"Your highness, before we go to the feast. You have to pick the jewels you wish to wear" The girl speaks, she had forgotten all about it. If she had presented the future Queen without them, she would have been thrown into the dungeon and tortured for days and then killed.
"Jewels? Is that really necessary?" Athena asks.
Not once in her life has she worn jewels, they were just too expensive. Though no one can deny that upon looking at them, they are beautiful and there were times that she wished to own some, yet she never could.
She has had a few necklaces throughout her childhood. Most of them made out of wood and horse hair, crafted by one of her brothers.
"Yes, of course! It's custom for the Royal family to choose whatever they wish to wear. Come!" She replies.
still getting used to that the young Queen doesn't know the rules and traditions of this place. With a smile she practically jumps to one of the doors and opens it. Athena looks inside and she can't believe her own eyes, words fail her completely. Her jaw's on the floor and she can't stop staring. Never has she seen anything like this in her life and she can't believe that she was so close to it this entire time.
Inside the room was bigger than her house about five times, even bigger than the bedroom she's been staying in. Gold necklaces and bracelets and crowns and so many more jewels are on display, on red pillars. Sparkles and glitters catch her eyes and she doesn't know where to look first, it's breathtaking.
"Go one, I'll be here. Come back when you've chosen something of your liking" The honey blonde girl says.
Athena had forgotten her for a few moments. She was so lost in looking at everything. Taking a step inside, her eyes dance around. Trying to look at every single one of the jewels there, as if this is the last time she will ever see them.
The door closes behind her, but she doesn't pay much mind to that. The first pillar that was closest to her, she decided to walk to first. She's hesitant and she fears that she shouldn't be around this much beauty, she feels she's unworthy of even knowing they're here. Yet, they want her to do this. As much as she feels she doesn't have a choice in the matter. For her, it's best to do what these people want, she doesn't want to anger him again.
On the pillar she stopped to look at, there is a golden necklace. It has a royal blue sapphire crystal that is shaped like teardrop in the middle with gold circling the teardrop. On either side of the sapphire are smaller sapphires, also with gold circling them as well like the bigger one. She counts five of them on each side. The biggest one is bigger than her eye ball, and the smaller ones are bigger than her fingernails. That necklace looks so beautiful in her eyes and compared to all the other ones, this one is on the simpler side, and that's what she likes, simpler things.
Slowly she reaches her hand out to take the necklace and as soon as she touches the cold gold, shivers run down her spine. Picking it up, she feels how heavy it is and she's not sure if she will be able to keep this on her neck without wanting to fall down to the ground, neck first. Before she takes the necklace fully off of the pillar, she looks around once more. Trying see if she can to spot something that isn't as much as this. These people might be used to things like this, but she's not. Finding nothing more simpler then this, she picks it up and unhooks the small golden hooks.
She places it around her neck as gently as she can, afraid that it will break if she's to rough, but shivers when the gold comes in contact with her neck, she hooks the hooks behind her neck and when she lets it slowly go, she feels the heaviness of it. Looking down at the gorgeous piece of jewelry, she can't believe that she's wearing something as beautiful as this. The gold of the necklace seems to match the golden dress that she's wearing almost perfectly like it was meant to go with the dress specifically, but the blue sapphires remind her of how her eyes used to be almost the exact same color. They used to be blue as well, she can still remember how beautiful her eyes were once. Now she doesn't recognize her very own eyes. She walks to the door that she came from.
All she wants is to look around and find something else to wear, yet she holds herself back. One necklace is hopefully enough to please them, she prays that he won't be angry at her for just wearing this and not any other pieces. Opening the door, she's greeted by a smiling emerald green-eyed girl.
"Excellent choice, your majesty. You look beautiful, it suits you. Now you're ready for the King and his brother" She says, and goes behind Athena and closes the door.
"His brother?" Athena stammers nervously. Not only did she meet Lucifer, but now she has to meet his brother too.
"Yes, normally they wouldn't be in the same room, or the same world. But, his brother wants to meet you too, I believe. Now, off you go. The guard will take you, my work is done. I will be here when you return" She says and pushes Athena out of the door that leads to the hallway and closes the door behind her.
The two guards that she met when she first woke up are there. Both of them bow before her, as they did the first time. She still doesn't understand this, but ignores it. She doesn't want to be late to this dinner. She's hungry and seriously wants food.
Athena has always had a big appetite and as much as ladies don't eat much, to stay in shape, she wanted food and was always hungry. It has always been like that since she was a small newborn. Her brothers, being boys, didn't care much about it. She could eat as much as she wanted, for them, it wasn't a lot of food. She can eat on slice of bread and be full, according to her and all the ladies, that's a lot.
The same guard that took her to the throne room comes up the stairs and bows before her when he comes stand in front of her.
"Follow me, your majesty" He only says and walks back downstairs, with her trailing him.
