Disclaimer: Not mine.
So, Harry/Kyrian/Julian is winning the poll by a landslide. Still time to vote

Chapter 6

Chares urged his horse on, calling to his men as he raced across the hard-packed ground. Where they mad? Two men could not hold back an army. This was the sort of recklessness he expected from Kyrian, even after all this time, but Julian? The army had broken and the two men had remained behind to defend Themopoly. He pushed his horse faster, why had they split the infantry and cavalry so far apart? It had been a trap and they'd fallen for it. His men galloped close behind, all fearing they would find their Commander and the Prince dead or captured.

Julian panted in the heat, sword slick in his hand from blood and his shield discarded after a blow had cleaved it almost in half. They had been fighting alone for what felt like days but likely had only been an hour or so. When the army had run he had expected Kyrian to abandon him as well, but the young fool had just smiled at him, grabbed a sword for each hand, and said, "It's a beautiful day to die. What say we slay as many of these bastards as we can before we pay Charon?" He was a complete and utter lunatic, with more guts than brains. He turned slightly as the thunder of hooves reached his ears, assuming it was more Romans and he laughed as he saw a familiar pitch-black horse in the lead and on his back the lightly armoured form of Chares. They would win this. Sure enough, with the arrival of fresher troops on horseback the Roman infantry retreated.

"Are you two suicidal?" Chares snapped as he dismounted, removing his helmet.

"No praise for so many Romans slain my friend?" Kyrian asked and Chares slapped him upside his unprotected head since the Prince had managed to lose his helmet at some point.

Julian couldn't help watching their interactions, realising they were no longer taking comfort from each other, not since Kyrian had met Theone. He felt bad for his friend, he would not seek anything from the lower ranked soldiers, it could make life difficult. If Chares would take a bride at least he would have a warm home to return to, not the empty villa with only servants for company. "There was no choice but to hold the town Chares. I am just glad you got here when you did. The Roman Cavalry?" Julian clasped his friends shoulder, pushing aside thoughts of Chares life away from battle.

"Will need many new recruits." He grinned and Julian nodded.

"Then let us celebrate and praise Athena!" Kyrian called out and they entered the town to a hero's welcome.

Kyrian and Julian had drunk each other under the table in celebration, much to Chares amusement. And in the morning, he had awakened them and dragged them out where they had received their promotions to General, each receiving the gold ring.

"You should have received one too Chares."

"I am quite content as I am Kyrian. I have no want for titles." Chares denied, the more well-known he became the harder it would be to move on to a new life eventually. At least cameras didn't exist yet!

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"Chares!"

Julian's call had him running into the command tent where he took the offered message and read it. So Kyrian had gone through with it and married Theone and in return King Alkis had disinherited him. Kyrian had broken his engagement to the Macedonian Princess to marry a hetaira he had met at Chares' party and now he felt very guilty. Kyrian was no longer a Prince but Alkis could not take his title of General from him since he was fighting for Macedon.

"Will you go to him? I dare not." Julian admitted softly. He knew the reaction woman, and some men had to him and did not want to risk his friendship with Kyrian.

"Of course, if I can be spared?" Chares asked, could they afford to have both him and Kyrian gone?

"They seem content to try and wait us out for now." Julian admitted, glancing at the map that showed the Roman's current positions.

Chares immediately packed his gear, mounted his horse and set off for Thrace and Kyrian's estate there. It was a long ride but he eventually arrived and was welcomed into the villa where he found a happy yet melancholy Kyrian and his new bride. Theone was eight years his senior and an ex-prostitute to boot. That did not bother Chares, as long as it was a love match and it was obvious it was on Kyrian's side. It was Theone he was unsure of, everyone else said she wanted his money and power, he would wait and see. He had only met the woman at that one party after all, he would not assume anything.

"Welcome my brother." They clasped arms. "Couldn't drag Julian away?"

"Someone has to keep the soldiers in line and Rome running." He grinned. "Congratulations on your marriage Kyrian, Theone." He bowed slightly to her in greeting.

"Can you stay long?" Kyrian asked as they walked through the garden.

"A few days, the Roman's appear content to wait us out for now. And I can't say I am unhappy about the chance for a few good meals and baths." He admitted and Kyrian laughed.

