1: The Ball

Grey-jade stared emotionlessly at the building in front of them. The owner of said eyes had an equally bland expression on her face.

“Lighten up, Herada.” A voice said, making her tilt her head towards them. “By the gods, you never change.”

Herada cocked an eyebrow, face still blank. “I’ll do so when I’m out of here.” She demurred silkily, her voice flat and emotionless. “I can’t believe that the first day we arrive back at Athens, the royal family invites us to a ball.” She sighed.

“I apologize, daughter, for dragging you here.” Her father, Rihardos Armstrong, threw an apologetic smile at her. “As I was invited to the party, so were you automatically.”

“And for you to ignore an invitation, for the sixth time since you reached your maturity, will be a great insult to the royal family.” Her uncle, Rodion, added.

“I understand father. Uncle.” Herada heaved a sigh. “I just wish I could have chosen my first dress of choice.” She tossed a droll look at her cousin.

“Herada, you were about to wear black.” Valentina deadpanned.

“And?”

“It’s a party Hera, not a pyre burning.”

“Please don’t call me that.” The Armstrong heiress grimaced in distaste, making her cousin roll her eyes.

“Ladies, ladies.” Rihardos chuckled, interlinking his daughter’s arm with his. “Let’s not get into another banter.”

“Yes, father.”

“Yes, uncle.”

Rodion interlinked his arm with his daughter, face as blank as Herada. Sometimes, it gets people wondering if Rodion was truly Herada’s father and not his brother, because by the gods, they were eerily alike.

“Now then, let’s go in.” Rihardos chirped happily, making his daughter sigh again. Her father was so energetic. She has a feeling it has to do with him meeting a certain ambassador tonight.

The four Armstrong’s walked into the palace, back straightened and a regal air around them. They made it to the ball room, entering after their names were called. People whispered and stared, mostly at Herada.

Herada looked absolutely stunning in a white, strapless Grecian gown that brought out her beautiful skin tone – which is in-between maple and amber. The gown was split open from the right side of her hip down to her ankles; showing off her smooth and beautiful leg, toned out of many trainings, hardship and battles. She wore a golden band each on her toned biceps and another one on her exposed lap. She also wore a beautifully made Grecian band on her right wrist, and an equally wonderfully made Egyptian golden bracelet on the left, shaped as a snake and having emeralds as its eyes.

On Herada's neck lay two necklaces; one on a golden string and hidden in her clothing and bosoms, while the other on, which was on a sliver string, was out and about. Hanging from her ears are earrings which started with gold strings. It had a familiar symbol hanging from it. The symbol consisted of a circle which had a curvy letter Y under it, which ended as an upside cross. The entire symbol was made of obsidian stone, clear and polished. Herada’s eyes lids were made with black Egyptian kohl which brought out her grey-jade eyes, and her lips were painted with clear gloss. Her mid-back, pitch black, wavy hair pooled down her back, a sliver laurel crown on her head, stopping her hair from disturbing her face. At 5’11, she was a fierce looking woman, who has on a blank expression most of the time.

Valentina was also dressed to impress. At 5’9, she’s a beautiful woman, but unlike Herada, she leans on the petite side, having a swimmers build. She wore a white Grecian dress that was off shoulders – which honestly started from her breasts downwards. Hers has a slit on her left, and like Herada, from the hips down. Unlike her cousin, she didn’t wear a band on her lap. She wore a Grecian golden bracelet on both wrists and a Grecian necklace on her neck. Her eyes were done with Grecian eye paint, bringing out her grey eyes, which have a hint of blue in them. Unlike Herada, she chose to wear a transparent long scarf that’s thrown over her left shoulder and covers the right side of her breast down to her lap; and also part of her left arm. Her light auburn colored hair – which tips end with a pale blond color – was braided and held still with a sliver laurel crown.

