Page 86 of The Court of the Dead
The judges sat, putting their grotesque masks back over their faces, which Nico considered an improvement.
Her Majesty cleared her throat. “Asterion, formerly known as the Minotaur, the court takes your past achievements into account. We note that you were born an abomination.”
The crowd madeoohnoises, like they all wishedthey’dbeen born abominations.
“While you dwelt within the Labyrinth,” Mary continued, “you were responsible for the murder of fifty-six young men and maidens.”
This elicited polite applause from the spectators.
While Queen Mary listed more and more highlights from Asterion’s career—sowing fear and chaos, terrorizing children, stalking, violations of privacy, indecent exposure—Nico leaned closer to Hazel.
“So what are you thinking?” he whispered.
“The Mist,” she said softly. “I think I can at least confuse everyone here by casting a new illusion over the courtroom, but I won’t be able to maintain it very long. Do you think you and Will could free Asterion if I give you cover?”
Nico nodded, then leaned toward his boyfriend and told him their impromptu plan.
Will scanned the crowd, no doubt judging how many rows of monsters they’d have to pass to reach Asterion. “We can get him free,” he said grimly. “We have to.”
Pirithous’s gavel rang out again. “Asterion, you have heard a summary of your illustrious career. You were a monster’s monster. Your vile, bloody, and despicable deeds made you a role model to many here in this court.”
A lot of heads nodded in the crowd. Nico noted that a few of the ogres were clutching paper and pen, like they were hoping to get Asterion’s autograph before he was executed.
“Nevertheless,” continued Pirithous, “you turned your back on your own nature. You rose from Tartarusunbidden, inspiring others to follow your wicked example, all so you could take up a peaceful existence of”—he frowned at his notes, as if he couldn’t bring himself to speak something so horrible—“knitting.”
A collective gasp rose from the spectators.
Pirithous leaned forward, his Hades mask leering at the accused. “What possible defense could you offer for such a betrayal of monster-kind?”
Asterion stood still, staring back at the judge.
Pirithous snarled, “Did you hear me?”
“I did.”
“Then what is your defense?”
“I refuse to give one.”
The crowd gasped. Tantalus took over the gavel-banging. “Order in the court!” he screeched. “Order!”
Nico glanced at Hazel. “Now?”
Her eyes were closed, her face tight with concentration. She muttered under her breath as if chanting a spell.
“Wait,” she said. “Almost ready…”
Nico tried to control his nerves. He had no idea how much energy and focus it took to cast an illusion on a courtroom full of mythic creatures. All he knew was that they were running out of time.
Once the onlookers quieted down, Pirithous scoffed at Asterion. “Do you believe that you are not to be held accountable for what you have done?”
The bull-man shook his head. “I accept responsibility for my past actions. And I have done my best to change.”
“Then you admit you have tried to change! You think you can erase centuries of admirable atrocities and become a peaceful creature? You think it is within your rights toknit?”
Queen Mary cleared her throat. “Though it must be admitted, your stitchwork is very fine. My own ladies-in-waiting could not rival—”
“Mary!” cried Pirithous. “Not helping!”
