9
Wait, did he say nephew? How does a divine asshole like Apollo have so many family members who could tolerate being around him? It’s astonishing. From our few interactions, he was practically unbearable, even when his stick was not fully up his ass.
“This…thing was chosen by the Sun God.” The man on his knees says in an obviously demeaning manner.
Narrowing my eyes, I glare at the man. “You’re lucky your bodyguards got here.”
The man flinches. Still covering his injury.
That’s what you get for being a piece of shit. Giving him a half smile, I can’t help but laugh at the fool.
Wincing, he slowly stands up and hobbles toward the main entrance of the garden. “Guards, assist me with delivering it to our King,”
The henchmen readily agree. Yanking me up by the arms, I bite back the pain radiating from my shoulder. Two guards hold me with a grip that pierces my skin, sending shooting pains down my arms.
A dagger pressed flush against my back.
Almost like they were warning me not to test their patience.
“Helio, Solis, Release her.” Apollo’s Uncle stated in a clear firm voice.
The two guards freeze in place. Loosening their grip slightly as they look back and forth between the two influential men. As though they were trying to calculate which imposing figure trumped the other.
Flipping around, the man that I kicked squares up with Uncle. “But Advisor Ov,” he whispers through a forced smile. “The mortal shouldn’t be outside its rooms.” The large pudgy man with eyes that bulge like pigs then jabbed. “It should be in its cage.”
“It! I”ll show you what ‘it’ can do,” I murmur under my breath. Balling my fist, I clench my jaw tight. Gods, if I ever get the chance, a swift kick to the balls will be the least of his problems.
Ignoring the grumbling man, Uncle turned his attention back to me and the two guards. “Helio and Solis, I do hope you”re not challenging me right now.” Ov raises a questioning brow at both guards. “I do believe that without Lord Apollo and Lady Artemis here that I’m the next highest in command.”
The men on either side of me turn to face each other. Having a wordless conversation on what their next steps should be.
In unison, they both release their grip on me as I rub my upper arms.
Their fear of Ov apparently greatly outweighed their respect for the other man.
Uncle nodded before gesturing for me to follow him deeper into the garden.
Glancing at the guards, I watch as neither looks at me.
“Follow me to my private area of the garden.” I follow him through some narrow passages of greenery to a secluded garden table and chairs.
He gestures to me to sit down and helps me to my seat before taking his own. Taking his bell from the center of the table, he gave it a slight jingle. A servant scatters into the clearing. “Advisor.” He bows toward the man. “Honored guest.” He bows less deeply to me. “How may I be of service to you?”
The Uncle asks, “Fetch us some tea and scones. Preferably the ones with that delightful raspberry icing.” The man appeared to have a sweet tooth. Not what I expected from one of the gods, but I choose to shrug it off.
The brown-haired boy with ruddy skin fidgets restlessly while gawking at me, “But sir, Apollo has commanded that she’s not permitted to eat without him present at said meal.” The servant locked eyes with me, we held an uncomfortable gaze. His fear of the Sun God is apparent. “The Lord told us—”
“—Oh, and fruit! Strawberries, peaches, olives, and figs should suffice, don’t you think my darling?” The man interrupts his servant. Everything that he has said so far sounds absolutely delicious. I would take any flavor after seven days of tasteless food. My stomach growls at the thought. “That sounds like a yes to me,” Uncle chuckles. “See. Our honored guest needs food.”
The young man smiles awkwardly at the god. A civil war is being waged inside his mind. Torn on how to handle his present situation.
“Ooh, what about tea? I would like my usual cinnamon tea. Also, some ambrosia. What would you like my dear?” He smiles back at me.
“I would like black tea with bergamot and lemon please.” Smiling at the young man, I try to appear softer. Attempting to let my annoyance at the other man melt away.
The servant stammers, “...But the Lord Apollo said—”
“Let me deal with my nephew. Should you’ve any problems, direct him my way,” reassures the burly man. Nodding, Uncle smiles. “I know how he can get. He has a flare for the dramatics.” Turning his attention to me, Ov continues, “You know, I always told my sister that her boy would make an excellent actor. With a bit of guidance and practice, damn he’d have made out in big leagues.” As he gets more excited, his hands move more and more. Enunciating each of his words.
