162 Masquerade of emotions (1/2)
Arei nodded, surprise evident in his expression. ”Yes, gods yes!” He turned cupping her face once again, this time lowering his forehead to hers. ”It has been bothering me to no end...” His brows tented as he searched her eyes. ”You said you've notice things, what has been your theories?”
Jos tilted her head, ”Theories?”
Arei nodded, ”Yes, what do you think I've been lying about?” A server walked by with a tray and offered them drinks. Arei took two flutes, handing one to Jos.
Jos took a long drink as she studied him. ”Why don't you tell me what you've been lying about instead.”
Arei nodded. ”I've let this go too long now, haven't I? I'm causing you more pain by keeping it, obviously...” He tossed back his drink and held his hand out for the server to come back. Taking two more glasses, he threw them both back one after another before taking a fourth. He twirled the glass by its long thin stem. ”Alright... here goes...” He held his hand out for hers. When she placed hers in his he lowered to one knee and placed a kiss across her knuckles. ”Hi, my name is Arieon, son of Poseidon. It is more than a pleasure to make your acquaintance... and I think- I know I'm in love with you.”
Jos tilted her head, ”I understand, Rion is a shortened form. Why is that a big deal?” She asked.
Arie cleared his throat. ”Because my brother also goes by that same 'shortened' name... when we want to pretend to be one another.”
She furrowed her brows still not understanding. ”Rion, I-”
”Arei, please. Even if this is the only time, I'll ever hear you say it.” He interrupted.
”Arei, I don't understand exactly what you're getting at.” She said. She pulled her hand away and began playing with the stem of her glass before taking a testing drink of the bubbling liquid inside.
Arei let out a frustrated sigh. ”This really isn't the place for this conversation.” He turned to the railing as he ran his hand over his stubbled chin again. His eyes caught on the center cutout below. He turned and quickly pulled Jos over to the railing. ”You see those horses below?” He pointed down to several kelpies visible from below the glass dance floor. ”Watch as they surface. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against his side as they both watched the beautiful black stallions leap from the waters turning into handsome men as soon as the bodies came into contact with the ground.
Jos gasped but didn't draw her eyes away. They widened as they searched him. ”Are you one of those?”
Arei nodded, ”Not quite in the way that they are kelpies and I'm a demi-god but in the way that I am a stallion in my other form. A black stallion.” He said, holding his breath as he waited for the information to sink in.
He bit his lower lip as he tried spelling it out for her farther. ”You have spent time with my brother and I both at the same time. I was the-”
”There you are! I'd wondered where you'd made it off to!” Poseidon said, making his way up the stairs. ”I have some people here who'd love to meet you, my dear child.” He stepped aside as a nearly white-haired man stepped up the last few steps followed by a woman more radiant than the sun. She Wore a golden crown that glistened in the pale light and a beautiful floor length gown with a slit running all the way up her thigh. It was set in a rich teal and lined in gold. Large jewels adorned her neck, ears, and wrists; all matching the dazzling dress. Poseidon held his hand out as he held his son's gaze steadily. ”I'd like to introduce, by brother and his radiant wife. Zeus, Hera... This is the Kraken, Joslyn, my son's soon to be bride. Isn't that right son?” He turned a pointed look to Arei.
Arei nodded holding Jos tightly against his side. ”Yes, that is the plan. We are waiting to announce it formally until after her final hearing in a little over two months.” His eyes shifted to Hera. ”After your blessings of course, Aunt Hera.”
Hera stepped forward and studied Jos. She took her hand and flipped it over in hers now studying the lines of her palm. Hera then nodded and stepped away. She turned to Arei and smiled sweetly up at him. ”I wish the two of you a long and happy time together.”
Zeus narrowed his eyes. ”The Kraken, huh? I'd like to know more about this.” He held his hand out to Jos. ”Would you mind, dear?”
Arei tightened his grip on her. ”We were just heading back downstairs actually. Why don't you join us and we can all catch up together?” He shot his father a pleading glance.
Poseidon nodded and clasped his son on the back. ”Sounds like a grand plan.” He released his son and turned toward the stairs. ”I'll lead the way, but it is the usual spot I set aside for our own private use.” He continued talking to his brother and Hera as they vanished down the stairs.
Jos tugged at Arei's jacket. ”That was... my... great grandfather?” She asked concern heavy in her voice. When Arei nodded, she swallowed hard, ”And he will want me... to claim?”
Arei sighed, ”More than likely... So please, we'll finished this conversation later. Just please don't make any rash decision because of what I've said so far, alright?” She nodded and allowed him to lead her down the stairs. He paused outside the entrance to the family's private party nook. ”The first half of the story I'm about to tell is a lie. I have to, the truth of how it started cannot be known.” Arei whispered holding both her hands in his. ”I'll tell you the full truth tonight.” He waited until she nodded before bending and kissing her lips. ”Please forgive me for all this.” He said with his lips still pressed against hers.