AN:Thank you to everyone whose reading and a special thanks to Jennifer Baratta..
Flawless marble smooths under soft skin, a delicate hand tracing the statue of Hera looming over the tranquil jaded garden at the center of the palace. Truthfully Minerva didn't need to be escorted, as soon as she touched white marble, the buildings schematics were beamed directly into memory. The Queen and Princess had been nothing but ancy and nervous, offing her everything she would want, servants, food, drink, a warm bed with company if she wished it but all she craves at the moment is a little peace and tranquility.
"I hope I've made the right decision mother. I'm not entirely certain of my next move but I believe the false king wasn't the source of the disturbance. Is there more danger than a power hungry tyrant perhaps?"
Minerva sighs weakly, wandering the sunlit garden and kneeling by the crystal waters. She dips a cool hand into the small spring, smiling at the array of exotic fish suddenly swimming in and out of her fingers. Perhaps she needs to spend more time here, then maybe things will become clearer, but until then, she mustn't interfere in the workings of this kingdom any longer. The false King is banished and she feels the winds shifting in her favor, this time it was the right decision but the next, she cannot say..Minerva feels eyes watching from a distance, timid and fearful eyes making pink lips pull into a weak smile.
"Princess Snow.." There's a small squeak behind her and she chuckles.."I believe you wish to speak with me. Come forward, I don't bite."
Snow hesitantly slides out from behind a marble column, slowly edging her way into Minerva's eye line and is determined to keep shifty green eyes glued to the grassy floor.
"I-I apologize, I didn't mean to snoop I just..I.."
Minerva looks on before casually sitting herself on the grass by the water and stones.."Come and join me."
The timid Princess quickly moves to kneel at the other side of the water, her hands fidgeting restlessly in her lap.
"Now what is it you wish to say?"
"I..I just wanted to beg forgiveness for the way I treated you in the markets yesterday, and to thank you for sparing mine and my fathers lives."
"You love your father very much."
"I do.."
"I sense your hesitance Princess."
Snow shuffles, focus still not willing to rise from her lap.."He..He wasn't always so.."
"Cynical?"
Snow sighs weakly, her shoulders sagging and Minerva watches the girls silent suffering grimy.
"Yes I suppose, he loved the people before he was king..when my birth mother was still alive. But when she died I guess he only found ambition to fill his wounded heart. When Regina married him, I guess I was blind to the tyrant he was becoming.."
"Or you weren't willing to see it."
For the first time, glassy green eyes slide up and Minerva smiles weakly.."You can't be blamed for the love you have for your father, but you can be blamed for ignoring his decent into madness" A tear rolls from despondent green eyes and Minerva's gentle hand carefully wipes it away.."But that doesn't mean redemption is out of reach, a day will come when you must prove yourself, and when that day comes, only you can decide your destiny and the destiny of countless others."
"What kind of destiny?"
"That I can't say, but think a while, pray and have hope Princess Snow, for it is the strongest force in this world."
Minerva smiles warmly, her hand dropping into the crystal cool waters as they both watch fish slip between slender fingers in a beautiful pattern.
"The first thing you must learn is fear is in the mind, you are way too fearful to be in a position of power, test your skills, become your own person, then you will finally realize who you truly are."
"But I'm just a princess, how can I ever be more?"
"With courage and ambition. Granted, I am a goddess but I am a woman who does the job of men, so who is to tell a princess what she can or cannot achieve?"
A small smile tugs at Snow's pink lips, green eyes sliding back to the dancing fish and very carefully, she dips a hand into the cool waters. Snow chuckles when a curious creature swims up to her thumb and wafts a beautiful ruby tail across delicate skin.
"Sometimes all it takes is a kind hand to win over such elegance."
Minerva gently pulls her hand from the spring, gliding to her feet and heads inside the palace..That will do for now..
Several servants slide to a stop, bowing deeply as Minerva wanders past idly, grey eyes roaming the beautifully carved patterns in the marble walls. The halls remind her a little of Olympus and she smiles. Mortals have been taught well from the tales of the gods, Rome being a spectacle to behold, perhaps she'll visit before she returns home. Minerva pauses, focus sweeping the spacial bathhouse currently occupied by many idle noblemen and their naked entourage. A statue of Poseidon looms above on the back wall, hot water spilling from his trident and seeping into the three adjacent pools below.
