"Are… you serious?"
"I am, King Evans."
Feeling the warmth of Athena's hand riding on his cheek, Van could not help but take in a sneaky but large gulp. Van would not argue that Athena was one of the most beautiful women he has ever met in his life, but he would lie if he said he was romantically attracted to her.
"But… I do not have feelings for you, Athena."
Van could feel Athena's hand slightly tremble, there was even a small whisper of a gasp that escaped from her mouth. But still, she did not let go of Van's cheek and only let out a smile.
"It doesn't matter, King Evans," Athena said as she shook her head, "I will only be doing one of my duties-- to ensure the Olympians would live on. Love… is only a fleeting and secondary matter."
"That's--"