War's Love

The Proposal

What would the God of war want with a girl like me? I have never met him that I know of.

"Father, we cannot make her do that," Oriana called from across the table and I looked at the candle. It had gone out in a fleeting second and nothing seemed to make sense.

"Under the circumstances, no one's going against it. The mayor told me she has to. He threatened everyone in the village, if she does not accept it." I glanced at my father and a part me wanted to be angry, but he was angry with himself too. "Eleza, I will not pressure you into that. This is your choice," 

My sisters and my father looked like they wanted me to stay, but this wasn't where I wanted to be. I had to think about it, but I had made up my mind already. "I'll marry him," I said it with no excitement. "I am not going to let him hurt those dearest to me and I would never wish upon anyone death." 

"Eleza, you don't," May started and stopped when she saw the look in my eyes. I wasn't happy about it, but neither was I sad.

I looked at my father and his eyes were looking away from me with a hopeless expression swirling in his deep blue eyes. He was still for a moment. "The wedding is tomorrow at sundown. He wanted to give you the whole day tomorrow to do what you want. You will be alone with him in the cathedral, Eleza, no one else will be allowed in, but you. He made that clear." 

I bent at my knees and left the tension in the room behind me. I walked up the stairs with uncertain feelings about the God of War's proposal for my hand. He must be crazy if he thinks I will let him just have my body and soul like this. He is either as people have described him or he isn't, which one remains to be seen.

I thought about what I could gain from his proposal. I could see the world like I've always dreamed and see things I have never thought possible. I wonder if that means I will run into that boy again?

I went into my room and locked it behind me. I walked over to my dresser and pulled out a fresh lilac purple nightgown. I changed quickly into my nightgown and paused when I touched my mother's onyx stone. 

I crossed over to the bed and laid into the sheets, my thoughts going back to the boy who saved me. I guess his promise was impossible now. 

"What should I have done?" I whispered into my pillow and I felt defeated. I was tired and tomorrow I will be married to a God, what a mess I've found myself in. There was nothing I could have done to change this. I had to do this to be free, what a redundancy.

Freedom is for the Gods and the like. I'm not worthy of that nor am I going to accept that. Gods are more powerful than me, but they will not always get what they desire from the world. I won't let the God of War win me with a threat, he'll have to do better than that to win my heart.  

I closed my eyes and tried to dream about that boy, hoping he would show before I give up all hope he'll come back for me. 

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At the same time

The room was quiet as the end of a battle and there was no way to hide my feelings like before. My father stood before me with his eyes growing wary of my choice. He had always asked me to do the dirty work of keeping the balance of power which seemed like a way to keep the Gods in power. 

His eyes were pale blue that it was hard to tell if they were silver or white. He looks a lot younger than most of the original (1st Generation) gods, but sure enough he was in charge. His eyes watching me carefully. "Are you sure about this Ares?" He asked with his parental side showing again and I wanted to run from him, but for her I'd have to bare this a little longer.

"Yes,"

"Are you aware she will never be able to return back to her village, her family and she will no longer be mortal," His voice would remind you of thunder which usually depended on his mood. 

I didn't answer.

He sighed heavily and then I looked him in the eye. "Ares, you have my blessing, however, I would like to meet her at some point. She will accompany you at the winter solstice celebration," I wanted to argue with him more than ever before, kept a cool head and went anywhere none of the other gods could find me. 

I headed for the throne doors which opened of their own accord and I walked through only thinking about the girl. She was the only thing I had ever shown an interest in and I will not let her slip away from me.

Will Ares win Eleza's heart or will she push away from him? Who knows what she'll do when she meets him, but Eleza might find more than she bargained for by accepting his proposal.  Sorry, I will try to post two or three chapters a week.