Chapter fifteen

Denys sighed. “I cannot hear it.”

“Why? What I am about to tell you has beautiful news for the second realm.”

“I know. The Kingdom’s seer had prophesied something similar. But I am not supposed to know much about this prophesy since I have a huge role to play. The seer believes it can change things.” Denys said, turning back to momentarily stare at the trident etched in the middle of the royal garden. He was losing faith and the prophesy he had not even been graced to listen to was putting a lot on pressure on his shoulders. What good deed was he to have to be The warrior of a pure heart and might?

“The witch doctor did not tell me that. Plus his vision was vague. Just misty images.”

“And judging from your return, You have a part to play.”

Ulu’s eyes popped wide. She managed to hide her shock behind a small smile. “No Denys! You think so lowly of me. Here I was giving you some space to finally get your shit together and here you are calling me an opportunist.”

As they both made their way to the royal court, Their conversation was cut off my Queen Persephone’s final words.

“You have all been selected to be citizens of the second realm.” Persephone caught her breath, An elegant frown on her face that suggested she despised her statements but she was forced to carry on. “Today you swear an oath to be bound to the laws of this realm. My people are your people and my land is your land. From today, You shall not be known as Children of the night nor light. You all are now descendants of the Neptune.”

The entire crowd bowed to the queen and Denys stole the opportunity to observe their expressions. Did they consent to this or was his realm being selfish puppet-ting the lower castes? Some were indifferent. Others were aglow with ambition but not a single one of them felt imprisoned. Denys was happy to know that his first idea as an active prince did not blow up in his face but he couldn’t start counting his chickens just yet. One innocent girl’s life was still hanging in the balance because of his idea. While he would practically be indifferent because the Fae had brought it all on herself but the fact remained that he was still hellbent on proving the sentient artifact that he was worthy. As Persephone rose to her feet, informing the recruits that a party would be held at night in their name, Denys hurried out of the room.

***
Persephone stepped down from her chair, shoes echoing on the marble room as she crossed over to the heavy oaken doors to greet a familiar face.

“If it isn't the prodigal daughter. What brings you back to the desolate realm?” Persephone demanded the girl.

Ulu bowed, flustered and fidgety. Persephone knew how to make people cower.

“I am betrothed to Denys. I cannot just leave him in this delicate state, My queen.”

“You are lucky I am not in the place of the old god. I would have ripped that lying tongue of yours.”

Ulu stumbled, unsure of what to say. Considering the goddess had not booted her butt out of the realm was a good sign so she was more than willing to swallow her petty pride for bigger dreams.

“I hope the prophecy lets your provoking ass sit in one place this time because if you mess things up, You will be finished.”

When the Persephone was done with her threats, She gave a sweet smile and got on her way. She strode room after room flanked with attendants until she reached the royal chambers. Her attendants slowly opened the bright coral doors, bulky as wood, and stepped aside. The throne room was elegant. The middle of the room was dominated by a vast table spread in rectangular faction behind which stools with black pearls stood. Persephone’s eyes ventured to the one thing she came into the abandoned room for. At the uppermost part of the room were three cushioned velvety chairs lined with the finest gold. The chair erected in the middle of the stone steps and above the other two had something on its seat that made Persephone tear up. An ornate gold band fused with clear blue Aragonite on all four sides. To think she was going to wear her husband’s shoes for just one night. A bright light suddenly flashed and Persephone saw a brilliant shock of white miss her by an inch and fork into the stony floors. As thunder boomed and a mist of smoke cleared, Zeus came into view and the door behind Persephone slammed shut.

“Where is the girl?” The imperial king demanded immediately.

His demand infuriated Persephone to no ends but she was forced to play it cool because what choice did she have? She cleared her throat to speak.

“The demigod? She is dead. You of all beings should know that”

Zeus’ eyes turned dangerous red and Persephone felt the waters stare. He was mad. Scratch that, He was furious. She could not be sure if he knew she was lying but either way, Persephone was willing to take her chances.

“If I of all being is asking you where the girl is, Don’t you think I have my facts right?”

He did know she was lying. Persephone had a slight suspicion that Denys was behind this. The thought of it being true only pissed her more.

“I am certain Denys filled you in on everything but If I may ask, Why do you want her alive? Is she perhaps one of yours?” Persephone said, finally coming out clean.

Zeus nodded, not appreciating her sentiments one bit.

“Not that is any of your business but your son did not fill me in, Your error is glaring in the book of life. Her name isn't scratched off and no, she is not my daughter.”

“You still have not info-ed me on why you want her alive?”

Zeus’ eyes flashed green. Even Persephone couldn’t read what that color meant. She assumed he was getting pissed at her questions but he answered nonetheless.

“Because I have to. If I don’t step in, The realms will think we are just randomly murdering demigods for reasons beyond them.”

“That is good enough but what about the part where I have to revoke my honor as a goddess. I cannot go back on my words Your Majesty.”

“Well Persephone, If your realm still needs me to stay on my promise, even you would have to compromise.”

Just before Persephone could interject, the bright light flashed again, practically half blinding her, and just as he had come, He vanished.

***
Enraged, Persephone pushed past the side chamber’s doors and searched for an object in the otherwise bare room

The book of life. At least, the one belonging to her realm.

The book held the record of every being alive and also the records of those who recently passed on. Persephone could not believe the audacity. Did Zeus expect her to sacrifice her pride and dignity just because he was generous enough to lend her the annual mortal worship? She scrolled through.

“Simon Andre…. T… The Trueborn family tree.” A wicked grin placated her face when she found it. “Talia Trueborn. Alive.”

To Persephone, returning the demigod to her realm was out of the question. There was a way to get what she wanted. She found a damn good way to keep her pride and fulfill Zeus' wishes. Persephone planned to stake Talia’s freedom in exchange for her life. She had the perfect compromise. The one thing the girl seemed to have was her mother. Then her eyes read beneath the lines.

“Maveth Trueborn… Drowned.”

It wasn’t just how the mother died that made her blue. It was also the date and time. It rang an awful bell.