The celebration continues with "H" of hangover.
Chapter 4: Who is the enemy?
It was a scented evening in Athens and the Solo villa's terrace was happily lit by pumpkin lamps and ghost-shaped candles. A merry group was gathered for Dorian von Heinstein-Solo's first Halloween party. According to the invitation, they wore comic characters' costumes. Many important members of the Justice League were gathered to have fun instead of working in saving the world: Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman. However, these superheroes were more interested in destroying mankind in order to rule the Earth.
Before the Judges of the Underworld had a chance to introduce themselves in their furry costumes, a tall man dressed like a musketeer came in with a beautiful blond girl who was introduced as Princess Aurora. The gods were delighted with her, even though Pandora wasn't pleased to have a member of the royalty in their private party. On one hand, Julian was happy to have an increasing number of guests because he was sure that the more, the merrier. On the other hand, Hades was captivated by her so he invited the Princess to sit by him on a couch.
Meanwhile, Pandora gently asked the newcomer's name. The tall man smartly smiled to them. He wore a French Musketeer uniform and had his long dark mane under a fine hat. His more astonishingly features were his silky hair and his probing turquoise eyes which seemed to analyze everyone and everything around him. In fact, he resembled one of the famous Dumas' characters and certainly was a princely D'Artagnan.
Before giving an answer, the tall man drew his sword with extreme grace and speed and put it between Hades and Princess Aurora. The couple was in shock. His turquoise eyes flashed as he silently challenged the Dark Knight. Hades' cold eyes disdainfully looked at him.
- Please, don't do it! – The distressed beautiful girl exclaimed while Hades calmly raised his cosmo.
- I wouldn't let him harm you, Princess Aurora! – The musketeer shouted as his bluish cosmo began to burn. – Engarde!
Watching the scene, the Judges roared as they got ready to attack the Musketeer. It was an amazing scene because the cute furry animals struck ferocious poses. The mummy jumped near his Lord and stood in a defensive position, his bandages wildly flowing like a sea anemone. At the same moment, the sassy French Maid quickly got in front of Poseidon and his family, her hands ready to launch her Death Trap Coral to the handsome Musketeer. In fact, she was ready to sacrifice herself in order to avoid any harm to her beloved Lord. Meanwhile, Julian just blinked. Then the host put his arm around Pandora, who was embracing little Dorian and covering his young eyes with Superman's cloak. They feared whatever was coming next would be Hell on Halloween. Hades' eyes were fixed on the turquoise probing ones.
Feeling the tension around and his mom's distress, the baby began to cry, showing his little tooth. – BOO! BOO! DA-DAA! DA-DAAA! BOO! BOO!
Dorian's cries were heartbreaking. With anger, Rhadamanthys looked at them. He was ready to protect his Lord but the safety of his son was at stake, too. But it was a question of priorities so he knew what he should do next. He looked forward and prepared his powerful attack, putting his furry paws together.
Before the Specters could use their deadly techniques on the Musketeer, Princess Aurora put her hand on the blade and softly pushed it away. It was clear that she wanted to protect Hades. With teary eyes, she pleaded. – Please, stop!
The Musketeer's turquoise eyes stared at her and asked. –Are you all right?
With a soft nod, she added. – Yes! I'm okay and in good company, Monsieur.
Meanwhile, Hades stood up and faced the swordsman. His mighty dark cosmo was surrounding him like a powerful shield. Towering his attacker, he slowly spoke as his energy increased. – This is outrageous! How could you dare?
The blond princess also stood up between Batman and the Musketeer, her soft hands raised in surrender. – I beg you, milord! He didn't mean to harm you! This is a misunderstanding!
Trying to protect his family, Julian Solo shouted. – What's going on? This is a joyful party so there's no need of violent deeds!
With extreme care, Pandora hugged the baby who was loudly crying and challenging she looked at his brother and the swordsman. Nobody would hurt her little treasure, she wouldn't allow it. Her hand moved towards her trident, which was standing at the corner, ready to be used in case it was necessary to protect Dorian. If the Musketeer kept challenging his brother, there would be a big confrontation. Unfortunately, she knew the way Hades could show his displeasure to all of them so she wanted to prevent it at any cost. So she addressed both her husband and brother. – Please, calm down! Dorian's in shock! Let him explain what happened!