While walking down the stairs she realizes that she still barefoot, but that's probably for the best. If she were to wear heels, as these people would probably force her to wear, she would fall down the stairs and break her neck and others bones, possibly all of them. She doesn't like heels and tries to avoid them as best as possible, unless it's a special event, then there's no choice. Down the long and spiral stairs they go, she wonders how many steps they are and makes a mental note to count them one day, when she's bored. It's clear that she isn't getting out of there anytime soon.
This whole place is covered with guards and in an unknown place, it's pretty hard to find the exit, she doesn't even know where it is. They go in the opposite direction than the throne room. Athena figures that they're going to the kitchen. Each time she walks past a guard, she notices that they all bow for her. Athena has only been in this place for no more than a few hours and already finds this annoying. Wanting to talk to Lucifer, she wants to politely ask him to please tell them to stop bowing every time they see her. But, angering him is the last thing that she wants, so she goes along with it instead and decides she can just ignore them instead.
After walking down the same hallway for what feels like eternity, the guard stops in front of a double doors. They're the same color red as the walls and has a golden pattern shaped like fire all around it. He opens the door for her and as soon as the doors are open, the scent of food hits her nose. It's smells like heaven for her. She can't be sure what she's smelling, or what is is that is being served. All she knows that it's food and no matter what it is, she will like it. Her stomach growls again, louder this time. Water begins to form in her mouth. But, then her eyes catch up with reality and she sees what is going on.
Behind her, the doors close. In front of her is a table that is longer than any table she has ever seen. Longer than her house, starting from the front door and to the end of what she can assume is a dining hall of some sort. On top of the enormous table, is food. Not just any food. Every food there is, or that's what it looks like in her mind. She sees meat and fish and vegetables and fruits and even bread and baked goods. She sees everything there is to offer and more. However, that's not all she sees. By the tables are chairs, each one looks like a throne. They're wooden and the back of them are high, pillows are on the seats.
Her eyes scan the room until her eyes see the glowing red eyes that used to scare her before, but now seem beautiful to her. They aren't as freaky when in a distance. Lucifer stands up and walks over to her. He holds his hand out for her to take. The look in his eyes, speaks to her without words and somehow she feels her body failing her mind and she takes his forearm. He leads her to the other end of the table. On the end is a bigger seat than all the others. The seat of honor. She's heard of those, but has never actually seen one. That one looks the same, only it has arm rests, the others don't.
"My darling Athena, you look absolutely stunning" He speaks, surprising her.
No one had said a word for some time now, and she'd come to like the silence. He lets go of her, and as soon as his touch is no longer on her, she feels this longing feeling to have him touch her again. She completely pushes those thoughts out of her mind, not sure what she's thinking or why she's thinking this.
"Thank you" She chokes back, trying to sound polite and normal at the same time.
Though, her heart is beating faster in her chest. He pulls out the chair by end out a bit, and gestures her to sit. She lets out a small smile and sits down. The pillow is more comfortable than one would imagine. Lucifer then pushes the chair so she's facing the table. A plate is in front of her, it's white and shining. Probably the only white thing that she's seen in this place. On the right side of the plate are five different knives, each sharper than the one before her. The one closer to the plate is blunter than the one that is furthest away from it. Same goes for the forks that are on her left side. In front of the dish are spoons and in front of them is a small bowl. Above the knives is a clear glass with water in it.
Lucifer sits down at her right side, and in front of him is the exact same order of the plate and cutlery. He doesn't stare at it, as she is. His gaze is only on the beautiful fire haired girl. He studies her face and how her eyes sparkle with wonder when she sees all this. She truly is an angel in his eyes, such an innocent girl may not belong in a world filled with evil, yet he can't stand being away from her. He notices that her hair is in a braid and somehow that angers him, he likes to have her fire hair on her shoulders, tangled and yet so perfect.
He opens his mouth to say something but is cut off by the doors opening harshly, they slam at the walls behind them. The girl sitting in the seat of honor is startled and jumps in her seat, biting her tongue to not scream out of fright. When her eyes sees there's no danger, she calms down.
"Now that's what I call a feast, brother, you've outdone yourself this time" A deep man's voice booms as he enters the room.
He wears a silver armored chest-plate and a royal blue cloak running down from his shoulders and down his back, and lightly touches the floor.
From the food she can't see anymore what he wears, but his face is what has her mesmerized. His striking sea green eyes make her want to jump into them and get lost. His short blonde hair, messy and tangled, yet make her want to touch it. His eyes meet hers and she can't help but feel her knees buckle, if she weren't sitting, she would be on the ground. Lucifer doesn't like how his brother and his love are making eye contact and stands up and is quick to get in between the two, to sever the connection.
"Brother, always a welcome." He says, yet does everything in his power to not lash out at his brother, for looking at his future bride.