Minerva chuckles when her moody brother springs to mind, Poseidon is nothing like her other brothers and sisters, the man is adamant on isolation but is very creative and less hands on with battle. Last thing she knew, he was exploring the seas again, creating a new type of boneless fish, she shakes her head chuckling, the man really needs to get out of the ocean once in a while. Minerva slips away from the steaming chamber, idol chatter and laughing left behind while her grotty tunic drags against the pristine marble, her sandles aching tired feet that find themselves stepping toward guarded double doors. Grey eyes narrow curiously, the knights either side quickly bowing and making no move to stop her as she slides inside.
"It will only be a matter of time your majesty, you must make a decision sooner rather than later."
"Yes thank your commander, I am fully aware!"
Minerva quietly slides behind the pillars of the large chamber, the Queen, her Commander and the guards oblivious to her presence as grey eyes scrutinize the party. A large oak table, a map of the empire and important documents litter the fine wood. The Queen deep in thought, leans heavily on its side with frowning brown eyes scrutinizing unfurled parchments.
"I can send an eagle to Asterous."
"No, King George will only see an opportunity to usurp or claim the crown for himself by asking Snow's hand. I will not put the Princess in such a position."
"What about King Midas? He is neither driven for power nor in the market for a wife."
"Perhaps, my father mentioned his generosity to his people. He may not have a large army but it would help massing any support. Send an eagle to invite him to the palace."
"Yes my Queen, are there any other requests?"
Minerva frowns, silently stalking through the shadows and watching intently. Surely the young Queen doesn't wish to mass an army..but for what purpose would an army be needed?..
"Invite my father and Daniel to the celebration, perhaps they could offer assistance until we gather our bearings"
"And what of our goddess Athena?"
Minerva cocks a curious eyebrow, shifting closer and leans herself against a marble column as the Queens attention snaps to her commander.
"Whatever she desires it's hers, make sure she's comfortable and well fed, I will not tolerate any form of disrespect. If there is a problem, bring it directly to me. She is our goddess Robin and I will not have this city damned by mine and my former husbands actions."
"My Queen, you and the Princess are not responsible for.." A sharp hand is raised and Robin steps back respectively.
"Send the eagles commander and prepare the guards, I want this city running as it should."
"At your command." The man bows deeply, backing away as he, with two white knights, march from the war room determined.
Minerva remains focused, the Queens shoulders sagging a little at the weight now baring down on them. She feels the woman's determination but also her great sorrow, but why is she in despair? Maybe its something to do with guilt. It will be interesting to watch how the young Queen takes on her responsibilities as the first female to lead a vast kingdom since Cleopatra, it wont be easy, many still stuck in their old ways of strong male rulers but perhaps Minerva's own influence will help reshape the future here. Clearly Regina is a woman of the gods, cares more and more, prays more and more, it will be interesting to hear the woman's prayers for the future.
Regina scoops up a scroll, narrow eyes scrutinizing the scripture and hands pushing toy armies across the war table strategically. Minerva bites her lip, a small fear of war creeping up her spine but she has hope the young Queen wont make the same mistakes her husband did. With a weak smile, Minerva disappears in a blink of an eye, leaving the sovereign to concentrate on her next task for the new White kingdom..
Slender hands clap, the commanding tone echoing throughout the vast space of the golden white bedchamber. Half a dozen girls quickly step up to their goddess, gently removing old rags and preparing a large copper tub beside the fire crackling within the grand marble fireplace. An old tattered skola is slid from strong shoulders, a dirty tunic slipped over slender curves and pulled free releasing dark tresses down ivory skin. Minerva hums content, her naked form slowly sliding into the heated bath creams and milk, the white abyss absorbing her as raven hair is gently pulled over the edge of copper and tended to with warm water and the finest of berries and soaps. Grey eyes slide shut, rose petals scattered atop the cream as pieces of silk are delicately ran over her chest and arms to moisturize thoroughly.
