Daughter of Mars

Dining with the God of War

Proserpina sat at the table across from her father. He had been quiet. Leading her to believe that something hadn't gone as he had wanted on this last trip. Proserpina knew better than to ask about it and decided to give him some space.

She cut into her portion of venison, smothering it in the creamy sauce on her plate before popping the small cube into her mouth. The sauce was the only way she could stand to eat the overly salty meat. Whoever cooked it tonight, needed to learn the word sparingly. As she chewed a gentle breeze caused the candles to flicker and their shadows to dance on the walls. She swallowed.

Proserpina leaned forward and carved a slice of honey glazed pork off the red glass platter.

"Diana says you've improved a lot over the last month. I look forward to seeing it." Her father's tenor voice echoed off the polished marble walls, breaking the silence.

Proserpina looked up at him. "I can hit the target with a spear at fifty paces now." Her small voice seemed to vanish on its journey across the solid wood table.

She began to cut into her piece of meat. Proserpina took a large bit and smiled as the honey-coated her tough.

"I see, but how are you coming along with a sword and a shield?" He popped a red grape into his mouth.

Proserpina swallowed. "I knocked the shield out of Aradia's hand the other day." She told him proudly.

He chuckled, his outburst of boisterous joy shook the dishes on the table. "I'm sorry, I missed it."

"I can show you again." She said with excitement.

Her father's laugh deepened. "I'm sure Aradia will be pleased."

Proserpina smirked as she imagined how mad Aradia would be. When her father's laughter died down, Proserpina couldn't help but ask. "Father? Did something happen on your trip?"

"Something did happen," he folded his hands under his chin. "But it's nothing for you to be concerned with." He smiled.

Proserpina decided it was best to drop it. Whatever it was, he obviously didn't want her to know.

"So when are we training tomorrow?" She changed the subject.

His eyes met hers and he smiled. "Always so eager." He drank from his wine goblet. "Well then, how about after our morning meal?"

Proserpina lit up, "sure!"

He yawned. "I'm sorry to leave you before you're done with your meal but I am tired and need to rest." He sat his cup down before he rose to his feet.

"That's alright, father. I understand." She smiled.

He looked down at her, his smile hit his eyes. "I will see you in the morning, Proserpina." He gently touched the top of her head as he walked by.

When she could no longer hear his footsteps she reached for a third cake and stuffed it into her mouth. Gobbling it down quickly, fearful of someone coming into the room at any minute and scolding her.

Proserpina got out of her chair and began to walk back to her room. At this hour most of the servants had either gone to bed or were in the servant's bathhouse. Probably drinking the night away, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. Other than a few on duty century guards, she had the palace hallways to herself.

She pushed the heavy golden door to her camber open. Proserpina kicked off her sandals onto the floor first before removing her necklace and bracelets. She tossed them onto her bed as she walked out onto her balcony.

Proserpina loved this view at night. The moon lit the courtyard and gardens below. Making it feel tranquil. She sighed, closing her eyes and listened to the water trickle out of the fountains. She then heard a thunk. Proserpina looked around in the dark for its source. She heard it again and her eyes finally landed on what it was. Aradia.

Aradia picked up a spear and threw it at the target. Quickly she grabbed another and did it again, putting more force into it this time. Proserpina swallowed. She'd never seen Aradia train like that before.

A tinge of guilt hit her as she wondered if today had something to do with her late-night training. She loved having a friendly rivalry, that she could use as a tool to push herself. She had hoped that Aradia had felt the same, but what Proserpina was seeing now looked like resentment. Proserpina watched Aradia throw one more spear before turning back into her room.

Proserpina plopped down into her chair and rested her chin on the desk. She sighed, bored. Her eyes shifted towards her egg.

She'd seen it many times before but still loved to study its details. It looked like a work of art. Something painted by Apollo himself. The egg ran from the softest of creams fading into the brightest of whites, the tones ever-changing. The most beautiful part of the egg was the sky blue speckles. It looks as though a paintbrush had been dipped into the sky and splattered all over it. Proserpina reached out and touched it's rough surface, running her fingers along its shell. She smiled to herself, wondering what kind of creature was inside.

"I wonder if I can hatch it?" She thought out loud. Her eyes turning towards the lavender blanket sitting at the foot of her bed.

She was going to need a few more things if she was going to make a nest, but that was definitely a good start.