The sea green-eyed man welcomes his brother in a hug, that leaves Lucifer angry and Athena with a small smile, but she's quick to hide it. When the two brothers have hugged, awkwardly, the blonde man pushes his brother aside and goes to Athena.
"And, who might you be, beautiful?" He asks, smirking and looking at her.
She feels her cheeks start to warm up from blood that rushes up to them.
"Athe-" She begins to say, but she's cut off by him taking her hand and going down on one knee and kissing her hand. When his looks up again, he looks deep into her soul.
"Pleasure to be in the presence of a Goddess, my name is Poseidon, the more handsome brother" He says and winks at her.
Letting out a small laugh, she can't help but feels attractive to this man. Lucifer on the other hand, looks like he could murder his brother at this spot where he stands. His glare could send anyone to the grave. Poseidon stands up and sits down on the chair left of her.
"Brother, why are you just standing there. The Lady must be famished, let's not keep her waiting any longer" He says, as he notices that his brother just stands there, glaring at him.
He does love angering his brother, siblings can do that. Yet, in the end, there is always love for them. The King of Hell walks to his seat.
"Of course, I don't want my love to starve. Let's eat" He says, one cannot deny the anger that radiates off him, the only one oblivious is the girl sitting in the guest of honor seat.
"What do you wish to have, lovely Athena?" Poseidon asks her.
She's just thankful that she's getting some food, she wasn't sure that she could be able to survive any longer. The only thing on her mind is her hunger and how much she wants to eat something from everything on the table. Her fire eyes scan the table, looking for something she might like to have. But, she finds herself in a situation where she doesn't know what to choose. Everything that has been placed on the table looks delicious in her mind and she wants to taste it all.
"I suggest, the apple steak. It's a normal steak that is cooked with the juices that come from apples. The flavor is fantastic and leaves you wanting for more" He continues, noticing how the girl doesn't know what to pick.
He does enjoy taunting his brother like this, in truth, this is all a game to him.
"I've never heard of that" She says, the idea does sound like it could be good.
Athena has to keep reminding herself that things are different here than in the village she grew up in, of course the food is also going to be something she's never seen nor heard of.
She thinks of this a second before her mind is made up.
"I'd like to try it" She tells him, she doesn't look at him, nor Lucifer.
Her body is screaming at her, saying that she's safe, yet she still feels insecurity. Before Poseidon has the chance to stand up, his brother beats him to it and takes her plate up. Walking a little bit along the table, he stops and gently takes out a steak and put it on her plate.
"Do you want anything else with it? Perhaps fruits?" The King of the Underworld asks her, showing her that she's safe, after feeling how afraid she is of him and not of his brother.
"No, thank you" She whispers, her voice is low, yet can be heard throughout the room.
He returns with her plate and sets it down in front of her. Then the two brothers take their own plates and put food on their plates. The Lady is always supposed to have food before anyone else, even the two Kings. The steak in front of her looks like a normal steak, well cooked and does smell good. Her mouth waters, just by smelling it and looking at it. Only, she can't begin to eat, she doesn't know which knife and fork to use. There are so many of them, and she doesn't want to make a fool out of herself in front of them.
"It's this one and that one to use for steak" Lucifer point to the fourth knife from the plate and the third fork from the plate. He clearly noticed how she struggled.
"Thank you" She whispers.
Picking the knife and fork that he pointed at and she begins to cut the steak and eat it. As soon as she has a piece of the steak in her mouth, she feels like she's in heaven. The flavor is savory and a bit sour from the juice in the apple, but there's still the same steak flavor. Yet, this tastes more delicious than any steak she has ever tasted in her life.
She eats the steak one bite at the time and she loves it, she doesn't want to stop feeding her stomach with this delicious food. The two brothers talk to each other but she doesn't listen, she's far to focused on her food. It's like her stomach has become a black hole and is going to swallow up that steak and still craving more, there's no bottom to it.
"Athena" She hears her name being called and is unfortunately broken from the trance she was in by the food in front of her. She looks up from her plate and at Poseidon, as he said her name.
"Does it satisfy you?" He asks, clearly about the steak.
"Yes, very much. This is better than anything I've ever tasted" She replies, speaking only the truth.
She hadn't been eating like a Lady, but not does she care about that. The fire haired girl was just far too hungry to be acting like a Lady.
"I think you're going to like it here, but my kingdom will always top this place" He tells her.
The glowing red eyed King knows what his brother is doing and doesn't like it one bit.
"Your Kingdom?" She questions, as she takes a sip of the water in her glass.
"Yes, it's quite beautiful too. You should sometimes visit, it would be an honor to have a Goddess such as yourself there" He tells her.
Only by those words, the King of Hell has had enough.
"All right, that's enough. She's not leaving this place. Ever" He tells the two of them.
His voice deep and scary. He speaks with so much venom in his voice, that is frightens the girl. His eyes have changed again.
"She. Is. Mine" And just by those three short words, all hell broke loose.
Well... almost.