Chapter seventeen

Nothing had changed one bit. The only difference was Persephone had a new vendetta. In her right sense, Talia would have tossed the book across the room. After all, her life was no longer in danger. But her sixth sense could tell her all the wicked consequences that could rear up if she did not play it smart.

“Your Majesty, This is the book of life. If I strike out my name, My mother will think I am dead.”

“But you will be by her side so it does not matter.”

It did matter. One thing Talia was not willing to do was bend to the will of the goddess. Persephone seemed to scan her face. Talia looked up ad met her penetrative gaze.

“You are hesitating. Don’t you want to go?” Came the goddess intrusive words. She was saying those words only to get into the girl’s head, make her break. “I am sure she misses you and hell knows what could happen if she believes she has lost you forever.”

What was she saying? Talia gulped down her saliva, feeling nervous all together, as she processed what she deemed was a threat to her mother’s life and well being. It did not take Talia long enough to realize she did not have a choice in this either. It was either she spent the rest of her life trapped legions below the great sea without hope of seeing the first realm’s sun again, her mother’s touch, her old life, or she canceled her dreams for freedom. For Talia, It was like signing your soul to Hades, if not worse.

“Of course not!” Talia replied, trying to pick out the perfect words. Self-reliance was a Fae thing and leaning that side of hers often, Talia had mastered the beautiful art of being a Faerie, Trickery.

“So you will cross your name out?” Persephone prodded, a winning smile hijacking her blood-red lips.

Stall!

“This is a pretty big decision, Your Majesty. Can I have some time to think it through?”

It was the only excuse her brain could work with. What Talia needed was time. A new solution was bound to pop up with time. Every problem had a loophole.

For a brief moment, Talia noticed dark clouds settle around Persephone’s grace. The goddess was furious. She was silent for a while until she finally said, “You have one month Fae. Then, I want a reply.”

Talia heaved in response. She did not expect that much time from someone that had a reputation to protect. Luck and fate must be warming up to her. Talia bowed in response.

“Thank you, your Majesty, You are so kind.”

Talia felt revolted at her own words. Her Fae had taken over for a moment and hearing those words second hand, Talia could not help but think they were the repulsive lies to leave her lips. The goddess felt the same way but with a dismissive nod, she ignored it.

“You are welcome to stay in the castle throughout your stay here. There will be a banquet taking place tonight. Dress well…” Banquet? As Talia tried to argue her way out Persephone’s ramblings, The goddess cut her short by saying, “The maids are waiting for you outside.”

Without further ado, The doors to her chambers immediately opened and Talia was escorted outside. True to Persephone’s words, There were a bunch of maids flocking around for her. It was almost as if Persephone knew what choice she was going to make and already made plans for her.
***
It was difficult for Denys to keep his mind straight as he entered a vast hall holding hands with Ulu. The halls had never been crammed with this much people, It made his hands sweaty. Banquet tables stretched endlessly through the room, each with the capacity of seating hundreds. The crowd in front of him parted as he gracefully walked up a long red carpet that led to the platform where the thrones stood. His mother was seated in the most spectacular one, His father’s crown on her head. Denys felt his chest tighten just thinking about wearing that burden.

“Are you alright?”Ulu asked as they stepped up the aisle.

“I am.’ Denys replied, half lying. The banquet was not supposed to be a burden on him but strangely it was and Denys had a burning suspicion it was thanks to the heart purification potions he had been taking to increase his chances of wielding the trident. It came with its cons of course and for Denys, It was the guilt he currently had to face. Talia was still in the dungeons despite his promise. He had not been able to visit the first realm, Not with his mother keeping an eye on his every move. He broke hands with Ulu, adjusted his mantle before sitting on the throne next to his mother. Ulu bowed to Persephone then stood behind Denys like an imposing hawk.

Just as the young prince got seated, Silence entrapped the crowd and they slowly scattered and took their seats by the banquet tables.

Persephone cleared her throat, forcing all eyes on her.

“Today you are inaugurated into the second realm as warriors for its cause, As healers and its people.”

Just as the Queen’s booming voice died down, The crowd erupted to scream, and almost immediately, The feast followed. It was classic. Denys looked up at his mother, There was satisfaction in her eyes. Mortal worship would be spread across the second realm environs overnight and then the kingdom would only have one more matter to settle.

Suddenly, The giant coral doors pushed open mid service as a girl broke in. The crowd’s attention turned from the unimportant trivial details such as the food and conversation. Denys' eyes stood, transfixed on the girl. Her eyes met his. Sharp golden eyes, A black satin dress, and long, copper hair. It was a seduction unrivaled. Denys couldn’t breathe. It felt like anything he did could ruin the moment. Moments he would like to last forever. A gasp escaped a recruit and she immediately bounced up like she had seen a ghost.

“It's her…Talia!”

The statement made Denys take a second look at the girl. It was indeed the girl plaguing his mind.

The crowd’s voices were beginning to pitch. No one understood what was happening but they did not like it either. Denys swerved in his mother’s direction. As strange it might be, His mother had to be involved. Considering Talia was still breathing. Even he wanted answers.

“That is enough Miss Gemini.” Persephone snapped. Hearing the venom in the queen’s tone, The girl curtsied and dropped back to her bench.

“Yes, She is the Talia most of you know of and yes, She is alive…”

Those were the kindest words Denys had ever heard his mother say of someone she so badly wanted dead. Where did her ego blow off to? Something was amiss.