“What’s the time?” I asked, yawning and stretching.
“Ten. We’re expecting more guests today.”
I hadn’t yet shared with Hera or Zeus the reason for my presence, and it seemed like the right moment.
“Hera, can we chat about something?” I propped myself up on the bed.
“Of course, darling. What’s on your mind?” She perched elegantly on the edge of the bed. Everything she did was so graceful. I wished I could be that poised.
“I never told you who Xavier’s father is,” I began.
She gave me a sweet smile. “We know, dear. Even though Thanatos hasn’t been around for ages, we can tell Xavier is his. It’s partly why we let you stay. It’s surprising that Thanatos fathered a child with a mortal woman, or any woman for that matter. He’s not exactly Mr. Congeniality.” She chuckled.
“Well, he didn’t exactly willingly father the child with me. Let’s just say it was an anonymous sperm donation.” I grimaced at the memory.
She laughed, a sound as melodious as a song. “Well, that’s the thing about male gods, dear. Their sperm isn’t compatible with just anyone.” She winked at me.
“What do you mean?” I asked, puzzled.
“You’ll understand soon enough, dear. Now, let’s get you ready.”
I thought sharing everything with her would clear my head, but instead, it’s brimming with more questions.
I ran my hands over the mirror as I finished wrapping the towel around myself. This was it. I was an hour away from seeing Thanatos. Was I prepared? He had no idea I was here. How would he react? And what about Xavier? Meeting his father for the first time.
He would always ask me about his father, and I would dodge the question, unsure of what to say. I needed to see him before this meeting took place.
I quickly slipped into a white gown and headed to his room. “Xavier? We need to talk.” I opened the door to find him sprawled on his bed, engrossed in drawing. He was incredibly artistic. At three, Hera had allowed him to paint murals in his bedroom.
“Yes, Mom?” How should I begin this conversation?
“Your father is coming here today.” Sometimes, it’s best to just rip off the band-aid.
He froze, then shrugged. “I don’t want to see him.”
I frowned at his indifferent attitude. Since when did he not want to meet his father? “What do you mean?” I sat at the foot of his bed as he continued to draw.
“What if he doesn’t like me?” he whispered.
Sometimes I forget he’s only three, especially since he looks so much older. Of course, he would have these doubts. “He’ll like you, I promise.” I gave him a reassuring smile.
“What’s he like?” I paused, considering his question. Memories of him choking me when we first met flashed in my mind. I probably shouldn’t mention that.
“He’s different, like you. He might seem harsh at first, but deep down, he’s a big softie.” I could just imagine his reaction to me calling him a softie.
Xavier looked up at me, seemingly satisfied with my answer. “Now get dressed, we have to go meet your aunt and uncle.” He looked confused but complied.
I held his hand as we walked down the corridor to the room Erebus and Sydney shared. I knocked and waited for them to open the door.
“Who’s this?” Erebus asked, looking down at Xavier. Then realization dawned on him, his eyes widened. Yeah, I know, he looks way older than three.
“This is Xavier.” He simply stepped aside to let us in.
“Hi Isabel! Who’s this?” Sydney asked.
“Xavier, meet your aunt Sydney.” Her eyes widened.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t he supposed to be three?” Erebus walked into the room, asking.
“He is three, he just grows very fast,” I explained.
“Hey Xavier,” she giggled.
Erebus rolled his eyes. “Back off, little man, she’s taken.”
Xavier looked at him in confusion, then back at me. I shrugged. He sighed before extending his hand for Erebus to shake. He was a very peculiar child.
“He’s so adorable,” Sydney gushed.
“You ready?” Erebus asked me.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I took Xavier’s hand as we made our way down the corridor.
“Your hands are sweaty.”
I ignored his comment, shooting him a dirty look.
As we stepped outside, I heard a voice I hadn’t heard in years.
“Stay away from me,” Thanatos growled.
“Well, aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes,” Erebus called out, announcing our arrival.
Thanatos looked up, and I could tell he had a witty retort ready. Until his eyes landed on me.
“Isabel?” he asked.
“In the flesh.”
In a blink, he was in front of me, pulling me into a tight embrace.
“What the hell is wrong with you? I thought you were dead. I should strangle you for disappearing like that,” he growled in my ear.
He had such a way with words. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t turned on by it, even though I knew it was meant to be intimidating. I didn’t respond, just hugged him back.
“Mommy? Is that Dad?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I thought I was ready, but it’s clear that I’m not. It’s still surreal to find out he’s Thanatos’s son.
“Yes, I am,” he said.
