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ROYAL DUTIES

"She was a Princess with the
strength of a warrior."
—Unknown
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ATHENA had grown accustomed to seeing the beautiful Kingdom known as Asgard. On a few occasions, she was invited to stay at the Queen's request even if it was only for diplomatic relations. Still no matter how many times the goddess visited... it would always astound her with the spectacular view as Asgard was the center of the Nine Realms. The thought of being on the edge of the world was both frightening and magnificent, something the goddess endured.

That being said, Athena didn't come here to admire the Kingdom, but rather as a representative of Olympus. Although the Princess never was one to discuss private topics with other royals... with Frigga it was different. She admired the kind and wise Queen, seeing her as more of a loving mother than a family friend. Frigga cared for the young maiden, recognizing a young and brave soul that reminded her of herself. Unlike her stringent stepmother, Hera, who would do anything to remind Athena of every little mistake.

The Greek Goddess still hasn't had the pleasure of meeting the Princes to which she was looking forward. Unfortunately, Athena was alerted to return home to resume her royal duties as a future Queen. She bears the news to the King and Queen of Asgard, explaining the sudden urgency to return home. Odin understood the duty of the Olympian Princess, granting her safe passage through the Bifrost. Athena respectfully asks for a favor for their next meeting which he grants to her.

Frigga followed Athena towards the entrance of the palace, briefly telling her that she was always welcome to visit if she could. The Queen then remembered something, "My sons will be returning shortly and you're more than welcome to stay for the evening, dear."

No matter how much she wanted to meet them, her duties came first. Athena sighed sadly as she answered, "...Thank you for the kind invitation, and as much as I'd love to meet them... I cannot stay. I must return home at once, your Majesty."

"I understand, dear," Frigga nodded her head delicately, staring kindly at her. The young goddess glanced at the Norse Queen with a bright smile, promising that one day she'd meet them. She didn't want to appear rude before the wise woman but had to decline the invitation just this once.

"Thank you for the pleasant stay," Athena declared firmly, eternally grateful for her gratitude and guidance. Both royals walk alongside each other as equals by the entrance of the Royal Palace of Valaskjalf. Her noble steed awaited her with Olympian guards, all there to serve and protect the royal heir.

"Oh, no need to thank me, dear," Frigga responded genuinely, placing a loving hand on her shoulders. Athena stood still as the Queen adjusted her white cloak, a gesture of affection and kindness, "It's always a pleasure to have you here."

"And I could never repay you for your generosity and compassion, Frigga," Athena confessed sincerely, tilting her head forward in respect. Showing her utmost sincere regard since the Norse goddess treated her as if she was one of them. In truth, both Asgard and Olympus have been close allies for millennia as they formed a pact between the two realms.

"You have so much to learn, Athena," The Queen of Asgard started with her left hand gently cupping the maiden's chin. Tenderly holding a gentle gaze, a mutual understanding between them, "Remember a true Queen recognizes her strengths and abilities."

"I'll keep that in mind," The Olympian Princess promised wholeheartedly, keeping those words close to her heart. Frigga smiled warmly, gripping Athena's hands tightly to which the young maiden bowed in respect. Athena saw her female guards waiting for her command, ready to head towards the Bifrost.

That being said, they exchanged a few words before embracing one another until they broke apart. The young goddess thanked her once again before she grabbed the cloak hood to cover her face. Athena effortlessly gets on the horse riding towards the Bifrost with her female guardians behind. Each female was handpicked by the Princess herself, only trusting the most talented and brave women of all Olympus.

Frigga saw the silhouette of Athena's figure the further she went through the bridge. Footsteps echoed through the grand halls, seemingly two people trailing behind the Queen of Asgard. A young man in a crimson cloak and silver armor uttered upon seeing a guest leaving, "Mother, who's the maiden leaving?"

"A friend of Asgard," Frigga answered, smiling softly upon noticing the young goddess wave farewell from the distance.

"Will we ever meet this friend of yours?" Her eldest son, Thor questioned, intrigued seeing the mysterious woman leaving Asgard with such urgency. His younger brother, Loki silently listened to his statement, rolling his emerald eyes at Thor's eagerness.

"In due time my son," Their mother momentarily emulates Athena's actions before bright luminescent lights flashed by the Bifrost, transporting them back to their respective realm. Frigga gracefully turned to her sons, "Now come... your father is waiting for us."

