Lieutenant

Chapter 17

Every particle of Artemis' being was struggling not to tackle Zoë in a kiss. They'd both left Leto in her secret space of the forest much to Artemis' disappointment and grief but they had a party to attend. Hence Zoë's stunning appearance.

The Hesperide wore a simple white chiton that contrasted beautifully with her skin tone. It wasn't flashy or elegant but it was still perfect. Not to mention the mask settled gently on her face. It had been carefully carved from a piece of wood by Artemis herself.

She'd stayed awake all night crafting it and covering it in white paint. It was perfect and she couldn't help but be proud of her work. Zoë was a doe, at least that was the idea.

The goddess on the other hand was far from a doe. She too wore simple clothes but the mask that disguised her face was that of a wolf. The disguise was black in color, as was the rest of her outfit. It only made the moon goddess' skin even paler.

"Your eyes stand out," Zoë noted, the bright silver color that shifted watchfully behind the mask.

"As do yours." Artemis smiled, noting Zoë's warm brown eyes stood out against the white. "Now, enough time-wasting. It will only draw more attention if we delay and arrive last of all."

"Why are we going again?" Zoë questioned.

"Because it is a clever way to show my home and the rest of my family while going unnoticed," Artemis explained, taking her lieutenant's hands. "Now close your eyes and relax. We'll be there in a flash."

And they were. Seconds later, Zoë heard music filling a great space and voices ranging in pitch along with the sounds of feet padding against marble floors.

"Now open them." Zoë did as she was told and glanced about, a sense of awe slamming into her. The entire place was mesmerizing. The white marble was expertly crafted with intricate designs racing up and down the pillars.

Figures clad in golden outfits and simple masks sat playing beautiful harps and instruments. The music managed to carry across the entirety of the grand room unhindered. Then of course were the gods and goddesses all dressed to the nines.

Others mingled amongst them, heroes who'd been granted permission to live on Olympus, minor gods, nymphs, satyrs, anyone who was even remotely divine.

"This is incredible." Zoë breathed both overwhelmed and happily amazed.

"I told you." Artemis laughed softly and looped her arm with Zoë's now come on. "Let's try and spy on my family."

The two girls went unnoticed in the large crowd of chatting and dancing people. Artemis stumbled upon a person who'd chosen the same color scheme as herself. Hades. He was both intimidating in his apparel and stunning. Not to mention his wife who complimented his outfit choice.

Hades' robes swirled as the two danced almost like they were shadows swimming about his figure. A black mask covered his face and a crown of thorns rested on his head. On the other hand, Persephone was dressed in a soft white her outfit seeming to radiate a warm breeze and the scent of flowers.

"Incredible." Zoë watched them in full interest.

"Indeed. It was scandalous how they married, but I must say their relationship is far better than anyone else's here." Artemis explained. "He's also my favorite Uncle. We get along nicely."

Zoë laughed quietly and allowed herself to be dragged off by Artemis where the two skidded to a halt watching Hermes and Dionysus slink through the crowd clearly up to mischief. And so Artemis dragged Zoë around finding each one of her family members and observing them from afar.