The Language of Stars (2)

"Can we talk about something else? What plant is that? It's not common around here," Erithea pointed to a bunch of lotus plants whose flowers were still in bud.

Apollo wasn't going to press Erithea anymore for now. The answer did not satisfy him. But, again it was the decision of the princess.

"I brought it from Asia,"

"Asia?"

"In a land called India, which also worship their own gods and goddesses, It is a sacred plant,"

"Sacred plant?"

"They always depict their gods sitting on lotus flowers. The flower is considered sacred because it doesn't touch the ground, I think it's a plant suitable for decorating the palace of a god like me," Apollo said while resting his chin on and looking into the princess's eyes.

"That's— interesting, I didn't know humans worship other gods besides the gods of Olympus or the gods of Egypt," said Erithea.

"You should travel more often, Artemis and his cohorts love to travel too. They don't just live on Olympus," Apollo immediately regretted his sentence. It was as if he was encouraging Erithea to devote herself to Artemis.

"We have many unexpected things in common, for example— do you see the three stars lined up in the sky?" Apollo immediately discussed something else.

"I see it,"

"The Greeks called it Orion," said Apollo.

"Orion, that's a pretty familiar name to me,"

"Indeed, he is a great legendary hunter, it's a shame he had to die by my hands."

"What? Why did you kill him?"

"He seduced Artemis, he cheated on her too. That boy still seduces other women..I can't accept that," Apollo said casually.

Erithea found it interesting, she gave a small smile. Even though he seems to not get along with his twin sister, he turns out to be willing to kill for her.

"Then did you know that our ancestors came from one of the planets around the Orion Constellations?"

"Hmm, I don't really pay attention to what the teachers teach. Maybe I was sleepy when he explained it," Erithea smiled awkwardly.

"The gods of Egypt say that their ancestors also came from the Orion," Apollo said again.

"Wow, are they also from the same planet?" Erithea was amazed to hear that.

"Not necessarily, because there is more than one planet in Orion. They can also be wrong, I myself have never met an Egyptian God. They're very mysterious," Apollo shrugged.

"It's quite amazing when we know that we came from a faraway place and now our race is worshiped by humans," said Erithea with her eyes looking up at the sky.

"Yes, we are the source of their strength and fear. without the gods and the oracles, the Greeks probably wouldn't have had enough guidance in life," Apollo muttered.

"Like you. Apollo, you are a source of hope for mankind. You are something they turn to when they are sick and sad. They hum and sing your name when they are happy. They also feel at ease just thinking about you always being there for them," Erithea said, then she looked into Apollo's eyes, wanting to see his reaction.

The god of sun snorted, then laughed.

"Are you trying to persuade me, Erithea?"

"I don't know, maybe?" Erithea said innocently.

"You want to make me feel guilty for ignoring those humans? Well, you're right. That should be my business with my followers, humans shouldn't be the victims. I didn't think you were that good at talking," Apollo comforted. He had forgotten his annoyance towards the traitorous Titans. He was too worried about the opinions of the other titans to hesitate to punish them.

But Apollo overlooked the most important thing. He should not abandon humans. It was his duty as one of the gods of Olympus.

Erithea herself couldn't remember the last time she felt comfortable speaking her heart out like this. As a princess, she always hesitated to speak because her family often criticized her. Northern Forest did not allow their daughter to be overly intelligent or rebellious. Because they said men didn't like it. She thought all men were like that. But that didn't seem to apply to Apollo.

As all their pleasant chatter continued, their hands accidentally touched. They both fell silent. The girl lowered her face feeling a slightly intimate atmosphere created between them at this time. He saw that Erithea didn't immediately withdraw her hand— Apollo then grabbed it, and brought his face closer.

Erithea could see that the man's face was approaching hers. What would he did? Was Erithea too arrogant to think that Apollo might kiss her? It was only a few inches before their lips touched and Erithea was still rooted in place as if hypnotized.

The girl shifted her face, pretending to be reminded of something.

"I guess, it's too late," said Erithea as she rolled her eyes awkwardly. It wasn't very smooth, Erithea wasn't good at dodging. Apollo realized that the girl had rejected him. But he himself was grateful that it happened, even though it was a little frustrating. He must not touch Erithea. That girl, not someone who was willing to have fun with no strings attached. Apollo, however, had vowed to avoid any commitment to any woman until he decided to die.

"I, will escort you to your room," Apollo smiled as he stretched out his hand. The girl reached for him and walked with him. Apollo won't let himself be fooled like that again. Erithea, might have to leave his castle soon.