Thor took one glance at the direction of the Rainbow Bridge before he turned to his brother with a bright smile. Pondering who the young maiden might be, they followed behind their mother, "If I didn't know any better, she could be a Princess."

"Ah, how come I didn't think of that before," Loki answered sarcastically, however, Thor didn't seem to notice his tone. After a moment, Thor recalled that he was going to celebrate his victory from his recent escapade with the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. However, the younger Asgardian Prince silently observed the woman, his mischievous eyes curiously trying to figure out who she was. And Athena never noticed that Loki was staring at her with curiosity and admiration.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

RETURNING home was something Athena never grew weary of. The spectacular view of the palace on the tallest mountain created a sort of haven for the gods. The palace itself was built of marble stones of varying sizes and shapes that were ultimately constructed beautifully. Neighboring cities below the mountain were uniquely designed from mosaics of limestone, with the ocean at a close distance. To the west is where her uncle, Hades resides in the Underworld as it's the direction where the sun always sets.

There was something about Athena that made her beloved on Olympus, the citizens always came for her wisdom and advice. Perhaps she always treated the people with respect and kindness, doing anything she could to protect her home. The goddess strolled through the long road leading to the palace, many people greeting her and bowing at her presence. The walls surrounding the city were made to protect them, a shelter they needed for the millennia to come.

To Athena... Olympus was more than just a Kingdom; it was a home for everyone in these parts.

Seeking for some time alone, the goddess would go to the secret garden before heading to dinner. Following the small maze that led to a small door, Athena conjured a book from her room and decided to sit against a tree for some shade. She spends hours reading anything her heart desires, from philosophical thoughts to personal entertainment. Her mind drifted away in thought, something she would do often... that she didn't hear someone calling out to her.

"My lady, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you for the last half hour!" Athena's lady-in-waiting, Eliana exclaimed upon spotting the Princess reading silently under the Olive Tree. The young goddess held up a delicate finger to signify her lady to wait patiently, playfully glaring at her. Athena hummed faintly under her breath to concentrate, yet the constant stare she received ruined the peace she'd looked forward to.

The goddess continued to hum rhythmically, retracting her hand to softly lick her right index finger onto the next page with a small sigh. Athena hated being interrupted, nonetheless sensing the urgency of her friend's face made her placed a small envelope in the book before addressing Eliana, "You know how I feel about you interrupting my reading."

"But it's urgent, Princess," Her friend insisted, curtsied in respect but the goddess dismissed the formalities. Athena closed her book as she gracefully stood up beside her favorite tree, staring at the lovely evening sky.

"And another thing, you don't have to address me as such. Only when the occasion is necessary." Athena reminded her, causing Eliana to smile softly albeit strolling closer towards her friend.

"I know, Thea. But duty before friendship." The lady-in-waiting emphasized firmly, Athena rolled her eyes discreetly as she placed a hand on Eliana's shoulder.

"Anyway, dear friend what is it you wanted to inform me?" The goddess nodded her head for the noble maiden to announce anything she needed to say. Eliana momentarily forgot what she was supposed to say until she gasped softly when she remembered.

"Oh, your father requested your presence at once in the royal library." She recalled swiftly, the Goddess of Wisdom thought about it for a moment. Strange... he never would summon her unless it required the attention of the other Olympian gods.

"Did he mention what for?" Athena inquires curiously, already knowing the answer upon observing Eliana's lips twitch downward. The Princess had this natural ability to detect the truth based on their actions, hence she was also known for never once uttering a lie.

"I'm afraid not, Thea." The Lady Tavoularis apologized yet Athena patted her shoulder sympatrically, understanding that it wasn't the moment to question it.

"I thought so... do you think you can prepare my—." The Olympian Princess wanted to ask her lady-in-waiting, but she was cut off by said maiden.

"Bath and organize your books? Of course, Thea." Eliana commented, looking pleased with herself which made Athena chuckle at her friend's keenness. Something she was grateful for when it came to having a trusted friend.

"You know me well, Ella." The goddess replied, grabbing her hands softly as a form of kindness. If there was one thing Athena appreciated about Eliana was how honest and sincere she was. She remembered the day when the young girl specifically chose to serve Athena because of what she did for her family. Eliana will always be eternally grateful to the Princess, vowing to protect Athena until her death.

"I do try, Thea," Eliana joked as she fixed Athena's crown perfectly before reminding her, "It's an honor to serve the future Queen of Olympus." Athena frowned upon the mention of her future title. A title in which she was granted for being her father's favorite child.

