Love in Love

At Dawn

I wake up early the next morning with Psyche in my arms.

I smile as I recall last night, us both engaging in the warfares of love for the first time, soon falling asleep in each other's arms.

Sadness fills my heart when I realize that I will have to leave before she can see what I look like.

Reluctantly, I untangle myself from her embrace and begin getting dressed.

As I grab my bow and quiver, a sudden voice makes me jump.

"Where are you going?" Agape asks me.

"I have to go to work, I'm a god after all." I state.

"And by 'work' he means getting revenge on Apollo." Ludus adds.

Well, I can't deny that, "Yes, but he deserves it, and if anything happens-"

"Don't worry, I'll come and find you." Agape assures me.

I smile gratefully, "Thank you."

Agape flutters its wings happily.

"I will go with him," Ludus announces, "if anything happens I will come and find you."

Agape nods.

I gaze back upon Psyche who is still fast asleep, "I should leave her a note."

Once I place the note upon a pillow, Ludus and I fly off in search of Apollo.

I spot him as he strums his lyre beside a river, playing it for the nymphai that constantly surround him.

Slowly sneaking closer, I grab an arrow from my quiver and draw my bow.

I swiftly shoot the arrow straight through his chest, causing him to drop his lyre.

I watch as his eyes fall upon the only nymphe that doesn't shower him with affection, Daphne.

Watching him now chase after her, I smile, happy to have gotten my revenge.

I then head to my mother's palace, and upon landing, I am met with a smirking Himeros.

"So, how was your first night with Psyche?" He questions, a mischievous look upon his face.

I roll my eyes, "Unlike you, I don't kiss and tell."

"Touché." He laughs.

I quickly change the subject, "So where's mother? Did she notice I wasn't here?"

"Don't worry, I told her that you were spending the night at Zephyros' palace, and as for where she is-" He pauses, his expression shifting into one of fear, "she is headed this way and she does not look happy."

Turning around, I spot our mother walking towards us, anger evident in her eyes.

"Would someone like to explain to me why Apollo is begging Zeus to let him marry a tree!?" She yells.

Despite us fearing her rage, Himeros and I can't help bursting out in laughter.

Himeros holds onto his stomach and gasps for breath, as tears stream down his face.

I wipe away a tear from my eye and attempt to compose myself, "I'm sorry mother, I'm afraid I don't know."

"Then maybe you can at least explain why he keeps calling the tree by the name Daphne?" She snaps.

I freeze upon hearing this, "Mother, I can explain-"

"No! You know what? I think I have heard enough excuses from you for a while now, hand over your arrows." She orders.