Let it all out

ATHENA’S POV

I could feel Nero’s gaze on me when I came out of the bathroom and my nervousness shot to a hundred as he stared at me. There was so much I wanted to tell him but perhaps someday.

I walked downstairs to where I was supposed to wait for the Queen to find her waiting for me instead. From the stairs, I picked up my pace and headed down the stairs.

“Forgive me your majesty, I didn’t realize you were already waiting.” I said my palms sweaty.

“You’re mated to my son Athena, you’re his wife, I’d rather you call me mother instead.” The Queen said with a smile causing my own lips to stretch in one too.

I nodded and she gestured to her side where some clothes were folded. “Here, change into this instead; we’re heading to the training grown. You could burn off some of your pent up frustrations in there.” 

She handed me the clothes and I did as she asked, I changed into the set of clothes and stepped out. The fabric from the short was smooth, and I couldn’t help but run my hands on the material appreciating it’s quality. The colour made me smile, she must have asked for it knowing it was my favourite. The different shades of purple made me look like a royal and I loved it. I couldn’t help but wonder what Nero would think of it.

I stepped out of the room and walked back to the waiting are.

“You look great in that darling, let’s go.”

I could feel my face heat up and I smiled. “Thank you, your majesty, uh I mean mother.”

The Queen laughed as we walked. Even though the training ground was quite the distance, the Queen refused to get into a car. She said it was good that we were walking and it was a good exercise.

Once at the training ground the Queen and I did series of stretches and soon we were facing each other in the ring.

“Here we are. Let out all your anger and frustrations on me. Don’t hold back Athena.” The Luna ordered. “I’m serious Athena, don’t hold back.”

I nodded my face turning serious ready to let it all out. The Queen was right, I did have a lot to burn off and I wanted to be able to return to my room feeling relieved. So far no amount of tears has helped maybe a little sweat will do the trick.

The Queen and I circled each other and here, she was like any other warrior ready to fight. We were just sparring but I knew it wasn’t just it.

“You have to focus on me Athena. Don’t let your mind drift off anywhere. You hear me?” 

I knew she was studying me as I was studying her. she waited for me to make a move and I did. I made it look as if I was going to lay a punch but then used my left leg to land a kick on her thigh. She managed to block it using one of her hands.

“Nice try kiddo.” She smirked 

She faced me throwing her arm at me, I ducked, blocked and kicked low towards Luna’s shin but she moved back quickly out of the way.

It was a hot day and as we continued to fight, pickles of sweat  started to form on my forehead even before we got serious with the fight.

She lunged forward her fist coming fast towards my face and when I tried to dodge it I tripped on my feet stumbling back in fall.

“Your mind is not here Athena, you need to focus and stop holding back.” She snapped in anger perhaps because I wasn’t doing what she wanted.

I pushed harder landing a swift kick at her inner thigh and getting at her but she counter attacked hitting me back at my underarm.

“That’s better, you’re better.” She praised pride shining in her eyes.

We were dodging each other’s strikes and I realised how good of a fighter Nero’s mother was.

We stopped to rest when the fight was over and I sat on a bench panting like I had run a marathon.

“You know, the king used to hate me when we first got married. For months I tried to win his heart but nothing worked. It took me a while before he noticed me and even gave me a chance. I nearly gave up Athena, but to my surprise he was avoiding me because he didn’t understand his growing feelings for me. I guess what I’m trying to say is, give Nero some time but just don’t let him walk over you.” Her eyes held so much compassion as she stared at me.

I stared back, my eyes betraying me as tears began to pool it. “I just don’t know what else to do mother. He hates me and I feel like this marriage is nothing but a mistake.” I said in a whisper my eyes glued to the polyester made titles.

“Give it time pumpkin, he’s just grieving. Soon he’s going to realise that you’re the one for him.”

I knew that she could see the anger and hate that he had for me, I couldn’t understand why she believed that things could ever work out between us.

“There’s one more thing I need to show you. You should have gotten it the day you got married.”

Once we left the training ground, the Queen and I walked to the King’s stable. It was one of my favourite place to go as a child. I loved the idea of owning a pony then and although the horses were a lot bigger than I was, I would hide in the stables playing with them for hours.

It has been years since I last visited it though. The death of my parents made me too sad to want anything. I only ever smiled when Nero was in the room even though he hated my presence and he still does I kind of found comfort in his.

The stable looked a lot different than what it used to be. The paint job was different and so was everything else. 

I smiled at the sight of the horses. I had been nervous for nothing. It brought back the excitement I used to have as a child. 

“This one is for you Athena. The Alpha King and I chose him for you.” The Queen said grinning.

“Are you serious? This is too much mother.” 

“I know you didn’t like coming here when your parents died and it took you some time before you even left your room. I know the king and I can never take their place but we want you to know that we didn’t raise you out of pity but because we love you as much as we love Nero, if not more.” She whispered the last part causing me to laugh with her.

I stroke my horse’s back, getting acquainted with him. He was a black stallion who stood magnificent and it was as though he  knew who I was because he stayed calm.