Looking at them, the Musketeer put his sword down and bowed. – I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding, milord!
Fearing Hades' wrath, Julian shouted. – Explain us what's going on now!
With contempt, Hades' cold stare fixed on the man and he slowly said. –Well, I'm ready to listen to you, miserable man! Talk!
Moving with exquisite grace, the man bowed again and addressed the gods and the women. - Ladies and lords: let me introduce to you. I'm known as the Musketeer. Batman inspired me to fight for justice and I join him and the Justice League. Afterwards, I took this costume in honor of the heroes of France: the brave Musketeers. I dare to come to this party because Princess Aurora needed a guardian and chaperon.
- The Musketeer? I see! - With a quizzical look, Julian took his tablet and searched for this character. After a couple of minutes, he nodded and announced. – I see! There is a DC Comics minor fictional character named Musketeer.
Respectfully watching Hades, the man added. – Ladies and lords, I regret this mistake. For your information, I was instructed to protect Princess Aurora from her deadly enemy and I swore to do it.
Hades disdainfully asked. – Why do you think I'm her enemy, human?
The Musketeer calmly looked at Hades while Pandora shrugged and closely held Dorian, who was still sobbing. Putting his hand on her shoulders, Julian nodded and stared at the masked man. The Greek tycoon wanted to reassure his wife and kid. In fact, he was ready to his cosmo to protect them if it was necessary. Julian knew he can rely on Thetis but he was powerful enough to deal with that man. However, they needed an explanation for the swordsman's behaviour before taking the next step.
So the chaperon replied. – Because her enemy dresses up in black and wants to cheat her, taking advantage of her sweet honest heart and leading her to death. So, I reacted just on behalf of Princess Aurora. I want to humbly apologize, milord.
- Well, this is a good explanation, brother. Let's have fun and forget this incident. – Julian said while standing up and putting his arm around Hades' shoulders. – This man wanted to protect the lady, that's all.
- Why do you think I might harm her? – Hades angrily asked while coldly staring at the Musketeer. - Do I look like a seducer?
- You're Batman, milord. The Dark Knight could easily break an innocent girl's heart.
Hades shrugged and added. – You're a miserable narrow-minded fool! I'm a gentleman!
- Please, accept my apologies, milord. – The Musketeer humbly said. – I didn't know your real identity so I just tried to protect the princess.
Hades faintly smiled. With a gesture, the god ordered his Specters to stop any offensive action. Thetis was dismissed, too. Then, the Dark Lord shrugged and walked towards the couch where Aurora was waiting for him with teary eyes. Her pleading eyes were so expressive that he felt his heart softened. But before joining her, the Lord of the Underworld talked again with a threatening tone. – Don't get confuse again, Musketeer. I would accept your apologies now but I'm not going to be understanding if it happens again. I'm powerful beyond your imagination! Besides, you should know that she's in the best hands now.
The beautiful Aurora watched Hades in awe and took his gloved hands in hers. With a soft blush, she added. – Forgive the Musketeer! Dark Knight, you're my champion now.
After this explanation, Julian asked the Musketeer to join them. - So, you're welcome to our party, Monsieur. Please, have a seat.
The man deeply bowed and thanked the hosts and their guests. On one corner, the mummy was knelt again but fully aware. He had felt an aggressive cosmo and he wasn't sure of the Musketeer's real intentions, so he decided to be more careful now. On another corner, the three Judges where exchanging points of view about what had happened. The Wyvern was furious but he had to use all his self-control to avoid a confrontation with the despicable newcomer. Hades' orders were clear, indeed.
- Before he goes away, I'll kick his bloody ass! – Rhadamanthys exclaimed but was hushed by his fellows. – I would not let him go away without a proper punishment. What he did was outrageous!
- Of course! That's unforgivable! - Minos seriously stated. – But I bet he did it because he was jealous… who wouldn't do that in such case? Aurora is the prettiest doll I've ever met!
Looking at them, Aiacos burst on laughter. – Just get her! You're dress for success, Romeo! She'll fall in your arms now!
With a threatening violet glare, Minos retorted. – I would not approach her with this stupid costume! She'll be impressed when she looks at me dressed as a Judge! My surplice is the nicest one! Besides, in Lune's opinion, I look smart in that black tunic!
- Lune's opinion? – Aiacos replied while with a guffaw. – He knows nothing of being smart! You're a damned sorry puppeteer!