Rihardos, Herada’s father, is a true example of the Bloodline of Ares. At 7’1, he towered over the two young women and his brother. The fifty-five years old has a head full of short, nape length spikey hair. His hair was dark auburn in color. Both that and his gray eyes are the identification of his Bloodline. His handsome face was home to a well-groomed ducktail beard, which made his sexual appeal irresistible; even with his constant wide, roguish grin. He has a muscular build, but not the unattractive kind. Unlike most of the men in the room, wore a navy blue top and trouser outfit befitting of an aristocrat, which clung to his body; and he wore black, leather boots that reaches under his knees.

Rodion, Valentina’s father, also has the appearance of a true Armstrong. At 6’8, he’s a muscular man of fifty-three; although, not as muscular as his older brother, Rihardos. He has the gray eyes of the Armstrong Bloodline, and his handsome face is home to an immaculate chin curtain. He has shoulder length dark auburn hair that’s mostly in a small braid and thrown over his right shoulder. Like his brother, he wore a shirt and trouser befitting of an aristocrat of Athens; although his clothes were dark red with black boots.

Two beautiful ladies in the arms of their handsome fathers were bound to draw attention, especially that of the men. Most of the women in the room looked at the two ladies with either awe or jealousy; while the rest of them – some of them being married – looked at Rihardos and Rodion with lust or longing.

It sure is a blessing to be a descendant of a god. Especially when the bonus is long life and unfathomable beauty.

“Now, why don’t you two socialize while we meet up with some old friends.” Rodion said as both him and his brother lets go of their arms.

“Socialize, not terrorize.” Rihardos says pointedly, giving his daughter a pointed look.

“I’ll try.” Herada huffed out a sigh, raising her hands up placatingly. “I will try not to be my normal self.” She grunted.

“That’s… not what I meant, my devil bear.” Rihardos said slowly, brows lightly furrowed. Herada arched a brow questioningly. “What I mean is… don’t break anyone’s arm when they annoy you, okay?”

“Like I said, I will ty.” She sighed again.

“Don’t worry Uncle.” Valentina spoke up in her usual cheery voice, throwing an arm over Herada, making the dark haired beauty to scowl with displeasure. “I will try to keep her out of trouble.” She grinned cheerfully.

The two men nodded, giving them both a pointedly look before walking away.

“Come on, let’s go.” Valentina tugged her hand gently. “I see my friend, Mila. Let me introduce you to her.”

The two walked over to a group of five women who were chatting excitedly.

“Mila!” Valentina called out cheerfully. They all turned to them and the aforementioned Mila’s eyes lit up in happiness.

“Tina!” She walked up to them and grabs Valentina’s free hands into hers. “You came!”

“Of course I came! I wouldn’t miss it for the world! It’s not every day one gets to meet the prince.” Valentina grinned excitedly. “By the gods, you look exquisite Mila! Is that a Xante Oredyr’s dress you have on?”

“I knew you will notice.” Mila let out a loud laugh. “Nothing misses your eyes.”

“Why thank you. I leant from the best. My sweet mother was one know any dress from afar.” Valentina sighed wistfully.

Herada cleared her throat, bringing their attention to her. She shot a pointed look at Valentina, a brow arched.

“Oh!” Her cousin realized herself, giving a sheepish smile to Herada. “Mila, and friends, this is my cousin and the heiress to the House of Armstrong, Herada. Hera, Mila and her friends.” She gestured to her and the group whilst saying this.

“Hello. Nice to meet your acquaintances.” Herada placed her right hand on her chest and gave a small bow. She raised her head only to meet the disapproving stares of the women. She just arched an eyebrow at them, daring them to say anything.

“It is… ah… nice to meet you.” Mila gulped under the heavy stare of Herada, her eyes darting from one end to another, unable to meet Herada’s eyes.

An uncomfortable silence descended on them, getting tense as seconds tick by. As usual, no one could withstand the heavy and oppressive aura Herada, unknowingly, gives off.

“So, erm, Mila, how’s your brother by the way?” Valentina asked, an awkward smile on her lips.

The group of women descended into a conversation about boys, making Herada roll her eyes. She walked away and headed a balcony, leaving her oblivious cousin behind. She leaned on the ledge, resting her cheek on a fisted hand, gazing intently at the moons.

