Part 6

Once they sat inside, Talia looked around the intricate details carved on the walls of the chariot. Their seat was plush and had a handle to secure them inside. She had many questions going around in her mind, but Lukas seemed to focus on his horses. To not end up in a ditch, the moon princess kept quiet.

The carriage landed on the Earth. Lukas wanted her to show the secret hide out he had been harbouring for years now. She couldn’t believe it. Talia heard about the place, the opportunities and the sights it held, but she never had the chance to stay back and soak in.

As soon as they got out, the moon princess took in a deep breath. She loved the smell of wild grasses on Mount Olympus, but here on Earth, they smelled even better. Clear and warm. Bending down, she picked a stem of grass and twirled it between her fingers, smiling like a fool.

Things on Earth felt lighter. She found Olympus to be a bit claustrophobic, with all the parties and other gods. It felt crowded. Also, they talked about highly superficial things which didn’t interest her at all. Most of the times, she preferred to stay in her bed with a book curled up. But in the meadow, she felt like she could stretch out. Relax. Breathe.

She was aware that they might be all alone.

MFor some odd reason, she didn’t feel afraid. The moon princess looked at the Prince who was staring at her like she hung the stars for him. Also, he had been so kind at the party, and Talia had been thrilled at the idea of visiting the Earth with him. She was finally here, and who knew how long she’d get to be off Olympus on her own.

Mostly likely abducted by Lukas without any prior notice. Talia could easily be upset; instead, she chose to go for the light tone, blinking at the Prince.

“Is this how you get all your guests to visit you? By taking them without knowledge?”

Lukas chuckled. “No. I don’t normally have visitors here.” She blushed at the way he's staring at her, eyes boring into her skin. “I was going to tell you about it, but that would have ruined the surprise.”

“True” She hummed.

They sat down in the grass. Talia rolled over onto her stomach and glanced at the flowers around her. She studied a white and yellow tiny and delicate ones blooming by the sides. Lukas was by her side, taking in every detail before laying down on his back. Her cheeks bloomed at that, and she joined him, staring at the clear sky above them.

The wind blew past them, cold and kissing her wispy strands. Lukas hissed by her side, trying to push back his hair. The moon princess let out a laugh, loud and clear, thrilled and exhilarated.

It was a heady feeling.

She cradled her head in her hands, smiling and humming softly. The moon princess knew she didn’t have much more time, but this moment, this feeling of being on Earth was the best she’d felt all day. Especially with Lukas by her side.

Talia smiled softly to herself. Lukas was everything she thought the Prince of Sun wouldn’t be. He was kind, soft-spoken, and polite, and seemed interested in her aside from her status as the daughter of the powerful god. Its all the other gods cared about.

For her part, Talia had always wanted to travel. See the world, see all the kind of places her sisters talked so highly about. She heard from Lukas about his asphodel fields and wanted nothing more than to spend a good hour or two just walking through the flowers. If it weren’t for her father, always putting restrictions on her and Heras hawk-like eyes, she’d get out a bit more.

Shaking her head, she turned towards Lukas. “I'm sorry to ask you this, but there isn't much said or written about you and your siblings. How am I supposed to know about you?"

The moon princess couldn’t hold back anymore. Her curiosity got the best of her. Besides, she wanted to get to know him.

The hard stare on Lukas face slipped into something semi-fond, and he shook his head. “I may not have all the powers of my father, but they are enough to get by. My father, the Sun God is the bestower of light and life to the totality of the cosmos; the stern guarantor of justice; with the almost universal connection of light with enlightenment or illumination and the source of wisdom.”

“I only can control the warmth and provide life.”

The moon princess furrowed her eyebrows "What is that supposed to mean?"

“You want to know what I do?" Lukas asked, a grin curving at his lips. Her heart started beating erratically as she nodded her head.

Time stopped; that's for sure. She couldn’t understand why Lukas stood up and most of what he's chanting since she's convinced it's some sort of ritualistic thing, but she didn’t need to appreciate the beautifulness of it. Talia followed him, standing by his side as they overlooked the beautiful yellow and white flowers.

He had his eyes screwed shut, hands moving in a circular motion. It's an entirely religious experience, hearing him chant. Talia's mood, her spirit, her entire being was lifted into a mental stratosphere.

She felt enchanted by his voice by Lukas himself. His voice made her want to form an entire religion just to praise it; made her want to write prayers and incantations, and perform them every single day so that she could hear three-second of this beautiful melody.

After a few seconds, he stopped his chanting and took a step back.

“I'm back," The Prince said and smiled at her, who's still in a sort of mesmerised state. He pointed at the direction of the flowers. “Now, look at what happens."

"What did you do?"

The flowers started shrinking, turning into an ugly colour and losing their petals. It was happening all too quickly, and before she knew they collapsed, mixing in with the soil. A gasp escaped her lips.

“Just wait and watch” Lukas softly mumbled as he started muttering something under his breath again, this time quieter.

And just like that, they bloomed, turning back into their original form and basking the light. It was as if they didn’t collapse seconds ago. She couldn’t believe it. Of course, Talia knew about God of Spring and how she could create trees and flowers, but this wasn’t anything like that. Lukas gave life to them.

“How are you so good at this?”

Lukas looked surprised. “I’ve had a lot of practice.” He gently pulled his arm away, and briskly walked to the door. “I’m going to see if everything is in place inside. I’ll be back soon.”

“Lukas,” The moon princess called, catching him just before he strode out of there. “Thank you.”

The Prince looked back at her, his eyes heavy with gentleness. “Of course, Talia.” He smiled softly before disappearing inside.

***

Spending time with Lukas had lit a fire in her belly. He had somehow made her feel light. Like she could do anything she wanted. Like everything was possible. Talia hadn’t felt that carefree in a long time, maybe ever. Lukas seemed curious about her, seemed like he was genuinely interested in what she had to say.

A few seconds later, the moon princess was escorted inside the huge castle where she had the privilege to meet Cruis, personal messenger of the Sun God and friends with Lukas.

He warmly welcomed her as they walked through the long hallway. “Most of the other gods have done what we call the Earth Tour while staying here. They visit, stay for thirty days, then leave, like we’re a tourist attraction. We don’t get many visitors now as its time for parties in Olympus.”

“Another reason why we don’t throw parties like that down here,” Lukas remarked dryly.

She looked between them, her blue eyes standing out from the black walls of the hall. There were a lot of pictures with all sorts of Gods posing in the meadows outside. No wonder. Its the most breathtaking scenery she had ever witnessed.

“Will you let me stay as well?”

Cruise snapped his head at her, his eyes wide. “For a month?”

Talia giggled nervously, clutching at her dress. “No. For only today.”

At the mention of ten days, the moon princess swallowed. She had never stayed for a long time out of Olympus; when she’s younger, her mother used to take her away to another land. But that lasted for a week or two. The prospect of someone choosing to stay in the Earth for such a long period was heady.

“You’re more than welcome to stay, Talia,” Lukas said, pulling the moon princess out of her thoughts.

“Well, then, I’d love to stay. I want that thirty tour in a day.” She announced with a cheeky grin on her lips, making Lukas smile right back.

***