Of Ambrosia and Stone: Pandora's Curse

27

The tingle of magic in the air seems to continue rising. I could feel it in my soul and on my skin. My entire being feels like it”s on edge. Waiting for some unknown need.

When I asked Athena what was happening, she simply said that it comes when we’re around a solstice or equinox. People can get a bit restless.

Sitting in my room, I noticed I would start to fidget like I hadn’t moved in days. The restlessness began to overwhelm me, I tried pacing my room but found no relief. The anxious energy in my muscles demanding… anything so long as I wasn’t motionless. I had hoped a bath would help soothe my nervous energy but that turned out exactly opposite of what I intended. My entire body feels too… sensitive, leaving me wanting what I shouldn’t be dwelling on yet.

Leaving me craving Apollo.

But he’s busy. Doing god knows what. So I need to distract myself.

Instead, I attempt to fill my day pacing my room. It”s so mind-numbingly boring at times. Even books couldn’t hold my interest.

If Agatha saw me now, she’d probably swear that the ambrosia is going to my head and playing tricks on me.

Maybe it is.

Pushing the restlessness out of me, I focus on what’s coming.

Teatime with Uncle Ov.

As of late, it has become our weekly tradition. Not that I trust him or he trusts me. It was almost like we were keeping tabs on each other. Each of us feeling the other one out.

My most recent distraction from Apollo has been surrounding Ov. I’m trying to figure out what he is doing in the palace. For days at a time, he will be gone only to resurface once more with no explanation of what he was doing.

Watching the sundial, I waited for it to approach 2pm. Willing it to move closer to teatime in the garden.

A quarter hour before, I couldn’t wait for another moment. Slowly, I step toward the front door. Cautiously avoiding making excessive noise. Slowly, I turn the deadbolt, locking the door shut. I approach the all too familiar patch of wall between my bathroom and wardrobe.

Although I could walk through the main halls of the palace now, I thoroughly enjoyed taking the secret passageways to get where I needed to be.

Even with the damn spiders.

The hidden walkways were always an adventure. Leading to new rooms, chambers, and storage areas.

Pulling the gold leaf sconce, the door disengaged. I silently and shut the door behind me before picking up my speed. I practically skip down the worn wooden steps and platforms hidden away in the walls.

The passages are dark and much less opulent than the palace beyond. Here it was not made to be pretty. It was made for utility.

But regardless, they were an interesting adventure each time.

The iron garden stands latched. Pressing my ear to the door, I stand listening to the door. Waiting for the sound of Uncle Ov, I pause.

Several minutes pass. Standing still, wondering if perhaps he got the day wrong.

No, No. I came down here too early. My impatience would be my downfall, I joke.

Hearing the main gate creak open, I pause, “Pandora. Are you here yet?” Ov’s voice rang through the garden. “I brought Kuon!”

For weeks, Ov has been threatening to bring him. Each time we’ve tea, I excitedly hope that today would be the day that Uncle would bring his puppy. Only to be disappointed when he would make up some sort of excuse.

Honestly, I’m more thrilled to see Kuon than Ov.

Excitedly, I rushed out of the closed gate. Ecstatic to meet Ov’s dog. Kuon, the golden hound of Ov, curls in the shade of the great oak tree. The hound reminds me of the hunting dogs from my home. Only much larger. Kuon’s coat is a mixture of rust and gold. “Afternoon Ov!” Shutting the door, I approach the table and chairs, our usual spot.

“Good to see you.” He smiles. “How are you doing? Just so you know, I sent Ganymede to get some tea and pastries already. In town, I found this wonderful tea. Reminds me of a winter day, a mint and lavender blend.”

Leaning over, I whistle.

The dog rushes to me excitedly.

Kuon was so excited that his backside kept flying out ahead of his face. With each wag of his tail, he’d thwack himself like a whip. So much so that Kuon closes his eyes and flinches at his own tail.

Laughing loudly, I look down at the dog. Offering him my hand, I let him sniff before patting his midsection.

Petting him, big dark eyes stare up at me. Long floppy ears framing his face.

Once I stand, he runs off, returning to his place under the tree.

“Sounds delightful.” I returned his grin. Doing my best to relax the forced feel of my smile. “Today has been pretty good. I”m so bored but good news. Apollo has given me permission to wander the palace grounds.”

Uncle chuckles, “See child, my nephew can be stubborn but so are you. You had to wait him out.”

“Haha, I suppose you”re right,” I murmur as I sip my tea.

Even in the winter, the air almost feels balmy this time of day. Back at home, I would have sat outside, relishing the sunlight.

Tea warms my stomach. The mint and lavender dance along my senses.

The fresh smell reminds me of winter in my home.