The Return of the Hades

Golden Apple

5

Darien let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration evident. "Cersei, this is not the time for petty squabbles. We have more important matters to attend to."

Cersei's eyes blazed with righteous anger. "I will not let it go, Darien! This woman, Lavinia," she sneered Lavinia's name, "needs to apologize for her unwarranted behavior. It's a matter of principle."

Lavinia-Luciano maintained her composure, her voice steady. "Cersei, I understand your feelings, and I am willing to apologize if it will bring an end to this conflict. However, I propose a different solution. But perhaps we can settle this in a more... unconventional manner."

Cersei raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Unconventional? What do you mean?"

Lavinia-Luciano's lips curved into a sly smile. "I propose a bet."

Cersei's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "A bet? What kind of nonsense are you suggesting, Lavinia?"

Lavinia-Luciano's tone remained calm. "If you truly believe that it was wrong for me to slap you and accuse you, then let's settle this with a wager. If you don't touch the golden apple, then I will apologize to you. But if you touch, then you must apologize to sir French."

Cersei's pride bristled at the suggestion. "Touch the golden apple? That's absurd. Why should I agree to such a ridiculous wager?"

Lavinia-Luciano's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Because, Cersei, I have a feeling that you might find it more challenging than you anticipate. Are you not confident in your abilities? Or do you trust sir french ?"

Cersei's arrogance flared. "Very well, I accept your bet. It's impossible for Darien to predict the future, and I will prove it."

Darien shook his head, incredulous. "This is ridiculous."

Cersei ignored him, her mind already consumed by the prospect of victory. "No, Darien. I will not be dismissed. I will win this bet, and Lavinia will apologize to me. You'll see." With that she turned and left.

***

The golden apple symbolized more than just a fruit. He glowed bright like the sun. Just as the sun's warmth helped plants grow strong, the magic apple could make people feel renewed and powerful just with one bite.  

For Darien, the apple's magic could do more than just make him feel better physically or get rid of toxins in his body, though it would definitely do that. No, the apple promises to fully restore his health. For too long, Darien has suffered pain and weakness from the poison. The toxin still in his blood have kept him from being as strong as he could be.

But the golden apple's healing energy would get rid of all of that. With the apple's help, Darien knew he could finally be free from the problems of his past. He could feel strong and healthy again without limits. His abilities would reach their full potential, letting him protect others without problems.

Longingly, Darien pondered the mystical fruit. "Throughout my life, I've been restrained by this poison," he mused. "But with the golden apple's power, I believe I can finally liberate myself." 

Lavinia saw the hope shining in Darien's eyes as he spoke of the apple. She understood his desire to be healed, to feel whole again after so much suffering. "The apple's powers sound like a blessing from heaven," she said kindly. "With its aid, all of your illnesses could go away. You deserve to regain your health and strength, sir French. I pray fate guides the apple into your care soon."

*****

Cersei's cell phone rang as she was walking back to her office, still stewing over her confrontation with Darien and Lavinia. She didn't recognize the number but answered anyway.

"Cersei Smith."

"Ms. Smith, it's Lilian Rose, your secretary. I'm calling from the office." The voice on the other end responded.

Cersei sighed irritably. "This had better be important, Lilian. As you can see I'm rather busy."

"I'm sorry to bother you ma'am, but I have some news that couldn't wait. The mayor's office just called - you've been invited to attend his annual gala dinner next week."

Cersei rolled her eyes. "A frivolous social event is the last thing I need right now. Did they say why specifically they want me there?"

"Yes ma'am, that's the thing - the mayor requested your presence. He said he wants to discuss potential partnerships between the city and your company. It sounds like a big opportunity."

Cersei's interest was piqued in spite of her sour mood. "Partnerships, you say? Very well, clear my schedule for the gala. Now what else is it, Lilian?" 

"Well...as you know I was searching for an appropriate gift to bring. And I came across a rare find - an antique dealer was selling something called a golden apple. It's supposedly a legendary herb, one of the last of its kind. I thought presenting it to the mayor could really help curry favor -"

"You bought the golden apple?" Cersei interrupted sharply, her stomach twisting as Darien's ominous warning echoed in her mind. 

Her thoughts was in turmoil. Could Darien truly have foreseen this? No, it must be a mere coincidence. 

"Yes ma'am, it will be in my possession soon. But if you'd like, I can call the dealer and try to return or resell it? I just thought as a rare gift it could help at the gala, but of course it's your decision."

Cersei paused, thinking fast, her mind raced as she considered the situation. Greed tugged at her, tempting her to use the golden apples to elevate her status. It could give her an edge with the mayor, but 'touching' it would mean losing face to Lavinia. So what to do?

And also the warning from Darien echoed in her mind, reminding her of the potential danger. She needed to handle this situation carefully.

"Lilian, bring the golden apple to the company immediately. Don't let it out of your sight," Cersei commanded. An idea was forming in her cunning mind. 

She intended to maintain her commitment to attend the gala as scheduled, while subtly simulating a minor leg injury. During the event, she planned for Lilian to present the gift on her behalf, thereby fulfilling her obligation without directly handling the apple herself. 

This would enable her to be present at the party without seeming patronizing by personally delivering the golden apples, and without violating the terms of the bet with Lavinia, as she wouldn't physically "touch" the apples. By implementing this strategy, she aimed to still garner favor with the mayor, making it a flawless plan.

But a small, niggling thought troubled Cersei - Darien's earnest warning. What if there truly was danger, as he foresaw? No, she refused to let the charlatan's nonsense sway her. Her ambitions would not be thwarted.