Serendipity - Hermes

II.

.

Amara did not understand what was happening. And she did not like it when she didn't understand what was happening. Came with the territory of being curious.

So when no one told her anything, she took matters into her own hands. Amara went to her father's throne room for answers, her grey gown trailing behind her. "Father, what is—"

"Father ?" The woman who was standing in front of Hades raised an eyebrow. She was beautiful with luscious dark hair and a long lavender gown. Her eyes though...they were so cold and calculated, blue and piercing enough to chill you to the bone with one look. She looked to Hades. "I did not realise you had a daughter this old, Hades."

Hades sighed. "What is it, Amara ?"

"What is going on ? Who are all these people ?" She eyed the woman. "Who are you ?"

"Hera."

"You are Hera ?" Amara couldn't help but blink in surprise.

She had always known she was beautiful but all of Hermes' stories had her picturing the queen of the gods as a hideous old hag. Hermes had never said it, much too respectful of his step-mother to truly disrespect her. But the stories of how she tortured him and his siblings for something that was hardly their fault had made Amara hate the goddess.

"You seem surprised."

Amara bit back insults and toned down her glare. "Forgive me," she bowed. "I had just never known how beautiful you are."

Hades raised an eyebrow at his daughter from behind Hera. He knew her well enough to know she was pretending and using flattery to hide how she really felt.

"Might I ask, what you are doing here ?"

"Can I not visit my dear older brother ?"

Amara raised an eyebrow. "Of course. You've just never done it since he was banished down here, so I assumed something was happening. My mistake."

Hera did not seem to expect her to actually have a mind or mouth of her own. She widened her eyes in surprise.

So did Hades', not used to his daughter having an attitude. "Amara dear, I will come find—"

"I seek sanctuary," Hera cut Hades off, slowly approaching Amara. The younger goddess held her ground, looking up at Hera with her chin raised. "For me and my allies."

"Because of the war you plan to wage with Zeus ?"

"You know things," she smirked. "How ?"

"I have my ways." She studied Hera, not liking how calculating she looked. "Well, my question has been answered. I shall be on my way. Leave you to take news of your brother. Father," she nodded her head, turning to leave.

"Where are you going ?" Hades asked.

"To occupy myself."

Hades nodded. "Very well. Do not be late for dinner. We have guests."

"Of course, Father," she nodded.