I think I know where Apollo’s flare for the dramatics comes from,I think to myself with a smirk.
“You don’t even know the half of it,” Arista mutters with crossed arms. A grumpy look is painted onto her face as she watches the advisor for the court.
Choosing to ignore Ari, I turn my attention back to Ov. “In a bigger league than being a Lord of his own Court?” I question with a slight smile and a raised eyebrow. This man seems like someone who I could get along with.
The servant’s eyes go wide and slightly frantic.
“Oh well, I guess I don’t know about that.” The man laughs. “I suppose that my nephew is doing pretty good for himself without my observations.”
As he smiles, crinkles form around his icy blue eyes.
“But anyways, as I was saying Ganymede, if my nephew gives you any guff, send him my way.” He winks at me. “My nephew tends to overact.” Now that was the understatement of the century. I couldn’t contain my giggles at the Uncle’s quip.
It seems like the man loved to pick on his nephew and I can’t help but wonder how vehemently Apollo must despise that. As he seems like the type who never wants to be seen as being inferior.
Cautiously, Ganymede left the garden looking like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. I suspect that Uncle was the rock and Apollo was the hard place. Both have huge personalities and seem to be forces to be reckoned with.
“I sincerely apologize for Councilman Noctus. He has been a pain in my ass since before my nephew’s father’s reign. Forgive me for my tardy introduction, my name is Ov. I”m Uncle to Lord Apollo.”
Noctus. That seemed fitting for the man that I encountered. “Nice to meet you sir.”
“Oh, that’s quite all right dear,” he chuckles. “You may skip the formalities with me. Uncle Ov or some variation of that’s fine with me.”
Nodding, I reply, “Thanks Ov.”
Clasping his hands together, he makes a loud, singular clap before adding, “Now what’s your name? Tell me a bit about yourself. I have heard so much about you from my nephew.”
Eying the man, I look for any sarcasm. Spotting none, a flash of excitement jolts through me. Apollo has been talking about me. My heart skips a beat at the thought.
Ari groaned at my thoughts. “Apollo thinks about anything fuckable. That doesn’t make you special.”
Ari!A wave of hurt emanates from me.
“What? That’s nothing against you. It’s the horny god being a horny god,” Ari muses.
What, and you call yourself an expert when it comes to horny gods?
“That I am,” she declares proudly.
Whatever. Turning back to Ov, I introduce myself. “My name is Pandora. Though I”m certain my life is much less interesting than yours. I lived with my family in Karpathos where I worked at a local apothecary. Helping keep our herbs stocked. I also apprenticed —”
“— Interesting that my nephew has selected a mortal who is been cursed by Hades himself.” Ov’s eyes narrow on to me.
The sudden change in tone shocked me. One minute he wants to know everything about me. Then the next he wants me to answer his specific questions. Forcing a pained half smile. “A curse to the mortals and gods alike. Yahada yahada yahada. Yeah, Uncle Ov, I know.” Muttering the same mantra that I have heard from every single new person that I have ever met. To say that I’m annoyed is minimizing how over I”m with those worlds. I let the sass drip from my voice. “Back home, the priestesses would tell me of how those with my eyes are destined to live lives of woe. Lives held together by sorrow, troubles, and distress. But let me tell you, I would have much preferred that your nephew had picked anyone but me.” I explained.
“Oh no, my dear. That was an observation. Nothing against you or your character. Rather an observation of my nephew.” Uncle sighs, allowing himself to pause as he thoughtfully considers his next words. “You see, my nephew has always been an interesting one. I”m certain he has his reasons behind his decision in selecting you. What else, my dear?”
“I can assure you that being selected by your nephew was not my choice.” Grouchily I murmur as I let my eyes drift off into the distance. Watching the confines of the small private garden, it appeared it was only walled off from the main area. Like a private reading nook in a library.
The patio was nothing remarkable.
