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“Did she talk about him a lot? Your mom?” I add. Trying to not push my friend too hard but something about her uncle makes my skin crawl.
Artemis pauses, “She must have mentioned him, but I can’t think of any time in particular.” She shakes her head, her silvery hair flying away from her face. “Why have you taken such an interest in Uncle?”
Plucking a pillow, I hurl it in her direction as she erupts with laughter. I reply, “No. It’s just… he is the reason I almost left the court on the day of the Dekate.”
Her laughter cuts from her throat. Listening intently to my words.
“He told me that I would be able to slip away. Even gave me some gold to ‘start a new life with.’”
“What? Why didn’t you tell us?” the goddess demanded. Artemis is sitting up straight now, watching me in horror.
“Ov told me not to…” my voice trails away.
And even for a while after, I thought I might still slip away and use the drachma he gave me. Maybe I should’ve told them. The more and more I'm figuring out about Ov, the more concerns I have with him.
“We will need to tell Apollo. He needs to be aware of this,” she replies with a whisper. “Actually, no. Let me tell him. He can be… Unpredictable with stuff like this.”
I nod, “I won’t talk about it with him until you tell me to do so.”
“Good, now let's head downstairs for supper.” Linking arms, we walk arm in arm through the heavily guarded hallways.
There are so many of them.
“Of course,” chimes Arista. “The hospitality Laws of Xenia don’t look kindly on a guest of a host being murdered while under their care.”
I nod.
Of course.
Xenia, the codes of conduct between hosts and guests. Basically, the course of conduct between a guest and a host. One built on mutual respect and protection. Particularly for a host, it consists of making sure that a guest is well fed and no danger comes to them in the care of the host. Guests are expected to respect their hosts, bring stories of their travels, and return the privilege of being the host if they were to ever come calling on them. Makes more sense why they’d want to ramp up security.
Entering the dining room, Artemis and I are the first to arrive. Followed closely by Athena.
Ari was already there. Sitting, she smiles at me.
That girl moves so quickly sometimes.
Sitting down, we sip on our wine. The goblet of ambrosia to its right is calling my name. I pour myself a moderate sized glass.
As we wait for Apollo, food begins to be brought in. Bringing in the most decedent smells rich with bright flavors.
The doors fly open. Clattering against the wall.
Apollo hobbles in clutching his chest, his gait looks off. I ask, “What’s wrong with you, Apollo?”
“Probably should’ve been listening to his sister.” Ari rolls her eyes as she eyes Sun God from Ov’s old seat.
Shooting her a look, she shrugs her shoulders.
“I said what I said,” Arista replies coldly.
Artemis swivels her head to her twin. “Pandy will help! She was an aspiring apothecarist!” My friend enthusiastically says as she volunteers me to take a look at her brother’s chest.
“Perhaps we should send for Chiron,” I say. The centaur has been good to me. He’s healed me several times now. “I don’t want to step on his toes… Hooves. He is the healer of the gods.”
“Nonsense,” Apollo groans as gingerly sits down. Clutching his chest, I can see how much pain he’s currently in. “Come take a look. Chiron would probably appreciate the break.”
Athena scoffs, “The healer has been pretty occupied with the droves of satyrs and nymphs coming in. The man can hardly keep up as is.”