Minerva cracks an eye open, watching the servants during their careful work. Servants aren't really her thing, back on Olympus she would just snap her fingers and get things done but here, magic isn't as powerful, sure she can perform a few miracles but shes always exhausted afterwards. Her attention glides to the decorum of royalty hanging all around her, she'd been given the Kings old chamber but of course all fragments of the man had been burnt and jewelry given to the poor before the Queen found it acceptable for her to enter. Regina seems to be trying a little too hard, but so is the case with any mortal, they act falsely to appease in order to receive some form of prize at the end of it all. But is Regina really like that? The woman doesn't seem it, but Minerva guesses she'll find out soon enough of the royals intentions. There's a brief knock at the door before Robin, several guard and the Queen walk in and bow deeply..Looks like she may get answers sooner than she thinks..
"I apologize my grace for intruding but I wish to personally invite you to the grand hall this evening for a celebration of her graces presence in our kingdom."
Our Kingdom was the key word that has pink lips smiling. Slowly Minerva's helped from the tub, the occasional wide eyed solider glancing at her cream covered body and she chuckles..Men and their need for flesh..Expert hands grasping Egyptian cotton towels begin smoothing the white coat from bare flesh piece by piece..
"Is it a celebration in my honor or simply the rejoice of your banished husband dear Queen?"
Wide brown eyes quickly meet the curious goddess and Regina takes a small step forward.."I swear to you it is a feast in your honor. What happened to my husband was unfortunate, but you have spoken and condemned him as you see fit."
Minerva stares curiously at the jittery Queen as the last of the cream is wiped away and an assortment of garments are presented with a bow.
"Leave us!"
Without a word, the servants and knights exit the chamber leaving the goddess and young Queen alone. Minerva slowly stalks forward, the royals brown eyes refocusing back on the ground as Minerva's naked form slides uncomfortably close to royal silks.
"You are quite an enigma Regina, I find myself astray with you but hope the future I see is the truth." A finger crooks under Regina's delicate chin and raises uncertain chocolate eyes to her.."You have much on your mind, I don't need the power of foresight to see it."
The Queen's focus dips guiltily and Minerva cocks her eyebrow intrigued.
"I must beg forgiveness.."
"And why must that be?"
Tears formulate in the Queens erratic eyes.."I had a suspicion of who you were after our first encounter at market, but I didn't say anything. I also came to visit you in the dungeons this morning and heard you talking with the all mother, I knew then that my suspicions were accurate and tried to talk reason to my husband. When I failed and received punishment, I was too afraid to say anything at your execution. I..I failed, I failed and beg forgiveness.."
Regina quickly drops to her knees, forehead pressed to Minerva's foot and desperate hands clinging to the woman's calve.."Please forgive my weakness and don't doom this kingdom for my mistakes."
Minerva shifts uncomfortably, shes used to having mortals begging for mercy in war but this woman is begging not for a vengeful action, but for a mortals instinct to rightfully fear things they don't understand. Perhaps this is the force that shook them, this whole kingdom will be doomed by fear, millions of souls taken if it succeeds. If she knows one thing, its fear always leads to war and chaos. With a weak sigh, Minerva gently scoops the crying woman off her foot and lays a gentle hand atop raven hair.
"I saw no mistakes on your part, only a flicker of weakness that can soon be redeemed. I was in your dungeons because I wished it, not because of the false King nor because of your cowardice. You have a lot to learn, but I find myself too curious not to demand one simple answer from you."
Regina quickly wipes her cheeks, brown eyes sliding closed at the warm palm resting against the crown of her scalp.."Anything you wish."
Minerva tilts the Queens head, glassy brown eyes peering up at her.."Are you raising an army to play at war Regina?" She watches the woman's panic and narrows grey eyes.
"...No.."
Minerva frowns, quickly grabbing the Queens throat and wrenching alarmed brown eyes within inches of her own.."Was that a lie?!"
"P-Please..I'm truthful..I only ask for allies encase..the White Kingdom is..Invaded.." She's dropped to the marble, coughing and rubbing her scathed throat.
"Allies?"
"I don't know what else to do.." A tear rolls from brown eyes which slowly refocus on a curious Minerva.."I've only seen what my father has done in the past, he used to say a strong kingdom is built with strong allies. Snow is too naive to ascend the throne and knows even less than I about ruling a kingdom without a husband."
"You plan to rule without a husband?"