Rhadamanthys groaned in despair. He wasn't sharing his fellows' merriment so he carefully watched at the Musketeer. From time to time, he felt that this man was smugly looking at him. The Wyvern snorted because he was sure there was a scheme on the way. Moreover, he mistrusted those cunning turquoise eyes which were so familiar. He was sure that the swordsman's cosmo was hostile so he should be alert from now on.
After a while, the happy and carefree atmosphere returned. The three judges stood apart, eagerly discussing different topics and commenting on the other guests. Holding Dorian, who was licking his finger, Pandora sat on a comfortable couch and whispered to him. His reply was a giggle and a wee hug. The Musketeer came near Thetis and they were joyfully chit-chatting. Sitting on a wooden armchair, Benthesikyme sourly looked at Hades and Aurora who were softly talking. They were an embodiment of courtly love in a romantic setting and she disliked it.
With a slight nod, Julian called Thetis and she humbly knelt beside him. Poseidon whispered to her. - Bring Sorrento, Io and Isaak undercover. If things get any worse, I'll prefer to have them around. The rest of the Marina Generals must stay in my temple under the sea. But they should be ready to come here if necessary.
Whenever Thetis watched Julian's blue eyes, she was enthralled. She carefully listened to him because his will was hers, too. The blond mermaid nodded and went away to call the Marina Generals. It was easy to summon them now. But the most difficult task would be to get their costumes at speed of light. She wasn't a comic fan so she might need some advice to choose the costumes cleverly. If her Lord had ordered her to have the Marina Generals in disguise, she must comply as soon as possible. She sighed as she walked towards the terrace's entrance. When Thetis was leaving, she realized that Pandora was scornfully looking at her. Her dark violet eyes flashed with triumph.
- Despicable vamp! – Thetis said under her breath. – You're his wife so he's yours, Pandora! Let me enjoy these few moments of my Lord's attention.
Wonder Woman kept smiling. Meanwhile, Julian approached Pandora, caressed his son's cheek and kissed his wife's bare shoulder. He was proud of having such a beautiful yet spirited partner who made his life fuller. If Pandora was curious to know what her husband told Thetis, she forgot it soon and her lips passionately sealed Julian's.
After a while, Pandora made a gesture to three furry animals which respectfully approached them. Julian looked at them with amusement while he sipped his wine. Near him, the Musketeer sneered at them because of their silly costumes. In fact, he was happy to wear this uniform which was glamorous and chivalric rather than being forced to make a pathetic figure.
On the couch, Hades offered a glass of wine to Princess Aurora while the maids put trays of canapés and sweets on a lower table near them. She took a green tea macaroon with grace and put it between his lips. Intently watching her, the Dark Lord softly smiled and slowly ate it. It seemed that they were alone in a wonderful new world. But their sweet moment was interrupted by the presence of the furry animals. With a surprised look, the Lord of the Underworld watched at the threesome and whispered something to the blond girl who just giggled.
Cozily sitting on his mom's lap, Dorian looked at them and pointing their furry coats with his little finger, he happily exclaimed. - Doiee! Doiee! Ooh!
His mom sweetly caressed his forehead. – My darling, what are you saying?
Dorian just repeated it while his little legs kicked the air. - Doiee! Doiee! Ooh!
With a broad smile, his father asked. – What's it? It sounds like honey, honey. Maybe he's calling you, my Wonder Woman.
Pandora smiled back and took her husband's hand in hers. – No, darling! He's calling the furry ones like that.
Giggling, Dorian loudly repeated. - Doiee! Doiee! Ooh!
Standing near them in her black robe, Benthesikyme sourly replied. – He thought these dummies are his teddy bears.
With a chuckle, Pandora retorted. – Teddy bears? Oh, Dorian! They are so big and so clumsy to be your teddy bears!
- An overgrown bunch, indeed! – The blue-haired Superman laughed. – They look pretty silly with those coats. Let's see who they are!
- Not yet! They must introduce themselves first. All of us would take off the masks at the end of this wonderful soiree! – Lady von Heinstein-Solo merrily answered. Fixing her beautiful violet eyes on a tall white furry animal with a scornful smile, she added. – They are not your teddy bears.
Opening his big dark violet eyes which had a golden-honey spark, Dorian insisted while his chubby face became serious and his unibrow knitted. Clapping his hands, he screamed. - DOIEE! DOIEE! OOH!
