Hermes dropped Apollo to the floor with a thud. Apollo retaliated by yanking Hermes’ leg from under him. He landed on his rear with an undignified grunt.

I smacked my forehead. “By Zeus, our two-year-old son acts more mature!” I raised my well-practiced “scolding finger” and waggled it at my father. “And you, you are supposed to be on death’s doorstep. And here you are, hosting a family wrestling match. What are you doing?”

Apollo pushed up to his feet and brushed off his trousers. “I tire of this life and that wretched woman.” He pointed at the wall dividing him from the neighboring chamber where Olivine mourned her alive and well husband. “I would’ve done away with her already, but Savina made me promise to spare her.” He sighed. “Anyway, I’m returning to Mt. Olympus. I’m needed there.”

“Then go,” I barked throwing my hands up.

Lou pulled out chairs for me and herself. We sat in unison. Then Lou motioned for my aunt to get down and sit on the bed across from us. Surprisingly, Artemis obliged.

Hermes righted himself and took to the edge beside his sister. “It’s not so simple. You see, if King Delphi dies, there’s no heir to the throne. Savina’s too young, and Olivine is too awful.” He stuck his tongue out at the queen’s room.

My brows scrunched, and my father’s rose in answer. Lou’s eyes darted between us all. She jumped from her chair and stood in front of me, as if to shield me from their next words.

“Oh no you don’t. Absolutely not. Don’t even say it out loud. He is not going to do your bidding. Again,” she thundered. “I can’t even believe you would ask this of him.” She shook her head, her curls aquiver.

I pulled her into my lap and kissed her heated cheek. My feisty, intelligent better half had puzzled out my deceitful family faster than I had. I brimmed with pride. “Do tell what awful madness they have in store this time, my love. I’m a step behind.”

Lou sank back into my embrace. “Your daft family want you crowned king.”

“What?” I threw Lou off my legs as I stood, accidentally sending her to the floor. I winced down at her. “Sorry.”

She growled from the ground but waved me off.

“We should have killed Elouise when we had the chance,” Hermes grumbled to Apollo. “I knew she’d be trouble.”

With a snarl, I lunged, but Lou grabbed my legs from the ground. “They are just threatened because I’m smarter than them. Not worth another round your aunt can put on her scoring parchment.”

Artemis scowled at Lou. I never could tell if she loved or loathed her. They both seemed to swap sentiments at every new exchange.

I looked down to find Lou smiling. I reached my hand out and pulled her onto her feet.