Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 26

Olympus
Juniper

She really enjoys her new position, loving to once again spend time with Artume as if no time has passed. Juniper will admit that she dislikes having to deal with some of the Gods. They can be very stubborn when it comes to not getting their way. It mainly was a few of them that really stood out from the rest.

One of whom was Apollo; 'a shining beacon of beauty which none could withstand for long,' as he put it. Juniper thinks he could sway her with his brightly shining white teeth, golden glowing hair, and a physique most women dream to see on a man. She couldn't care less, yet he continues to try his luck on her. In most cases, she wishes to deal with it her way, yet Apollo makes it hard as he is as stubborn as his father. Maybe she should inform Artume and let her put Apollo in his place.

Another God Juniper doesn't like to be around is Ares. This has nothing to do with him sexually harassing her, thank the gods, but he has some kind of grudge against Artume ever since their fight. This extends to her as she is as much a part of Artume's realm as Artume herself. Juniper tries to be as brief as she can with Ares, or she may just feel the War God's anger.

The last one she has trouble with is Aphrodite. At this rate, she could practically start living with the Goddess due to the sheer amount of correspondence. Most of the time, three-quarters of the mail came from her. It is also at this moment she is once again in her palace. A place that is the definition of girly. All the walls were bright pink, plushies of any size available and strewn throughout the house, as if they serve the role as cuddle companions when watching series.

And Aphrodite certainly has the setup for it. Juniper could see a big screen adorning the wall, speakers flanking either side, with a big comfy sofa in front of it. There is a wall filled with the largest collection of DVDs Juniper has ever seen. Each was labeled in a fluent, girly handwriting, some even held extra decorations like Aphrodite was extra proud of having them. Juniper doubts those DVDs contain music or any normal type of movie or series.

Her attention went to the opening of the door that leads to Aphrodite's office. A place Juniper doesn't want to be in, despite Aphrodite having invited her in many times. She doesn't want to enter that place. It may just cause her mind to be twisted by whatever Aphrodite wished.

"Ah, my favorite Dryad! Sorry for making you wait, darling," Aphrodite said with a sweet voice like honey.

"It's alright, my Lady," Juniper said, her voice kept neutral while remaining, hoping at least, to not show any effects of what she is seeing.

Aphrodite was not only a pain due to her rather overloading nature, but also that she changed her appearance. It always is of those whom you have hidden feelings for, or traits you wish your partner has. Sometimes even a combination of the two.

For Juniper, it held traits of someone she could never have. Which made her resist the love Goddess's attempt to influence her with desire. The silver sparkling hair, the bluish tint of the skin, and the kind smile. It is special to see yet it will never be hers. Because they have been given to Annabeth. She wishes she had made a move on Artume long ago yet it never felt right.

The rest of Aphrodite's appearance was strange though. The eyes seem to switch colors every second or so. Her figure doesn't know what form or curve to emphasize. It made Juniper unsure what else she desired. But those eyes that switch colors knew. They knew what's hidden inside her. As if she was an open book to be read and that made her feel rather fearful. Mainly because it was Aphrodite that knew while she didn't.

"Always so kind..." Aphrodite purred with a smile. "Hmm, what brings you here today? Going to read stern messages from Artume to me? It's such a turn-"

"No, my Lady," Juniper quickly answered to avoid hearing where her sentence would go. Whether that made things better, Juniper didn't know, as Aphrodite just grinned at her. "My Lady Artume has determined your right for wishes in the new system."