- You're becoming dimwit! - His step-sister groaned at him. - Don't you see they are just three stupid overgrown plush animals, Dorian?
The baby pouted. Looking at his fed-up son, Pandora frowned. – Shut up, Benthesikyme! Don't spoil Dorian's fun!
The Lord of the Seas smiled and fondled the baby's chubby cheek. – Okay, Dorian! It's your party! So let's call them whatever you want.
- Doiee! Doiee! Ooh! – The baby replied as he giggled. In fact, he was having a good time. - Doiee! Doiee! Ooh! Ooh!
With a sour look, Benthesikyme sighed and returned to a wooden armchair. So far, Poseidon's daughter was fed-up with the party. She realized how difficult it was to raise a spoiled kid. Although Dorian was a charming baby, she feared that Pandora could be a bad influence for the boy. She wouldn't stand more outbursts and would rule when the baby was away of her father and stepmother.
Getting in front of the baby, Lady Pandora, Lord Hades and Poseidon, the Judges proudly stood with their furry costumes. They were a curious threesome and they clumsily tried to bow which was difficult with such attires. Dorian smiled back and giggle, eagerly calling them.
Aiacos whispered to his fellows. – You see, he likes us!
- In fact, we're the best! - With dreamy eyes, Minos added. – I would crawl towards the couch so Dawn might caress me, too!
- Shut up! – Rhadamanthys said aloud. – Let's behave and cheer up our Lord's nephew! It's his Halloween party!
Listening to that voice, Dorian stared at the tall white furry animal with a golden mane and smiled. With wide open eyes, he looked for his guardian. After a while, he realized who was behind that funny costume so he called him. - DA-DAA? DA-DAAA! DA-DAAA!
- No DA-DAA, Dorian! - Pandora frowned and said. – They're your furry friends! Say hello to them!
Looking at his mom, the baby blinked in confusion. He was sure it was his guardian's voice so he stared at the tall white animal. Later, showing his little tooth, Dorian waved his hand and giggled in the most charming way. His mother smiled and asked Aiacos to move forward. The Garuda clumsily walked with his furry brown jumpsuit, blue duffle coat and red hat which wildly danced on his big furry head. With a muffled voice, he began saying. – Hello, little Dorian! I'm…
But Lady von Heinstein-Solo made a snap intervention. – My darling, say hello to Paddington!
- Paddington? - Aiacos froze up and looked at her. He innocently said. – I thought I was Goldilocks' friend! Or Winnie the Pooh!
Watching his fellow judge, Minos began to laugh. – What matters to you, thicko? You're a damned bear, bloke! Your guess was…
Before he could add anything else, Wonder Woman grabbed her whip and quickly used it against the Norwegian judge. He shouted in pain but her angry eyes were convincing enough to make him quiet. Puzzled, Dorian looked at his mom who was so sweet and loving with him. Thinking she was playing with the furry pal, he smiled again while Minos stared back with angry violet eyes.
- Behave, little furry friend! – Pandora nagged at Minos. – It's forbidden to swear in front of Dorian!
- Cool! – Julian exclaimed. – If you want, there's a motion picture about Paddington's adventures. We can watch it together, Dorian!
While Dorian hugged Paddington, his mom looked at the Wyvern. Although he might not know it, it was a nod to her favorite Specter, the Brit blond judge.
Meanwhile, Rhadamanthys was silent because he was touched. Many memories came to him from his recent past. In fact, Paddington was his first bear, the one he held when he was a small boy living in a big English manor. With a sigh, he recalled an almost forgotten scene: his mother had him on her lap and was telling him some of the bear's adventures before the fireplace in his London huge house. He felt joyful, carefree and safe then. Although he might not accept it, sometimes he missed his former family and Paddington's comfort. Then the Wyvern watched Aiacos: in fact, it seemed an unsuitable costume for this judge because the Garuda was a cruel sadistic warrior. After a second thought, he realized that his fellow judge was reliable and sometimes credulous and playful guy, too. In spite of his erratic behaviour, Aiacos was a good colleague. With sympathy, he looked at the Nepalese guy dressed in a Paddington costume and put a furry white paw on his back. Rhadamanthys simply yet tenderly said. – Well done, dude!
