2 Chapter 2

Aria-

I stood staring at the closed door, wanting to ask Dario in. Not in an inappropriate way, I just feel scared and when I feel scared it's comforting to know Dario is there. I heard him talking to the guards, then I heard footsteps departing. I sighed and walked over to my wardrobe. Opening it I grabbed one of my sleeping gowns. I slipped into one and went to my vanity. I sat staring at my own reflection as I brushed through my long hair. I contemplated the Gods I would be meeting tomorrow. I wonder what kind of Gods they will be, if they will be kind, generous and loving or if they would be stoic and cold.

I have always known this day would someday come, but I had always wished a different path. If I couldn't be with someone of my choosing, I would be happier single forever. As long as Dario was by side…

I shook myself, I have time. I am not getting married tomorrow, just meeting the suitors. I can have outings with them to get to know them. Hoping there was maybe one, that I could maybe someday fall in love with. But none of them would ever be Dario. I stood and walked to my bed, I knew this was going to be the worst nights sleep I had ever gotten.

Dario-

Walking into my chambers I took off my armor, placing everything next to the door in case there is a threat I would be able to get ready as I run to Aria or war. I was walking around simply in my undergarment looking for something warm to sleep in when there came a knock at my door.

I threw on a pair of long pants and went to answer the door. Upon opening, there was another warrior standing in my door, I couldn't see who it was since they had their helmet on.

"Good evening?" I said, there was some confusion coming through my voice, the warrior removed his helmet. "Good evening brother." It was Ryan, another born and raised to protect a God or Goddess. His post was next to a very young God, he took his job seriously, but as soon as his armor came off he was the biggest goofball. He loved his wine and food.

"Do you want to come get a drink with me?" I shook my head, "No I am sorry, Aria has a packed day tomorrow. I will need to rest." I could feel my expression almost darken, Ryan noticed and put a brotherly hand on my shoulder, "It would be your luck, my friend. I am sorry, for you as I know your feelings to the young Goddess. However Lord Cyril has chosen some great Gods for his daughter. I know it'll be hard, but I'm sure things will turn around. Maybe you'll meet another warrior someday."

I shrugged "The female warriors don't seem to like me…" Ryan chuckled, I had half a mind to hit him, until he said, "It's because they can all see how much you love Aria, none of them want to be held to a Goddesses standards!" I half smiled, he had a point. "I know, maybe after Aria has been married, maybe between her being married and being reassigned, I can meet someone." Ryan nodded, "Well, I'm gonna go get a drink. Have a good night."

Ryan walked away as I closed the door. I walked over to my bed and plopped down, I let my mind wander as I drifted into sleep.

In my dream, I could see Aria standing ahead of me, much further than I would ever let her be. Danger lurks and aches for Gods and Goddesses. I started to run towards her, sword and shield ready to go. As I got closer, I noticed someone standing near her. I panicked and bolted even harder and I was suddenly stuck in place. I looked up to call out to Aria, but I had no voice. Aria looked up at the person by her, she smiled faintly and I realized, she is in a wedding gown. Looking to the man standing by her side, I see a tall God. His blonde hair was long, but braided down his back. His face was chiseled with perfect features.

As the feeling of dread washed over me, Aria was suddenly screaming for me, "DARIO! HELP ME!" I couldn't move, and I still didn't have a voice. I pulled my legs as hard as I could. I started to slowly move. My movement was slowed feeling like I was walking through thick and deep mud. Trying to get to my Goddess, "Dario! Please! Help me, I need you!" I looked up just in time to see a sword plunged through her chest.

I shot out of bed and had my armor on in a matter of seconds. I was running from my room all the way up to Arias room. Her guards standing guard looked at me like I was crazy, "OPEN THE DAMN DOORS NOW!" They were shocked, I normally don't have a hard angry demeanor, but that dream really fucked with me.

The door opened, I bolted in. Aria was sound asleep in her bed. I took a deep breath. There was no way in Limbo I was leaving her side tonight. I walked to the window and looked out. It was about time for Aria to be waking anyway, I took a seat across the room. I didn't want to scare her when she woke.

After a few minutes of waiting Aria stirred, the light just barely reaching her face. She sat up, her hair was a mess, she had a little drool on the side of her mouth. She was stretching, and all I could think of was even just waking up, to me she looked perfect.

Aria opened her eyes and they landed on me, she wasn't startled. She was actually smiling at me, "Good morning, Dario. I hope you got some sleep."

Aria-

It didn't surprise me Dario was here, I felt him. I could feel that my warrior was near, that I was safe. "I slept well, Lady Aria. I hope the same goes for you?" I could tell he hadn't slept well at all, just by his body language. He was on edge, no on guard. I shook my head, "No unfortunately, I did not sleep well. However, waking to my warrior seeming so worried about me, that's much worse than any nightmare. What is troubling you?" Dario shifted, I could see that something was wrong but I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. "No worries my faithful warrior. I will need to get ready for the day." Dario nodded and left my room. I suddenly felt almost lonely without him.

I dressed in my favorite gown. A lovely floor length green and brown gown, as usual I went barefoot. I brushed through my hair and made sure I was presentable to the suitors.

After examining myself in the mirror, there was a knock at my door. Before I could say come in, the door opened and my father was standing before me. "Good morning my Little Lioness. Your visitors are in the Great Hall awaiting you. Do not feel rushed Aria, a smart God knows how to wait for a Goddess." I smiled up at my father, "Thank you, I am ready though. I will have Dario escort me down in just a moment. I would like to compose myself a bit more."

My father cupped my chin as he has done since I was a child, "You are the most graceful Goddess, even your mother would be envious of you." I felt a tear escape my eye as I remembered my mother, Goddess Anastasia, Goddess of Devotion. She was killed thousands of years ago, but the pain of her loss still sits on my shoulders.

Father gently kissed my forehead and left. I took a couple deep breaths and walked out as well seeing Dario waiting for me made me feel stronger somehow. Like I could handle anything with him there.

I nodded to him and started toward the Great Hall, as we approached I could feel the energies of powerful Gods in the room, I would feel intimidated if they weren't here for me. I call the shots for now.

Entering the room, there were three Gods standing in front of my father, who was seated in a large throne. There were three chairs around him, one that held my brother Lord Jedrek, God of Strength, one for me to sit in and the last one right next to father, mothers throne. Only her crown sat there now on a red pillow, to symbolize she is still with us. I went and sat in my chair, I refuse to call a throne, and looked at the three Gods, one of whom would soon be my husband… Damn it…