Almost the entire portion of the sectioned off garden is dead. The place is nearly desolate, lacking any semblance of life.
But the bones of the garden share a different story. One where it was full of life and was cherished by some past own. Decrepitly, there appears to have been a meticulously cared for garden filled with flowers but now… Now it’s dusty and withering.
The ruins of this garden look like a corpse.
The flowers don’t seem to take to the earth here. Like spring has no place in this land.
How unexpected for the court of the Sun God?
Chewing on my bottom lip, I try to focus on my conversation with Uncle Ov.
“These eyes aren’t a curse. Some see it as a blessing,” I state. A fact my dad tried to remind me of repeatedly.
Somehow, I cheated death but one day, I might have to pay in spades for an agreement that I don’t remember. For all that I know, I could’ve sold my soul to Hades. After my next death, I might be required to live a life of indentured servitude without an end in sight in the darkness filled lands of Erebus.
Mortal dread consumes me. My mind spinning around and tossing out the worst bargains that I could’ve made with a god who has everything.
Money or other material goods wouldn’t hold any sway over him. Hades is practically the embodiment of wealth. With the Underworld being below ground, the God of Death is known for his collection of gold, gems, and other treasures of the earth.
Ov plays with his beard. Twirling the long gray whiskers of his goatee around his finger. Though fit, he is burlier than all the immortals that I have seen thus far. Though admittedly, I have not seen a ton of Olympians. Nor do I hope to see many during my time here. “That may be true, I mean, that you gained favor with Hades in some unknown manner. Trust me, he is a god that isn’t pleased easily. You”re a rarity, that I can assure you. Then you must have promised him something,” Ov pushes back on his chair. Leaning on the back two legs heavily. Balancing nearly perfectly.
My brain continues to spin. Trying to think of what I could’ve possibly traded a god. “What could I possibly have given Hades? He has everything that even a god could ask for. Riches beyond compare, the uncontested ruler of his realm and absolute control of his court. Plus, I don’t even remember the deal.”
“That’s not a question for me to answer. How Olympians handle bargains is different for each deity. Unique to that god or goddess,” Huffed Ov as he laces his fingers over his stomach. Giving off the appearance of indifference. “Now back to my previous question. Please tell me more about yourself.”
His tone was anything but a request. Mortals are even more strange in the land of the gods than gods are in the land of mortals.
Uncle is probably concerned about my curse and what it could have in store for Apollo’s kingdom.
Because of his concern for his family, I tell him everything. Anything that I could think of. Prattling on about my former life in Karpathos, I discussed my family, my friends, and what my life was like before Caelum.
Well, everything except for dad. With Artemis, it was easier to talk about, but with Ov… I don’t know.
“What else?” Ov presses further.
It was obvious to me that he was looking for a specific bit of information. I had no idea what specifically he was looking for. “Well, I love to read and write. I guess I”m boring,” I said while grimacing. Trying to subtly signal I want to change the subject.
“Why do you say that you”re boring?” asks a curious Ov. Pressing hard once more in his unrelenting fashion.
I feel overwhelmed.
“Well, I”m not sure what else to talk to you about. I didn’t live in a castle or even the nicest of homes.” Saved by the bell. The servant returns with a large tray holding several bowls, plates, two teapots, teacups, etc. Ganymede then places a glass filled with amber liquid in front of Ov.
“What’s that?” I tilt my head in the direction of the glass as Ganymede bows to us both before taking his leave.
“Ambrosia,” Uncle answers lazily while swirling the liquid in his cup. “Would you like a smell? Don’t drink it though. It can be highly intoxicating for mortals.”
Extending the goblet, the god shoots me a crooked grin.
Part of me craves to press the liquid to my lips but sheer determination holds me back. “Interesting.” Handing the ambrosia back over to Ov was even more difficult.
Just like what Apollo supposedly gave me. With every meal of gruel, a small vial comes on my tray. Growing larger and larger in size. According to the Sung God, he is trying to build my tolerance.
This may just be my chance to compare what Ov’s drinking with what Apollo provides.