"I-I do, but I need guidance before usurpers attempt to attack whilst we are wounded by the loss of our king."
"Believe me, no one will dare attack while their goddess is watching over the White kingdom."
"You..You will not forsake us?"
Minerva smiles weakly and gently pulls the timid Queen to her feet.."Would I have interfered in the first place if I was to forsake you Regina?"
A small smile tugs at red lips, happy tears smudging expensive makeup as glassy eyes dip once more.."I now understand you wouldn't."
Minerva hums content, placing warm palms either side of damp cheeks and presses a tender kiss on surprised red lips. Unsurprisingly the Queen sinks into the small token of affection, even is so bold as to kiss her back but soon enough, Minerva pulls away and saunters back over to her bath of creams.
"When is your celebration?"
Regina stutters, mouth hanging open slightly as a careful finger brushes red lips.."Its..The feast will be at high noon, but can be arranged for whenever is suitable to you."
"High noon is acceptable, please send in the servants on your way out."
Minerva slips back into the milky abyss, grey eyes slipping shut as the young Queen bows.
"Of course."
Regina backs toward the fortified double doors, one final wide eyed glance at the bathing goddess before servants are ushered back into the chamber and the doors are closed with a thud.
Minerva peers over at the doors, the girls resuming their duties and bathing her delicately. That was a better start than she could have hoped for, now she has the proof she needs to start rebuilding the fractured kingdom, and it all begins with its fractured Queen and Princess. Dark tresses lay against the cooper tub, eyes slipping shut as oils and creams are smothered on her chest and she smiles at her small victory..
The sound of heavy jewelry clatters toward the grand hall where a celebration in her honor is taking place. Her bare feet pad against pristine marble floors, a long gold and white silk dress hugging every curve, her stomach left wide open for all jealous men to see whilst the glamorous fabric meets at the back to trail across the floor. Diamonds litter the elegant gown, white gold draped around her neck and dangling from her ears while ebony tresses cascade down her back and gold cuffs are clasped around wrists and upper arms. She thought it a bit much but considering shes a goddess and hasn't really had a grand celebration in her name for decades, shes decided to just let the mortals fussy over her for once.
An escort of bowing servants quickly rush toward the towering double doors leading into the festive hall while guards slap a respectful fist to their hearts and bow. Minerva chuckles, sliding passed the white knights as the doors are pushed open with a load creak and the hall of guests become deathly silent. Grey eyes sweep the mass of people who quickly stand, bowing respectfully and waiting for her next move. She spots the Queen and Princess at the top of the lengthy table, a throne of gold left vacant which she assumes must be her seat and slowly makes her way over. Minerva scrutinizes the noblemen and women, their fine clothes and jewelry, skin that looks like they've never grafted a day in their lives. She slides to the top of the table, eyeing an elderly man with a crown stood beside the Queen and wonders who he might be before elegantly sliding into the golden throne, crossing one leg over the other and scrutinizing the bowing people that stand apprehensively.
With a huff, she leans back and waves her hand.."You may be seated."
The party of two dozen men and women take their seats, the Queen and Princess either side looking to her happily as a servant boy quickly approaches with a silver goblet of wine on a fancy platter. Minerva takes it graciously and watches Regina quickly take her own and raise it toward her.
"My Lords and ladies, allies and friends, I hold this feast in honor to our goddess Athena who has graced us with her presence and wisdom. May she forever be eternal and decisive against all those that disrespect the gods. To Athena!"
"To Athena!"
The whole hall erupts with cheers, raising their glasses and toasting. Minerva tilts her head humbly, raising her silver goblet a little before pink lips move to take a sip but pause. She can smell a certain herb, something shes smelt countless times during war..Nightshade, one of the most deadliest poisons in the world. Anger simmers in the pit of her stomach but she schools her features and pretends to take a sip. Whoever the assassin is she'll soon work it out, no one can sit at a celebration so smoothly without drawing some attention to themselves. But what gets her worked up is the mass of people at the table who remain untouched by the deadly wine, shouldn't they be dead? Maybe it was just her own wine?..
