The door to Artemis' bedchamber creaked open, and in walked Apollo, the god of the sun, carrying a tray of food. The room was thick with the overpowering smell of stale sweat and sadness, causing Apollo to wrinkle his nose in disgust.
Lying in the middle of the bed was Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, looking pale and drawn. She turned her head away from the tray, muttering something about how she wasn't hungry.
Apollo set the tray down on a bedside table and pulled up a chair. "Artemis, you need to eat something. You've been in bed for days."
Artemis snapped at him, "I don't want to eat. I don't want to do anything. Leave me alone."
Apollo refused to leave. "I'm not going anywhere until you've had something to eat and a bath. You stink, little sister."
Artemis glared at him. "I'm the goddess of the hunt, Apollo. I'm supposed to smell like the wild. And I'm not your little sister."
Apollo laughed. "You may be the goddess of the hunt, but you're still my twin. And as your twin, I'm worried about you."
Artemis sighed, knowing she couldn't win this argument. "Fine. I'll eat something. But I'm not taking a bath."
Apollo rolled his eyes. "We'll see about that. But first, let's get some food into you."
Artemis picked at the food on the tray, nibbling on a piece of bread. Apollo watched her, relieved to see her eating.
After a few minutes, Artemis set the tray aside. "I'm full. Happy now?"
Apollo grinned. "Yes, I'm happy. Now, let's talk about that bath."
Artemis groaned. "I don't want a bath. I just want to be left alone."
Apollo shook his head. "No can do. You're coming with me whether you like it or not."
Artemis tried to protest, but Apollo was already lifting her out of bed. "Come on, you big baby. Let's get you cleaned up."
Artemis' wet hair clung to her face as Apollo carried her to the bathing chamber. He set her down on the edge of the pool and began to fill it with steaming hot water.
Artemis shivered, watching the water rise. "I don't want to get in."
Apollo raised an eyebrow. "You don't have a choice. In you go."
Artemis reluctantly slid into the water, sinking down until only her head was above the surface. Apollo sat on the edge of the pool, watching her.
"Why are you doing this?" Artemis asked, her voice soft.
Apollo shrugged. "Because I love you. And as your twin, it's my job to take care of you."
Artemis smiled, her eyes shining. "I love you too, Apollo."
Apollo leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I'm glad. Now, let's get you cleaned up."
As Apollo washed her hair and scrubbed her skin, Artemis felt a sense of peace wash over her. For the first time in days, she felt alive.
When they were finished, Apollo wrapped a towel around Artemis' shoulders and led her back to her bedchamber.
"Thank you, Apollo," Artemis said, her voice soft.
Apollo smiled. "Anytime, little sister. Now, get some rest."
Artemis nodded, climbing back into bed. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but feel grateful for her twin. He may have been annoying at times, but he was also the best brother she could have ever asked for.
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