Aleksander listened in horror. He had witnessed many variations of this story during his long years and very rarely had it ended well for the one standing against the autocratic leader determined to rule things their way. A few times he himself had been the one fighting for justice and had his own loved ones suffer for his audacity. It was cruel and unfair and his heart hurt for Dionysus.

"Oh, Dima," he said, the diminutive slipping out thoughtlessly. He stepped forward to embrace Dionysus then checked himself, unsure if he would be welcome. It was times like these that being a living amplifier was a hindrance.