The Queen suddenly claps her hands, a flurry of servants flocking from the side doors and bringing a mass of fine foods to the table. Quickly Minerva waves over the servant boy who got her the poisoned wine and he quickly slides to her side bowing. Slender fingers brush his arm, the happy queen frowning slightly as Minerva whispers in the slaves ear and the boy nods before quickly scampering out of the hall.
Plump meats and steaming vegetables are aligned on the table in front of them, Snow eager to slip a cheeky green bean into her mouth but Minerva's hand quickly grasps the girls wrist and unnerved green eyes quickly dart to her. The princess almost stutters, the sound of happy chuckles and voices oblivious to the physical action as Minerva shakes her head at the girl and apprehensive Queen. If her wine was poisoned then its possible some of the food is, and unlike she, mortals wont survive.
Regina shuffles anxiously, eyes glued to the placid goddess as the servant from earlier suddenly bounds back into the hall and whispers in Minerva's ear. The Queen shivers when grey eyes darken and the servant is quick to resume his position at the back wall.
Its clear that the White Kingdom is on a bit of the crutch at the moment but she never thought the assassination attempts would start so soon, thankfully the slave boy had apprised her that there was an accident with the wine caskets just before the celebrations so most had to be refilled, unluckily for her she just happened to get the poisoned brew but saved any other unfortunate soul from a grisly fate. Its not difficult to encourage treachery in a palace such as this, so getting the information she needed was easy, but now shes going to make sure such things never happen again.
Minerva rises from her throne elegantly, the room falling silent and all eyes coasting to her curiously.
"I wish to personally thank Queen Regina and Princess Snow for inviting me into their home and honoring me with this celebration. Not many are as dedicated and loyal to the gods. Time after time I've heard their prayers, asking for this broken kingdom to be restored.."
Grey eyes quickly land on an elder nobleman further down the table, his fat and greedy belly sicking out and an almost disgusted gleam in uninterested eyes. Minerva scoops up her goblet, casually strolling down the table with her golden train and many unnerved eyes following.
"But it seems that some of you wish to squallier your second chance at redemption, at making the White Kingdom great simply because you refuse to follow a Queen instead of a King.."
There's mummers amongst the people, the Queen and Princess slowly rising to their feet.
"Times are changing, I have foreseen them but there are people that selfishly prevent such change and as a result, thousands of innocent lives are taken!"
Minerva feels the buzzing in her fingertips, the fat nobleman shifting as she slides up behind him and scowls. The rest of the people surrounding him shuffle away as Minerva leans in, slamming the silver goblet on the table and making them jump.
"You try to poison them for power, but I will NOT allow it!"
She quickly grabs the fearful man's scruff, yanking him easily from the chair where he's thrown to the marble floor. Robin and his knights quickly draw swords, surrounding the edges of the room whilst the Queen and Princess are quickly shielded.
"And you attempt to poison your goddess with no such remorse or fealty!"
The fat man stumbles backwards away from the prowling god, his hefty body sliding across marble as brown eyes plead, "My grace, I didn't intend to poison anyone, It was King George, he orchestrated it all to claim the throne and title!"
Minerva snarls, so much for keeping out of war.."Do not deny your involvement! You think I'm stupid?!"
"N-No.."
"My grace?" Minerva whirls to find a bowing Robin behind her.."What do you wish we do with him?"
The anger in her belly needs to be sated, she pulls her power forward, hands tingling and waves a stern hand for Robin to move away.
"You attempt to harm me, so your life is forfeit!"
"Please.."
"NO!"
The entire hall jump at the ferocity, some noblewomen whimpering quietly as a small wind picks up and everyone shuffles away from the furious god.
"I have no more mercy to give! You dare to anger me so now you shall suffer the consequences!"
Minerva launches an arm out, the marble floor beside them cracking and splintering. Soon the floor caves in, the wind around them howling with painful screams that seem to come from the burning hole. The nobleman screams, clawing himself away from the portal but Minerva's bare feet step in front of him and she lours.
"Having ones soul trapped in the underworld is torment eternal, but having your physical form go with it, now that is torturous damnation!"
"Wait please! I'll do anything!"
"Say hello to my uncle for me!"
With a nudge, she pushes the man and he's rapidly sucked into the screaming abyss, his cries drowned out by the damned before the marble floor crunches back together. Minerva pants heavily, the drain of her power sending her dizzy and stumbling back against the table with clatter. Instantly the Queen is at her side, offering a hesitant hand to help as Minerva rubs her aching temples and composes herself.
