Chapter One
Athena the most favorite daughter of Zeus, the greyed eye princess, the warrior and the maiden. Those are few of the words Athena can hear every day, everywhere even in the mortal world. What they didnt know is she wants freedom and freedom she gets...soon, hopefully.
It's a beatiful day in Mount Olympus they are all gathered for the annual meeting with their King, Lord Zeus. Hades is present together with his Queen, the beautiful Persephone. She's now staying for good with her husband, ruling the underworld with their daughter, Macaria. Thank Tartarus that Demeter has come to her senses that her Kore is now a Queen and she needs the freedom that a Queen should have. Their love story is one or the love stories Athena admired. She witnessed how her Uncle Hades fought for his love, sometimes Athena wishes she will have an epic love story like what Persephone have, but then she's bound to be a maiden forever so that's next to impossible. Next to enter the hall is Apollo with his wife, the wife that shocked all of them, never did they expect Apollo will have a relationship with Eris herself, let alone marry her. At first no one approved of their relationship but Apollo, like Hades, fought for his love. Oh, love, it always makes people even gods crazy. They all witnessed how Eris changed from being terrifying to less terrifying for Apollo and that's a good thing actually. After the newly wed enter Hephateus and Aphrodite, she's carrying the forge's child and they look happy together. Artemis and Hermes soon enter the council, the winged shoe god have his arms around Artemis shoulder while whispering words that makes her giggle. Athena rolled her eyes, even if Artemis deny it, looks like there is a romance going on between them and why does Artemis asked their father to remove her vows of being a virgin forever? There's only one answer and that is the silly god, Hermes.
"Everyone's here?" Zeus asked. He looked around and command the guards to closed the door until someone familiar enter the room, running with his usual mocking face. He sat beside Athena and kissed her cheeks without her permission.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm allergic to you, Ares?" Athena said, irritated but she's keeping her voice as quiet as possible. The war god smirked at her and pinched her cheeks like she's a child.
"Oh my princess, you're so cute"
"Cute yourself." she muttered.
"Thanks for the compliment, Princess."
"Stop calling me a Princess, will you?" Athena shoot a glare to the God beside her.
Before Ares can answer, Zeus called their attention and started the meeting. The meeting goes as usual, each of the Gods will report on what is happening on their realms and duties. Hades is the first one to report, Poseidon the second, then Hestia, Demeter, until all of them were done with their annual reporting. Its a boring meeting to be honest, but they need to do this to know what is happening to every one and how their life is going on.
"Artemis, I think you have something to say?" Zeus called her attention that made all of them look at the blushing goddess.
"Tell what, Father?" She said trying to hide the nervousness on her voice even though its clearly obvious.
"Maybe you can say it, Hermes. Can you?" Zeus turned his attention to the messenger. Minutes passed before Hermes opened his mouth and announced their engagement and upcoming wedding. Apollo and Artemis are indeed twins, they both know how to shocked all of the Gods.
"What? Are you with child Artemis that you are going to marry this man? I don't have anything against Hermes. Its just...shocking." Demeter is the first one to react, well, she's always the first one to react.
"No I'm not..we're just..in love, that's why." Artemis answered, Hermes hold her hands and you can see the love shining on both of their eyes. They all said their congratulations and Zeus blessed their engagements. Athena is not shocked at all, she's happy for Artemis..and somehow jealous of her. She have her freedom finally, Athena thought.
After the meeting they all go straightly to the garden where a grand banquet is waiting for them. While they are eating, Dionysius joked about how Athena is the only one left to be a maiden forever. She rolled her eyes and they all laughed at his joke. Yes, she's the only goddess on this table that is bound to be a maiden forever, thanks to his father that wants her to be under his protection for eternity.
"And I'm happy to be the only one." She answered which is a lie. She's not happy anymore but she does not want to dissapoint Zeus. She does not want to dissapoint every one who is looking at her as their role model. Their noble goddess.
After lunch, each of them said their good byes. Hades and Persephone went home to the underworld. Poseidon and Amphitrite to the sea kingdom, and each one back to their temples. Zeus and Hera entered their kingdom leaving Athena and Ares on the garden all to themselves.
"You're a good liar, Athena." Ares said all of a sudden breaking the silence between them. She looked at him, confused.
"What made you say that, Ares?"
"You're not happy anymore. To be a maiden goddess, to be Zeus's favorite. You're not. Stop denying it to yourself." He is not looking at her but she feels self concious.
"You don't know me nor my feelings. I'm perfectly happy with my life" another lie. Athena was about to leave when Ares said something that makes her stop and stare at the God of war, her ultimate rival..the man she is secretly harboring feelings for.
"You can marry me then you will have your freedom. What do you think Princess?" He left her then, stunned present on face.