Cautiously, I move forward. Taking the offered cup, I pull the goblet close to my face as I smell the liquid. The fruity smell of wine fills the air. Possibly the best aroma I have experienced. Curiosity fills me, wondering what it would be like to taste the liquid. Rolling the glasses, I”m surprised at how thick the liquid feels even while rolling it around. But the color was unforgettable. As amber as Apollo’s eyes. Like I was staring at the sun in a cup.
My mind whispers for me to take one sip.
Gods. I wanted to sip that liquid so bad. Trying to pull my mind from it, I instead turn to my tea. Taking a long drag. Focusing on the flavors of my incredible drink, I push the thought of the gold liquid from my mind.
When Ov reclaims his goblet, I watch as he gives me an amused look. “You have a strong will.” Raising his chalice to me first, he then brings it to his lips. “Your strength will serve you well here.”
Nodding to him, I reply with a curt, “Thank you.”
“If you”re looking for the man with the answers, it”s him,” Ari muses. Her voice feels faint. Like she’s trying to be as unnoticeable as possible. Though why she’d have a change of heart on that score now is confusing to me. I’m the only one who can see her, and she knows it. Ari whispers, “The trick is getting him talking enough to find the answers you”re looking for.”
Sipping the tea, I brace myself. Thinking of the questions that I need to know. I ask, “What kinds of things do you do in the palace? I know Athena is the head of the guard. Artemis appears to be next in line should anything happen to Apollo.”
Placing a scone between his lips, Ov takes a bite before replying with a voice full of charisma. “Oh, my darling, there’s such a wide variety of the most mundane and boring tasks. I wouldn’t even know where to start nor would I want to bore your pretty little face to death. Now that you’ve heard about my family, tell me about yours.”
Has he told me anything about his family?
No.
Well, maybe I”m becoming forgetful. It’s been a heck of a week.
“He’s using you,” Arista whispers in my ear. “Don’t let him make you doubt yourself.”
Giving him an innocent look, I replied, “You haven’t shared too much about your family…” I mildly accuse the advisor. Not willing to let him walk all over me. Especially with Ari confirming what I thought I already knew.
Steepling his fingers, Ov gives me a perplexed look. Staring at me, he says, “I have actually talked a lot about me—”
I interjected, “What happened to the old King?” Choosing to ignore him, I hope that he”ll answer my questions for a turn.
He sighs loudly and he sits silently. As though assessing my stubbornness. “There was a coup. Zeus made enemies in this world. He pushed to become King of Olympus.”
Raising an eyebrow, I ask, “Wasn’t he already a king?”
“Well, no. Zeus was once a Lord of Caelum. But he had eyes for something bigger,” Ov elaborated. “Every thousand years the Council of the Thirteen Gods would vote on who’d lead the council. Zeus had grown comfortable. Complacent even. Believing that since he was elected once, that he’d always be in power. When the very notion of power shifts to one of the other courts, everything changed.
“Zeus attempted rather brazenly to create a monarchy. The fool tried to strip the other houses of their power without believing that anyone would stand in his way. He assumed they’d blindly follow him, under the slogan of ‘Uniting Olympus’ or something. Those who were once aligned with Zeus made alliances with other houses. His children especially sought out what the other courts would provide them with and how others could suit their goals.
“Ultimately, Zeus failed to take control and was thrown into the deepest parts of the underworld through Tartarus, the capital city of Erebus.” Ov sips his ambrosia. His cheeks are flush from the alcohol.
I shift uncomfortably at this entire situation.
Ov notices this.
Uncle states plainly, “I may be a god, but I”m nothing like The Thirteen.”
“The Thirteen?”
“How do humans know so little about the gods?” I flinch at his harsh words. “Oh dear, I mean no offense to you. It was an observation.”
“It”s taboo to talk about the gods in our world. Apollo is the one that’s the slightest of exceptions in my town with the Pythian Priestesses who are dedicated to honoring Apollo and Persephone.” No matter what, the immortal’s names were hardly stated. There have been old fears that stating the name of a divine would bring them to you. My family never gave much credence to this… Although, admittedly, this didn’t serve me well when taking into consideration that I”m now in Caelum. “Now, what did you mean by The Thirteen?”