Aiacos curiously looked at the Wyvern. The mighty Judge of Caina allowed himself to show something more than a stern look just a few times in his long life. This was one of these special moments. So, the Garuda put his coated arm around Rhadamanthys' broad shoulders, acknowledging him as an old battered warrior and a friend. Only Minos was out of the picture because he was spying on Princess Aurora who was talking with Batman.
This magic moment was broken by three masked people in costume. They came in after a French Maid and they looked fierce and prepared for battle. Two of the newcomers were dressed in green and one in bright red. Their cosmo was strong and they gallantly stood in front of the hosts and their guests. Watching the furry animals, they smiled. Although one of them was complaining about his tight jumpsuit, it was better to be dressed like that instead of using such stupid costumes. After noticing Poseidon and his family, they respectfully knelt before them.
Julian immediately realized his Marina Generals had arrived so he warmly greeted them and motioned them to stand up. – Welcome to our party! We're glad that you finally came.
Hades didn't pay much attention to the newcomers because he was fascinated by the lovely Princess Aurora. Likewise, Dawn was attracted to the charming Dark Knight and made him lots of questions. Without telling her his real identity, Hades displayed his charm and knowledge in order to seduce her. In fact, the Lord of the Underworld was planning to use his influence and wealth to get a Batmobile in order to ride her home tonight. So he wasn't aware of what was going on with the furry trio and the threesome visitors.
Pandora seriously looked at the newcomers and whispered to her husband. – Did you invite them, darling?
With a wink, Julian replied. – Yes, dear. As you know, the more, the merrier! Please, tell us your names!
Standing near Julian, the slender Siren Sorrento was proudly dressed as Green Arrow, a member of the Justice League. He looked more like a modern Robin Hood with green garments, shoulder-length hair and without beard. His flute was hidden in the quiver among the arrows.
With an elegant movement, Sorrento greeted his Lord and his family. – Thank you for kindly inviting us, milord! We're glad to join this wonderful party! Besides, you can count on my arrows to protect you!
Carefully looking at him, Julian added. – It's wonderful to have more members of the Justice League among us. I always admire your skills, Green Arrow!
With a bow, Sorrento thanked Poseidon's words. – You know that I'm always at your service, milord.
Then, it was Kraken Isaak's turn to greet his Lord. The young lad looked eager to play his part and his natural green mane helped him to embody his character. He was wearing a tight green jumpsuit and a green eye-mask which partially covered the horrible scar that crossed his handsome face. He respectfully said while showing a shiny ring. – Milord, here I'm to fight evil with the extraordinary powers granted by this ring!
- Great, Green Lantern! I'm glad you're here, too! As you might remember, Green Arrow and you shared epic adventures! So I would love to listen to your tales from you! – Julian said as he clapped Isaak's back. – My family and I are in good hands now!
The last one was Scylla Io, who was dressed in a red jumpsuit and his head was covered with a red cowl which had two golden lightning-shaped emblems near the ears. Having this tight costume made him feel a bit uneasy because he preferred his powerful Scylla scale. But he couldn't disobey Poseidon's orders so he must comply. With a slight bow, Io addressed his Lord. – I came as faster as possible after I heard your call, milord.
Julian nodded with a wide smile. – Your super speed is a great asset for me. Welcome, too, Flash!
Io broadly smiled and added. – Let me protect you and your beloved ones!
- I count on you, too, to fulfill your promise. – The God of the Seas replied as he motioned them to join the company. – Let's join us and have a drink.
The Marina Generals moved towards the table and took some drinks. They began to talk with Thetis and the Musketeer. Minos wandered around them, trying to engage them in a light conversation. After smiling at his furry costume, the Judge was admitted in their circle and they made some toasts.
Pandora and Dorian looked at them. They seemed to be a spirited and funny group so the baby clapped. In fact, he was getting used to these masked newcomers in costume. But he was more interested in the big furry animals and wanted to play with them. After patting Paddington's head, Dorian offered him a witch-shaped dark lollypop which Aiacos accepted with delight. Later, the Garuda swiftly moved towards the table where more delicacies and drinks were waiting for him, leaving the baby in her mom's arms.
Suddenly, the baby stayed quiet for a couple of minutes and pouted. Afterwards, he began to kick and moan. His mom carefully looked at him. When she tried to hold him tighter, she noticed a foul odour around him. So Pandora realized that Dorian had pooed. After looking around for a maid, she called her stepdaughter.
