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a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 3 years ago

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Soft Hands -Part three

A continuation of the story of Ares and Aphrodite

General CW in case any of the text herein is upsetting.

I took my time to get ready, bathing and fixing my hair, wearing suitable robes and jewels as I would be asking for an audience from the king and queen.

I hope for a favorable answer or counsel where my marriage is concerned. Even a divorce and the stigma that would inevitably follow would be preferable.

I make my way to the doorway to the palace, only to be stopped by two guards.

"What is your business here?"

The way they leered. I am of a mind to curse them with love that will never be returned to them. Or perhaps, I should simply turn the both of them into wretched toads. "I am here to seek the counsel of the king and queen, nothing more."

Several moments of silence followed, and then they exchanged looks when I refused to leave. "Well?"

One sighed while the other went in to announce my arrival.

"You may enter, lady Aphrodite."

I put on a countenance of humbleness as I make my way to the dais, where both Zeus and Hera are seated on their thrones. Offending either with arrogance or pride greatly would hurt my cause.

"Daughter of Ouranos, welcome," Hera was studying me with curious eyes. I have heard talk of her jealous and vengeful nature, and I caution myself against angering her. She was Hephaestus's mother, after all. “Or should I say, welcome, daughter?”

I sink to my knees and lower my gaze. "My gracious lady, most benevolent lord, I have come bearing an urgent appeal."

I could feel two pairs of eyes on me. "Which is?"

"My marriage. I ask for your counsel where Hephaustes is concerned."

Hera sighed but said no more. "Go on," encouraged Zeus.

My courage was starting to fray, and I had barely begun talking to them. "Before I go on to my cause, I must let you know that Hephaustes is a loyal husband who thinks of nothing showering me with gifts."

"But?"

"But, he is neglectful in many other ways, my lady. He is hardly home. He is always in his smithy, while I am home all by myself. I ask if you, the both of you, would consider talking with him, to make him understand his duties towards me are just as important."

"If he refuses to listen?" asked Hera.

"Then I wish for the marriage to be put aside." They gasp but say nothing, so I pluck what courage I have left and continue. "Even the shame of being divorced is preferable to sleeping in a cold bed, as a neglected wife."

A long, awkward, silence followed. I wonder if I should just apologize for wasting their time and leave.

I understand more than anyone what it feels like, child, to be neglected by your spouse. By all the gods I do.

Hera's thoughts stun me. Zeus looks confused, as he has no idea of what is being said between us.

Hephaestus has always been like this, and I am more sorry than I can say for what you are going through. Sadly, I do not have the power to undo the marriage, nor will my son listen to me. Only my husband has the power to bring any change into your life.

"This was the choice you made, Aphrodite, when you wed our son."

"But I never agreed, my lord," I retort. "It was decided by my father and yourself. Do not make it sound like I had any say in your poor choices of matchmaking."

"Feisty little thing, aren't you?"

It sounded as if Hera was smirking.

Zeus, however, glared. "I will let your impertinence slide this time."

I sigh but keep my temper in check.

"I will not agree to the dissolution of the marriage."

I cling on to the hope that he will talk to his son.

"Nor will I counsel Hephaestus."

What?

"You will go home and make peace with your lot in life from here on out. I will hear no more talk on this matter."

"My lord," My eyes were stinging. Is he saying he will do nothing to help? The so-called king of all the gods? The self-proclaimed father of the heavens?

"You will do as you are told!" Hera and I both flinch when Zeus roared and stood to his full height. "You will go back home and think no more on this matter. I have better things to do with my time than to waste them on the mere trifles of a silly girl."

He rushed back to his chambers.

I am so sorry, was all Hera could say before she had to follow Zeus.

So much for help. I dry my eyes, pick myself off the floor and go back out.

The very thought of going back to an empty home appalled me. I took my time wandering in the gardens, lost in thought. So lost was I that I did not see where I was going until I slammed into someone's broad chest.

A strong pair of hands held onto me to stop me from falling. "Are you all right?"

I shake my head, waiting for the stars to stop dancing in front of my eyes. When I finally come back to my senses, I take in the person before me. It was Ares.

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a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 4 years ago

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Welcome to my blog

This is a place for short stories, poems, musings, art and colouring pages. My name is M. I’m 39, and a Sri Lankan Burgher.

For history blurbs of Sri Lanka, drop by https://srilanka-a-history.tumblr.com/

For tarot readings, please do visit https://lansitarot.tumblr.com/