Amoris ✔

Dimwit unicorn

The Council members were in a tense mood. It was the first time that there wasn't a heir to govern their place but they knew what to do. A nagging sensation filled their minds that they were forgetting something vital.

"Spin the board. I hope all the factions have nominees," said the Secretary, Ralph.

A board was spun with every faction's name on it. Sera waited with bated breath. Every faction member held their breath. For to rule the place was to become immortal, something that they'd do anything to gain.

Unicorns.

Hans, the nominee, stepped up. He was a black one with pink mane. Which earned him a series of nicknames and lots of ridicule. The members whispered.

Sera stood there, fuming. Still, there was one more ritual. The gods and the goddesses had to choose.

I am sure they won't choose a dimwitted pink unicorn.

"Good...mor-morning, all," he shivered. "I stand here to ask you to nominate me...as-as king. And-and...I invite the gods and the goddesses too."

Eric encouraged him from the stands. He was one of Hans' best friends. Sera took one look at them and knew they were both idiots.

"Well, thank you, Hans," said Fiona, Vice Secretary. "We proceed to ask the gods."

Eric turned when he felt someone's stare on him. He saw Sera, who was actually smiling now. Nymphs often had that effect. To lure simply for their pleasure. Although his faction would never allow it, he waved back.

The people turned to the window, head bowed in reverence to the gods. Waiting for their approval.

A comet zoomed by, signaling that Hans was approved off.

Was the system rigged? They all wondered.

********

A migraine made its appearance again two days after the heir was chosen. Eric smiled in pain.

"Well, at least they don't have someone with a syndrome," he said.

"It wouldn't be so bad," said Mirabel, the elf servant. "What syndrome is it, by the way?"

"Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. I see some objects..."

"As small and others as huge," she finished, pressing a cloth on his head. "Yeah. I know."

Sera wouldn't have known that.

"How did you know?" he asked, closing his eyes.

"I read..." she said tentatively.

He nodded and then opened his eyes. Mirabel checked for any fever.

"You don't have a fever. The migraine might reduce after you sleep. Anyway, how do I look? Big or small?" queried Mirabel.

"Small. The last time, it was the opposite though," he squinted at her. "Did you meet Amoris?"

"Ah, the wild one," a smiled hinted at her lips. Mirabel had short black hair. She wasn't all that pretty. "No. But I have seen her."

"Why is everyone scared of her?"

"She's...a matchmaker. Kind of matches different factions, which isn't allowed. The nine tails represent the eight factions plus one's her original form. She can possess any soul because of that...She doesn't like power in the hands of any one faction; the cross breeds could solve it, she thought. But Amoris doesn't stay long. Only until the next full moon. Anyway, she destroyed purity. "

"I see. I don't think that's that bad," he said weakly. "I mean, what's the harm if the factions just mix?"

"Loss of purity," she commented.

Someone peeked in shyly. "Can I see Eric, Mirabel?"

She nodded and left the room.

"Congrats, man."

"Think I wi-will be good?" asked Hans. His pink mane turned yellowish purple, meaning he was nervous. Unicorns' manes changed color according to their feelings.

"Just trust yourself," reassured Eric.

"What-what about the gods? I mean..." he faltered.

Mirabel came in with some snacks. "How do you feel about becoming king?"

"Umm...ner-nervous?" he tried.

"They'll love you. You're kind, you know?"

Eric smiled softly. Mirabel had that gift to uplift people's moods.

*********

Apollo spun the board. "Shoot."

Amoris shot the dart with a blindfold over her eyes. She knew what she wanted to hit.

"Hans!" everyone shrieked.

She removed the blindfold. It's time they learn a darn thing or two.

"I claim for a repeat," said Poseidon. "I do not accept it."

"It was fair and square," said Kairos, god of luck. He had a razor in his hand with a single lock of hair.

"And what evidence do you have to prove that?" asked Athena.

It'd be better for Kairos to shut his mouth, scowled Nyx. "Well, Athena, for one, I thought your intelligence might help, but seeing as it is making little use here, I will explain. Amoris was blindfolded. It's not like she can even see whose name it is when the board is spun."

Athena's features changed so quickly. Her eyes narrowed at the mention that she wasn't intelligent.

Nyx glanced at Zeus. Zeus who was supposed to thunder, shivered at her glance.

"You know, Hades, you might as well control that daughter of yours," snickered Apollo. "She's way too...headstrong."

Hades drew in a long breath. Still, something seemed to be missing.

*******

Hey, people! This cleared round 1 of opennovella contest! I nearly had my eyes popped out. Heck, i couldnt even open my mouth! I do hope you'll enjoy this chapter...greek myth is my fav! I included some unknown gods too. 

Yours,

Rose