- Benthesikyme, come here! – Lady von Heinstein-Solo said and added in hushed tones. - Dorian made poo! Come to change the nappy!
This important information traveled at speed of light. Julian didn't blink and he turned his back to his wife and son. He wasn't interested in domestic affairs so he kept talking with his Marina Generals, the Musketeer and Thetis. Actually, they were eagerly discussing the new formula one cars. The new Maclaren-Honda impressed the Greek tycoon and he was looking forward to ride it before the next Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Pandora noticed that the judges strategically fled to the opposite corner of the terrace. The bizarre Minos had crawled near his Lord and Princess Aurora but he didn't dare to interrupt their romantic moment. So the Norwegian judge got closer the Marina Generals just to play jokes on them, especially on Thetis. Standing near the big wooden table where the trays and dishes were served, Aiacos was munching some éclairs and profiteroles while he listened to Rhadamanthys who was telling him about his last birthday celebration. The Wyvern was in good mood now because he was taking a sip of Isle of Jura 21 year old Whisky, a real treat for a connoisseur.
Although Pandora called her again, Benthesikyme moved far from mother and child, joining her father, the Marinas, Thetis and Minos. Pandora cast an evil eye on Poseidon's daughter but she pretended to be deaf and blind. Nearby, the blond Thetis shrugged and continued talking with the Musketeer, the Marina Generals and her beloved Lord Poseidon. Not being Dorian's nanny, it wasn't her duty to change the nappy.
However, the Siren was closer to Julian's wife. So she decided to take advantage of the attentive Sorrento in this delicate situation. With a gentle voice, Pandora asked. – Green Arrow, could I ask you a favour?
Answering to his Lord's wife, the dressed-in-green guy bowed and respectfully answered. – I'll be glad to do it!
- Oh, you're so gentle! – She sweetly said with a wink and put the baby in the Siren's slender arms. – Please, take Dorian to his bedroom and change his diapers while I sort out something with my husband.
The unfortunate Green Arrow remained silent holding the child as the beautiful Wonder Woman elegantly walked towards Superman who tightly caught her slender waist and kissed her neck. They exchanged pleasantries like two newlyweds. With a resigned sigh, the pale Siren walked towards the entrance holding the baby. Feeling uncomfortable, Dorian began to cry and Sorrento didn't know what to do. The baby looked at the Marina General who was already distressed.
Closing his yes, the child cried and kicked, calling for his guardian. – DA, DAA! DA, DAA! DA, DAAA!
Sorrento was a gentle guy but he was beginning to lose patience with this noisy baby. Although he might have preferred to use his flute to make Dorian fall asleep, he didn't use his technique because he feared his Lord and Lady Pandora would be displeased. So he tried more ordinary strategies: he rhythmically rocked him and whistled a tune without success. While Sorrento was thinking of surrender, he felt a big furry paw strongly grabbing his shoulder and a stern voice telling him. – Give me the child now.
With a happy face, Sorrento delivered the baby to a pair of powerful furry white arms and swiftly left his precious charge. The Wyvern snorted and his golden eyes flashed. However, the flutist was sure it was his lucky day so he quickly motioned towards his colleagues and his Lord, forgetting all about this episode.
Holding Dorian in his arms, Rhadamanthys looked down on Sorrento. If Poseidon's warrior wasn't capable of dealing with a baby, he wasn't reliable on the battlefield, too. He despised the Marina Generals because they were weak and more conceited than brave. He broadly grinned to them.
While softly rocking the little one, the blond Judge gently talked to Dorian. The child stopped crying and confidently put his head on his guardian's broad chest. But when the smell reached his nostrils, Rhadamanthys realized that he didn't make the best move. With a sigh, he walked towards the baby's bedroom to fulfill his task. It took him a lot of time to change the nappy and bring him back to the terrace where his mother was eagerly looking for him. Without thanking the stern-faced tall white furry animal, Pandora took the baby in her arms and sat with Julian. Benthesikyme shrugged and sourly chuckled to the Judge's annoyance.
