Next to Arthur, Hera hugged his arm, marking her territory. – Hello, I'm Hera... – she introduced herself with a smile, a stark contrast to the tense veins visible on Arthur's face.
Alexia, Selena, Morgan, Phoenix, Ambrose, Emma, Mey, and Astrid stared in astonishment, trying to process the sight before them. – WHAT?! – they shouted, unable to believe that Hera touched Arthur without permission.
With Hera clutching his right arm, Arthur's face tightened with veins of irritation. [You'll explain this to me later!] he warned Hera telepathically.
Everyone fell silent as they tried to comprehend the situation.
Elder Ashura, sensing the tension, addressed the musicians with a nervous laugh. – Keep the party going! Nothing happened here! – he exclaimed, clapping to signal the resumption of the music.
As the music resumed, the curiosity and amazement lingered.
Hera Olympus, the goddess of perfection, divine beauty and stunning, embraced Arthur, looking up at her rival, Merlin. [We need to talk, Arthur!] she responded to Arthur's warning telepathically.
"My God, what am I doing?! I was full of anger, and when I realized it, I was already hugging his arm..." Hera thought, bewildered by her own actions and dreading the confrontation with Arthur later.
Merlin Vallenar, meeting Hera's gaze, recognized her as a rival. "This woman is very tall, just like Arthur's mother. They're both his height... " analyzing her rival.
"And I have to admit that she is extremely beautiful. Is this Hera II Olympus, who was elected the most beautiful goddess of the five continents?! Hmph! She's nothing, this woman is just another obstacle that I'm eventually going to destroy!" she mused with a calm and cynical expression as she saw the tall goddess in a blue long dress and a ponytail in her white hair. "So, this is my rival?" she thought.
– Honey, what is she to you...? – Merlin asked in her language, looking at Hera.
Hera, understanding Merlin's words, seethed with rage. She whispered fiercely into Arthur's ear. – What is she talking about?! And why did she call you honey?! – glaring at Merlin with veins bulging on her face.
Arthur, avoiding both women's gazes, addressed the gathering with a forced smile. – This is Merlin Vallenar, queen of Alfmosis. She suffered a coup d'état that's why she's here. And as you already know, Hera II Olympus, daughter of Zeus, and adopted daughter of Queen Andromeda after being expelled by her father. They are acquaintances, close people! Sorry for the scare, I confess that I was startled myself... – he explained, trying to pacify the crowd.
[Acquaintances and close? Do you want me to tell them what you told me in that well...?] Hera threatened telepathically, staring at Arthur with a fiery gaze.
Merlin approached Arthur and, in her language asked. – Scared? I can scare you more if you want... – she waved to everyone with a smile, biting her lip.
Hera, her face flushed with anger, grunted. "It's not possible! This woman infuriates me! She has to go!" she fumed internally, biting her nails.
Eleanor noticed Hera biting her nails and chuckled. – Oh my God, she's going to rip her finger off like that... – she joked, looking at Alexia and Selena, who shared the same reaction. – Girls! – she called out.
Alexia and Selena, their faces red and arms crossed, glared at Eleanor. – What is it?! – they snapped in unison.
"I get why Selena's upset, but Alexia too? That's weird, Arthur is her brother..." Eleanor thought, exchanging glances with Morgan, Phoenix, Ambrose, Emma, Mey, Astrid and Neythiri. They all understood her thoughts without needing words.
Andromeda, observing the tension between Merlin, Arthur and Hera, questioned Arthur with curiosity. – What is she saying? And when did you learn her language? – she asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
Allana, running up to Arthur, stopped abruptly. – Brother, is she my new sister-in-law? She's very pretty... – she asked, glancing at Merlin.
Hera crossed her arms with a sly smile. – Is that so, Allana?! And who keeps you company when no one is there to play with you?! – she teased, looking at Allana.
Allana looked up at Hera with adoration. – Sister Hera is the most beautiful in the world! Brother, marry Sister Hera! – she exclaimed, hugging Hera tightly.
"Allana!! Agh!!" Arthur thought, feeling a vein throb on his forehead. Laughing, he addressed them. – So many questions. She is the one who taught me her language, and she says it's a pleasure to meet everyone. And no, I haven't committed to her! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to rest... – he said, escaping the pressure of the environment.
…
Minutes later, at the entrance of the royal ship.
Looking at Merlin, the queen mother smiled. – You are truly very beautiful. Elves are indeed remarkable beings... – she said, entering the ship.
Merlin returned the smile. – Thank you, mother-in-law. You are not far behind yourself... – she replied, her eyes mocking Hera.
Arthur sighed and whispered in Merlin's language. – Brown-noser... – he muttered, looking at Merlin. – She says you're much prettier... – he translated, addressing the queen.
Andromeda blushed. – Me?! – she asked, placing a hand on her chest in surprise. She laughed, softly. – I'm already old... – she whispered, looking down.
Merlin, with a suggestive smile, whispered to Arthur. – Bootlicker, huh? Do you want me to speak Latin with her? I'm sure she has a lot to know about her son, for example the fact that...– Arthur interrupted her quickly.
– Don't speak Latin! – Arthur exclaimed, veins pulsing on his face. – You tire me out. I'm going to sleep... – he said, retreating from the tension between Hera and Merlin.
Hera, watching Arthur, Merlin, and the queen, thought. "I knew he would have others, but this woman is unbearable..." she fumed internally.
…
Minutes later, in the main corridor of the royal ship, Arthur walked towards his room.
Hera stood waiting in the hallway. Hearing his footsteps, she looked up. – Can I talk to you? – she asked softly, her voice tinged with regret for her earlier behavior.
Without breaking stride, Arthur glanced at her. – I'll let what you did earlier slide, but the less we talk, the better, Hera! – he declared firmly, looking away.
As he passed her, Hera clenched her fists, summoning the courage to stop him. – Then I'll tell the elders about us! – she blurted out, instantly regretting her words.
Arthur halted, veins pulsing on his face. – What did you say?! – he demanded, turning to face her, disbelief etched on his features.