Chapter 16:

Hera was walking down the hallways back to the library when Aphrodite caught sight of her.

“Hera, I’ve wanted to talk to you, where...” she paused when she saw something was not right with the Queen. “Hera, are you okay? You seem a little off, and don’t you dare lie, or I will pester you until you tell me the truth.”

Hera did not want to tell anyone what had happened, but she also did not wish to be bothered by Aphrodite’s constant pestering either.

“No, but I will be. You said you wanted to talk to me; what about?”

Aphrodite searched Hera’s eyes for a lie but found none, and though she was still concerned, she dropped it for the time being. She could tell by how Hera quickly changed the subject that she did not wish to disclose anything right now, and seeing as how they were not best friends, Aphrodite did not want to ruin the blossoming friendship that was happening.

“I just wanted to check up and see how you and Helia were getting along and to make my presence known as her Godmother,” she squealed with delight.

“Aphrodite, I would like to keep my eardrums intact, and we are getting along fine, but I have not introduced you as her Godmother. I am headed back to the library now if you would like to walk with me so that you can introduce yourself to her,” Hera suggested.

“I would love to.”

Hera and Aphrodite made their way through the corridors leading to the library, engaged in a pleasant conversation, and to both their surprise, it was not awkward like it had been in the past. Hera updated her on the things she and Helia had done the previous day and their conversation that had happened that morning. Aphrodite, in turn, was telling Hera a story about her and her latest tryst and what happened between them.

As Hera and Aphrodite entered through the doors, Athena eyed the Queen and primordial Goddess suspiciously, for she had never seen them engaged in polite conversations that seemed, dare she say, companionable. Athena had observed how Hera had been the past few years leading up to this moment, and though she was still cautious, she had to applaud Hera on her journey to becoming a better person. Athena, like the others, could never pinpoint what exactly had happened to make Hera transform, but if she was frank, she actually liked this ‘new’ or maybe even ‘old’ version of her step-mother. Though Hera was still somewhat distant towards her stepchildren and her son Hephaestus, she would sometimes indulge in conversations with them here and there. There were times she had even been a wise counsel to Athena, and she found she rather enjoyed the small discussions they would have. Athena, too, beheld how, with the presence of the godling, Helia, that Hera had been more relaxed and she had only been here a day. It seemed that Helia was Hera’s unique mood ring, for the child could turn Hera’s mood in a different direction; she saw how the first day the child arrived and witnessed first hand the effect she had on the Queen. It was surreal what the young goddess had accomplished. It was almost like she could sense the Queen’s emotions on a deeper level and direct them elsewhere. Not even her father nor her aunts and uncles could calm the Queen’s storm in little to no time, but Helia conquered it without even trying.

“Athena, Helia, how is the lesson coming along?” Hera asked.

“It was nice; Athena even talked to me about some of the wars she was in, in ancient Greek.”

“Yea, we had finished with the lesson a few minutes ago, and she asked about some of the stories she had read of me in wars when she lived with Rhea. She wanted to hear more about them, and so, I told her I would only answer her questions if she talked in ancient Greek to give her a challenge.”

“I see, and how did that go?”

“It was entertaining. Helia had a little trouble with some of the words but not a lot, so it was easy to understand the question she was asking.”

“Well, I’m glad. Helia, sweetheart, there is someone who would like to meet you, is that alright?”

“Of course, Hera.”

“Very well. Athena, would you mind if we had the space to ourselves for a moment?” Hera nervously asked. She wasn’t sure how Athena would react, especially since she wanted to be alone with her daughter and Aphrodite; she was sure Athena would suspect something was up. After all, she is the Goddess of Wisdom, and there was little to nothing that could get past her.

‘Strange, I wonder why she would like me to depart from the three of them?’ Athena asked herself.

“It’s fine, Hera. Athena doesn’t have to take her to leave. I am fine with her knowing,” inserted Aphrodite when she saw how nervous Hera looked and how inquisitive Athena became.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, it’s fine. Hello darling, my name is Aphrodite, we did not get to talk when you first arrived, and I wanted to formally introduce myself,” she stated while she settled down in the chair opposite the little goddess.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lady Aphrodite. I’m Helia.”

“Oh, I am aware of who you are. You have caused quite the stir on Olympus. I say it’s because of your beauty,” she winked, trying to ease the godling’s nerves a bit.

Helia smiled and giggled at the compliment she had just received from the Goddess of Love and Beauty herself.

“Thank you, Lady Aphrodite.”

“Oh please, call me Aphrodite.” After a brief pause, Aphrodite went straight into the subject she wanted to talk about most. “Helia, I have a question for you; feel free to answer no, if you wish.”

“Okay, Lady... I mean, Aphrodite,” came Helia’s nervous response.

“You have only been here a day, and already I have seen how special you are. I know I am correct in my judgment of you since Queen Hera has decided to take you under her wing as though you were born of her flesh,” she paused, letting what she was saying sink in for Helia, “so, I just wanted to know if you would do me the honors of becoming my Goddaughter?”

Helia was confused, amazed, and astounded at the question she was asked. Why would Aphrodite herself want to be her Godmother of all things? She couldn’t comprehend it. “I don’t know what to say. Why would you choose me? I’m sure there are much better gods and goddesses my age who you would rather want as your godchild.”

Aphrodite’s heart clenched at the words and the melancholy expression the child had. She could only guess that the child thought she was not worthy of such gifts and that it had come from her parents having to leave her.

“Oh sweetheart, yes, there are other little gods and goddesses who want me to their Godmother, but I want to be yours. You are an exceptional child who deserves honors such as this, and please know that this is not some joke or trick. I really would love to have you as my Goddaughter.”

Helia had done the same of Aphrodite as she had done with Hera and Ares. She was looking for any signs of falseness, but like before, she found none. She looked to Hera for confirmation, and she received it when Hera gave her a gentle smile and head nod.

“I would be honored to be your Goddaughter,” the child replied.

Aphrodite squealed in delight. “Yay, I have so much planned for us already, like slumber parties, shopping sprees, and so much more. We could even talk about Hera behind her back when she upsets you like makes you eat vegetables you don’t like,” Aphrodite giggled as she mocked whispered at the child.

“Aphrodite, do not push your luck. I will not have you turning my child against me.”

Wait, did Helia hear what she just heard correctly? Did Hera just call her, her daughter, in front of Athena and Aphrodite? No, she couldn’t have but looking at Athena and her expression, she must have because she too looked shocked at the revelation. Before she could question it, Aphrodite began talking to Hera and started a mirthful argument about how Hera was already a party pooper. So Helia would have to just wait until later on tonight to question her.