Later, a wonderful gourmet dinner buffet was served. The guests happily chose among the delicacies offered by the hosts and drank the expensive spirits of Julian's cellar. Meanwhile, Pandora was helping Dorian to take his baby food. He wore a nice colourful bib on his cowboy's shirt. When she tried to put a spoon of food in his little mouth, it was mission impossible because the little kid was making faces and sticking out his tongue. Benthesikyme snorted because his mother spoiled the child. Actually, the child wanted the vanilla cookies he already tasted not the proper food or milk. However, Lady von Heinstein-Solo was a strong-willed woman so pretty soon Dorian had to comply, opening his mouth and swallowing hard with teary eyes. Carefully watching him, Rhadamanthys nodded. His kid must be a dutiful brawny boy, not a sissy one. So he must learn the rules and eat proper food. He was happy that his mom would not allow him to eat just sweets.
Finally, the incident with the Musketeer seemed to be forgotten. After dinner, the hosts and guests were happy and relaxed. Julian was drinking and talking about cars and sports with the Musketeer. In fact, he was so proud of his new tailor-made navy blue Maserati that he was looking forward to ride it on the A1 or PAThe motorway, which connected Athens and Thessaloniki next weekend. If Pandora joined him, they would have a romantic getaway without Dorian. The other Marina Generals approached them and discussed on the advantages of the new Maserati and the weaknesses of the last Ferrari. They knew the Greek tycoon was a car lover so they got useful information on the latest models of top motor-racing teams. Thetis joined them, eager to have a chance to be near Julian and sweetly smiled at him.
On her chair, Pandora looked at them with a frown while she was softly rocking her son who was sleepy. It had been an amusing yet intense day for the little child so he was tired now. Kissing his forehead near the place where the dark eyebrows knitted, the beautiful lady sighed. Although she was happy to have Julian at her side, she longed for the company and passion of a fierce stern blond man. In spite of living under the same roof, they behaved like strangers now. Their separation had been his fault, just his. It was a pity that the Wyvern didn't accept his responsibility on Dorian's conception. Watching the baby in her arms, she knew that their love story was over now and the sleeping child was her blessing and treasure. Besides, she was lucky that Julian Solo married her. He considered Dorian as his son and heir. Showering her with love and romance, the Greek tycoon was a wonderful husband.
Later, the hosts and guests were talking and having fun. Musketeer got Julian's attention while the Marina Generals, Thetis, Minos and Aiacos were discussion on new trends in art and sports. Benthesikyme dozed after the meal. Rhadamanthys was proudly standing far away from the rest of guests, carefully watching the merry Musketeer who sarcastically looked at him from time to time.
Hades was eagerly talking with Princess Aurora who sweetly smiled back. The Lord of the Underworld was bewitched by her beauty. Besides, she was quite demure which was pretty charming. With his black-gloved hands, he took her slender ones and smiled. She blushed and whispered something which was answered by the Dark Knight's giggle. Without any doubt, he was having the best time of his eternal life.
With amusement, Julian watched the romantic couple on the couch. So the Lord of the Seas decided to ask the chaperon. – I didn't fall for that explanation, Musketeer. But my family's amusement comes first. So, why did you attack Batman?
The Musketeer seriously talked again. – Milord, I'm serious about my mission in protecting her. I want to warn you that Princess Aurora has a deadly enemy.
The Dark Lord listened to them and paid attention to what the swordsman was saying. Actually, he wanted to know more about the beautiful Aurora and felt the need to protect her. So Hades was focused in them when Julian looked at the masked man and asked. – An enemy?
The chaperon humbly answered. - Yes, since she was born, Princess Aurora has a deadly enemy who is jealous of her beauty.
Listening to them, Pandora just yawned. It was getting pretty boring now. Meanwhile, Dorian woke up rested and full of energy. So she took the baby in her arms and gave him a soft milk cookie. Her mind began to wander. She had read the tale of The Sleeping Beauty when she was a girl at Heinstein Castle. At that time, she secretly wanted to fall asleep and wake up with Prince Charming's velvet kiss. She sighed because real life had less romance and magic. Although she was married to one of the most sought-after bachelor, she missed someone. Unfortunately, she longed to have a blond warrior to say "good morning" every dawn. She shook her head. It was part of her past now and she should focus in the present time.
- Who is this enemy? – Hades asked while he gently and reassuringly squeezed the Aurora's hand. – I would not let anyone harm her. She's under my protection.
- I will show you the enemy's face. - The Musketeer seriously replied. – Then, you'll understand my concern, lords and ladies.