158 A grand Plan (2/2)

The man didn't bother putting the clothes on as he spotted Arei and jogged over to him. The naked man through his arms around Arei's neck and squeezed him tightly against his muscular, NAKED body. ”It's been so long, big brother! How have you been?” The man asked, holding Arei at arm's length.

”Peg.” Arei greeted as he rolled his eyes. ”I'd be better if you would put those pants on. I have a... friend... with me that doesn't need to be seeing you running around here with your cock out.”

Peg waggled his snow-white brows. ”I'm sure any friend of yours has already seen enough horse cock not to be shy of mine.” He arched a brow as he leaned in wrapping an arm around Arei, still naked. Smiling ear to ear mischievously, he added. ”After all, compared to mine, yours is far more... shocking...” He waggled his eyebrows again in his friend's direction.

”Ah! You must be Areion.” The rider replied holding her hand out in greeting. ”I'm sorry, I can never tell the difference between you and Orion without your shirts off.” She nodded to Peg. ”Pegasus tells me there's one other...” She cleared her throat. ”More impressive way to tell the two of you apart.” Her eyes trailed down the bulge in Arei's pants before darting away shyly.

Arei arched a brow as he shot his brother and the rider a questioning glare. ”And you would be?” He asked when neither were forthcoming with a name or any other explanation.

She cleared her throat. ”Oh, I'm Andromeda. It's nice to meet you.” She giggled as her eyes scanned his body once again.

”A pleasure, I'm sure.” He said in irritation and turned back toward the house. Stopping mid step, Arei quickly turned and yelled back at his brother and the strange woman. ”You know what, the two of you may be just what I need right now.”

The woman let out a playful laugh and clapped her hands together in mock excitement. ”Ew goody, Shall I get to ride both Poseidon's prized stallions this day?”

”Oh girl! You know I'm the only steed you get to ride!” Peg teased as he poked her sides playfully.

Arei shook his head as he watched the two. ”I need girl advice... and handling father advice...” He blurted causing both of them to freeze and stare at him.

”You are asking me... us... for girl advice?” He and Andromeda exchanged questioning glances before busting out laughing at the same time.

”Psh, you're screwed there!” She said as she took Peg's hand and walked toward the palace. ”Your brother couldn't find his way around a woman's body with the best maps and compasses the world had to offer.”

Peg shrugged. ”I mean it's not like I've tried... You never know, maybe I'd be good at it. It's not like I'm completely against the idea... I mean if you and Perseus ever decide you'd like company in the bedroom...” He winked at her.

She slapped his chest playfully, ”You Mighty Pegasus will never mount my husband, do you hear me!”

”Why not? He mounts me all the time.” He said faking hurt.

Arei rolled his head. ”Forget I asked... You're right, the two of you would only make things worse.” He turned and began walking but stopped again. ”Oh, and I need everyone to address me as Rion tonight. Spread it around, let everyone know. I don't want any slip ups and trust me neither does father.”

Peg's brows arched inquisitively, ”Well now you've peeked my interests. What have you and big brother Ry been into all this time?” He flopped down on the ground spreading the shirt he'd yet to put on out and patted it for Andromeda to sit on. They both crossed their legs and stared up at Arei in childlike wonder and anticipation, as if waiting for the most exciting bedtime story.

”Gah!” Arei groaned loudly as he ran his hand through his hair, glancing up toward the high windows of the palace where he knew his room was located. ”Fine.” He flopped down in the thick grass facing them. He dove into the story without missing a single detail all the while the two in front of him listened without making a sound, their full attention trained on him. ”And now father is practically threatening me to marry her.” He finished.

Peg rubbed his smooth chin thoughtfully. ”This is a bit of a mess, I'll admit... but there's surely an easy way out.”

”The truth, of course... but how do you think she will take it?” Arei asked, searching both their faces for any sign of unspoken words that could help him. ”It's not like I don't plan to tell her all I've just set here and told you... plus some... but I planned on waiting until we get back and meet up with Ry. I feel like it is the best bet at this point, so she knows without question what parts of the past three years have been me and what parts where Ry.” He ran his hand through his hair again as his eyes moved back to the bedroom window high overhead. ”Ry did some things that really hurt her, but I believe she still cared for him... before she fell in love with me...” He turned his attention back to them. ”I believe if Ry is there as well to explain his own side of things, it will be less hurtful to her. I know he cares for her in his own non-romantic ways... And-”

”And if she knows she gets you both, but in different ways then she'll be more willing to forgive the both of you... and move forward with you?” Andromeda asked following the path his mind had taken.

Arei let out a relieved breath. ”Yes, exactly. Ry will be more than encouraging of her and I together as father and Chary have already been. I believe she'll realize the lies were part of the job, and that Ry and I are offering her more than just a temporary tryst.”

Peg nodded. ”Tell us what we need to do to help.”