Long ago in the continent of Europa, lived King Atticus the brave, handsome and young king of the country of Hastinos. The people of the country saw their king as a saviour for unlike the tyrannical rule of his father Atticus ruled with benevolence. Yet he lacked the efficiency or cunning his father possessed and was more of a figurehead for country rather than one with actual power. The real rulers were his courtiers and ministers who ruled not just the country but the king as well.
Once on a stroll through his gardens he saw a woman bathing in a pond. He thought to himself, Which woman dares bath in the garden of the king? But on closer inspection he was bewildered. The woman he saw was mind numbingly beautiful. He could not put her appearance into words yet was attracted to her. What he felt wasn't mere lust but it was love. He approached the woman and asked her politely," Oh divine goddess, your beauty aches my heart would you not tell me your name ?"
The woman although naked didn't seem to be flustered. She giggled at the king and said,"You guessed right young man, I am a goddess, the goddess of love herself Aphrodite."
"And what may you be doing in my gardens goddess of love ?"
"I have had my eyes on you for a while.", said aphrodite before leaning in and kissing the startled King. The king wishing to please the goddess of love pushed her down and made love beside the river.
Many months had passed since that incident and Atticus still could not get her out of his mind. He frequented various temples of aphrodite hoping to meet her once again to no avail. The courtiers sensed his aloof nature but thought he would be easier to control this way. Many proposals of marriage were sent to the young king by other kingdoms. Marriage was a way to strengthen alliance but he could not bring himself to think of another woman. He spent his time painting, trying to describe beauty supposed to be indescribable through his brush and colours.
One evening he was painting in his room and the gentle evening breeze blew on his face. He looked up and saw the window open and a woman standing in front of him with a mischievous smile. It was aphrodite there was no mistaking it. In her arms she held a baby. Atticus stood there dumbfounded as aphrodite moved closer to him.
"This is our son, Atticus"
"Wh-what you mean... we... had a-"
"Yes. He is the fruit of our love. I am leaving him to you, considering he is a demigod he will grow up to be a great king."
"Aah, yes."
Aphrodite after giving the child to Atticus, planted a kiss on his lips and disappeared into the mists. Little did Atticus know that it was the last time he would see his beloved goddess.
On his next assembly at the royal council he announced his son as his heir and revealed his parentage. Many were awed by his story while others remained cynical. Rumours spread around the kingdom about the baby boy many said he was a demigod destined to be the most powerful man alive others said that he could simply be the son of a maid that the king had an eye on.
Seventeen years had passed since the birth of the King's son, Darius. Darius had grown to be a prodigy. There was none in the kingdom as good as darius was at archery. Some considered him alike the god Eros who was also a son of aphrodite and was known for his archery and good looks. The same could be said for the young prince. Darius led an army and quelled an armed rebellion at the mere age of sixteen. But he was also as good at state craft as he was at warcraft. He held an iron grip on the royal council and his words felt like jabbing arrows. He combined the ruthless efficiency of his grandfather with the benevolent compassion of his father. The common folk of Hastinos loved the prince as he often conducted public charities and quelled rebellions that disturbed peace. Whether he did this out of compassion, duty or simply to win favour- that only he would know.
The Kingdom of Hastinos might have prospered under this prince and his lineage but fate has a funny way of revealing itself for the decisions of King Atticus who was now no longer a young man would lead the kingdom and his dynasty into an alternate path. A path of violence, hate and bloodshed which would end at the great war for Europa.