Disclaimer: The Labyrinth, its characters, songs, and phrases are
unfortunately not mine. They belong to Jim Henson Productions. However,
Ione, Apollo, and Isis are my original characters as well as the story.
Please do not use my characters without my permission.
Chapter 9: Beginnings of Love
The days continued much the same for Apollo and Aida. Aida just had a new room. But Aida was still not sleeping soundly a week later, and the lack of sleep was telling on Apollo. Ione had noticed he was less energetic, and his eyes were red rimmed.
"Apollo, what's going on?" Ione asked when they had a moment alone.
"What do you mean?"
"I know Aida has not been entertaining you at night. Why then are you losing sleep?"
"She hasn't been sleeping soundly, Mother."
"Odd. She always slept like a rock as a child."
"That's why I've been staying up with her."
"You can't keep torturing your body, Apollo. Go get some rest. I'll explain to Jareth and Sarah."
"Mother, you know I have public appearances to make."
"They're cancelled, Apollo!" Ione said with a touch of frustration. "Your health is far more important!"
Apollo sighed. A nap certainly did sound good right now. He fell asleep the instant his head touched the pillow. Jareth and Sarah were walking with Aida when Ione found them. She bowed gracefully.
"Your Majesties, I'm afraid we have a problem."
"What is it?" Jareth inquired.
"It has come to my attention that Aida is not sleeping well at night."
"How do you know that?" Aida asked in confusion.
"I have no idea if any of you have noticed, but Apollo has not been himself the past couple of days. Aida has been restless at night, and Apollo has been sitting up with her."
"How long has this been going on?" Sarah inquired.
"Since the wedding."
"Ione! That's been over a week!" Sarah exclaimed.
"Apollo has much endurance, Your Majesty. I once required him to go 72 hours without sleep for his training. He made that, but this is taxing him."
Aida was quiet. She wasn't sure what to make of the revelation that her husband had been silently sacrificing himself for her. She wondered how long he would've gone before she had noticed. She shuddered realizing that it probably would've taken some more time, and she was glad Ione had caught it. Apollo did not wake the rest of the day. Ione stayed up with Aida, and Apollo slept straight through to the next morning.
When he woke he realized it was late morning. He sat up in a hurry and looked around. He stood and gave himself a good shake. He walked serenely to the kitchen and found something to eat before going to find his family. He found his mother easily. She'd been waiting anxiously for him to wake.
Chapter 9: Beginnings of Love
The days continued much the same for Apollo and Aida. Aida just had a new room. But Aida was still not sleeping soundly a week later, and the lack of sleep was telling on Apollo. Ione had noticed he was less energetic, and his eyes were red rimmed.
"Apollo, what's going on?" Ione asked when they had a moment alone.
"What do you mean?"
"I know Aida has not been entertaining you at night. Why then are you losing sleep?"
"She hasn't been sleeping soundly, Mother."
"Odd. She always slept like a rock as a child."
"That's why I've been staying up with her."
"You can't keep torturing your body, Apollo. Go get some rest. I'll explain to Jareth and Sarah."
"Mother, you know I have public appearances to make."
"They're cancelled, Apollo!" Ione said with a touch of frustration. "Your health is far more important!"
Apollo sighed. A nap certainly did sound good right now. He fell asleep the instant his head touched the pillow. Jareth and Sarah were walking with Aida when Ione found them. She bowed gracefully.
"Your Majesties, I'm afraid we have a problem."
"What is it?" Jareth inquired.
"It has come to my attention that Aida is not sleeping well at night."
"How do you know that?" Aida asked in confusion.
"I have no idea if any of you have noticed, but Apollo has not been himself the past couple of days. Aida has been restless at night, and Apollo has been sitting up with her."
"How long has this been going on?" Sarah inquired.
"Since the wedding."
"Ione! That's been over a week!" Sarah exclaimed.
"Apollo has much endurance, Your Majesty. I once required him to go 72 hours without sleep for his training. He made that, but this is taxing him."
Aida was quiet. She wasn't sure what to make of the revelation that her husband had been silently sacrificing himself for her. She wondered how long he would've gone before she had noticed. She shuddered realizing that it probably would've taken some more time, and she was glad Ione had caught it. Apollo did not wake the rest of the day. Ione stayed up with Aida, and Apollo slept straight through to the next morning.
When he woke he realized it was late morning. He sat up in a hurry and looked around. He stood and gave himself a good shake. He walked serenely to the kitchen and found something to eat before going to find his family. He found his mother easily. She'd been waiting anxiously for him to wake.