Hi guys! There has been some confusion from some of you so I'm going to try clear this up - This story is heavily based on Greek Mythology, Edward is Zeus and Bella is having to play Aphrodite. Yes, they are supposed to be married but if you know Greek Mythology, Zeus is always portrayed as a serial cheater. In my opinion, Edward isn't cheating on Bella as of yet, he's cheating on Aphrodite. I know some of you are heavily against infidelity which is completely understandable but my story isn't going to be surrounding that topic and I'm very sorry if I may have upset anyone, as I didn't put a warning, it was not my intention.
I very much hope you enjoy this chapter and please continue reading, reviews are much appreciated bad or good!
"Don't!" Alice's whispered yell did nothing to pull me from my blind rage. I knew what it was like to suffer from abuse, but I couldn't sit back and watch another receive it. My path was certain and as I strode towards Edward my plan was in place, until I was barged to the floor.
Looking up my vision was slightly dizzy from the impact, I could tell a well-built man was stood above me, his skin an attractive bronze. He, of course, had a good physique, athletic and muscular.
"Aphrodite, I apologise." Holding his huge hand out, I took it gratefully.
"It's rea…" Upright, I got a glimpse at his face. My stomach instantly coiled, the blood leaving my body.
"Jacob?" I barely uttered. Alice came up from behind me, hastily steering me into the shadows. The man's features morphed into one of confusion. Visions of him mistreating me wormed their way into my mind.
"Jacob? If you know his face this must be his doppelganger." Alice snapped me out of it, carefully whispering her words. Her hands rested upon my quivering ones as I briefly watched the guy, he followed us into the shadows, totally bewildered on what was happening.
"What is going on here? Aphrodite, care to explain?" His arrogance beamed off of him, you could convey he thought himself important, his piercing eyes staring me down, full of accusation.
"Please excuse Aphrodite's behaviour, sir. I believe she knocked her head with the fall." Alice stepped in, coming up with an excuse for our odd behaviour. The man looked me over before nodding his head, he didn't bother to apologise again but continued to stride through the gardens. I instantly hoped he wouldn't be a recurring face.
"Jacob?" Alice questioned.
"Before all of this, I was running from a man who mistreated me. He was called Jacob, he looked exactly like him." I instantly saw the shift in Alice's eyes, the sympathy creeping through. I exhaled, I hated that look.
"Alice, please don't look at me any different. It was my choices that lead me to him and I didn't exactly help myself, I could have left him months ago." She attempted to argue but I cut her off short.
"I'm sorry for barging out the bushes, seeing another get abused or mistreated is something I'm understandably strong against. It was actually fortunate that guy knocked me down, I might have blown my cover, I wasn't thinking rationally." I regretfully told Alice, my voice sincere and apologetic.
"Bella, you need to understand, God's here are worshipped and expect nothing less. Edward is mighty powerful and eternal. He's the King of the God's, you don't disobey him. The women here all understand their places and are grateful to be among the God's." I took in Alice's words, the realisation that these women willingly worshipped Edward made me feel queasy, is that what I was expected to do?
I peeked from the shadows and searched for the ruler, his billowing triceps were being gingerly dried by a different young woman. I watched as he flicked his wrist in her direction, the maiden swiftly rushed out the gardens and out of my vision. Casting my eyes back, Edward dressed in fresh robes, his striking features morphing into one of misery.
The life of the forests around him quickly dulled, the harmonised birds began to get restless in the blustery treetops above making the area buzz with noise. Wind picked up around Edward, ruffling his already messy hairdo, the gardens looked chaotic in his distressed presence, like nature itself tried strengthening the God with its own energy.
What could the King of God's be this miserable about?
Alice glanced around my shoulder, seeing what I stayed fixated on.
"He's depressed. After all these decades of immortality he's become evil. I once knew him to be kind-hearted, but I don't think he even feels much anymore. It's quite sad, even nature can't relax him anymore." It irked me that Alice would be sympathetic towards him. My head whipped around, startling Alice.
"You show him sympathy?" My voice impassioned. She gave me a dejected smile, her features turning downcast. It was the first time I'd seen Alice so crestfallen, it looked truly heart-breaking.
"I see things. The future, or possible futures. It's why Aphrodite had me be her maiden, I came of use to her when she figured she wanted to escape. I can't tell you everything Bella, but you must know that he isn't such a monster." Her eyes portrayed nothing but truth.
"It's amazing, the extent of this world. To hold powers and be immortal, it must be strange." To think that one person could hold such powers, it made my mind whirl. I briefly wondered what Alice saw of my future but feared the answer.
We both watched as Edward finally departed the gardens, as his presence left the life of the greenery around us quickly perked back up, restoring itself to the tranquil grounds it had been moments ago.
"We really should get going, we have one day left before Aphrodite is expected back at the palace which means you have one day to learn everything Aphrodite." I sighed instantly, one day to absorb a whole different personality.
Alice led me through a nearby meadow to an extravagant, gold embellished gazebo. Seated across from me she perched on the edge of her seat and sorrowfully smiled at me.
"Even though you're a kind soul Bella, you must be fierce, malicious. Be vain, Aphrodite relished in shoving her splendour in people's faces, it's partly why people loathed her. If a maiden was to fall in front of you, you are to snigger or punish them for their clumsiness. I understand it may be challenging, but Bella, here it's kill or be killed." Alice grasped my clammy hand and squeezed it in encouragement, her support granting me the strength to take in her words and form a persona.
Casting away the thoughts and feelings of my own personality and being Aphrodite was going to be exceptionally challenging, but Alice assured me that as her maiden, she'd constantly be at my side to chastise me and to protect me.
Alice was still instructing me when the sun began to wake up and blister through the morning sky, my yawn was enough indication to stop but I implored Alice to continue, the thought of being executed motivating me to gather as much information on Aphrodite as I could cram in. But I knew I couldn't prevent the inevitable for long, the palace awaited my arrival at dusk.