"Thank you, Ella... I'll see you soon," Athena declared with a neutral expression, glancing over at the tree branch where her feathered friend was sitting. The goddess outstretched her arm as she called out, "Come along, Pallas."

The intelligent bird soared down to her arm, nuzzling its head against Athena's cheek lovingly. The Princess grinned as she stroked her bird's feathers, ascending towards the entrance of the palace, guards bowing down at her presence. It didn't take long for her to find the library since it's her favorite place in the palace... besides the secret garden. Distorted voices were heard behind the door, recognizing some while others were hushed.

Athena took a moment to compose herself, glancing at the door before she gracefully entered with her head held high. Her family was gathered at the round marble table, each sitting at their respective places. Zeus sat proudly on the high throne, observing there was all but one Olympian there. The mutters and whispers faded within a second when Athena strolled forward around the table, bowing to her father.

"Oh, don't stop, just because I came," Athena teased as she stood up, taking her seat on Zeus' right side while her stepmother, Hera, was on the left. Pallas crawled off her shoulder and into the marble chair, hooting softly until it was comfortable on the side.

"You've been reading again, Athena?" Apollo smirked when he saw his sister placing her book on her lap. His twin sister, Artemis lightly tapped her fingers against her bow in a calm manner, smiling towards her favorite sister.

"Why yes, Apollo. Might as well do something productive on this splendid evening," The Goddess of Wisdom remarked seriously. She glanced over at Artemis, recalling her recent return as it was the end of the Fall Equinox, "Artie, I heard you just got back from your hunting trip."

"Oh yes—." Artemis wanted to tell her everything yet their older brother, Ares interrupted within seconds.

"You'll be crowned Queen soon and all day you do is... read. I don't understand why you waste your time on such nonsense, Athena." Ares voices in rudely, not letting the Goddess of Hunt speak. There was a sense of rivalry between the two siblings, Ares will always be Hera's favorite while Athena is Zeus. Each in their own right to be chosen as the next ruler of Olympus but their father always thought that she was suited for the responsibility.

"And your point is?" She declared, her iridescent eyes observing him across the table. Challenging him to continue, but he didn't say anything at first. Therefore she leans towards his direction slightly, "There's more than just winning battles and conquering foes, Ares. And there's a reason why you won't be King, bother."

"Do you think so little of me?" Ares countered, silently clenching his hand into a tight fist under his crimson cloak.

"In fact, I do. I'm preparing for what you should be doing." Athena accused him, but she noticed him growling under his breath. His eyes were heated with annoyance, and he clenched his jaw firmly. A few Olympians muffled their thoughts discreetly, seemingly agreeing with the Princess.

"Keep rolling your eyes, Ares. You might find a brain there if you're fortunate enough." Athena remarked seriously, glaring at the God of War as she clutched the book tightly against her chest.

"Enough! I didn't call you here to dispute when we have an important matter to discuss!" Zeus roared impatiently, the rest of the Olympians ceased their actions as they silently stared at the god. Zeus' eyes flickered to an azure glow as he tried to calm his temper, no one dared utter a word.

"Forgive me, father. I shouldn't have provoked–." Athena apologized sincerely, feeling his hand gently on her arm. Dismissing her amends while glancing between his two eldest children before tenderly squeezing her in reassurance.

"Now is not the time to apologize, Athena," Zeus declared firmly, letting go of his daughter's shoulder. The Goddess of Wisdom sighed softly, nodding her head before her eyes trailed to her stepmother. The current Queen of Olympus held a faint smirk on her lips that caused Athena to have an uneasy feeling... she never did trust her.

"As you know it's our sacred duty to uphold peace within the realms. Over many centuries... we have protected mankind by never interfering with their mortal affairs. But now I have reason to believe that this issue could not go any further. It's finally happened... the war to end all wars." The God of the Sky declared, causing an uproar from the rest of the Olympians.

"War?" Aphrodite asked confused, unsure what he was referring to based on her perfect face flickering to one of puzzlement. Beside her was Artemis who held a similar expression but of curiosity, glancing at her eldest sister to explain further.

"The war to end all wars... one that can bring an end to the world. I never anticipated that it would happen eventually." The Goddess of Wisdom voices her thoughts, perplexed by the entire information.

