Forced to marry the enemy prince in her sister's place

They used Penelope’s carriage. They went past the Colosseum, down the east river, and into a much more polished part of Erindros they had never been privy to. The houses were placed in an uncoordinated fashion, yet they all looked organized.

"Wow," Iris exclaimed, "we’ve not been in this part of the city."

"Because people do not really come to this part of the city, love. This is a world of its own, where mostly all the nobles live," Penelope said

"Wow," Hera’s tone was flat, "Showcasing the finest depictions of class disparities."

"Spare me the sanctimonious twaddle, princess, you live just as they do."

"At least I try to know them, understand who they are, and help them in whatever way I can."

"And who is to say our noble class does not do the same? You’ve reached an inadequate conclusion about who they really are without getting to know any of them, simply because they live apart. Would you not say that that is already a bias?"

Hera looked at her intently, her eyes narrowed.

"Alright, alright," Iris said, interrupting the tension between them. "We don’t need to be saying all that right now. We came for one thing and one thing only, which is to see Niko and know how well he’s faring. Every other thing can wait."

"Look," Penelope said, "to the right, that house over there, that’s the prime minister’s home." It was larger than all the others around it. It had two large columns on both sides of the front entrance, unlike many others, which seemed to adorn their own homes with gold either on the doors or statues. The house was white, as white as the winter snow.

Surrounded by lush Greens and so many other colours, the plants looked vibrant. They also had an assortment of animals running around the yard.

"I think it’s the loveliest among the bunch," Iris said.

"And the largest as well," Penelope added.

"So where does Niko and his family live?" Hera asked

"It’s a little farther up, we’ll be there soon."

They finally got to the Aetos house. Just like a few they had seen, it was mud- coloured with drawings and patterns on the wall. A lot of the building’s structure was supported by wooden beams. However, it was no less breathtaking.

’’Princess Penelope! It’s so good to see you again,’ Mattias, the chief caretaker of the Aetos mansion, said as he rushed towards them.

"Mattias, it’s good to see you again as well. How are my darling aunt and uncle faring? I hope all has been well?" Penelope asked.

"My princess, all has been good, but I am sure you are aware of the latest scandal that has befallen us." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"It isn’t a scandal, Mattias, it was simply the will of the gods. Besides, we both knew Niko; this was never in his nature. He was bound to end up with this outcome."

Mattias sighed, "I did tell his father, but he wouldn’t listen. I warned him of this. But we’ve reached this point, we can only move forward, isn’t it, princess?"

Penelope smiled and patted Mattias on the back. "How rude of me," she said, turning to Iris and Hera who stood by the side. "These are very good friends of mine. This is Hera, and this is Iris, and girls, this is Mattias, caretaker of the Aetos house. He has been with them for many years, the most loyal subject I have ever had the privilege of meeting."

"Good day to you, sir," Hera greeted. Iris offered only a curt nod and nothing else.

"You flatter me, Princess Penelope, but it is good to meet you, my ladies." Mattias bowed. "Please, come with me."

He led them through the courtyard, through the reception room, and into the inner courtyard.

" You must wait here, my ladies, so that I may call on the prince." Then he left.

Penelope and Iris had sat together on one of the chairs while Hera sat alone on the other opposite from them. It took a while, but Niko appeared later with help. Parts of his body had turned purple from the wound, both of his eyes were swollen, he could hardly see, and he was bandaged all over with one of his hands in a sling.

"Oh, my goodness!" Hera cried out, "Niko, is that you?" She tried to go to him but was stopped by one of the servants.

"Forgive me, my lady, but he is not in the state to be touched. He could get infected with something if you are not properly sterilized."

"No, no, I would never want that," Hera said, covering her mouth with both hands."

Penelope moved towards Hera and grabbed her by the arm. "I suggest you stop with the overt display of affection, Hera. This is his family home, and they do not take lightly to his escapades."

Hera sent her an accusatory glare, but she tried to calm herself in his presence. They all sat in silence and waited for someone to break the ice.

"So, Niko, how have you been?" Iris said.

"How do you think I’ve been? Or do you not have eyes?"

"I do, my Prince, I, however, cannot say the same about you."

Penelope laughed but caught herself immediately. "Come on, Iris, don’t know down a defeated man."

Iris rolled her eyes, folded her arms, and turned to the side.

"At least try to be a little believable, pen. You love that I’m getting insulted."

"Of course, I am. But, it doesn’t change the fact that i feel sorry for you."

"I’m sorry you had to go through all of that, Niko, i hope you recover as soon as possible," Hera blurted.

"My sweet girl," Niko sighed. "I’m sorry I haven’t been able to be by your side. As you can see, i am currently indisposed at the moment."

"Of course I understand," Hera said, "Nothing more would give me greater joy then to see you get better."

Penelope made a disgusted face, while Iris acted like she wanted to vomit.