"Those you shall have." He swore as soldiers took Chares' pack to a guestroom. "You will join us for the evening meal?"

"Of course." Chares slipped into the room and smiled when he found the hot bath waiting. He stripped and sank into the water, letting it relax sore muscles and erase the evidence of the hard ride. He closed his eyes and examined the villa with his other senses, he could feel the alter and grinned when he realised it was dedicated to Hecate and Aphrodite. It was sweet of his friend to honour his and Julian's Mothers'. Other than that, there was nothing so as he soaked he wove protective spells over the home to keep his friend and one-time lover safe. He cared deeply for Kyrian, he always would, but he had gone into it knowing they wouldn't last, not with the expectations of society and the uncertainties of war. Caring wasn't love anyway, maybe he could have loved Kyrian but he was happy for him, as long as Theone loved Kyrian.

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Chares reclined and sipped at his wine, smiling as Kyrian recounted a story. He would be leaving to return to camp in the morning and had enjoyed the small vacation, but he was leaving with a heavy heart. He had his answer…. Theone did not love Kyrian, she cared perhaps, but she had wanted a Prince and the security one could offer. He suspected if Kyrian had spurned her, he would have been her next target as he was a Commander and wealthy. He would not say anything to Kyrian, the other man would not listen and he did not want to quarrel. He would do everything he could to guard Kyrian from any scheme she may concoct though.

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Chares mounted Sirius and rode to his place in the lines, looking for the Generals only to blink…. was that? ... oh my. He bit back a snicker as he took in Julian's helmet which now sported feathers instead of horsehair. There was only one reason he would have left it as is, Atolycus must have made the switch. To not upset his son, he had worn them away with pride and not even Kyrian was laughing. Julian doted on Atolycus and Callista, not that he blamed him, they were beautiful children. He did protect them a lot, perhaps too much, they were the children of a Spartan and yet Atolycus was not allowed near weapons, the child's sword Kyrian had given as a gift had been taken away.

Then again Julian wasn't the only one breaking the norms, Chares had yet to take a wife and people were beginning to talk. He didn't want to marry at the moment but it looked like he would have no choice. No one remained unmarried in such societies, it was his duty to marry and have children. He would have to begin searching for a bride the next time the Romans decided they needed a break. He was not looking forward to it at all, he had too many secrets.

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Chares laughed as Kyrian was tackled to the ground by Atolycus and Callista, acting as if they had taken him down. He passed his gear to a waiting servant as Julian darted forward to grab his children up and hug them before moving to embrace his wife. She welcomed them and then they split up to their rooms to clean up and rest. He had work to do while they were there, he had letters to write and send. Three to Athens, the rest to be delivered through Macedon. This would be no love match but a business deal and he didn't like it but he had not met many women and those he knew he had no desire to marry. He had always imagined marrying for love, having children and growing old together, something he could no longer offer.

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Eurytos re-read the letter and then put it aside, looking out to where his daughter sat in the shade. It was a generous offer and all knew of the three men who led the Macedonian war efforts against Rome. Aspasia looked to be around seventeen, by human standards, when in fact she was younger. So far, her Mother's heritage seemed to be winning out and he feared what that meant for his beloved daughter. Perhaps a husband who was always away at war would be the safest kind for her. If he was rarely home perhaps he would not notice how she aged. He still remembered those agonising hours as he held his beloved Thaleia as she aged and died in a matter of hours. Aspasia was half human though; would that be enough to save her from Apollo's curse? He took up a blank scroll and wrote his reply, praying he was doing the right thing.

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Chares paced the bedroom of his villa, looking out at the lavish gardens he hoped his new wife would find solace in during his frequent absences. He had agreed to marry a young Athenian girl and young was the word, seventeen. He was twenty-five, making it a good age gap between them, but that was normal for these times, even for Wizards back home.

He looked at the clothing that had been prepared for the next day; a fine white linen Chiton with gold fasteners. Over that he would wear a bright blue Chlamys, fastened at his right shoulder by a brooch in the shape of Athena's shield since he was a warrior. He prayed and sacrificed to her just like his men, alongside the prayers to Hecate. To finish the outfit were a pair of soft sandals, rather than the boots he wore on campaign.

"Nervous?" he looked up to find Julian in the doorway.