"Are you well my grace?!"
Regina stares concerned as the goddess regally straightens her spine and placid grey eyes slide open.
"I am well Regina." Minerva gazes into chocolate eyes and smiles weakly at the concern filling them.."I suggest you don't eat the food nor drink the wine, your servant boy will apprise you of the people involved with the assassination attempt, I hope you will deal with them appropriately."
"Of course, I apologize for such a cursed offering."
Minerva watches guilty brown eyes dip before she delicately rubs a soothing thumb against the woman's cheekbone.."We caught the traitor before it was too late, we must move on or be damned to the past. But make certain this doesn't happen again as I may not be around to save you next time."
"Of course, thank you for saving us and issuing justice on our behalf."
The Queen bows, as does the rest of the room while red lips tentatively kiss Minerva's knuckles.
"If you can muster some company later, I'll be in the bathhouse, there are a few things I wish to discuss with you."
"Of course, I shall deal with the traitors and then honor your request."
Minerva nods, gliding passed the blockade of white knights and slips through the exit. So much for a peaceful dinner. Her lower back aches painfully and she almost winces with every step. Father wont be best pleased that she opened a portal to the Underworld, but Uncle has a fat new toy to play with for a while. Pink lips pull into a sly grin as Minerva proudly stalks through the white marble halls and towards the steaming bathhouse..
The heat of the rippling waters soothes her muscles releasing a content hum that echo's around the large empty bathhouse. When Minerva arrived, only a handful of noblemen and women had indulged in a late night soak, but they had quickly vacated in respect for her own sense of peace. By now the whole palace, maybe even the whole city has gotten word of her banishment of the traitor. The man was a pathetic coward and deserved his fate but father wont be best pleased about opening a portal. Tensions are still sore between Zeus and Hades, and with Cronos locked in the deepest pits of the underworld, both brothers are forced to work together to ensure Cronos never escapes. Minerva sighs, running a gentle hand through the hot water, the steam rising to stick to her creamy skin. Regina handled the incident very well, even the princess held herself together in front of their subjects. They grow with every passing moment and it only makes her strive toward her ultimate goal. Perhaps she can go home sooner than she thinks.
"A gold piece for your thoughts?"
Minerva whirls, the water slapping against the slated sides and narrows her eyes at the person responsible for the arrogant voice. Relaxing in the water, a man, his eyes a piercing crimson, his features strong and firm, his naked torso peaks from the water showing off a solid eight pack as pink lips smirk to aggravate her more.
"Ares, what are you doing here?! I thought you were off gallivanting with father on the battlefields of Moi?!"
The gods grin widens.."We were, but when we felt a disruption between worlds, father thought it prudent for us to go home and ask mother. Looks like you've been a nuisance yet again Athena."
Minerva grinds her teeth.."I'm surprised to see you down here Ares, last time we spoke you were too afraid to investigate the disturbance yourself." Red eyes narrow, the grin on her brothers face slipping.."Father forced you down here to get information didn't he?" She chuckles.."Poor brother mine, not liking the big bad mortals are we?"
Ares's nostrils flare, the water around them heating that little bit more and steam clouding the edges of the room.."Watch your tongue little sister or I will make sure this kingdom and your precious little mortals rip themselves apart!"
Minerva keeps her cool against her snarling brother, knowing she can always get under his skin.."You don't have the authority Ares so stop being so petulant. Now what is it father wants to know that's so pressing that he had to send you?"
The god schools himself, reigning in his anger and resumes idly relaxing against the pools edge.."He wants to know why you were so reckless in opening a portal to the underworld."
"I was issuing justice for an attempt on my life."
Ares refocuses intrigued.."Someone tried to kill you? Again?"
"Pitifully yes, but it was purposefully aimed at the Queen and princess of this kingdom. I however was caught in the crossfire, but if any of you thought I would simply kill the fool you are sorely mistaken. He deserved a fate worse than death and that's what I gave him."
Ares laughs and it surprises her when he clasps a firm hand on her naked shoulder.
"And I would have done the same in your position, granted I never would have let the assassin get as far as he did but either way, I would have tossed his ass into oblivion."
