Beauty of Thebes

Chapter 21: Her Decision

The anxiety that Thebes might incur the wrath of the gods caused people to open their wallets.

Fine liquor, high-quality oil, papyrus paper, bronze tools, and flakes were all piled up one after another. Even gold bars, silver bars, and bronze bars were assembled together in one box to offer the gods as hopes of appeasing their wrath.

Askitea and Hersia offered their gold jewelries.

Those with the means to carry the offerings to the temple were chosen right off the bat. Even the handpicked dancers were among the best of the best. The tributes offered to the gods were valuable and thus the safety of everyone on board and the items prepared for their journeyed destination was of utmost importance.

The names of the three princesses were written side by side on the clay board.

The people wondered if Thebes’ three princesses would journey with them in excitement. They stared at the clay board with glittering eyes and a look of mellow admiration.

Meanwhile, King Aphelius called for his daughters as he nervously scratched the back of his neck.

He wondered if the journey to Delphi would be peaceful… his beautiful daughters would be walking and riding on the back of the day in and day out.

When Hersia and Askitea appeared, his eyes widened and said, “What were you thinking putting your name on the clayboard? Now there are people gossiping that you’ll go!”

“I wrote it down with full intents and sincerity, father,” Askitea replied.

“Right, right. I know how to ride a horse. I’ll be fine, father,” Hersia chimed in.

“I wrote in the list that I would be the only one journeying to the temple, but my sisters insisted, father,” Eustostea added with tired eyes.

King Aphelius looked at his two beautiful daughters with a knowing look. He was aware that he could not keep them locked inside the palace all their life. They were beginning to rebel and Hersia and Askitea had quite the stubborn and fiery personality… and that damned daughter of his too who’s name he’ll not mention.

“You guys leave first. I have to talk to her.”

His eyes landed on Eutostea.

Hersia and Askitea were hesitant and looked at Eutostea nervously, but at her nod, they went back to their rooms reluctantly.

The room immediately grew reticently quiet. Only the father and youngest daughter remained. Their relationship would never be the same, though it had never existed in the first place. She was always ignored while he gave his love and affection fully to her two elder sisters. Not that she could blame them.

Eutostea looked at her father.

The atmosphere was nowhere close to friendliness, but something akin to enemies checking the cards their opposing foe had hidden.

“What are you planning?” King Aphelius asked. The voice was coercive, as if commanding her to answer quickly.

“I promised I’d pay tribute to the temple. I’ll journey to Delphi and offer myself to the temple,” Eutostea expressed her thoughts blankly without much regard.

“Is it because of the man who claims to be Apollo? You would willingly bring your sisters out in the open full of many dangers? They’ll eat and sleep on the streets. Have you no shame? You would do all this for a man?”

She expected these words from her father. She was prepared.

“I was told to report the appearance of the man to you, father. Should I fail, I’ll be kicked out of the palace. I was unable to see him yesterday. According to you, father, I am no longer a princess, but an unwanted child. Ever since father had loosened the window latch for the sake of my sisters’ safety, my fate and destiny was sealed.

“That’s right. That is what I ordered you to do… that I’ll kick you out of the palace should you fail, but you’re simply trying to cover his visit. I know better. You plan to leave the palace and become his bride.”

“Far from it, father,” Eutostea said. She pinched the back of her hand. She’ll not allow herself to be shaken. “I’m not protecting him, father. I’m only keeping my word. I failed you. I was not able to see him. Offering myself as tribute to the temple will be the last thing I will do as Thebe’s princess. I do not want to tarnish your name any further for my reputation and honor had already fallen.”

King Aphelius scoffed. “Where does that arrogant personality of yours come from?”

‘I’m sure I inherited it from a certain someone,’ Eutostea thought.

“Fine. So be it,” King Aphelis clicked his tongue, “They’ll be leaving for Delphi at dawn tomorrow. Follow the procession quietly.”

“Yes,” Euostea nodded, “Should I tell mother?”

“When will you find the time to explain to her that you’re being excommunicated because of the sins you’ve brought upon Thebes?” King Aphelius replied snarkily.

Eutostea’s question had been answered.

King Aphelius let her go without resistance and care.

“I don’t know what use you’ll have to the temple and what you’re able to offer, but it matters no longer. Do as you please, Eutostea.”

And that was the last farewell of a father and daughter.

Eutostea returned to her room and packed her belongings. When she looked at the clay board with her name engraved, she remembered her two sisters filling in their names too. Unlike her, their decision had been made out of their own will. No matter the path they’ll take in life, they’d always receive the love and support from her father and family members.

But Eutostea, she was alone.

She sighed, remembering the order her father gave her – sacrifice herself to protect her sisters.

She pushed the thoughts aside and quickly packed up.

She consoled herself that she would have no regrets.

Finally, she lied on the bed and looked at the dark ceiling.

Perhaps her fate had been fixed long before Apollo came to see her in the midst of the night.