“Tonight is a full moon. A full moon for a week.” She sighed tiredly, tucking some lose strands of hair behind her ear. “I wonder if I’ll have those set of dreams again.” She gave a weak smile, eyes still trained on the sky.

The Golden Heldem still looks wonderful, as usual. It comes every three years, lasting for a week or two. It’s crazy to think how she falls in awe every time at the beauty of the corpse of a higher being.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

A voice said behind her and Herada didn’t hesitate to react. She abruptly swiveled around, grabbing hold of their neck, gripping it tightly. He grunted in surprise, hands darting forward to stop her from squeezing his airways as she raised him up, his feet dangling a few inches from the ground. Herada’s eyes narrowed into slits, a heavy glare trained on the struggling male.

“Haven’t anyone told you not to come up behind others and startle them?” She drawled, her grip tightening.

“And… I… apologize… for that!” The male wheezed out, hands still trying to pry Herada’s hand from his neck.

“Herada!” Valentina called out, eyes wide in horror. “By the gods, what are you doing?! Put him down!”

Herada did as told, dropping the man abruptly. He caught himself on his feet before he could fall. He coughed, massaging his throat.

“Hera, you can’t just go choking people!” Valentina hissed out through her teeth.

“I won’t if they don’t sneak up behind me.” Herada said in a bland voice, a bored and disinterested look on her face.

“Hera.” Valentina heaved a resigned sigh.

“By… the gods! You are strong!” The male said roughly. Herada just leveled a cold, emotionless look at him. He grinned shakenly her.

“I am SO sorry about that.” Valentina said with a strong grimace. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, my fair lady.” He smiled warmly at them, most specifically Herada. He laid a hand on his chest and gave a small bow. “I am Prince Daimon. It is a pleasure in meeting you both.”

Valentina choked audibly at that. Her eyes went wide, and she looked as if she was having a heart attack. All that went through her mind was that her cousin just held the Prince; the heir of fucking Grecia, in a freaking choke hold. On his freaking birthday, no less.

By the gods.

“I- I am so sorry, Your Highness!” Valentina spluttered out, giving a hurriedly curtsy. She looked at the Prince with apologetic eyes, throwing a glare at Herada. “Please, I apologize for my cousin’s brash actions!”

The Prince chuckled deeply, making Valentina’s cheeks to gain a dust of blush at the sound of his voice. The twenty years old maiden looked at the Prince through her elegant lashes.

He was tall in height – maybe a 6’1 or 6’2 –; has a muscular build – but not too much on the nauseating side. He was toned with medium muscle build. He was handsome, clean shaven face was home to two beautiful light blue eyes; and his skin tone was a warm beige. He had on a royal outfit consisting of a white, long sleeve shirt with three buttons on the side; an equally white trouser with black boots. A red stash was thrown over his shoulder bearing his many achievements; and the Prince’s royal broche was on his shirt. He has nape length pale blond hair, which was slicked back, with a few strands fanning his face.

Valentina curtsied again. “I am Valentina Armstrong; daughter of Rodion Armstrong, the Minister of Treasury.” She straightened herself, giving the Prince a warm smile.

Daimon inclined his head at her before turning his eyes on Herada, who just cocked a brow at him.

“Hera.” Valentina hissed at her cousin, who heaved a sigh.

With her arms still folded, Herada said, “Tagmatarkhis Herada Armstrong; daughter of Polemarchos Rihardos Armstrong.” She said with a flat voice, her face stoic and her eyes blank.

Valentina frowned at her cousin in disapproval. The Prince just dipped his head in acknowledgement.

“It is nice to meet your acquaintances.”

Valentina curtsied again. “Likewise, My Prince.”

Herada just grunted.

Valentina sighed again, honestly giving up in correcting her cousin. Again. Sometimes, Valentina wondered why her uncle allowed Herada to join the military rank. The twenty-one year old was slowly losing her decorum as a Lady the more she fight in battles. Yes, they were the descendants of Ares, the god of war, but Herada is a Lady and should be married by now. As the Heiress of the Armstrong House, she has to ensure the continuity of the main line.

