I chose the red dress for the banquet because its shimmery surface complimented my chestnut fur and whiskers.
I had to look perfect. The banquet may be held to commemorate the alliance with the Dragon Lord, but their eyes will be on me.
Afterall, I was the novice goddess, whom the Sun God was so smitten with that he personally invited her.
I was only three-hundred-years old, practically a babe in the eyes of the other gods, and a minor deity being a Cat Goddess, but they'll watch me sit at the high table.
Soon, my name will be known across the divine land. I couldn't help but grin.
When I arrived at the Celennial Banquet Hall, I was slightly embarassed to learn that the ceremony had already begun. Apparently gods didn't do 'fashionably late'.
"Bastellina," The Sun God was at my side, flashing a boyish grin.
"Lord Astra," I plastered a smile. "I apologise for the tardiness."
He hooked my arm in his own, and escorted me all the way to the high table. My face glowed as I felt a thousand pair of eyes upon me.
When we reached there, I noticed the seat at the head of the table was already occupied, by someone with suspiciously familiar muscular built and long hair.
"My dear, since you missed the toast, let me introduce you to our guest of honour," Astra offered, and the man looked up. "My friend Gandrekur, the Dragon Lord."
Upon my whiskers! I gasped.
I wasn't the only one in shock as Drekur mirrored my reaction, equally flabbergasted.
"Lina," he breathed.
Silent tremors shook my body at the sound of his voice. Memories long forgotten invaded my thoughts. I was so overwhelmed that tears threatened to show. I fought to keep my composure.
"You two know each other?" Astra frowned.
"We-" Gandrekur began.
"-are acquaintances." I cut him off, taking my seat across the Sun God, with him in the middle. "Before becoming a goddess, I was a shrine priestess. Lord Gandrekur used to visit the shrine."
Talking to the Sun God about the only man I loved felt strange. Although it was no stranger than running into him here.
We were together for years, yet he never even hinted being a dragon. It made me wonder what other lies he told me.
The betrayal tasted bitter, especially after how adamantly he had opposed me becoming a goddess. The hypocrite!
The worst part was that my chest still swelled at the sight of him, and my heart thudded in anticipation.
The sudden urge to exact revenge hit me strong.
While I thought of a way to embarrass him in front of the gods, I also dug in. The sight of salmon reminded me of his eternal hatred for seafood.
"Lord Gandrekur."
He was startled when I addressed him.
"This salmon steak is delicious. You should try it. After all, this is all prepared in your honour." I simpered at the Sun God. "Shouldn't he, Astra- I mean My Lord?" I demurely looked down.
The Sun God blushed. "Gandrekur, you shall have the salmon steak."
Drekur didn't even get the chance to make up an excuse, as the angels poured salmon into his china up to the brim.
I bit back my chuckles as he forcefully gulped a piece.
When no one was looking, Drekur narrowed his eyes at me. The message in them was clear: It's on.
"Lady Bastelina," he began. "Since you were a shrine priestess, I'm assuming you're a chastity goddess?"
I choked on my drink.
However, it was the Sun God who went pale. "A-are you?"
I glared at Drekur, who innocently ate his salmon. That bastard should know better, especially after all those nights in the shrine. You wanna play dirty? Fine, I'll show you dirty!
"I can never be a chastity goddess." I looked down. "I was once betrothed, but the man broke my heart."
Astra frowned sympathetically "What happened?"
"After I gave myself to him, he broke our engagement in the morn," I blinked a few tears for dramatic effect. "When I asked him the reason, he said he's more of a dog person, even though he had known all along I was a cat goddess."
"The nerve!" Astra's grip tightened on his fork. "Tell me his name."
"Perhaps I will." I glanced at Drekur, who passed me a dirty look. Granted he meant it as a joke, he was still the one who once said it.
"Shame that you can't be a chastity goddess" Drekur shot back after a while. "Because you won't make a good fertility one either."
The comment hit me like a slap. So what if I didn't want kids! This was my decision.
Not having a better comeback, I stomped on his foot below the table. Moments later, he stomped on mine in return, to which I gasped.
Astra looked at the two of us, waiting for an explanation that never came. Perhaps he wasn't as dull as I thought.
Awkward silence followed, which was soon broken by Astra when he inquired about Drekur's family.
"Your son must be all grown. And what about Lady Samara? Beautiful as ever I presume?"
My glass suddenly slipped from my hand, shattering on the floor at the sudden revelation.
He is married.
Of course, he was! Nearly three-hundred-years had passed. I was the only fool too hung up to move on.
Some of the ale had spilled across my dress. "Excuse me," I ran outside, locking myself in the nearest room I could find.
Within the safety of walls, I let go of all I had been holding in, the sadness and regret drained out of my system in a puddle of tears. My body shook with silent sobs.
Letting it out felt better, but the pain was still there.
A knock interrupted my breakdown. I ignored it, assuming Astra had followed.
"Lina."
I startled. It was him.
"You were always too impatient to listen." He sighed. "Please let me in, I'll explain everything."
