Yes, Your Highness (18+)

23

•──⋅☾ Zeus ☽⋅──•

"Brother!" My eldest brother's voice pierced through the opulent walls of my palace, echoing in my ears like the crack of thunder. "Hades! What a surprise!" I exclaimed, addressing the empty air, knowing Hera wouldn't even bat an eye at my peculiar habit of speaking aloud instead of using our brotherly bond. Or whatever bond remained, for that matter.

"I've got news that might just put a dent in your lightning bolt!" Hades teased, and I shot back with a smirk, "A dent? Please, that's nothing I can't fix!" The banter was light, but the weight of his words hung heavily in the air.

"Not quite what I meant," Hades continued, his tone shifting as he delved into serious territory. "I'm calling from the depths of the Underworld to warn you-he has returned." My heart raced at the mention, a grin spreading across my face. I knew exactly who he was talking about. My grandchild, Chase, had come back to reclaim his destiny: to find his mate and claim her as his own. While he awaited the end of his exile, he would dive into the intricate ways of Eros, falling in love with someone from the mortal realm.

Athena had given him life eons ago, yet Ares never hinted at the fierce lone wolf essence that coursed through Chase. Unlike Athena, who was forged in battle, Chase carried a unique power within him-a potential to surpass even his birthright. In the grand tapestry of existence, when two deities entwine, their offspring becomes something extraordinary.

With a contemplative sigh, Hades muttered, "Zeus. He returns just to prove he's still in exile. And now he's found the girl."

Hera, listening intently, could feel the energy of our conversation from the shadows. Hades acknowledged her presence, then ended his call, leaving me in a swirl of thoughts. Chase was back, on a quest to discover the one destined to stand by him through the trials of his exile. But would this girl be worthy to share space with the elite of my realm? Only time would tell.

A sudden chuckle escaped my lips at the absurdity of it all-a twist straight out of a dramatic saga! I pressed a kiss to Hera's cheek, even though she still raised an eyebrow at my fascination with mortals, often reminding me it wasn't I who faced exile from my own. With renewed resolve, I declared, "We shall prepare."

I had to reach out to the formidable goddess of night and the enigmatic god of darkness, Nyx and Erebus. The primordial forces of chaos and creation were essential allies for the journey ahead. The excitement crackled around me, and I could feel destiny beckoning.

•──⋅☾ Stephanie ☽⋅──•

Chase gently caressed my face as I lay nestled in his arms, the warmth of the moment wrapping around us like a cozy blanket. I mumbled something in my sleep, and the words tumbled out with a yearning, "Don't go..." His strong arms tightened around me, protective and soothing, as he whispered back, "I'm not going anywhere, Stephanie. I'll always be right here." Unlike with Riley, I felt utterly safe in his embrace.

There was something undeniably enchanting about Chase, a magical connection that made it feel as though he had chosen me for his forever. If "Forever After" were anything more than just a fairy tale, I'd believe in it wholeheartedly, and now I do-more than I ever thought possible. When I finally stirred awake, I found him with his eyes closed, looking utterly exhausted yet still devoted, having stayed up all night to ensure I was okay.

I stretched like a lazy cat, luxuriating on his lap. "Chase," I called softly, and he stirred, his eyes fluttering open, revealing a mixture of concern and fatigue. "What's wrong?" he asked, instantly shifting into protective mode.

Guilt twisted in my stomach at the thought of his sleepless night, but it made me feel cherished. I tapped his bare chest playfully. "I was going to ask for some food, but you look like you need sleep more than I need breakfast."

He shook his head stubbornly. "No way. If my girl wants food, then I'm getting off my ass and making her something."

I couldn't help but smile at his determination. My wolf, Rae, chimed in, teasing me about his loyalty. It brought a sense of camaraderie; it felt good to understand her feelings and my own on a deeper level.

Rae and I might be different-she a wolf, and I a human-but we shared a bond that transcended those differences. I locked my gaze onto Chase's, my voice firm. "Chase Ares, you are to sleep right this minute! I don't want you fainting when you finally get up."

He grunted softly in agreement. "Fine... just don't catch the house on fire..." With a victorious grin, I watched as he drifted back to sleep.

After pressing a tender kiss on his cheek, I felt a warm smile creeping onto my face-something I was starting to relish. Did gods even need sleep? Why was that even a question? Shrugging off the thought, I made my way to the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge. Eggs and milk caught my eye, but I also spotted a box of frosted mini-wheats perched high above.

Cereal it was! I poured myself a generous bowl, letting the nostalgic sweetness wash over me as I took the first bite. I hummed in satisfaction, recalling how much I adored frosted mini-wheats as a kid.

Time slipped away while Chase slept soundly until 1 PM. That gave me a delightful couple of hours to indulge in my newfound distraction-his Nintendo Switch! I set it up and jumped into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, quickly getting absorbed in the game. My frustration bubbled over as I faced off against the infamous Rainbow Road. "FUCK YOU RAINBOW ROAD!" I shouted at the TV, completely oblivious to the world around me.

Chase jolted awake with a start, thanks to the chaos I was creating. "WHO GOES THERE?" he snarled, launching himself off the couch and crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Scarlet, who had been visiting, and I froze for a moment before bursting into laughter at the ridiculous sight.

"Hey, sleeping beauty," She teased, grinning at him.