Page 46 of Arrogance
Once I heard of this information, I could not help but roll my eyes, being completely reminded of Queen Cenchreis of Cyprus who bragged that her daughter Myrrh was more gorgeous than me, too. And we all know what befell Myrrh and her family for her mother making such arrogant proclamations.
This time, with Akheilos, who was being just as equally pretentious as Queen Cenchreis, there would be a beauty contest that I would obviously win to put the spoiled little brat in his place. In this way, everyone would realize how ridiculous he was. For Akheilos to think he was more beautiful than me was beyond preposterous and almost laughable. The results of this contest would surely embarrass him. He would be the laughing stock of the entire land, which is what he justly deserved for trying to make a mockery of me.
I traveled to Arcadia, a luscious green region in Greece, where the contest would be held among its dwellers. The place was home to many bizarre yet captivating creatures with different body parts belonging to a variety of species. Specifically, it was the God Pan, the half-man and half-goat, that would preside over the beauty contest. He would ultimately determine who was the fairest. Either me or that disgraceful Akheilos.
I rode in on my golden chariot, drawn by the most majestic swans the world has ever seen. I wanted to make a grand entrance. An appearance that Pan would surely take into consideration when judging us in the contest. Whispers and awes were heard among the Arcadian crowd that gathered to witness the event.
As I emerged from the chariot, I walked the cleared dirt path to where I saw fine jade-colored drapes sprawled high in the air, to form a staged tent. From afar, I was instantly able to recognize Pan. As I traipsed in his direction, I saw another figure standing right beside him. It was an attractive man. His brunette hair swayed flawlessly with the breeze. The greenery around him brought out his distinct, pine-colored eyes. He wore a pure white tunic and fine golden sandals. Clearly a robust man, his muscles were fully defined with every movement he made. So, this must be Akheilos.
Thank the gods I did not bring Adonis to this event, for I had a hunch he would fall madly in love with this mortal. Had Akheilos not been such an overconfident son of a bitch, I may have chosen to lay with him myself.
Pan nodded and bowed to me as I approached him. “Goddess of love and beauty, I hope your journey here was pleasant.”
I shrugged. “It was as good as it could be,” I stated with irritation, still bothered that I had to come all this way just to deal with this fool who thought he was more pretty than me.
“That is splendid to hear. Now please, stand to the other side of me, Goddess,” he instructed.
I did as he stated so that Pan stood between me and Akheilos. All three of us stared out into the small motley crowd that gathered around us.
Pan stepped forward. “Thank you all for attending this wonderful event we are gracious to hold today here in Arcadia. A beauty contest in which I will compare Aphrodite and Akheilos side by side, in the same setting to determine which of these two exquisite creatures will win this match.”
And so, I stood, flaunting and making my most attractive poses, wanting Pan to get a glimpse of every optimal angle I had to offer him. Meanwhile, Akheilos was sporting a pearl white smile, along with flexing every single one of his muscles, also brandishing his nearly impeccable body.
Pan studied us very carefully, his line of vision drifting back and forth between Akheilos and me. His eyes squinted as he scrutinized us, trying to capture every last detail of our faces and bodies in his mind. The goat-man stepped closer to each of us and moved around our bodies in circles, wanting to observe us from all vantage points. Once he was satisfied and saw all that he needed to see, he came forward back towards the crowd, onlooking them.
“I have come to a final decision. It was extremely difficult to compare these two with each other. Both are the most captivating creatures I have ever seen in my existence,” Pan revealed. “But I must come to a conclusion. Only one of them can win this contest. And that winner is… Akheilos! Congratulation Akheilos!”
At first the crowd was silent, and full of echoing whispers with each other. Some proceeded to softly chant and cheer for Akheilos. Others were likely shocked and wouldn’t dare make such a stance in front of me, the actual Goddess of love and beauty.
The smile on my face shattered into a loathing glare. Did I just hear Pan correctly? Did he over-consume wine today before this contest? There was no possible way he had selected Akheilos as being more beautiful than me. Iamthe Goddess of beauty. The scene around me was turning into a fog.
I was livid!
Never had I been more humiliated in nearly all my life. How could I be gracious over this defeat? There was no competition. This entire set-up was supposed to be a punishment for Akheilos. To make him realize that his vanity and arrogance were unfounded. To put him in his place. Now the tables had turned, and I was the one having to endure the shame this brought on to me.
But what I didn’t expect was for Akheilos to turn to face me. He moved closer to me. All I could do was twist to the side, so that my back was to him. I had nothing to say to the foul boar. But the cocky little fool could not take the hint. I felt him hovering just behind me. His chin nearly rested on my shoulder. “How does it feel, Goddess? To be told a mortal is more beautiful than you? It must really sting.” His warm breath permeated my ear as he whispered.
Akheilos had stepped too far now. He would regret those words and the lack of respect he was showing me. However, I had other plans for him. Clearly, he did not learn his lesson here at this contest, so I would just need to be direct and take matters into my own hands to make him suffer.
I abruptly turned around to face him, mustering up a grin. “It doesn’t sting. But I must congratulate you. You have won fairly. As a token of appreciation for besting me, I would like to reward you,” I informed him with a husk to my tone.
Pan may have considered Akheilos to be more handsome than me, but I doubt even Akheilos could restrain himself from being seduced by the ultimate temptress.
“Oh? And how am I to be rewarded?” he asked, seeming intrigued by what I was propositioning.
“Let us keep it a surprise. I’ll meet you on the shore by the ocean tonight. Just show up and I’ll find you to give you what you deserve.” I winked, letting out a flirtatious chuckle.
“Very well. I’m looking forward to what you…” he eyed my body up and down before he finished his thought. “… have to offer.”
Just as I had promised, I did not disappoint Akheilos. I showed up in the ocean. My head popped out of the water and he was easily able to spot me with the luminescent moon glowing down on me. Akheilos stood on the shore, watching me closely. I stepped closer towards him, but still remained in the sea. However, as more of my succulent body became exposed, I could see the glimmer in his eyes. It was a look I saw on so many men who needed to have me. Who needed to be buried deep inside me for a moment of ecstasy they could never experience with any other woman but me.
As I continued to trudge through the water, my voluptuous breasts were finally visible to him. Traces of water dripped down their curvature, falling from my nipples into the softly rippling ocean. It was at this distance that I stopped moving, wanting Akheilos to meet me in the water.
For being so beautiful a man, at least he had his wits about him in being able to pick up on simple cues. He loosened his tunic and allowed it to heavily drop to the sand. The man was truly well endowed. Even the sight of his massive erect penis made my insides quiver in delight. It was such a shame I could not put that immaculate body of his to good use on me.
Once Akheilos was submerged into the water up to his hips, I revealed a sly smirk, dipping my head down into the water, disappearing.
He spun around in search of my whereabouts. “Aphrodite? Where did you go?”
