Page 128 of Poseidon's Trident
“The queen fled.” Hermes pops up next to me, startling me. “Her followers are doing the same.”
“Who’s left?” I ask.
“Only those loyal to Zeus have stayed. Myself, Ares, Hephaestus, Artemis, and Hestia.” Hermes runs a hand through his hair.
It’s such a human gesture I almost laugh but this is a dangerous game we’re playing and lives will most certainly be lost.
“Have my father and Persephone said anything?” Jayden asks.
“Hades is difficult to get a hold of; he hates Mount Olympus.” Hermes shrugs.
“What about Persephone? She’s staying in the mortal world with her mother,” Jayden asks.
“Demeter has chosen her side.” Persephone steps forward. “I can’t condone her actions in this game they are playing with fate. Hera is jealous and yes, maybe she feels slighted by Zeus and his many conquests, but trying to destroy creation is beyond despicable.”
“Are we going to have any more gods pop in and scare the shit out of me?” I grumble.
Persephone giggles. “Sorry, I figured I needed to see how you’re faring after the near-death experience.” She stares at Jayden.
“You said he wasn’t dying,” I growl.
“Did I?” She taps her index finger to her lips. “He was near death, but in no danger of actually dying. He’s a god now.”
I narrow my eyes on the goddess, but Jayden pulls me to his side. His gaze is penetrating, telling me not to piss his stepmom off. I rather like Persephone when she isn’t lying to me about his condition.
Persephone cups Jayden’s cheek as she stares up at him. “Your father is so proud of the man you’ve become. You will be a merciful god with Beth by your side.”
“This is a great little family chat and all, but I have an entire realm to fix after what that crazy queen has done and I have a gift for the budding goddess, Beth.” Poseidon cuts into the conversation.
“Why would you have a gift for me?” I ask. “Thad saved the trident in the end.”
“I was told by an elusive seer that I have you to thank for all of this. Had you not made the choice you did to come back from the island of the lotus eaters, these demigods would still be out searching the seas for you and all would have been lost,” Poseidon says.
“Fucking Nereus and his tests,” I grumble and glance at Jayden.
“Nereus is very wise, but yes, he loves his games.” Poseidon nods.
Thad walks over and wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me away from Jayden and over to Poseidon. Jayden doesn’t protest or even scowl at the friendly gesture from Thad. Progress. I grin, happy that he’s finally getting over his jealousy—or at least containing it.
“His games are a pain in my ass,” I say.
“Beth,” Persephone gasps.
“What? I do believe I called Hades out for the games he was playing with us when we went to the underworld.” I raise a brow at her.
“It’s one of the reasons my husband adores you, sweet girl.” Persephone pats my cheek this time. “I’m going back to the underworld. If my mother is siding with the queen, there’s no reason for me to stay in the earth realm.”
“Will that mess with the weather?” I ask with a frown.
“You have seen the weather in recent weeks, yes?” she asks, glancing pointedly at Poseidon. “It’s supposed to be spring. I don’t think me going home to the underworld will make much difference after all this devastation.”
“That was Hera’s doing and she will pay,” Poseidon growls.
“Yes, yes, I know that. I’m just saying my little bit of springtime magic won’t make a huge difference in the face of all this.” Persephone waves Poseidon off. “You two little godlings must come to dinner soon. Cerberus misses you both terribly.”
“We will,” I say and finger wave at her as she disappears back to the underworld.
“What are you going to do with her, Father?” Thad asks, pointing at Calypso.
