|| This chapter is edited. ||
Later that evening, I sat with Mother at my vanity. She stood behind me as she combed through my hair. Things were awkward- Zeus had sent out word of the competition today, and my mother's temper was flaring at an all-time high. You could cut the tension with a knife.
"Little one," she started after a long moment, her slender hands reaching down to start braiding my hair. "I have been thinking..do you remember the island of Hagneia?"
I remembered the tiny stifling island all to well- it was where Mother had made me pledge to a lifetime of innocence and complete chastity as a young child.
"Yes.." I answered hesitantly. "What about it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice level and casual as anxiety started to build in the pit of my stomach.
Mother continued, either not noticing my shift in mood, or not caring to comment on it. "Well, I think it may be time to return. After all, it's far safer than anywhere else, and you could focus on improving your gifts there. I know you don't like it as much as being here with me," she continued, quickly cutting off any chance for protest, "But I've made up my mind. I think a young lady like you ought to spend significant time there, and remember what is most important, until this blasted competition is over. With luck, I will be able to push it back several decades by keeping you on the island, hidden from view."
Her face soured as she talked about the whole event, but after a moment forced it aside. I suddenly felt her hands on my shoulders, turning me around to face her. I studied the motherly smile and the forced look of happiness on her face with unease.
"Remember, little one- our bond is what matters most. I don't want you to get wrapped up in all the drama of Olympus. This is what's best for you- and I won't take no for an answer."
I could practically hear the shackles locking around my wrist. "Mother, that's completely unfair! I don't want to leave my friends behind, and I-"
Mother patted my head with a condescending air, giving it a kiss as she cut me off. "Enough whining, dear. It isn't becoming. I shall go to your father straightway to announce your temporary absence, and then we shall leave in the morning. You can go say goodbye to the woodland nymphs while I inform him, if you'd like. Hurry quickly- I'm leaving in just a moment.." With that, she swept out of the room, completely ignoring anything I had to say.
I sat in a stunned silence for a long moment, unaware of the tears falling silently down her cheeks. Anxiety had built to the point of explosion, and I finally couldn't take it. A ripping sob tore from my chest as my hands flew on their own behalf, sweeping the vanity in front of me clean of the perfume bottles and brush. The bottles crashed to the ground, shattering on the marble floor with a loud splintering sound.
"This isn't fair!" I screamed, jumping to my feet as angry tears splashed down my face. "I am not a possession to be locked up, and I am not a child anymore! You can't do this to me again!"
But the protests were too late. Mother was gone, and there was nobody around that cared to hear a weak flower goddess.
I collapsed to the ground, sobbing into my hands. I had always been willing to do whatever Mother thought best. In truth, I hadn't ever thought of the world outside her little bubble until Zeus and the man with the blue eyes had let mystery and questions into my mind. Not knowing there was another path was one thing- ignorance is bliss, after all. But having the promise of freedom and adventure, though terrifying it was, be dangled like a carrot and then taken away was almost too much for my heart to bear.
Almost.
My head shot up as my thoughts pulled them self together, my chest rising and dropping quickly as I tried to catch my breath.
"That's is, isn't it?" I told myself, my voice a hurried whisper. "There's no way to escape, not without the competition. I have to make sure Father pushes this forward, regardless of where I am..and if he won't, I'll have to find a match for myself."
I was no idiot- I knew that most of the gods and goddesses feared Mother's great power of Nature, and that nobody would be there to support me openly unless Zeus intervened- and the chances of that be unlikely. "So," I thought as I wiped away my tears, "I'll just have to find freedom for myself."
But until I could break free, Hagneia was inevitable..but perhaps I could manage to see the blue-eyed man in the forest tonight. It was a long shot...but I was out of chances now.
I knew the chances of him being a major god or even interested in this ridiculous competition were slim, but honestly, I didn't care if he was secretly a troll at this point. He was the first person- and apparently, the last person- to actually talk to me like I wasn't a child. That was enough for me now.
I had to find him. I had to find a way to say goodbye, some way, some how. That lonely island prison would have me captured unwillingly soon...but I still had today.
It took only seconds for my tears to stop and for a plan to form. I knew time was running out, and desperate to not be left behind, I hurriedly changed into a white dress, with flowers entwined with the fabric, my hair left down as I tried to hurry.
"Mother!" I called as I chased after Mother, who was almost about to leave in the chariot without me.
"I want to go with you," I begged, trying to keep my face as demure and sad as possible. "Please!"
Mother frowned at my tear stained face, but said nothing. She just gave a nod, and reached out for my hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze now and then as the chariot took off.
"It's alright, darling," she started as we began the descent to the meadow. "I know you're worried about being away from me for so long..but this is for your protection, little one."
I didn't respond. How could I, when my thoughts were exactly opposite of what she assumed?
As if it were any other day, Mother left me in the care of two nymphs, quickly going to Olympus.
"I'll go visit with your father and let him know if the change in plans. I'll give you some time to say proper goodbyes."
I waved as she rode off, waiting until she was gone to turn towards the two nymphs. "Should we play one last game of hide-and-seek?" I asked shyly, playing the silly role they had assigned me.
The nymphs made a few sounds of sympathy. "Of course, little flower. You hide, and we'll come find you!"
I grinned, taking off to the forest. Hopefully, they would be as bad at this game today as usual.