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Apollo’s grip tightens slightly on my hand. “But if anyone could figure this out, it's you.”
Gods, that’s a lot of pressure.
Pausing, I think back to the failed healing potion. “How do you expect me to find those answers when I'm locked in my room.” I give Apollo a pointed look. Raising an eyebrow, I challenge him to respond.
Tactfully, he avoids my comment, questioning Chiron about my treatment, healing progression, and the expected release date.
Turning to Artemis, she shrugs knowingly.
Feeling exhausted, I chose to change the subject. “What happened after I passed out?”
“When you hit the floor, the mercenaries from Stormhold lashed out. Sure enough, they had the weapons you discussed.” Apollo sighs. “The quicksilver would have put me down for the count. I'm grateful you took the drink from me, though you will never pull a stunt like that again.”
“A stunt? You were the one who drank the wine off the floor. Was saying that the wine was poisoned too subtle for you malaka? Stupid immortals,” I mutter.
Artemis challenges, “Watch it. There are more immortals than my malaka younger brother.”
“I'm your lord!” Apollo stated indignantly.
“You're also my brother,” retorts Artemis.
“You're also the one that practically licked the floor at the sight of the spilled wine.” I sighed, “What happened to the mercenaries?”
“They were taken care of,” Apollo says blankly.
Nodding, relief spreads through my chest. A tension that I didn’t know was there.
Apollo moves closer to the bed, giving Artemis and Chiron a pointed look. To which, Artemis blurted, “Chiron! I forgot that I wanted to show you some… flower clippings that Apollo gave me. Do you think you could identify them?”
Arista whispered, “Oh for cute. She’s trying so hard to assist him. The Moon Goddess is a budding wing woman for her twin.”
Missing the not-so-subtle cue, Chiron raises an eyebrow at the shenanigans of the twins and states, “Flower identification was never my strong suit.”
Artemis smacks her forehead at the centaur's response.
Playing along, I offer, “Well if you can’t identify them, you can bring them to me. Back in the mortal world, I was kind of a plant girl.”
Turning I see the stressed face of the god sitting inches from my feet. The Sun God pinches the bridge of his nose at his sister’s antics. “Thank you.” I giggled at his groan to which he turned to observe me. “Yes Chiron. Maybe you and my twin will take a look first.”
Artemis reached up and linked her arm with the centaur. Which is quite a sight. Even with her being fairly tall, her arm was craned at an uncomfortable upward angle. She practically drags the healer out of his infirmary. “Hey!” Chiron bleats, “I have things to do.”
“Yes, and plenty of time to do it later,” Artemis states while winking.
Suddenly, a look of understanding extends across his face. “Ooh! Yes! Let’s go look at those bark samples.” The centaur attempts to play along.
“... Flower clippings,” Artemis corrected.
The healer blushes. “Um, yes.”
The two hurried out of the room. The door creaked shut with a loud CLANK!
Smiling broadly, I returned my gaze back to the god who looked like he was going to have a stroke. Warmth radiances from him. Comfortably spreading up my legs.
Delicate and regal eagles spread across the ceilings. Their bright paint shockingly crisp marble walls. Coughing softly, Apollo regains my attention. Pulling at his toga’s loose collar. “I'm not good at showing gratitude. In fact, it’s one of the few things that I suck at.”
I snort, “But humility is certainly your strong suit.”
“As modest as a god can be.” He smirks. His voice has a low timbre. Gulping, his Adam’s Apple bobs. Two golden orbs stare at me. Like gazing at the sun. Reaching toward my hand which clasps the pale woolen sheets. Halting, his hands fell millimeters short of me. “Thank you, Pandora.”