"But why now?" Artemis brought forth her question as silence echoed throughout the library. Every Olympian seemingly takes account of the grave situation from what Athena mentioned. The Greek gods often never interfered in the affairs of mankind as they were to remain neutral. "How can you be so sure?"

We're not... but the war has started and already affected many nations and killed millions." Hermes spoke for once, a solemn expression on his face. It didn't take long for Athena to comprehend what her brother was trying to say.

"But we never had to interfere with human affairs. Surely the issue will resolve itself." Demeter inquired, glancing at her niece from across the table with a similar expression. Athena faintly fidgeted with the book on her lap, her owl nuzzling against her brunette hair as if to calmly reassure her.

"Apollo summoned the Oracle of Delphi to reveal that this war must be prevented from completing or mankind will bring upon doom themselves. One of us must go...." Zeus uttered, noticing that the Olympians grew quiet for a moment.

"I'll go, father! I'll bring honor to you and Olympus," Apollo volunteered, shocking his twin sister. The Goddess of Hunt knew either he was going to do the task well— or something idiotic. She went for the latter considering the last time he went to Earth which was nearly a disaster.

"Thank you, son. But I already decided who would go... Athena," The King of the Gods declared, the young goddess felt her eyes widen at the mention of her name. Meanwhile, Hera held a tiny scowl of disapproval, gently placing her hand on Zeus' forearm for his attention.

"Dearest... perhaps it's best we send Ares–." She insisted, despising the idea of having Athena take all the glory. Meanwhile, the young maiden for once agreed on the proposition, detesting going where men were filled with selfish and wicked intentions.

"It's been decided, Hera. Athena... you'll be going for the honor of our Kingdom. You must accept your duties if you are to be the next Queen," Zeus explained, something Athena hated to admit but he was right.

"Of course, father. I understand what needs to be done." The Goddess of Wisdom reluctantly accepts the mission, gingerly nodding her head while the other observes her.

"It's been decided. You must remember that time is much slower here. You might take years but here on Olympus... it'll be a few months to at most a year." Zeus cautioned, that her siblings had a face of worry for her. Never did Athena stay away from home so long— it would be an eternity until they saw her again.

"I know, father. I've read every book about inter-dimensional travel and time dilation," Athena mentioned, subconsciously gripping her book tightly.

"Good, may you stay safe daughter." The rest of the Olympians continued to discuss other topics but Athena couldn't concentrate on that. Being away from home? Trying to stop a war that was prophesied a few millennia ago? It was too much to think when she remembered how evil always existed. Wars were never-ending, governments doing nothing for the people, rather than focusing on their self-interest. Envy, Greed, Suffering, Violence, and Wrath were the traits in every catastrophic war with one goal in mind... to the victor belongs the spoils.

Eventually, the meeting concluded with the Olympians wishing Athena luck and safety. She was accompanied by her younger sister Artemis for a simple conversation before saying their farewells. The goddess returned to her room silently, her owl snuggling against her soft brunette curls. The moment Eliana saw the Princess, she knew what was bothering her. The lady-in-waiting let her know that she was here for her, helping her bathe before aiding in settling for the night.

"Princess, if you permit me to speak... but I believe there's a reason behind your father's decision." Eliana decided to give her opinion, taking care of the goddess hair suitable for bed. Athena silently stared for a moment, wondering what she had to say.

"Meaning?" The goddess queried solemnly, turning her head gently while the lady-in-waiting stopped brushing her hair. Doing an elegant loose plait braid, the Princess glances at the mirror with a neutral expression.

"From all his children... Who did he pick as his successor? The next heir to the throne? You, my lady." Eliana insisted, however, the goddess knitted her eyebrows curiously at what she was trying to convey. Her friend sighed softly through her nose, placing her hand on Athena's shoulder as they both stared at each other from the mirror. "Think about it, instead of choosing a son to be King, he chose you for the role of the future Queen."

"What are you trying to tell me? That he couldn't find a better male heir?" The Greek Goddess remarked somewhat bitterly, seeing that this conversation wasn't what she expected.

No, but that you're his favorite child. The future ruler of Olympus... the people look up to you. Destiny has its eyes on you." Eliana confessed, thinking she said enough. She excused herself which Athena didn't have a chance to stop her. She was right... and for once Athena was proud to be the King's daughter. If it meant proving once again a female can gain the throne without a man, so be it. And nothing was going to stop her... not even the people on Earth.

For she was destined to demonstrate her worth.