Akad stood outside his father’s quarters, staring at the wooden door. He had been floating on a cloud when he left the forest, but now that it was time to sit down for dinner with Anshar, his nerves were completely shot. Would Anshar disapprove of what he had done with Marduk? Akad had been the one to take Marduk, but he still wasn’t sure how his father would see it. He remembered the threats Anshar made in the council lounge. He had told him to never submit his body to a god, but he’d said nothing about having a god for a lover.
When Akad finally knocked, a mortal servant opened the door, led him through the foyer lined with bookshelves, and opened the dark red curtain leading to Anshar’s living room. Akad scanned the room, realizing Anshar had not yet arrived. Long red curtains hung beside the open shutters of the front windows, and light from the setting sun shone over the round, wooden dining table beside it. In the next moment, two servants walked in, placing steaming platters on the table and lit candles around the room. When Anshar finally arrived and sat down at the table, Akad took a seat across from him. They both dined in silence for some time before Akad gathered the courage to speak.
“Father,” Akad said, trying to keep his voice steady, “when you were my age, did a god ever try anything with you?”
Anshar looked up, his black eyes stern. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you said to stay away from powerful gods, but a god doesn’t have to be old and powerful to try something. So, I was just wondering if a god ever tried to ... you know. Be too friendly.”
“Speak plainly.”
Akad’s face warmed. “I mean, did a god ever try to kiss you?”
“I can’t say I ever had that problem, Anu.” Anshar leaned back in his chair, his regard darkening. “Who tried to kiss you?”
Akad’s heart jolted. “No one. I was just wondering because of what you told me in the council lounge.”
Anshar inspected Akad for a moment before picking up his goblet and taking a drink of wine.
“Look, Anu,” Anshar said, lowering his brow. “You are a god of high standing. The empire you will inherit is vast. You have yet to take over, but it’s time you start playing the role. If a god ever pushes his weight around or tries anything, I expect you to beat him down and shove your cock down his throat. No matter where you are, you need to fuck him right there in front of everyone so he knows he can never best you.”
Akad’s mouth dropped open for a moment. “Okay.” Akad lowered his eyes, struggling to understand the implications of what his father was saying. He had never seen Anshar do such a thing.
“So, does that mean you’ve had sex with a god?”
Fire flared in Anshar’s eyes. “What the hell do you think, Anu? Do you think I’m the type to be kissing on gods? I fucked every god who ever dared challenge me, and every god who has crossed me paid by choking down my cock. That’s how it is Anu: fuck or be fucked! I made them kneel before me, but never have I taken a god to warm my bed!”
Akad’s face burned.
“Father, I didn’t mean to imply—I just wasn’t sure what you were saying.” His throat was suddenly dry, and he couldn’t breathe. Anshar glared at him but said nothing more. It was clear he would never be the god his father wanted him to be. Akad had kissed and touched Marduk, savoring every moment. His encounter with Marduk had nothing to do with domination. Anshar might not disown him for being with Marduk, but it was doubtful he’d ever approve.