MTBMW: Wealth, Pride and Love

MTBMW 19: Eyes of Perfection

Today is one of those strange days that everyone was gathered on a long table, even the king was present. 

"Happy Birthday, Artemis!" Some of Artemis' friends came over since it is her special day. Nagbeso ang mga magkakaibigan at ang ibang mga lalake ay hinalikan ang kanyang kamay. It was only once a year when the prince and princesses' friends came to visit. Not that there were a lot of them pero ganuon lang talaga ang buhay nila. Hebe was on the sideline, sat on the table beside the queens'. The king was with his wives, pero nakatingin parin ito sa dalaga. Three queens came home to be a part of the celebration. Clio and Ares's mother, Apollo and Artemis's mother, of course, and Cybele's. Silvan, Seth and Sol's mothers couldn't make it. Silvan and Sol's mom were out of the country while Seth didn't know where his is. For all it's worth, he didn't care. Hindi naman niya ito nakilala kahit pa noong bata palang siya. He grew up in the palace, in the king's care with no recollection, whatsoever, with his maternal side. 

They were all wearing formal clothes. The women wore gowns while the men were in tuxedos. Everything in that hall screamed of luxury. The food was individually prepared and served in their tables, buffet was overrated. They served medium rare steak and a saffron rice that would compliment the dish. A lot of side dishes were included in everyone's plate, as well. The dinner went by, people only interacted with the people seated in the same table as theirs. Hebe, on the sideline, only mingled with the court ladies beside her. They were the oldest house keepers which gave them the luxury to join. Pero sa totoo talaga niyan ay kasali lang sila para kung may mangyari man ay may mauutusan agad. Hebe, as seated in the same table as them, can be considered as one of those people. 

"May I have this dance?" Hebe lost grip to her table knife. Silvan stood in front of her, offering one hand and giving her a 15 degree bow. He wore a navy blue classic tuxedo, matching the light blue with white lace designs, off shoulder gown she wore. When she looked around, the women beside her have already lowered their heads, respecting Silvan. 

"Silvan, ano to?" She gave him a warning look. He stood straight and looked behind him. People were already in the middle of the hall, gathered for the cotillion dance. Hebe bit her lip, awkward that the women beside her still have their heads lowered. They were in super fancy ball clothes but were still acting like lesser beings. Hebe felt a rush of anger. 

She stood up and took Silvan's hand. As they walk further the table, the housekeepers continued chatting again. Occasionally glancing at the two, probably talking about how a prince took their father's mistress to a dance. Some of the visitors were looking at them suspiciously, too. Hebe was known to be the king's courtesan. Minds were all over the place, they couldn't even help but think that if only she bore a child, she could have been queen. 

The king was looking at Hebe and Silvan in shock. He never thought Silvan would be leading his command. A while later, he smiled. The queens beside him were eyeing them as well, thinking about how crazy Silvan is for picking an interest to the lady. They clearly didn't know about what the king asked their kids of, missing the whole point. Ang napapansin lang nila ay ang tila parang maling kagustuhan ng binata.

Sol looked at them, his brother and lady, in distaste. He didn't expect Silvan would betray him and succeed. Sa apat niyang mga kapatid na lalake ay kay Silvan siya pinaka-nagtiwala. Maybe, because they came from the same womb. Siguro sa tingin niya ay sa kanilang lima ay pinaka may koneksyon sila. He looked away, hands still on the waist of the woman in front of him. 

"Hey" Artemis called him out. Doon niya lang napansin na nagkapalitan na pala ng pares, in a counterclockwise manner. He got his hand off her and Artemis went to George, a friend of her. Artemis wore a Golden gown which contrasted with George's silver tuxedo. Cybele was the next in line for him. She wore a silver one with a slit almost up to the hips. Her gown matched his black attire. Apollo was now  dancing with Alina whom George danced the moment before transferring Elise to the guy beside Apollo. Hindi ito kakilala ni Sol but Alina wore something similar to Hebe. Silvan was also dancing with a familiar woman he couldn't recall the name as well and Hebe was in the hands of Ares. Clio danced with Seth. 

Sol was still looking at Hebe and Cybele understood. She, herself, has been looking at Apollo and Alina.. yet awhile ago, at Hebe and Silvan. 

"Aray" The stopped dancing and swaying the moment Sol tightened his grip on her waist. His brows were furrowed and was staring ahead of them. Lumingon din si Cybele and her eyes automatically widened. 

"Hebe"

"Ares!"

"Aphrodite"

Three men called them out, excluding Sol who was glued there in anger, not knowing what to do as Hebe and Ares continued kissing like there was no tomorrow. Ares's arms was placed on her back, hugging and pulling her closer to him. She had her hands on his nape, head slightly tilted upwards since he was inches taller than her even in heels. Their eyes were closed as they let their lips do all the moving, disregarding the eyes that were looking at them in shock, amusement and distaste.