Page 105 of Styx

and time by the sea,’

I offered in a whisper as

I heard movement behind

the door. ‘Ah,’ Perses said.

‘Perhaps we can arrange

for them to meet on a walk?’

I smiled and nodded

just as the door opened

and Styx and Pallas walked out.

Styx Looked Resigned

I wanted to embrace her,

tell her that fate had a kinder

destiny for her, that Pallas was not

the worst choice of consort.

But I knew this was

about being

bartered by her father

without a second thought.

As soon as she looked up at me,

I took her hands and waited

for her to speak as Pallas

stood with Perses.

Her split eyes were unreadable

as she said, ‘I have agreed

to go back to Oceanus’s palace.

And to be Pallas’s consort.’

I inhaled sharply. Styx had

swallowed her pride to do this.

And I knew how much

that must have cost her.