Zeus snapped his fingers at a servant who refilled his chalice, then backed away with his eyes to the scuffed marble floor. Despite the room being called a study, it was less stuffy than his usual meeting room. Comfy furniture enhanced its casual ambience, with wide open windows overlooking a pool surrounded by multiple statues of himself in various degrees of undress. The golden silk floor-to-ceiling curtains billowed in the warm breeze, bringing in the intermixed scents of roses and tart neroli.
Zeus motioned for the angels to take a seat in the plush armchairs near the fireplace—although there was no need for heat, a fire always burned in the hearth. He even served each gentleman wine and offered up the sugared violets set upon the table between them.
What is Father doing? He must want something badly if he’s demeaning himself in such a manner.
Diana stood just inside the doorway, trying her best to blend into her surroundings. Perhaps she would go unnoticed, unless it was as she’d feared—her father had plans to pimp her out like a common harlot to the angels in exchange for... what?
The men made casual conversation for a few moments, but it was Lucifer who insisted on getting down to business. He had barely touched his wine. The tension rolling off his aura glowed a funny gray color with silver sparkles as if the stars glittered and peeked out behind storm clouds. Never had Diana witnessed a dark gray aura. She’d have to ask the oracle what that color meant.
“Daughter, please join us.” Zeus held out his arms and motioned her toward him.
Dammit!
Plastering a smile on her face, Diana’s feet moved of their own accord. If she had her way, they’d be shuffling backward, out the door, and off the nearest cliff. “Yes, Father.” Inwardly, she cursed for sounding so insipid, so docile, so... obedient.
She stood beside Zeus, willing her arms to stay at her sides instead of crossing over her body to cover it more. Her eyes were glued on a clear crystal vase holding an arrangement of blood-red roses on the fireplace mantel; it was better than risk glancing at either of the angels.
The larger archangel with the long platinum locks and glowing blue-green eyes spoke first. Goosebumps erupted over her skin under his intense scrutiny, but she refused to meet his stare. “You must be so proud of your children, Zeus. Such beauty abounds here. I dare say I have not seen anyone more glorious even in the heavens.”
Oh, please have a titan rise out from the floor and devour me whole!
“Yes, yes. I am truly blessed. Many beautiful children with such an array of talents and gifts.” Zeus wrapped his arm around Diana’s shoulders while the other arm brought his goblet up to his lips for another gulp, spilling a droplet down his tunic.
She shifted to put space between them. For all his talk, Zeus had never been an affectionate father in private or public. He doled out orders and punishments to his children from high on his throne but would not deign to hug them. The act rubbed her the wrong way, bristling the rebel within.
Instead of twisting free, though, she bowed her head and muttered, “Thank you, Father.”
If she had to keep up this behavior, Diana knew she’d need something or someone to pummel when this was over—preferably Athena.
Her brother, Ares, offered up more pleasantries, engaging the broader angel in idle conversation while Lucifer sat like a marble statue, holding a goblet but not once drinking from it. Diana focused all her attention back to the vase.
After a while, Zeus placed his hand behind the small of her back and guided her to the vacant seat directly in front of the silent Lucifer. Her knees wobbled until her nearly bare bottom hit the gold velvet cushion. A conflict raged within her—stare straight ahead at the resplendent angel with whom she’d embarrassed herself earlier or cast her gaze down to her feet like a proper maiden.
Her hands twisted in her lap; she willed her head up, but cast her eyes just to the right. Her entire attention snapped to the solitary blood orchid sitting on the table in between the angels. Under normal circumstances she’d cross her legs. Considering the absence of fabric covering them, she chose to keep her knees slammed tight against each other.
Olivier’s voice boomed through the room, “Great Zeus, I am honored to be here in your court, but I am afraid I am not here with good tidings.”
Lucifer’s head twisted to face him. “Brother, you must know that I have not yet had the opportunity to discuss the Creator’s decree.”
The larger archangel waved his hand to dismiss him. “All that has been placed aside for the moment. We have more important matters.”
Diana could not read Lucifer’s mind, but his body language, posture, and the crimson flush on his cheeks signaled he was not happy to be kept out of the loop. He was accustomed to being the one who knew all the Creator’s wishes and orders. Having another angel steal his spotlight, usurp his position of authority, did not sit well with him at all. She half expected him to erupt.
“And what matters”—his voice lowered to a deadly vibration—“would overshadow my mission here, brother?”
Her eyes cut over to her father for his reaction. She knew he’d rejoice pitting the angels against each other, but the sheer glee written across his face drew forth a gasp from her own lips.
“Father, you do not seem too surprised at the turn of events. Is there something you aren’t being forthcoming about?” It was dangerous to call Zeus out in front of others. Hades below, it was dangerous to ever call him out even in private. She just couldn’t help herself.
Zeus schooled his expression, the smile wiped from his lips, his eyes narrowed on her in irritation. “It just so happens that I did have the opportunity to hear a little of what Olivier has to announce moments before your arrival, daughter.” The way he said that last word sent tendrils of fear tracing up her spine. Yes, she was going to pay for outing him to the archangels. “Please do the honors”—he waved the hand holding his now empty goblet at Olivier—“and give us all the full story.”
“Gladly.” The archangel had the audacity to wink at her before continuing.
The aura surrounding Lucifer—who to all appearances was calm, if not a smidgen annoyed—blackened.
“We have a situation that will require the assistance of the lovely huntress, Diana. If we could’ve handled it on our own, please know we would never inconvenience you, Zeus. But her particular talents should grant us the advantage.”
Blah, blah, blah! Get to the point!
