Chapter four
Today is the big day in Mount Olympus. Everytime there is a wedding, Athena always called it as the big day. Every one is present, Hades and his family rise up from underworld, same with Poseidon and his family from the sea. Eris and Apollo announced their first child two weeks ago and her baby bump is now noticeable. Aphrodite gave birth to a baby boy, her and hephaestus first son. All the gods and goddesses are present on this special day. Artemis is wearing a green dress, signed that she is indeed the Goddess of hunting and wildery. Before the wedding started, Athena is looking for a particular God. Always late as ever, she thought.
Ares then entered the garden where the wedding ceremony is being held. He is not wearing his armor but chooses to wear simple clothing that he makes him more attractive and clean looking. Ares met her eyes and winked at her. Always the smug one too, she added. Apollo then started to play his lyre the signal that the wedding has started.
They all looked at the beautiful goddess walking down the aisle, happiness and love radiating on her face. Hermes on the other hand is teary eyed, finally the love of his life will be his from today and forever. When Artemis reached her destination, she locked her hands with her soon to be husband and started the vows.
"Today, I'm giving my blessing to my Artemis and her husband, my loyal companion, Hermes. My wish for both of you a happy and fruitful life together as husband and wife." The couple exchanged their rings then kissed each other. Everyone is cheering for the newly wed, Athena is clapping as well but trying her best not to cry. She's happy for Artemis and Hermes but there's still the feeling of jealousy on her heart. How would it feel to be wedded to your one true love? How would it feel to wake up every day and the love of your life is beside you? While the Gods are busy saying their congratulations, Athena silently walked towards the table and pour some wine on her glass, she drank it straightly, it is becoming a habit of her which is quite alarming. An arm draped over her shoulder and of course, its her distraction, Ares.
"Never did I thought you are like me when it comes to drinking. Just wow, that makes you more attractive princess." she rolled her eyes and pour another wine to her and his glass.
"What's wrong princess? You're not talking. Not that I don't like it when you are not talking, actually I like it more when you are not talking as you're only insulting my every moves." Ares joked and suprisingly Athena laughed.
"I think its the end of the world, you're now laughing at my jokes. Princess, you're turning me on." She then smacked his hands that is slowly going down from her shoulder to her waist.
"Why are you so pervert, Ares? Why don't you just settle down? Go get yourself a wife."
"I will soon, my princess is not yet ready."
She looked at him and he smiled at her, the kind of smile that always make her heart skip a beat.
"Come on Princess, let's join the party."
Its a happy wedding maybe because Hermes is one of the silly god that makes every one smile on his jokes. Artemis is a lucky goddess, to be wedded to a man that can make her smile every day. As part of their tradition, all the closes friends of the newly wed will make a wish for them. Apollo as Artemis twin brother started it.
"Well my only wish for both of you is to be happy. It is not impossible because ever since, you two are best of friends. I witnessed your love for my sister even before. It is so funny that it took you so long to confessed, Hermes. But I'm happy you did." everyone clapped their hands and the second one to talk is Athena.
"So, I don't really know what to say..um..its still suprising, I never thought about this day. I'm happy. Yeah, I really am happy for both of you. I wish that the love you have today will be the kind of love that you will have for each other even after years of being together as husband and wife." Artemis hugged her big sister and they are both teary eyed.
"You're always my little sister, remember that. Nothing will change. I love you Artemis."
After Athena is Ares as he is Hermes best friend.
"Congrats man! I don't have any wish for you." and they all laughed. Ares is funny without force. He can make every one happy but angry too, at the same time.
"I don't have any wish because you already have it. I know that you've been wishing for Artemis every day and now, you got your wish. I think that's enough. I'm happy for you, for both of you" He can be serious too sometimes, Athena thought.
This is the Ares that she's been admiring for years. The funny, the smug and serious one. Every thing about him appealed to her, even if she deny it a thousand times. The wedding dance started and Athena can only stare at the couple not noticing the tears that is flowing freely on her eyes. She wiped it away and faked a smile. If only she have her courage to tell their Father that she wanted to be free, to love, to marry. But she doesnt have that, so she have to endure the pain. She have to. After the wedding party, they all go back to their respective kingdom. Athena as usual will go home, alone.
She removed her sandal and sat on the sofa, staring at the wall. She can now cry freely without anyone asking her questions on what is the reason of her tears.
"You can marry me then you will have your freedom." Athena said to herself, repeating those words that is running on her mind, weeks now. She repeat it again and again until she decided to go out...she needs to talk to Ares.