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Ignoring the grumbling man, Uncle turned his attention back to me and the two guards. “Helio and Solis, I do hope you're not challenging me right now.” Ov raises a questioning brow at both guards. “I do believe that without Lord Apollo and Lady Artemis here that I’m the next highest in command.”
The men on either side of me turn to face each other. Having a wordless conversation on what their next steps should be.
In unison, they both release their grip on me as I rub my upper arms.
Their fear of Ov apparently greatly outweighed their respect for the other man.
Uncle nodded before gesturing for me to follow him deeper into the garden.
Glancing at the guards, I watch as neither looks at me.
“Follow me to my private area of the garden.” I follow him through some narrow passages of greenery to a secluded garden table and chairs.
He gestures to me to sit down and helps me to my seat before taking his own. Taking his bell from the center of the table, he gave it a slight jingle. A servant scatters into the clearing. “Advisor.” He bows toward the man. “Honored guest.” He bows less deeply to me. “How may I be of service to you?”
The Uncle asks, “Fetch us some tea and scones. Preferably the ones with that delightful raspberry icing.” The man appeared to have a sweet tooth. Not what I expected from one of the gods, but I choose to shrug it off.
The brown-haired boy with ruddy skin fidgets restlessly while gawking at me, “But sir, Apollo has commanded that she’s not permitted to eat without him present at said meal.” The servant locked eyes with me, we held an uncomfortable gaze. His fear of the Sun God is apparent. “The Lord told us—"
“—Oh, and fruit! Strawberries, peaches, olives, and figs should suffice, don’t you think my darling?” The man interrupts his servant. Everything that he has said so far sounds absolutely delicious. I would take any flavor after seven days of tasteless food. My stomach growls at the thought. “That sounds like a yes to me,” Uncle chuckles. “See. Our honored guest needs food.”
The young man smiles awkwardly at the god. A civil war is being waged inside his mind. Torn on how to handle his present situation.
“Ooh, what about tea? I would like my usual cinnamon tea. Also, some ambrosia. What would you like my dear?” He smiles back at me.
“I would like black tea with bergamot and lemon please.” Smiling at the young man, I try to appear softer. Attempting to let my annoyance at the other man melt away.
The servant stammers, “...But the Lord Apollo said—”
“Let me deal with my nephew. Should you’ve any problems, direct him my way,” reassures the burly man. Nodding, Uncle smiles. “I know how he can get. He has a flare for the dramatics.” Turning his attention to me, Ov continues, “You know, I always told my sister that her boy would make an excellent actor. With a bit of guidance and practice, damn he’d have made out in big leagues.” As he gets more excited, his hands move more and more. Enunciating each of his words.
I think I know where Apollo’s flare for the dramatics comes from, I think to myself with a smirk.
“You don’t even know the half of it,” Arista mutters with crossed arms. A grumpy look is painted onto her face as she watches the advisor for the court.
Choosing to ignore Ari, I turn my attention back to Ov. “In a bigger league than being a Lord of his own Court?” I question with a slight smile and a raised eyebrow. This man seems like someone who I could get along with.
The servant’s eyes go wide and slightly frantic.
“Oh well, I guess I don’t know about that.” The man laughs. “I suppose that my nephew is doing pretty good for himself without my observations.”
As he smiles, crinkles form around his icy blue eyes.
“But anyways, as I was saying Ganymede, if my nephew gives you any guff, send him my way.” He winks at me. “My nephew tends to overact.” Now that was the understatement of the century. I couldn’t contain my giggles at the Uncle’s quip.
It seems like the man loved to pick on his nephew and I can’t help but wonder how vehemently Apollo must despise that. As he seems like the type who never wants to be seen as being inferior.
Cautiously, Ganymede left the garden looking like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. I suspect that Uncle was the rock and Apollo was the hard place. Both have huge personalities and seem to be forces to be reckoned with.
“I sincerely apologize for Councilman Noctus. He has been a pain in my ass since before my nephew’s father’s reign. Forgive me for my tardy introduction, my name is Ov. I'm Uncle to Lord Apollo.”
Noctus. That seemed fitting for the man that I encountered. “Nice to meet you sir.”
“Oh, that’s quite all right dear,” he chuckles. “You may skip the formalities with me. Uncle Ov or some variation of that’s fine with me.”
Nodding, I reply, “Thanks Ov.”
Clasping his hands together, he makes a loud, singular clap before adding, “Now what’s your name? Tell me a bit about yourself. I have heard so much about you from my nephew.”
