Page 26 of Arrogance
Chapter 12
Adonis
Aphrodite and I strolled along the cliffs of Amorgos, partaking in our usual daily gossip, which mostly consisted of her disclosing all of the drama that was occurring around the world and on Mount Olympus. Despite the jaggedness of the cliffs, a path was created by the gods many ages ago to allow them to saunter along this trail. It was an ideal location for one to gather their thoughts while admiring the gorgeous scene of the sapphire blue waves crashing into the side of the cliff beneath and the constant view of rolling hills and mountains on the horizon. This tranquil spot became a favorite of Aphrodite and mine, which is often why we visited here when we desired to discuss important matters.
“So, what is the latest on Mount Olympus?” I asked her, as I often did. And believe me, Aphrodite had daily news to share about the ongoings of the gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. Drama was a routine occurrence there.
“Well, Poseidon and Athena are at it again.” Aphrodite rolled her eyes as she stated this. “This time they both want patronage of the same city. So, the king of the land is developing a contest for the two, which will allow him to ultimately decide which god will rule the city.”
“Oh. Well, who do you think will come out victorious?”
Aphrodite flailed her hand in the air as if she was already bored with the discussion. “Who cares. The whole thing seems like a waste of time to me. Neither one of them deserve to rule that city. They’re both weak.”
I could tell Aphrodite was becoming short-tempered over the topic of Athena, as she often did when the Goddess of wisdom was brought up in conversation. It was in my best interest to change the subject altogether if I wanted the remainder of our walk down the path to be peaceful.
“Yes. I concur. Any other interesting information?” I inquired.
“Well, apparently Apollo slayed Gaia’s son, Python, in Delphi,” she revealed.
“Really? What for?”
“That wretch, Hera, sent Python to attack Apollo’s mother. Apollo found out about it and decided to take revenge on Python,” Aphrodite explained.
“But Python is still a god, no? Isn’t it against the rules for a god to kill another god?”
Aphrodite nodded. “Yes. Although, I wouldn’t really consider that disgusting serpent a god, but because he is a son of Gaia, it poses quite the problem. Apollo was actually deemed impure for his actions. Zeus demanded he spend a year in servitude until he is once again purified.”
I recalled the one time I ever met Apollo, which was just several weeks ago at Artemis’ archery competition. He was a handsome god. The most attractive on Mount Olympus. On days when Aphrodite wasn’t around, I would often fondle myself with sexual thoughts and desires of Apollo. His hair was as radiant as the sun. His muscles were contoured unlike any other man I had seen in my entire life.
In defeating Apollo in archery, I hoped I had garnered his attention. Hopefully he took notice and remembered me. However, based on the information Aphrodite just shared with me, I knew it would be quite some time before I would get the chance to meet him again, especially if he was spending the next year in servitude.
I decided to offer my opinion on the situation of Apollo and his transgression. “Hmmm. I’m not quite sure if the crime necessarily fits the punishment.”
“I agree. He was only avenging his mother. If anything, it should be Hera who is the one punished. I was shocked to learn that Gaia did not quarrel with her about it. But, of course, no one would ever defy or punish Hera. She gets away with everything and anything, the pretentious bitch.” Aphrodite squeezed her hand into a fist over the thought.
Just like Athena, Hera was not Aphrodite’s favorite goddess. In fact, I’m not sure if there ever was a goddess that Aphrodite approved of. She despised almost every single one of them.
“Poor Apollo,” I added. “Having to suffer all because of Hera and her insecurities.”
“Too bad there is nothing that can be done about it. But what I would give to see that miserable Hera suffer. I’m still waiting for that day to come, and when it does, I will relish it,” Aphrodite declared.
She then glanced at me in her periphery, watching my demeanor change as I felt sorry for Apollo. “Tell me, Adonis, what feelings do you have for Apollo?”
I raised my brow to her in suspicion, wondering where she was getting at in asking such a question. “What would make you ask that?”
“I can tell you’re attracted to him. Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you and him stared at each other at the archery event. I can practically feel your heart race every time you mention him. I am the Goddess of love, after all,” Aphrodite disclosed.
How foolish of me to think I could conceal my feelings from her. It was sometimes easy to forget that she was a goddess and had powers that she kept hidden, including knowing about my emotions and the direction of where the strings of my heart were being tugged at. There was no use in keeping anything from her any longer. So, I just came out with it. “Fine. I will admit that I do think he is extremely attractive. I often find myself thinking about him more than I probably should,” I confessed.
Aphrodite let out a haughty laugh. “Oh Adonis! You should never be ashamed to reveal such things to me. It’s natural for you to have these physical attractions and sexual urges towards other people and gods. I would be completely hypocritical if I scolded you for wanting to make love to someone else besides me. After all, I have had many lovers in my lifetime.”
I was relieved to hear her not seem bitter or resentful by my confession. Aphrodite was actually handling it quite well. More so than I had given her credit for. Dare I say that she was even being supportive in my sexual explorations with other people? “Really? So, you don’t mind if I were to make love to mortals, or even other gods?”
“No. Not at all. By all means, I want you to experience others and what they have to offer. It will only make you a more passionate lover when we lie together. There is one thing I must warn you of though, when you do go off on these sexual excursions you so desire.”
“And what is that?” I curiously asked, raising my brow to her.
“These affairs of yours should strictly be physical. Do not become emotionally attached to anyone you make love to, Adonis. It will only hurt you in the end, and worse it will only anger me. You are to only be mentally and emotionally available to me. Is that understood?”
