Demi-God Twin Chapter 20: Traitorous Kin.

Chapter 20: Traitorous Kin.

(Iphicles’ P.O.V.)

The dim, flickering light of the dungeons casts shadows along the damp walls as the hooded figure steps closer.

When her hood falls, revealing familiar silver eyes and soft features, my breath catches.

“Anissa,” I murmur, hardly believing my eyes.

“Master Iphicles…” she breathes, her voice trembling. Relief floods her face as she clasps her hands tightly at her chest. “You’re alive… You’re truly alive.”

Her words are soft but filled with emotion, the kind of loyalty and care that I’ve come to expect from her.

The guards shift uneasily, unsure of what to do.

“Release him,” Anissa says, her voice calm yet firm. “And the Ogre, too.”

The scarred captain frowns, clearly unhappy. “Lady Anissa, these prisoners were detained under suspicion of—”

“Suspicion of what?” she cuts in, though her tone remains respectful. “This man is no criminal. He is my master, Prince Iphicles of Tyrnis, and I will vouch for him personally.”

In any other instance I would correct my royal status as 'banished' but The title and her unwavering tone seem to give the guards pause.

The captain’s jaw tightens, but he nods reluctantly. Moments later, the cell swings open and the manacles fall from my wrists.

I flex my hands, the relief of freedom mingling with the pain of the past hours.

Beside me, Ori grunts as his restraints are removed, though his glare doesn’t waver.

“Follow me, Master Iphicles,” Anissa says softly, bowing slightly before turning to lead us out of the dungeons.

---

Apparently, Anissa has befriended the Governor and we're allowed entry into his home as her companions.

The building itself is a modest structure compared to the grandeur of the palace I once called home, but its well-kept interior feels like a world away from the filth of the dungeons.

The guards flank Ori and I suspiciously, hands on their weapons as Anissa leads us into a sizable sitting room, her steps measured and purposeful.

Once the door closes and the guards dismissed, she turns to me, her hands clasped tightly before her.

“Master Iphicles,” she begins, her eyes scanning me with worry. “Your clothes… they’re torn, and there’s blood…” She trails off, frowning. “But you have no injuries.”

I wave her concern away. “It’s nothing, Anissa. I’ve had worse.”

She hesitates, her gaze lingering on me before she nods and steps back.

“When Chiron left Argos to help you against Heracles, he told me where to meet you. I was on my way to the village when I came through this town and saw you and the Ogre being led through the streets.”

"His name is Ori." I made the introductions. "Ori, Anissa is a friend of mine."

"A friend who addresses you as Master? Do you take me for a fool?" The Ogre grunted.

"Fine. She used to be my Maid Servant back when I was a prince. But I'm not anymore. Anissa's simply too obstinate to change."

"Mmh. Or she simply knows herself best." Ori gave her an approving nod. "Thank you Lady Anissa, Ori of the Bitter Roots Tribe is grateful for his release from the faeces infested and very small cage."

"Think nothing of it, Ori of the Bitter roots Tribe. A friend of Prince Iphicles is a friend of mine." Anissa responds.

"We're not friends." I correct.

"Indeed, a friend would have shared the fact they are royalty." Ori bites out, a glare on his green ugly face. I of course ignore him.

Anissa surprises me with an amused snort. "If only Master Chiron were here..."

"Chiron the Centaur? Trainer of Heroes? You are associated with him as well?" Ori sounds impressed.

"He's Prince Iphicles' teacher. Almost a father." Anissa explains, voice wavering slightly, but she continues. “What happened my Prince, Where is...where is Chiron?”

"As perceptive as ever Anissa." I sink into a chair, running a hand through my hair.

“Chiron…” The name feels heavy on my tongue. “Heracles was too strong for us. Master is the only reason we survived but he was hurt bad. He's alive, but just barely. His stubbornness and an old healer are the only things keeping him going for now, but he won’t last long.”

Anissa gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “Master Chiron… How…?”

“There’s a way to save him,” I say quickly, cutting through her growing panic. “A flower called The Lunar Lotus. It’s the only thing that can heal him.”

Anissa’s expression softens slightly in understanding, though worry still clouds her features. “The Lunar Lotus?...I know of it. But it only blooms during the full moon,” she murmurs, her tone distant. “That’s two days away…”

“Exactly,” I reply. “We don’t have time to waste. We need to get it as soon as possible."

She shakes her head slowly. “The flower is very rare. Locating it will be-"

"We know where it is." I deliver the only good news and Anissa deflates in relief. "Okay. If it can save Master Chiron, I’ll do whatever it takes to help you get it.”

“Thank you, Anissa.” I say, meeting her eyes. “I have solely missed you and your loyalty.”

Her cheeks flush faintly, and she bows her head. “It is my duty, Master Iphicles. You and Master Chiron have always protected me. I will not fail you now.”

For a moment, her words bring a flicker of comfort. But then she straightens, her expression turning somber.

“There’s something else, Master,” she says quietly, her voice tinged with dread.

I frown. “What is it?”

“It’s about Heracles.”

The name alone sets my teeth on edge. “What about him?”

She hesitates, clearly reluctant to speak, but finally forces the words out. “There are news… He killed the Laerdenian Hydra and brought it back to the King of Argos. The people of Argos praised him as a hero, but…”

Her voice falters, and she looks away.

“Anissa,” I say, my voice low. “Tell me.”

She closes her eyes, as if bracing herself. “He killed the king, Master. Beheaded him in front of the court and claimed Argos for himself. He declared it a part of the Kingdom of Tyrnis, ruling by… by divine right.”

The words hit me like a blow. “What?”

Claiming the Hydra's kill as his own is something I was expecting but not everything else. Have you fallen so far brother?

She nods grimly, her hands clenching at her sides. “It’s true. And now there are whispers that he’s taken Mycenae as well.”

I slam my fist onto the table, the sound echoing through the room. “That bastard… He’s no king. He’s nothing but a tyrant.”

Ori, who has been silent until now, finally speaks. “Who’s this Heracles?”

I glance at him, my jaw tight. “He’s my brother. My younger brother and the reason I was banished”

The room falls silent, tension thick in the air. Before anyone can speak, the door creaks open.

The Governor a red haired, well built man steps inside, flanked by soldiers and a group of masked figures.

My body tenses instantly, and Anissa frowns, taking a step to shield me.

“Governor Titus,” she says, her voice trembling. “What is the meaning of this? Who are these people?”

She recognizes the Children of Enyo, as do I.

The Governor shrugs, a faint, apologetic smile playing on his lips. “I’m sorry, dear Anissa, but this is for the good of the town. Heracles is the future. Handing over the banished prince Iphicles, will earn me favor with the new king.

Instantly his intentions become clear.

“You fool,” I snap, rising from my chair. “Heracles has no honor. Once he’s done with you, he’ll destroy everything you’ve built.”

The Governor doesn’t answer. Instead, the robed woman at his side steps forward.

Her milky white eyes gleam unnaturally as she pulls back her hood, revealing a sharp, angular face.

“You,” she hisses, her voice cold and venomous. “You dare speak against the son of Zeus? The God of Strength? The Divine Mortal-God Heracles? I am the Priestess of Enyo, and by Apollo’s will, I will silence your blasphemy.”

She gestures to the masked assassins. “Kill the Ogre and the girl. Take the prince alive, but you may break him if necessary.”

Anissa turns to the Governor, her voice cracking with anger. “You’re betraying me? Forget our Kin-ship. You're no Spartan.”

The Governor doesn’t meet her eyes. “I’m sorry, Lady Anissa. But this is bigger than you or me.”

The Priestess smiles coldly. “Enough talk. Take them.”