Because I practically had no father, I would be walking down the aisle with Zeus. Athena and Artemis were with me in the room.

"Aphrodite, you should have spoken up in the court back then," Artemis said.

"Arty didn't you notice the way Hera said her last line... you don't think your queen is wrong" Athena mocked, "She meant if Aph said anything against Hera, she'd be going against the words of Queen."

"Yeah! Thena's right, Artemis! I don't why she hates me so much, it's just been 2 days since I'm here," I sighed.

"It's not your fault, Aphrodite. Hera hates everyone and everyone hates Hera."

"All because of that dumb husband of hers."

I looked up puzzled, as Artemis continued, "Well, so Zeus left his former wife Dionne, Titaness of the clear skies, and tricked Hera into marrying him. But Zeus and his womanizing never stopped. Hera being the goddess of marriage herself never could leave him as she has to set an example for a devoted wife, but Hera ruined her life being insecure and jealous. She just hates all the women Zeus likes."

"Which makes her hate every woman of the universe" Athena finished off.

We all sighed. I kind of pitied Hera now. If she would have been nice to me, I would have made Zeus love her madly, but not now. Instead, I had a plan too good, to take back at her. I stood up, "cmon ladies, let's go?"

Athena and Artemis were wearing matching pink lacy gowns and had halter necks and long flaring skirts. Athena's hair was in a chignon while Artemis had her in soft open waves. They were my bridesmaid.

The wedding was done in royal gardens. I walked up the aisle with Zeus. Hera herself was the priestess and Hephaestus. He looked better than most days. His face was shaven and looked fresh. His hair was set back sleekly and he was wearing a fine white suit. I smiled at him. I didn't want him to feel unloved and uncared anymore. I may not love him but I had a heart, unlike Hera. I can be compassionate.

Hera said the wedding vows and we exchanged rings. I noticed Ares wasn't in the ceremony. Hestia gifted us a tea set that never ran out of drinks. Demeter had planted us a cherry tree at Hephaestus house because that's where I would have shifted. Hera gifted us a grand bedroom blessed with a beautiful marriage and a lot of other things. I met a lot of other gods too this time, Styx, Hades, Dionysus, Iris and a lot of others. I met Nyx and Zeus's first wife Dione.

From now, I would have to live in the palace because that's where Hephaestus lived. We had the whole west wing to ourselves while Ares had the opposite east wing, Hera and Zeus lived in the center building. The rest two towers were given to princess Eileithyia, goddess of childbirth and princess Hebe, Cup-bearer of gods. I went to my bedroom, aka, Hephaestus's bedroom. It was beautifully decorated with roses and lilies and other flowers. I was tired so I removed my clothes and sat in front of the huge dressing which I'm sure was here because of me. A couple of minutes later, Hephaestus entered the room.

"Aphrodite?" He looked at me."I was searching for you all over the party. I had no idea you were here." He said walking up to me and sitting beside me.

I put on a robe and smiled. "I was just tired. All that drama from the morning is too much."

"Look I know you never wanted to marry me. We could have separate .." I put my finger on his lips.

"Shush Hephaestus! Whatever happened today was not your fault. Indeed, I never wanted this but now that things cannot be changed let's just move on with it." Hephaestus was sweet, at least to me. But I have heard he can go to any extreme when he is angry. Anyway right now, I had to be a good wife, because truly nothing can be changed.

"I know it's nothing new for you but having you to myself is great bliss, Aphrodite. You're the most beautiful woman ever. I bought something for you." I untied the knot of my robe and I felt something slip on my waist. It was a girdle, intricately designed with pearls and jewels woven in platinum. "It is made out of irresistible beauty and desire. Whoever wears this would be desired by anyone who sees her." Hephaestus's hand grazed the skin of my waist and moved up. I could feel him wanting me. I could make love to him, but I didn't want to hurt him too.

I closed my eyes and let my love flow to Hephaestus. My power would make him feel like we had sex. He would be satisfied. We went to bed where he laid down holding me and immediately fell asleep.

I looked at him and kissed his head. "I'm sorry Hephaestus!" I said and walked out of the bed. Now time to show Hera she messed with the wrong person.