Valentina might sound like a hypocrite for saying all these, when she too isn’t ready for marriage or children. But looking at the Prince, she rethink her decisions. Maybe being a wife won’t be so bad after all. Now, all she has to do is woe him.

Before she could make her move, a horn sounds in the hall, drawing their attention.

“Well, that’s my que.” Daimon sighed. He bowed once more to them before heading back into the hall.

Valentina made move to follow him, but she lost him in the gathering crowd. Herada just watched as her cousin acted like a love sick puppy; pinching the bridge of her nose. Once again, Valentina is amored by man again; who will most likely break her heart. Again.

Gods above, this woman doesn’t learn at all. You’ll think the previous two encounters will teach her a lesson or two. With another sigh, Herada followed her petite cousin and joined with the small crowd. She walked over to her father, who nodded at her. Her uncle and Valentina joined them, and once again, they had most of the crowd filled with aristocrats staring at them.

Herada suddenly became alert when she felt the weight of someone’s gaze on her, and she snapped her head to its direction. Grey-jade eyes met light blue. Herada blinked in confusion, a brow arched as she and the Prince gazed at each other. Their staring competition was interrupted by the King announcing himself.

The fit woman watched in impassiveness, eyes filled with disdain and disinterest as the King came up stage with his family. Daimon had a crown on his head, loudly stating his position. The King introduced his son to the crowd – as if they were unaware of who he was – and welcomed him back from his five years journey around the world – except for Romania of course. After that, he thanked the crowd for coming, most especially the young woman. He loudly stated that he’ll be glad if his future daughter in law will come from them, getting a giggle from the young women, and a subtle eye roll from the Prince.

After the warm welcome and the rest, the announcer stated calling out the names of prominent men and their eligible relatives in the crowd. One by one, they walked over to the Prince – who stood alone, seeing as his parents and siblings were seated on their thrones behind him – and curtsy at him, while the old men bowed at him with a hand on their chest. He just dipped his head in acknowledgment at their presence, but he didn’t seem to be interested. If one would look closely, Daimon looked bored out of his mind, but he hid it well with a stoic look.

Rodion and Valentina were called and the young woman and her father gracefully walked over to the Prince. Said Prince gave her small smile, inclining his head in greeting again. As they walked back, Herada could see the light frown on Valentina’s face, indicating that she expected more than that response from the Prince.

“Polemarchos Rihardos, and his daughter, Herada; Heiress of the Ancient House of Armstrong, and a Tagmatarkhis in the King’s Army.” The announcer called out, and Herada and her father started walking up to the Prince. As usual, her face was blank of any emotions, while her father still had his wide roguish grin. Small murmuring could be heard in the crowd.

It was unheard of for a female aristocrat, an Athenian woman to be precise, to be in the Army; nevertheless having a high rank in it. People came to realize where she got her toned body mass from, and why her skin wasn't the usual Armstrong tan/light brown skin. Although her father skin tone was a golden honey, Herada’s skin tone was a little bit deeper than theirs. A consequence of her training in the sun almost every day.

But seen as she was of the Armstrong House – the Heiress no less – most people have come not to bat their eyes too much at her status. Not only that, she WAS Herada, The Blessed One of Hades. People tend to not voice out their opinions in her face for the fear of being cursed for life; or better yet, ending up dead.

Herada and her father stopped few feet away from the Prince. Rihardos laid a hand on his chest and bowed to the Prince, as well as the royal family. Herada followed suit and bowed – not curtsy – at the Prince. More murmuring erupted at her action.

Herada straightened herself, impassive of the murmuring around her and the scandalized looks thrown her way. Beside her, Rihardos lips stretched into a wide, carefree grin; his eyes twinkling with mirth as he looked at his daughter through the corner of his eye. In the crowd, Rodion huffed in amusement, folding his arms. Valentina just sighed in exasperation, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Herada looked straight into the Prince’s eyes, whose lips were tugged into a ghost of a smile. She just gave him a blank stare, her face still perfectly stoic. Unlike for others, Daimon didn’t incline his head at Herada; instead, he bowed back at her, getting loud gasps from the crowd. That gesture alone told the crowd of his interest in her.