"No." he denied, even if he was…. just a little.

"Tomorrow you will be married Chares, yet you do not look excited."

"Because I am not. I come back here so rarely, what sort of life is that for a wife? You and Kyrian knew your wives beforehand, I am marrying a stranger. Aspasia is a stranger and worse, I am taking her so far from her home." He shook his head and then walked out of the room with Julian to find Kyrian waiting, already reclining at the table. They joined him there for the evening meal. His friends plied him with alcohol and he let them, of the three of them Kyrian would suffer the worst from it.

In the morning, Clitus helped him dress in the clothes and the two demigods laughed as Kyrian squinted in the light. He received word from his father-in-law to be that Aspasia had followed the traditions and sacrificed her childhood toys to Artemis before bathing in perfumed water and swearing fealty to Demeter as was done in Athens, despite the fact they were in Macedon. He stood in the wedding chariot, Julian and Kyrian with him, and they set off for his brides' temporary residence. The other two men dismounted and three people emerged from the house, one veiled. He offered her his hand and she stepped up into the chariot which then headed for his house. They remained silent during the ride and he helped her down as they were showered with dates, figs, nuts and small coins by Kyrian and Julian since Chares had no mortal family to do so. They then stood before a priest and listened as he recited verses on the wonders and duties of marriage before he led her into the bedroom.

Aspasia kept her head lowered as her veil was removed, golden hair tumbling down her back. Chares stared at his new bride and felt something inside sink. "Apollite?" he asked gently and she nodded.

"My Father is mortal my Lord."

He wondered if that would change her fate or not. Part of him wanted to cast her out immediately, and yet… "You are my wife Aspasia; my name is Chares." He whispered and she glanced up so he smiled at her. She smiled timidly back and he knelt, gently removing her sandals to her surprise. "I will not harm you." He promised and she nodded.

The next day they emerged and the wedding feast began. Chares smiled as he watched her showered in gifts, to be held in trust in case he died before her, a likely event despite her heritage, since he was a warrior. What no one else knew was thanks to some magic she was pregnant with a son, to ensure his belongings would remain with her for their child. He had also ensured it would be an easy pregnancy and safe birth. And this way she would live long enough to truly be a part of the child's life. He had feared outliving his children before, now it was even worse. Would Hecate's blood be strong enough to overcome Apollo's curse? Eurytos had looked at him nervously but had relaxed as everything went as normal, Chares could have caused trouble over his keeping her heritage secret. He said nothing when her gaze wandered to Julian, he knew the other man would never stray from his own wife and it wasn't like he would begrudge Aspasia a lover considering he was gone, sometimes for years.

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"Clitus and the others will take good care of you and ensure you have anything you need." Chares promised as he put his boots on. He smiled as she held out his belt and sword, taking them from her to put on. "I am sorry we have not had longer to get to know each other." He took her hand and kissed the back of it gently.

Aspasia smiled at her husband of only sixteen days. He had been everything she had dreamed of in a husband, kind and attentive, he had never brought up her heritage again. He was more than just a warrior, they could discuss many topics together. But now the war was calling him away and she was worried for him.

"I will be home again Aspasia." He promised.

"No soldier can swear that Chares."

"I can." He gently brushed some hair form her face. "You are not the only one with godly ancestry. I am a demigod and immortal, I have taken 'mortal' wounds before."

Her eyes widened at that. An immortal demigod? His godly parent must be someone very powerful. And she felt a flash of hope, would their children take more after him? "I will still worry for you." She admitted and he nodded.

"I will be as careful as possible." He swore as they left the bedroom and he walked to where Sirius was waiting. He kissed her gently before mounting the horse and riding away. He was surprised to find he would miss her, he did not love her, not yet, but there was a feeling of friendship, she was a bit quiet but other than that she was the sort of person he had imagined marrying. Kind, smart, pretty, much like what people had described his own mortal Mother as. It would be good to get to know her more and he hoped to do so, they had time even with her reduced lifespan, she was only seventeen, that gave them a decade together, maybe more thanks to her human Father. He was just glad she could tolerate sunlight, although she preferred to remain in the shade, her small fangs did not bother him at all and he would not ask where she found the blood she needed, she would tell him if she wanted to.

TBC…