Free Web NovelChapter 7: Chapter 7
Adonis could sense the hostility rise in the room as soon as the Epirian princesses entered. They were a mystery to him as off the moment, but that had never stopped him before.
The older one, Astrid, was going to be quite the character, he felt. There was never warmth in her eyes when she looked at him. Granted, it had only been twice now, but his charm didn’t seem to have quite the desired effect it usually had. He felt it within him that he was in for a lot with her.
Now, Hera, her younger sister, and the princess who would be competing for his heart. She was different. She was no beauty like her sister, but she was still a sight to behold. Additionally, he knew she was already wrapped around his finger. He’d caught her already staring at him on occasion from across. And each time their eyes met, she would glance away and blush.
He chuckled to himself. The fun was about to begin.
Dinner went on for a while, with some of the girls making irrelevant remarks about things they thought would catch his attention. It never worked, and he was always mostly irritated by all their incessant chattering. His attention went back to the sisters and saw them having a tussle with Agatha. He grimaced at the thought of her.
Slowly, he got up from the table and sauntered towards them. The whole room was silent now. Good.
"Princess," he said casually to Hera, offering her his hand. "Will you walk with me?" He asked.
She sat starstruck for a while before she took his hand.
As he led her outside the hall, he could see the wheels turn in a few heads as their eyes darkened. He knew what would come next for Hera, but it was finally time for the real games to begin.
"So what do you think of the palace so far, princess? Or Erindros?" He asked.
"I think the whole place, ermm, city, sorry, is lovely, your Highness," she stuttered.
His smile was smug. His charm never failed him.
"Just lovely?"
"I mean, everything looks out of this world. The people, the buildings, and the detailed architect, the palace itself. Simply magnificent and unique in every way."
He could feel the heat rising in her body and the sweat on her hands. He let out a small laugh.
"Princess, you must not be well-traveled then. There are many cities and kingdoms like ours, although not comparable in greatness; there are a lot more unique things to be seen."
"Of course, of course, your majesty," she said hastily. "I’m sure there is much to see and experience."
Adonis rolled his eyes internally. She was exactly like the others, nothing new under the sun. He would like to see what his sisters said about her, though.
They climbed up two flights of stairs and headed towards the west wing.
"Did you see how the whore threw herself at him?" a voice scoffed. "I have no idea how brother puts up with these tramps."
It was Octavia who spoke. The eldest child among three and the most Vicious being to ever grace the earth.
Adonis fought the urge to laugh when he stole a glimpse of Hera’s face. He could see her eyes widen, and her blood run cold.
"They certainly never get tired of all those silly little tricks up their sleeves. Do they actually think this would all amount to something? I’m sure father already .... "
"My dear sister, " Adonis interrupted before Penelope could finish talking. She was the youngest and was currently following in her sister’s footsteps. "I’m still upset you refused to join us for dinner."
Octavia and Penelope both turned to look at him as he and Hera walked into the drawing room.
Octavia rolled her eyes and relaxed into her chair.
"Is this a new one?" She asked with an air of arrogance. "Have you not had your fill with all these measly whores? Why do you need another?"
Hera could not believe the words she was hearing. She stood deathly still, her tongue tied. No one had ever been so plainly rude to her. And this was Adonis’ sister, how would he react if she spoke just as harshly and offended him with her words?
"Come off it, sister, they’re not whores," he replied, laughing. "They’re brave people. Noble ladies who have all come to win my heart to save their kingdoms."
Octavia scoffed at this.
"So what do they call this one?" Penelope asked as she stood up to access Hera.
They spoke of her like Hera, as if she weren’t worth a speck of dust. Like she was an insignificant little bug
"Her name is Hera, Penelope, you should do well to remember it. She has a fierce protector of a sister."
"Ohh...." Penelope smirked, "Is that true, princess?"
Hera stared at her. Her mouth had gone dry, and her brows furrowed deeply.
"You have no answer for me, princess?" Penelope asked again.
"Cat caught your tongue, princess?" Octavia chimed. "Well, it doesn’t matter either way, I’m sure you’re aware of what you’re in for? My brother has a surprisingly large appetite for women. You’ll do just fine for a while."
Adonis sighed. "Octavia, you shouldn’t say such things to our guest; you’ll scare her away with your rudeness," he said.
Hera could feel a hint of insincerity in his words. She was confused. She’d done nothing to be treated this way, and yet...
"I wish to leave your highness," Hera said. Her tone icy cold.
"Ohh... She wishes to leave," Octavia mocked.
"The princess wishes to leave," Penelope snickered.
The two princesses turned to each other and laughed. Every sound drips with scorn.
"This is why I never bring anyone around," Adonis said, feigning distress. "We’ll leave them to their business, my princess, please, after you."
Adonis took her hand and walked her out, leading her down to the floor of her room.
"Do you remember the way to your room, Princess Hera?" he asked. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"Yes," she replied quietly, "along the east wing.
They finally arrived in front of the room she shared with her sister, and as soon as she tried to enter, he brushed a hand over hers and took it in his.
"I apologize for my sisters." He said solemnly. "They can be a bit harsh some of the time. But I beg you, bear with it a while. Once they get to know you, they’ll probably warm up to you," he promised. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Hera was still quiet. She was definitely a hard one to please, he thought. It was time for the finale of his performance for the night.
"Hera," he said softly, cupping her face in his hands and staring deeply into her eyes. "Believe me when I say this, you’re the most beautiful of women. I have been captivated by you since the first day we met. I hope this does not turn your mind and heart against me," he begged.
It seemed to do the trick because she finally responded, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Of course, not, your majesty. I would never think ill of you. It was just so uncomfortable, how brazen they were with their rudeness."
"I promise you today, dear Hera, it will not happen again. I’ll speak to them as soon as I leave here. "
She nodded at this, and he released her face.
He could hear the voices of the other girls as they came up the stairs. Then he bent to kiss her on the cheek, lingering till he saw a few of them come into view from the corner of his eye.
"Good night," he said finally, and left her at the door. "I hope you had a lovely dinner, my ladies," he said as he passed by the girls, smirking.
