Apollo arrived a couple days later and I didn't talk to him. I would wait for the party the next day. But it was sad that Nemesis would also be there. I would do my best to get him alone. I couldn't keep myself from being sad about pushing Apollo away. But I know I can't tell him, at least for now, what Aphrodite said. I needed to talk to him at the party.
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The day of the party arrived. I sat around watching nymphs hurry around to get the last details ready. I spotted Apollo but he was busy. He was so handsome.
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That evening guests began to arrive. I met Boreas and Chione and they looked like Artemis said they did. I didn't get to talk to them though. I was still getting ready with Aphrodite and Hestia who was not a true member of the council ever since Dionysus joined the council. She was very nice.
They put me in a bright white chitin and put my dirty blond hair back and Aphrodite made sure my eyes were changing properly. Then she gave me a little bit of blush and cleared my complexion. They put a gold thread around my waist and it slouched perfectly. Then, after all my whining, they let me look in a mirror.
I looked better than I had when I had become immortal. My hair was soft and lush and my eyes sparkled. My cheeks were pink and my lips were to. Then, Artemis walked in. She smiled at my appearance.
"The guests are arriving. And... Nemesis is here. Just so you know not to annoy Apollo. Particularly Adrasteia." I smirked and she winked on her way out. Like I could control my annoying Apollo... Well, I could. But only a little.
"All right." Aphrodite said, "Do you remember everyone important?"
"I hope so." Hestia smiled.
"It will be okay. Come on, it's time to go."
"Okay. Let's go."
The party was being held in the ballroom which was connected to the throne room by a bridge. I passed Apollo as I walked into the ballroom. I saw a look of admiration pass on his face when he saw me. Then it disappeared as soon as it came. I saw a pretty lady with shiny black hair and piercing blue eyes. It was Nemesis. I almost stopped where I stood. I forced myself to keep walking though. She was too close to Apollo for my taste.
I mingled with the guests and avoided Nemesis. While during this Apollo avoided me. I wanted so much to talk to him. Why had I been avoided him again? I really have no idea. He looked so handsome and I wanted to talk to him so much.
Finally I went up to him.
"Hello." I said timidly. He looked surprised.
"Hello. You, you, look nice." He smiled. I blushed.
"Thanks. You do to." He looked spontaneous actually. He was sweet to say that I looked nice though. He was also very sweet, I'm certain of it.
"So..." I said, "Have you talked to..." He sighed.
"No, I have not talked to Nemesis."
"Oh, well I better talk to her. Why don't you introduce me? It will be easier that way." He shook his head.
"No, Adrasteia... It's not that easy."
"Why not? What's changed?" He looked at me pleadingly.
"Me. And besides it's odd after our trip it's... It's..."
"It's what?" He looked uncomfortable.
"You know what?" He sighed but grinned, "I will, for you. Come on." I liked the sound of that. He grabbed my hand and pulled me over to where Nemesis was standing. She brightened up when she saw him.
"Apollo." She said happily and she hugged him. When she saw me her smile faded. I didn't like her much either.
"Hello, you must be our belle of the ball, Adrasteia."I curtsied.
"It's very nice to finally meet you." She curtsied back then turned to Apollo.
"Why Apollo, she is charming. And so beautiful. Now I know to be worried about you with such a young lady around." I blushed and Apollo looked so flustered. I spoke up. This lady needed to back off.
"I for one would never think of him that way. I better get going. I'll leave you two to catch up." I nodded at Apollo who looked like he was going to kill me. I went over to where Athena sat and sat next to her.
"Are you enjoying the party?" She asked.
"Yes. I wish, I wish, I could get Apollo to talk to me. Alone, for just a minute just so I could explain..." She put her hand on my knee.
"I know, I know. He will, he will." I smiled.
"I really hope so." She laughed and the party went on.
After The Party
After the guests left I looked around for Apollo. Then I saw him on the balcony of the ballroom. I walked over.
"It was an amazing party. How was Nemesis?" I said. He sighed. I could tell he didn't like being alone with her.
"She was fine. Not you but okay."
"Is that compliment I hear?"
"Yes it is." He laughed and leaned against the railing and faced me, "I, Apollo, think you are very nice, smart, agreeable, and to top it all off..." He trailed off.
"What? What tops it all off?" He looked away then back again. His eyes were intense again. Oh please just say it.
"Nothing, nothing." I narrowed my eyes.
"Apollo..." He sighed.
"Fine, if you tell Aphrodite I will kill you. I was going to say that you are... Very pretty." I blushed. That was better than I thought.
"Thank you. That is very sweet." He smiled, then that intense look from the first time we knew each other was back again.
He took a step forward and put his hand on my cheek. I smiled to let him know it was okay. He leaned in and I took a deep breath before our lips met. The hand that was on my cheek twisted itself in my hair. Our lips parted and I smiled at him. He smiled back, but his was more foolish. He was still so handsome.
"Well... I guess Nemesis does have to worry." He laughed and kissed me again. I was floating. Yep, I was in love.
~~~
The next morning there was a knock on my door. I was surprised to see that the sun was just starting to rise. I opened the door and was delighted to see Apollo. His eyes lit up when he saw me. Then he got flustered.
"Um... Hi." I grinned.
"Hello. Isn't it a little early?"
"I wanted to go on a walk but I wanted to see you so much that I got up early."
"Well that's sweet. Let's go." Grabbed his hand and pulled him along. He laughed and came along. It was sweet of him.
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We sat under an olive tree just out of sight of the palace. We laid down and my head rested on his chest. He smoothed my hair. I looked up at him. He smiled lovingly.
"How did we get here?" I whispered.
"I have no idea. I don't really care as long as I'm here." I smiled but blushed.
"I agree." I leaned up and we kissed. I have never been so happy. Then I realized something very important.
"Apollo?" I whispered.
"Yes?"
"Are we, are we going to tell anyone? About us?" He sighed.
"Not yet. Once I figure out how to tell everyone. Okay?"
"Okay." He smiled and we kissed one last time.
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The next day I felt like floating away. My life was perfect. I was a goddess, immortal to boot, in love (with someone also immortal), and there was no trouble to be found. I just hope it lasts.