Minerva finds herself smirking.."Then we can both agree there's no use for you here anymore."
"Ouch, pushing me away so soon sis, I thought I could explore this little kingdom your so fond of protecting, maybe even indulge with a little company from its Queen." He bites a pink lip, grinning, but Minerva's not pleased.
"No you wont, and if you know whats good for you, you'll leave Regina out of your twisted fantasies!"
"Regina? If I didn't know any better, I'd think your trying to bed the Queen yourself." Ares chuckles as a subtle pink flushes Minerva's cheeks and grey eyes narrow threateningly.."But I wouldn't blame you, when's the last time you had someone warm your bed?"
"None of your damn business! Now leave before I make you!"
Ares raises his hands defensively, a taunting smirk growing on pink lips.."Easy there tiger, I'm leaving, but don't think fathers done with you. When you return to Olympus, I don't think anyone will want to be around to witness your punishment."
The subtle sound of clicking draws closer to the bathhouse and Minerva quickly splashes a handful of water at the grinning god.."Leave!"
Ares chuckles, red eyes flickering from her to the open entrance before finally he blinks from existence. Minerva releases a heavy sigh. Of all the gods, of all her brothers and sisters to visit, father deliberately chose Ares. Clearly he wanted to punish her with her obnoxious brother a while before the real pain begins, but no matter, she'll not run away from this and sit safely in the clouds, there's still much work to be done.
"My grace?"
Minerva slides back in the water, resting against the tiled edge and focus sliding to an apprehensive Regina several feet from the pool.
"You requested my presence?"
"Come, join me, I'd like to ask you a few things."
Minerva watches the hesitant Queen a moment, the woman shifting as an arm unconsciously wraps around her slender waist. Minerva notes the defensive move and softens, gently rising from the pool and slides in behind the royal.
"Do you trust me Regina?"
Regina shifts, her hands fidgeting and the arm around her waist slipping.."I-I do."
"Then trust that you should not feel embarrassed or scared around me. I would never harm you in such a way your previous husband did, nor ever consider such actions without your due consent."
Gently Minerva slips the white straps of the Queens Stola over slender shoulders and relieves the woman of her golden sandles. She stands back allowing the Queen to decide her next move, it's Regina's choice, she knows the young Queen must have endured difficult times at the hands of Leopold, and whatever happens must be of the woman's own free will.
Minerva strolls towards the pools edge, her hand outstretched to the Queen but eyes focusing elsewhere. She hears a subtle rustle, the pad of timid feet before a shaky palm lands in hers and she smiles brightly. The first step is to get the Queen and princesses complete trust before she can solidify her presence here. Minerva's smiling eyes slide to the naked Queen and watch amused as Regina's occasionally sweep over her naked curves. With a gentle tug, Minerva escorts the hesitant royal into the hot water and rests herself under the large imposing statue of her brother Poseidon. Regina on the other hand shifts in the water, retaining a respectful distance from the goddess and keeps apprehensive brown eyes glued to the waters surface.
"Who was the king sat with you at the banquet?"
"That was my father, King Henry of Tiberim, he and his appointed adviser were extended an invitation."
"Tiberim is a small kingdom is it not?"
"Yes, it only has a handful of viable fields and villages within its boarders."
"This is why you were arranged to marry king Leopold?"
Regina nods weakly, her focus sliding back to the still cloudy waters around them. Minerva shifts closer to the secluded Queen, her heart uncommonly strained by the mortals tale. Many have crossed her path with tales formed of despair from duty but she finds herself pulled into Regina's sorrow. It just goes to show not even the most powerful of women, even with their wealth and stature, cant evade men's ill intended commands.
"Has your fathers kingdom prospered because of your sacrifice?"
The Queens eyes flicker to Minerva briefly, the word sacrifice hitting the nail on the head and causing Regina to shift uneasily under the water.
"I now control the white kingdom and have opened temporary trading routes with my father. The people of Tiberim should now benefit greatly from their allies."
Minerva frowns.."But they didn't before."
"Unfortunately after my known ailment to no longer conceive, the King decided the intended treaty he solidified with my father was no longer void and retracted much of his trade. Tiberim was forced to find trade elsewhere because the Kings initial treaty had allowed my fathers lands to grow, and thus more citizens and towns were constructed that needed resources."
