Apollo walked over to plant a kiss on Lou’s forehead. “I’m fond of your intelligence. You keep my son guessing. And my siblings annoyed. It suits me well.” He retreated and sat on the bed, wobbling Hermes and Artemis, who shot him matching glares.

“I don’t know what the fuss is over. Rylander only need be King for eight years,” Artemis interjected. She looked at her nails like this conversation tired her.

“One year, eight years. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to be king,” I exclaimed.

Apollo sighed. “Is it really so much to ask? Once Savina turns eighteen and weds, you can return to cavorting on that ship of yours.” He flicked his hand, dismissing our co-captaincy as no important matter.

Lou growled. The Freedom was her first baby. Even Calli, Adelphi, and I came second sometimes.

“We have a crew of two hundred men and women we take care of. We’re responsible for their livelihoods,” I said, hauling Lou back to my side before she could whip out her dagger again.

“That’s perfect. Bring them to the castle as guards and loyal subjects. That will help with the transition,” Hermes said, straightening his shirt.

Lou faced me. “Your family is going to be the death of me.” I had heard that multiple times throughout our marriage.

Apollo’s lips dipped. “I need someone I trust with Savina. That leaves only you two. My time here is done. I stayed too many years. I came to rescue you and your mother, kill the sirens …”

“Which we did,” Lou added.

“Yes, you helped. But Zeus wants me back, and there’s nothing I can do. If you don’t take over as king, Rylander, I must leave anyway, leaving Savina by herself. And trust me, she needs you.”

“What about them?” Lou waved between my aunt and uncle.

“We are being called back as well. We are needed there,” Artemis said, head tilted at Lou.

Lou sighed, turning her attention to my father. “How will you even make him king? People only know him as a close member of the family and your former navy captain.”

“There’s been speculation for years,” I said. Apollo, King Delphi, never disclaimed me as his son, either—one of the many reasons Olivine hated me. “It would be easy to convince people the rumor they’ve whispered for over two decades is the truth.”

Lou pivoted. “You want this?”

I cupped her face. “No, I don’t. Not at all. But I won’t leave Savina alone either. Would you?”

Lou shook her head at the floor. “Never. She’s family.” Her eyes lifted and met mine. “She’s our family.”

I wrapped Lou in my arms. My chin rested on her head as I glared at Apollo, Hermes, and Artemis. “Eight years?”

The three of them nodded.