Banished

18

Percy PoV

I moved the steaks onto the plates before plopping on the mashed potatoes, broccoli, and garnish.

This was all happening in my girlfriend's kitchen, so I had a bit of trouble locating the necessary cooking utensils.

We had been talking about how she would introduce me to her hunters when she was called for by them.

She left me alone at her palace, and I figured she could use a nice meal.

That, and I had already familiarized myself with the layout of the palace and had nothing else important to do.

I set the plates out on the dining table before bringing napkins, utensils, and a chilled bottle of nectar.

I was in the process of setting down the glasses when she returned.

Artemis walked into the dining room to greet me and saw the meal I had set out for us.

She gave me a tight hug. "Thank you, Percy. This looks delicious."

I kissed her temple. "You've had a long day and I wanted to do something nice."

We sat down and began to eat.

"So, what did your hunters call you about?" I asked before taking a large bite of steak.

"Men were approaching the camp. Because of the way the ancient laws are set up, they aren't allowed to harm men unless they're harmed first, so I drove them away," she explained. "I also mentioned to some of my older hunters that I'm seeing someone."

I swallowed. "How did they take it?"

"A lot better than I thought they would," she replied. "They already knew about and had adjusted to my, and their, maiden vows being dismissed. Thalia actually seemed quite happy about this, so I'll have to pick on her about that."

The goddess complimented my mashed potatoes before changing subjects, which may have been the worst segue I've ever heard.

"The winter gala is tomorrow," she mentioned. "Usually, there are several suitors that are more aggressive in their attempts to court me. I was wondering if you'd want to go with me. It would definitely stop several of the suitors from approaching."

"Of course I'll go with you," I replied, lowering my voice in a joking manner. "I've gotta defend my woman."

Artemis laughed so hard that she snorted and nectar came out of her nose.

"So, tomorrow," I started, helping dab away the nectar. "When people ask if we're dating, do I confirm that?"

"Yes," she replied, pushing my hand down as she scooted closer. "I think I'm ready to deal with the blowback I'll be getting from the rest of the council. Even if I'm not, I'll have you there with me."

I leaned close and kissed her softly on the lips as I took her waist into my arms.

The beautiful woman rested her arms around my neck and smiled briefly before returning to the kiss.

She parted her lips just enough for me to explore her mouth.

I held her tightly and a soft sound of disappointment escaped her when I pulled away.

When I leaned back in to kiss her again, I heard a somewhat familiar voice at the doorway. "What in Hades are you doing with my sister?!"

Artemis sighed and kissed me on the cheek before standing up to face her brother. "Why must you always interrupt at the worst times?"

"What exactly am I interrupting?" He demanded. "Other than some god shoving his tongue down your throat, of course."

"You have no right to be questioning who I'm seeing!" She snapped. "You've had more children than I've taken in hunters!"

"So you're seeing him?" Apollo questioned. "What does that mean?"

My boyfriend stepped up behind me and wrapped his arms around me in a calming manner.

I took a deep breath. "Percy and I are dating. He's my boyfriend, and we've been seeing each other for about four months now."