The goddess bites her lip aggrieved, just when she thought Leopold couldn't be more selfish.
"You have the capability for greatness young Queen, many would never believe the kingdoms could be united under one abundant presence but I'm confident you will become that presence in due time."
Regina shifts apprehensively.."How can you possibly think I can unite the kingdoms when one of them has already tried to kill me?"
"Have faith Regina, did you ever consider that one day you'd be bathing with Athena?"
"No." Red lips smile weakly and Minerva smiles back.
"Then anything is possible, trust in me and I will guide you to where you need to be."
Minerva can sense the hope in Regina's heart, see the light in warm brown eyes and mentally praises herself on a job well done. Only this morning those eyes were filled with sorrow and despair, the woman's heart spiraling with darkness and loneliness but now it seems like a completely different woman sits across from her. Minerva watches a little amused as the young Queen tentatively shuffles around the pools edge until the woman is sat next to her in the water.
"May I ask you a question?"
"You may."
"Did you come here because you heard my prayers, or because of my husbands tyrannical reign?"
Minerva watches the royal shift, brown eyes no longer focused on her so she gently grasps the woman's jaw and refocuses her gaze.
"At the beginning I came here because a prayer so strong had rumbled Olympus itself. There was a debate on whether to investigate, but I knew better and came here looking for the desperate soul who unnerved the gods, and now I believe that mortal is you."
Regina's jaw slackens.."Me?"
"Yes, however at first I thought it to be the false King, but after giving him numerous chances to repent, I eventually concluded it wasn't the Kings redemption that called to me, it was his Queen and daughter. You and princess Snow are the reason I'm still here, the reason I will not leave until I've followed fates plan."
"And..And what is fates plan for us?"
Minerva grins, stroking the pad of her thumb against the Queens cheekbone and watches the woman's cheeks flush slightly.."You'll figure that out soon enough."
Regina almost pouts causing the goddess to chuckle..Shes so much patience to learn.
Slowly Minerva rises from the water, the surface rippling against her belly button as she looks down at chocolate eyes.."Tomorrow I would like to meet your father and then we can discuss the kingdom responsible for the attempt on your life."
"Yes of course, I'll have the meeting arranged at noon in the war chamber." Regina rises from the water, her nakedness forgotten and bows deeply.."Thank you for your presence, it was very enlightening." A soothing hand cups her jaw, pulling her head back up and brown eyes widen a fraction when pink lips gently press to her cheek.
Minerva holds her lips against smooth skin a while longer, the heat building in Regina's skin radiating and she almost grins when red lips carefully slide to completely encompass her own. Regina presses on more tangibly, the kiss almost desperate, the need for affection overwhelming and so Minerva gently runs a calming hand down the woman's spine and releases raven hair from its expensive doo. Her finger lace through soft tresses and dance across porcelain skin releasing a small whimper. Grey eyes slide open, frowning when noting Regina's are squeezed shut almost painfully.
Minerva gently pulls away from the desperate kiss but not without protest from red lips. Glassy brown eyes slide open, a tear released down Regina's heated cheeks as her head lowers and small silent sobs vibrate across the water. Minerva frowns weakly. She thinks its not so much what she did that upset the young Queen, its what feelings the kiss revealed. She felt the woman's desperate heart yearning for some sort of loving contact and guesses Regina opening herself to such weakness must be uncommon. Slowly she pulls the young woman into her front, easing a steady flow of energy into the weak royals heart and nods when Regina settles in her arms.
"Today's been one of your greatest challenges Regina. You must rest, for tomorrow will be the first of many as the White kingdoms sole ruler."
Regina nods weakly.."Thank you."
Minerva hums appreciably, peeling the embarrassed Queen from her shoulder and wiping away smudged tears from red rimmed eyes.
"Be strong Regina, but never forget what's important."
Minerva squeezes a slender shoulder before wading her way through the water and heading towards the exit. Shes edging towards her target goal, not much left to do besides stop the death threats and prepare the princess for her place alongside Regina. With a wave, Minerva's body is shrouded in silver as she paces into the halls, leaving the young Queen alone with her thoughts...