HOW WELL HE WEARS THAT SMILE MINGLED WITH WRATH
When the lion-slayer had withdrawn from them, Apollo had wasted no time in pursuit of her (only pausing for the briefest of moment’s to excuse himself and bid Faolain farewell, leaving her with the promise that they would meet again), unwilling to let such a wonder slip away from him. As he tracked Cyrene down, Apollo lamented over the fact that surely he must have done something wrong. Had he been too heavy-handed in his compliments, and too obvious in his interest? Could it be that he had so long kept stallions in line that he had lost the gentler touch that was largely successful with mares? It did not occur to him until well into the chase that perhaps Cyrene was far more like him than he’d considered, only, their shared traits, while bold and blazing in him had been distilled to a guarded potency in her.
The gold and ivory male caught up to the quarry he sought, and engaged. The warrioress bested him, but he did not quail, nor did he bear the loss with an ill-manner and begrudging spirit (as he had when Achilles had struck him down). He persisted, enticed Cyrene into action once more, and this time, Apollo prevailed. Amongst all his victories, none had tasted so sweet, nor warmed his heart with contentment as much as this one did, and he took immense pride in bearing the bruises from Cyrene’s hooves and teeth. It was worth it, and every moment spent with Cyrene whittled away at any longing that remained within him to return and take back his crown.
Apollo had thought it wise to give Cyrene a bit of space after their coupling, but the stallion approached her now, hopeful. He’d had time to think, about what he wanted and where he’d go, but before acting upon his own desires, he sought to learn more of Cyrene’s. There was so much he did not know, and he wanted. “Tell me, please,” he said softly as he drew near, pausing beside her, holding back the kisses he longed to trail down the curve of her neck. “Of yourself, Cyrene, and the things that you desire.” Anything that was in his power to give, it would be hers.
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