Iris watched on helplessly as Hera and Niko continued their relationship. Occasionally, they would have a rendezvous at his house or the colosseum, and she would only find out a day later, or when the servants whispered about it.
"Astrid," Hera called, "there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you."
Astrid was sitting by the window in her room, reading a book. "I haven’t left this room in a while."
"Sure, that makes sense." Hera nodded. "I didn’t think I saw you get launched either."
"You were around during lunch ti? That’s a surprise."
Hera giggled and tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ears. "We didn’t plan anything today," she said, smiling. "Niko’s a little busy with work."
"Interesting," Iris replied flatly, and turned a page in her book.
"I was thinking, why don’t we do sothing today, together?"
"I’m not sure, Hera. I’m not really in the mood to do anything fun. I don’t feel like going out. We could do a few things tomorrow."
Hera heaved deeply. "That’s a pity, I really wanted to spend ti with you. It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve been together alone. Enjoyed sothing by ourselves."
Iris sighed. "You have a suitor, if I can call him that, who takes up a lot of your ti, Hera. That we don’t spend as much ti together as we previously did is not my fault."
Hera sat down on her bed. "I know, I know. Niko has been taking a lot of my ti recently, and I’m sorry if it has caused a certain rift between..."
"There are no rifts between us, Hera," Iris interrupted. "And I understand perfectly what it is you’re saying. I’m simply trying to clarify that our ti together was shortened when you and Niko beca a little closer to each other. Which is not a bad thing."
"Yes." Hera’s face fell slightly. "Thank you."
"Why don’t you ask your other friends. Was it Ophelia, or the other one, Andy, or sothing?"
"Androda, you an."
"Yes, exactly."
"No problem then, I’ll see you later."
Iris nodded and turned back to read her book. Hera stole a few glances on her way out. Iris could feel her looking, but she stayed focused on the page in front of her until Hera shut the door behind her.
Iris sighed. It hurt a little every day to see the path Hera chose for herself, but there was little she could do to stop her.
She stayed in her room till it was supper ti and then went down for so food. She sauntered off to her usual spot by the cliff when she was done with dinner. It cald her these days whenever she felt troubled.
She stared at the water beyond the cliff, which shimred from the moonlight, and forgot all her worries. She wondered how Astrid was doing. If she felt ok or was eating properly.
Soone sat down beside her.
"I would say you’re stalking at this point, princess," Iris said without looking.
"I’m sitting with my friend," Penelope replied, a hint of laughter in her voice. "I don’t see any harm in that."
"Well, for one, we’re not friends. Secondly, I honestly want to be left alone right now."
"You’re worried about Hera, aren’t you?"
Iris looked to the side, willing the tears not to fall.
"Look, I promise you, it’ll pass," Penelope said and placed a hand on her shoulder. "She might have ruined your kingdom’s chance of forming an alliance with us, but Niko will tire of her quickly, trust ."
Iris scoffed. "Why would I do that?"
"Because you should, because I’m a very powerful lady, and because I tell the truth."
Iris chuckled. "I was waiting for when you would assert your dominance over . You are much like your sister, you know that, right?"
Penelope rolled her eyes.
Iris laughed. "You don’t like your sister? And here we thought you were so sort of copycat. A fake version of the real Princess Octavia."
"Are those your thoughts? Or ones you had taken from others."
"I don’t know much about you being a copycat, but I do know you had, and still have, a nasty attitude."
Penelope smirked. "You know that was a long ti ago. You hold on really long to a grudge."
"Did you really just say long ago? Please... Don’t tell a lie."
"Well, I’m not. When was the last ti we argued?"
Iris acted like she was thinking long and hard about the answer. "I’m sure it was probably a few days ago."
Penelope laughed. "I know things are tough right now, but it’ll get better soon. No need to think too much about any of it."
Iris nodded.
"Why don’t we go together tomorrow, to the colosseum?" Penelope said. "The gas start tomorrow."
"Really? I’ve heard so much about it. What exactly happens in the gas?"
"What do you think? A lot of fighting. The best fighters get promoted in rank. This tournant defines who the mbers of the council for the next king are. Unfortunately, my brother isn’t around to join, but that’s ok."
"What’s the highest position on the council?"
"Pri minister."
"And what do you think Niko is aiming for?"
Penelope laughed. "You don’t need to worry, love, Niko’s not going anywhere near the post of pri minister. The n who fight for that spot are so of the most Vicious people I’ve ever known. Ironically, they’re so of the kindest as well. Like Theodore, son of the current pri minister.
"I think we’ve t. Back at the Sun Arena. He’s definitely sothing."
"Are you coming with tomorrow? I promise we’re sitting in the nicest seats in the colosseum. Beside the king."
"Fine, fine." Iris sighed.
"Besides, Hera might not even be that interested in where you are tomorrow, which is what has been happening these past weeks. I’m sure she’ll be too focused on Nico to even notice your absence."
"Don’t do that," Iris warned.
"Do what?" The corners of Penelope’s lips twitched.
"Try to make her look bad. It won’t work."
"Aha.... You’ve caught ."
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