Savina clapped her hands. “By the gods. He has ….”

Lou shielded her mouth as she murmured, “Yes, the little brat can hum his way into a cookie or, more recently, getting out of naptime. But Calli’s the real threat. She can actually steal your memories, so when you say no for what feels like the third time, it probably is.” Lou sighed. “Please do not antagonize them. Although you may be immune to them, the gardener will not be. We’ve been working hard to teach them to control their abilities.”

“How’s that going?” Savina asked.

“Terrible,” I answered. I curled my arm around Lou’s waist and pulled her into me. I kissed her cheek, and she leaned into my warmth.

“Maybe Savina could watch them tonight?” Lou said, gazing up with that look that said she wanted what I wanted every night.

“I’d love to,” Savina said. She hauled them both down the corridor toward the gardens, waving to us as they walked away. “Good luck in there.” She threw the words over her shoulder before turning the corner.

We made the short trip down the remainder of our hall to Father’s chamber door.

“I have no idea what we are walking into, so prepare for anything. Ready?” I asked, gripping the gilded, lyre-shaped handle.

Lou nodded.

Our mouths dropped the second I pushed open the door.

“That’s two for Hermes and one for Apollo. Come on, twin. You’re making us look bad,” Artemis said. She stood on a chair with parchment paper magically dangling in the air before her. The names Hermes and Apollo had been etched in gold with slashes underneath to tally some sort of contest.

She towered over my father and uncle, grappling on the floor. Hermes had his forearm pressed against Apollo’s throat as they wrestled in a tangled heap. Their hair clung to their foreheads and faces with sweat.

“What is going on in here?” I shouted.

Three pairs of eyes stared back at us.

Artemis crossed her arms, tapping painted nails along the gold bands on her biceps. Her shimmering golden dress stopped barely at her thigh showing more than I’d like to see of my aunt. “Losing is what we are doing. Hermes has an extra point. It’s five to four. Your Father’s showmanship is pathetic.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, sick of always playing the adult amongst petulant gods and their games. Eternity left them seeking wilder and wilder cures for boredom, it seemed.

“Not the answer I’m looking for. Try again.” I tapped my foot on the floor. “Father? Uncle?”

When no one said anything, Lou stepped forward. “Hermes, let go of Apollo. Someone better speak up, or I’ll stab you with the God Slayer.” She unsheathed her jeweled weapon and twirled it in her hand. The blade wouldn’t kill them, but it would hurt like tumbling into the fires of Hades anyway.