With a curt nod, Herada turned and made her way back into the crowd, her father following behind her. The crowd followed their every move, which just made Herada heave a silent sigh of irritation. Daughter and father made their way over to Rodion and Valentina.

“Honestly, Hera…” Valentina sighed, giving her a look of exasperation.

Herada gave a low ‘hn’, positioning herself in Valentina’s left. Her father and uncle share a look of amusement between themselves, before facing forward.

Some of the men in the crowd gave the male Armstrongs, most specifically Rihardos, looks of disapproval. But, like always, they don’t pay them a lick of mind.

The introductions continued for another five or six minutes. Once done, the Prince thanked the crowd for coming to his 25th birthday, and his low, baritone voice has some of the women swooning. With another thanks, he commanded the party to begin.

Foods and drinks were brought out, and the music started up again. Some young men in the crowd walked over to some ladies of their liking and began to woo them. Herada gave any unlucky soul a cold glare when they made their way over to her. Herada and Valentina were left alone once more when their fathers departed from them.

Herada sighed in annoyance as the ladies partly or complete lost their decorum at the sight of the Prince. The man was interacting with some of them, bringing blushes to their cheeks. She sneered at their behaviors, before making up her mind in heading over to the royal garden. At least there she’ll have peace and quietness.

“Valentina.” Herada called out to her cousin, drawing her attention her herself. She’s honestly surprised that her flirtous cousin isn’t interacting with a man – or men – and is outright refusing their attempts of conversations. But seeing as the brunet was undressing the Prince with her intense stare, she could see why. “I am going to the garden. Inform my father if he asks of me.”

“I do not think that’s a wise decision, Hera.” Valentina immediately said with a frown. “It will be disrespectful to the royal family if you leave now.” Herada’s eyes narrowed a little, the only indication that she was frowning. “Just wait for ten more minutes before leaving. I can tell that you too have noticed the sets of eyes on us.” She gave a side eyed glance at her left. Herada did the same to her right, a calculating look in her eyes.

With a silent sigh, Herada gave a curt nod. She was about to say something when she noticed an incoming figure. Valentina blinked at her before turning back.

“Your- your Highness!” She quickly curtsied.

“Hello.” Daimon said with a smile, stopping a feet before them. Herada incline her head at him, getting murmurs of disapproval. Daimon deeply chuckled, inclining his head in return.

Thinking the Prince is here for Valentina – obviously –, Herada said, “I’ll leave you two to it.” She tried to walk away, but Daimon gently caught her hand. The murmuring stopped at that, everyone looking at them. Herada turned her head to him, blinking in surprise.

“Forgive me, my Lady, but I must compliment you on your outstanding beauty.” Daimon began with a cool baritone voice. “Not only that, but you don’t fall at my feet, trying to please me.” He chuckled. Those who heard that frowned, glaring at Herada. While he said all these, Herada just stared at him with a flat look.

Daimon raised her hand to his lips and gently placed a chaste kiss on the back of her palm. “May I may this dance, my Lady?”

Herada’s eyes narrowed a bit. Her eyes subtly and quickly scanned the room. She glanced at the royal family, who watched them with various degrees of intensive look. The crowd were most likely waiting for her to mess us and reject him, thereby embarrassing him and causing a rift between the royal family and the House of Armstrong – which will never happen, seeing as not only are they the reason why the Kingdom has survived this far without external attacks, but also them being descendants of one of the major gods in their religion. And not only that, but the royal family had no desire to piss off Herada, which in turn will piss off Hades, her patron god.

With a sigh, the twenty-one years old woman looked at her father, who was standing beside Sonyaja; the Ambassador of Valkyria and his long time love interest, and maybe, just maybe, her future step mother.

Rihardos too heaved a sigh, before giving a curt nod to his daughter. Sonyaja gave her a worried look, but she just gave the woman a reassuring look.

With a silent sigh – she has honestly been doing that a lot tonight, but who could blame her –; Herada replied, “You may.” She then gave a crusty, saying, “It will be my utmost pleasure, You Highness.” And she straightens herself, her back going rim rod.