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Wine and Nectar were never meant to mix. Athena knew of Dionysus' imprudent nature, so why had she indulged in his newest creation? Curiosity was far too dangerous of a desire, fooling even the gods themselves. Despite her wise nature, not even Athena was immune. The night before was proof of it. A moment of passion, a mistake of the libido; caused by their mutual intoxication. Though perhaps that would be giving Dionysus too much credit. Her rivalry with Ares had produced far too much tension to be left alone.
Athena grimaced at the aching between her thighs. Not at the pain itself, but rather how she could not deny the pleasure he had wrought within her. She despised herself for allowing her rival to see her so vulnerable. To allow him to be the only man to have seen her in such a way. To yearn for the feel of him, despite all logic. The rumours of his abilities in bed were true after all.
Athena left before Helios' chariot lit up the skies, having sobered up for the most part. It was difficult prying his arms off of her without waking him, but he slept like a rock. She could only pray that Selene had not managed to see the two of them enter his bed chamber, or at the very least keep the knowledge to herself. It was one thing to lose her title as a maiden goddess, but another to lose it because of Ares of all gods. No matter how beautiful he was.
"Athena."
Wisdom herself froze, her peplos hastily draped over her body. She let out a sigh as she realized he had spoken in his sleep. Perhaps he was reliving one of their battles, or the passionate night they had just partaken in. Likely the latter considering his tone. Far too sensual for him to be dreaming of anything else.
Athena snuck out of the room without giving Ares another glance. She could only hope that he would not stir. She did not know how she would face him if she did. If he asked her to come back to bed, she feared she would not have the will to refuse. Not now while her mind still swirled with conflicting emotions. A firm grip grabbed onto her wrist.
"Where are you going, princess? We haven't had a chance to speak about what happened."
Athena spun around to face him, taking her arm from his grip. She met his gaze with her head held high, stormy skies meeting crimson blood.
"What happened was a mistake, Ares. You cannot deny that. There is no reason for us to speak about such things," She said coldly. Athena did not dare look down, for Ares did not dress before he chased her. The war god stood tall, feeling no shame for lying with his rival.
"Perhaps we were both intoxicated, but what happened was more than just a mistake. You enjoyed yourself, just as I had. I am not asking you to be my bride, darling, or even return to my bed."
"Then what are you asking me of?"
"That you do not go on to act as if nothing happened. We may be rivals in our domain, but there is more between us. Passion, at the very least."
Athena scowled at him, not wanting any reminders of what had happened.
"You and I both know what would happen if Father learns of our night together. It would be best if we kept quiet. No good would come out of us repeating the events of last night."
"Do not shut me out, Athena. I am not some mortal that you can scare away with a mere glare. As you've said many times before; I am a stubborn god. I cannot deny how I feel for you, and I will not continue to act as if I hate you."
Athena scoffed. She crossed her arms, turning her head away from him.
"You do not merely pretend to hate me. You cannot feign the loathing you've shown me."
"Tell me your hatred is genuine, that you truly believe our passionate encounter was nothing more than an accident. Say the words and I will let you go without another word."
Athena opened her mouth to tell him off, but no words fell. As he stood there with his arms crossed, staring at her with a mix of impatience and perhaps anxiety, she could not imagine pushing him away in this moment. Instead she opted for a much more reckless approach. Athena pressed her lips against his own, burying her hand in his hair. Her actions went against everything she stood for, yet she could not resist the taste of his lips.
"I hate you," she muttered between kisses.
Ares' grip on her hip tightened. He buried his head between her neck, growling as he marked her throat.
"Say it again, Princess. I would not mind if you cursed my name, as long as it is mine that falls from your lips."
The way he looked at her was nothing short of sinful, and so Athena allowed her bitterest rival to lead her to his bed yet again. How could she deny herself the pleasure of having him when he had taken her with such passion? She knew that she was acting unreasonable, yet he was the only one capable of bringing out her irrationality.