“Oh yes, how could I have forgotten,” muttered Ov. “I’m referring to the thirteen Olympians. The Olympians include Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Athena, Ares, Hephestus, Aphrodite, Hermes, Dionysus, Demeter, Artemis, and Apollo.”
“But I thought Hades lived in the Underworld. Wouldn’t that mean he’s not an Olympian?” I ask genuinely curious.
Ov snorts. “That must be some mortal rumor. You see, The Thirteen regularly hold court on Mount Olympus which is at the center of our four courts. But when referring to our world as a collective, we’re Olympus. Hence, even Hades is still an Olympian.”
Nodding, I add, “That makes sense.”
Suddenly Ganymede rushes into the garden, Creaking the gate to the garden closed. “Lord Ov!” His eyes flash with a bit of fear. Looking bewildered and out of breath. “The guards are knocking on Lady Pandora’s door. They’re talking about breaking down the door.”
Dang it.
My eyes whip over to Uncle Ov looking for any direction on what to do.
Sighing with an air of annoyance, Uncle Ov replies, “Fine. I”ll send her back through the servant staircases. Hopefully then we can avoid a confrontation.” He winks at me.
“What can I say, confrontations find me,” I laugh.
Ov stands up and gestures to the far back wall of the garden. The path feels long and winding.
Standing in front of the ivy-covered walls, I ask, “This looks like a wall…”
The man smiles, “You found your way here using a seemingly average wall.”
Valid point.
He pulls back the curtain of ivy. Instead of a fully brick facade, an iron gate stands latch.
Turning to Ov, I unlocked the gate. “Thank you for the tea and company.”
After all, I have more questions.
“Let”s do this again sometime. Perhaps next time I”ll bring my dog, Kuon.” Uncle shouts from behind me. I nod as I latch the gate behind me. Rushing to my room. “Feel free to come back to these gardens any time.”
This pathway connects to the one that I used to get down here. I”m thankful to know where I”m in this labyrinth of a castle. Rushing up the stairs, I get to my door. Pressing my ear to the wall, I listen for signs that they broke down the door.
No voices.
Just heavy knocking.
Flying open the hidden door, I shut it behind me. Double checking that it closed cleanly. I relent, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I”m coming.”
I unlock the door to my suite to a frustrated looking Athena. “Finally. Why didn’t you answer for my first hundred knocks?” She shot me a challenging look. Opening my mouth, she gestures to me to be silent. “It was a rhetorical question. Now come on. Your presence is requested for dinner.”
“Why didn’t you let yourself in like last time?” I ask earnestly.
Athena glares. “With the plague, magic is a finite resource. Hearing the sploosh and then silence, I was scared for your safety. Judging by your wild hair, I assume you were sleeping and I”ll not waste my magic on that.”
Ouch. Dang curly hair.
Furrowing my brow, I ask, “Athena, are you turning to marble like Apollo?”
The Goddess of Wisdom eyes me up and done. Like she’s sizing me up for battle. After her scrutiny was completed or resolved, she pulls her armor and chiton dress aside. “Unfortunately, yes.”
Peeking up her collarbone, I see the familiar sight of marble and gold crawling slowly up her body. Hers has progressed beyond Apollo’s ailment.
“How long does this go on for?”
The guard sighs. “For nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, and other magical folk, it can take as much as a month. For gods, it can be hundreds of years depending on magic usage and power reserves among other factors. Humans though… Days. Sometimes weeks. But once it starts spreading. The final extent of the disease goes quickly.”
Gulping, my eyes widened.
No. I need to get out of here. Regardless of if I”m able to assist the kingdom or not, I refuse to get caught up in the plague. The first chance I get, I”m out of here.
“Now, how about I take you downstairs for dinner,” Athena smiles reassuringly.
The smells of dinner floating down the halls after the divine taste of fruit with Ov finally tempt me out of my resolve. Since coming, I have had two options for the meals, eat with the family or eat in my room.
“Fine, I’m tired of that tasteless porridge anyway.”