The Mistake of the Huntress and the Messenger (DISCONTINUED)

***Chapter Three***

The moment my uncle and I arrived at his temple, the priestess bowed at him and he just smirked. My eyes rolled at his arrogance but I didn't comment, the food I'm about to eat is going to come from him.

"This is my best temple with all my beautiful priestesses." Then he turned to someone that looks like she's the head priestess with a little tiara on her head, "Prepare a feast, this girl needs to eat." He ordered.

The priestess nodded and ordered the others to start preparing.

"So why don't I show you around this majestic temple of mine?" He offered with a bright smile.

I awkwardly nodded and followed him, he kept babbling about how this temple was the best out of all of his temples and how loyal his priestesses are. Closing my eyes, I tried to hope that this will end.

Goodness, to think he is my mother's twin. They're complete opposites that I wouldn't have guessed they would be related at all.

"... But this temple is the best out of all my temples because not even my father knows about this." He finished.

That made me turn to him, "Your father does not know about this temple?" I asked surprised at that information.

He shook his head, "This was my mother's gift, so no. Only my sister and mother knows of this temple."

Feeling a little curious as to why this temple is hidden from Zeus, I asked him.

"Why do you hide this from him? He's your father, aren't you suppose to trust him?"

He bit his lip, "Yeah, but sometimes his decisions aren't really something that I approve of. And one of them is searching for the mortal-god, and now one of them is in his hands. Which is all my fault."

The way he frowned and looked so guilty made me feel a little bit sympathetic, he didn't mean it. But what I don't understand is why he still obeys him. He's my grandfather but all the things I heard about him isn't really good things.

The change in the atmosphere can be easily noticed with how suddenly quiet Apollo is. Just awhile ago he was happily babbling about this temple that he really took pride in.

"Sorry..." I apologized.

He turned to me and smiled, "Ah it's nothing. But you apologize, you really are Hermes' daughter. Artemis would never apologize to me." He spoke with humour.

That made me laugh, yes. My mother is too prideful at most times for her to just suddenly apologize. While my father, he's too down to earth and easily gets guilty.

As I think about this thoughts, it made me realize that it's what made me into who I am. Yes, for all my life my mother has always been cold to me and my father wasn't always there for me. It hurt me, but as years passed by I just got used to it.

But I know there was a reason for it so in the end I just let it be because at least my father visits me and my mom must care for her to bring me with her all the time.

Apollo must have noticed that my mood have shifted because he was staring at me looking uncomfortable.

"Are you alright... Valeya?" He asked hesitantly.

The look on his face almost made me want to burst out laughing, it's very clear that he didn't know what to do.

So I smiled at him, "I'm fine uncle Apollo, you don't have to worry about me."

He nodded looking relieved that he didn't have to comfort me more. But then the head priestess showed up and told us that the food is ready. So we followed her to where the dining room is located.

The food was good, no, it was amazing. I haven't this much in a long time since mom and I hunt our food. So secretly I'm happy that I was able to meet Apollo because in my opinion he's the type of person that can cause happiness to you because he just gives off this aura that makes you feel warm and comfortable.

I regret ever calling him arrogant, he's my favourite god from now on. (Don't tell my father.)

"Well, why don't you tell me things of what you and my sister have been up to for the past years?" He asked suddenly looking curious as he stopped eating.

My hand paused mid way at the question, I don't know if I want to tell him that those years weren't really good memories for me. But it would be rude if I don't reply him when he's asking without any malice.

"Well... Mother and I just camp in the woods and hunt.  We didn't do anything that can be considered fun in my own opinion." I stated carefully.

Sympathy filled Apollo's eyes at what I said. I know what he's thinking, how sad could that be?

Apollo sighed, "That actually sounds just like Artemis." He dragged a hand across his hair, "Even with a child, she hasn't changed at all."

I pursed my lips, child huh?

Even if my mother won't say anything, I know she considers me a mistake. Yes she apologized and she cares about me. But it wouldn't change the fact that I'm someone she shouldn't have.

What's worse is that father can't even visit frequently because he's busy with delivering messages to the other gods and guiding anyone on the road. And his visits would catch the attention of others, and may be interpreted with something unpleasant.

That is what he's trying to avoid, it shows how much he cares about my mother and I.

When I finished eating, Apollo ordered the priestesses to clean up and to prepare some things that I would need after the visit with Hades. I also got cleaned up properly which is a huge relief.

With what's about to happen, I don't know when will be the next time I can get cleaned up properly.

The two of us stood in front of the temple, the priestesses bowed at him before returning inside while Apollo and I remained outside.

He turned to me with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath and nodded wordlessly before we flashed into the Underworld.

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Thank you GeoPerkins for the wonderful cover.