "I miss you so when you're gone. I hate that I only get to see you once a year, and always too short a stay."

"Perhaps I could remain longer on my next visit. Maybe take Styxx hunting for a week without you? He might confide in me if he's away from here and his responsibilities. Then I could observe him and see if he's normal or not, and report back to you what I find."

"Wonderful idea. And I think he'd like that. He's been rather sad and withdrawn for quite some time now."

Estes smiled. "I shall look forward to my time alone with Styxx. His hair should be back to its normal length by then, and his body more developed."

"What has that to do with anything?"

"He should have more confidence in himself. Feel more like a man and less like a frightened boy."

Xerxes scoffed. "I doubt he could have any less. 'Tis another matter that irritates me where he's concerned. He skulks about like a terrified peasant and not a prince." And that, too, made him doubt Styxx's paternity. Surely, he wouldn't father such a scared little mouse.