'I didn't want this- this was not part of the plan...'

Olympian Blue

"Stop fidgeting, you look stunning."

Thanatos took my shaky hand in his as I fixed my silver, cuff earring for the seventh time. His large hand was cold and his grip tightened around mine. I felt a wave of calm engulf me, but not before a jolt of intense heat filled my core. Merely holding his hand left me speechless.

"I think I'm going to be sick..." I ran my other hand over my forehead. It was damp and warm.

We stood in front of the gates of the large dining hall. I was in the palace of mount Olympus and no matter how many times I reminded myself of that- I still couldn't believe it.

The palace was colossal.

It stretched on further than my eye could see. It appeared to be more of an entire kingdom in the sky than just a castle. We'd arrived via Thanatos portal, and the first image I saw was a large golden gate adorned with pearls and gems. The sky was filled with clouds of white and gray and the light was a mix of orangey hues and dark blue as the sun began its descent.

As if magnifying the light, the palace illuminated in the sky like second moon as the stars appeared and the sky became dark. Nothing ever looked more beautiful and menacing at the same time.

Oh, wait...

I shifted my eyes to the Greek god of death beside me. I tried to not be too obvious as my eyes drank him in.

He wore his usual black attire and his cloak that seemed to set the floor ablaze as he walked, but now in addition to his ruby gemstone that clasped his cloak to the front, he wore an old golden breastplate, gold bracers and a pair of bronze rings. He left his black gloves at home. I blushed as I felt his soft skin against my palm.

His rings were cold and scrapped against my silver ones.

He looked to die for- no pun intended.

Thanatos black mane was combed back, a few rebellious strands falling over his forehead, and his stubble was neatly trimmed. His red eyes were intensely watching a couple of servants handle his scythe. They took all his weapons from his person and were placing them in an archive for him to retrieve later when we leave.

Knives, daggers, hidden blades...
Good lord did he have a lot of weaponry on him.

"Just take a deep breath." I did as he said. It didn't help.

The servants nodded to him and bowed. They didn't dare look him in the eye. Instantly, my thoughts raced back to what Alexus had said about his mother's doomed vision for her son. Were the people of the kingdom still terrified of Thanatos- the usurper king- or were they in awe? It was often difficult to tell the extent of the reactions his presence brought. Even I struggled with that issue...

I gulped as he led me forward towards the large double doors. The corridors were vast and decorated in marble and gold. There were statues everywhere and old Greek-styled pillars swirling up to the high ceiling. The light grew dim from outside.

I glanced down at my dress again; just to make sure everything was right.

I'd finally decided on a dress after spending about two days in my closet. Alexus was nearly ready to bite my head off, but finally I found the perfect one.

It was silver and form-fitting. It dragged on the floor at the back, and most of the dress consisted of a see-through gauze that was covered in strokes of silver pearls, gems and stones. It looked like tree branches etching up from the ground as it reached all the way to my chest- covering everything it needed to.

The back was open and I'd decided to only add delicate silver, chain earrings and ear cuffs to add to the starry-appearance of the dress. A slit ran up the one leg, not too high, but high enough to show some skin. I had my hair down my back in soft beach waves, and my make up consisted of simple nudes and greys.

Around my neck hung the beautiful petite Aquamarine stone Thanatos had gifted me. I ran my fingers across its surface- the small pendant somehow gave me more reassurance.

I knew Thanatos wouldn't leave me to fend for myself...

We stopped at the doors.

Thanatos looked down at me with his intense gaze. He scrutinised the dress with annoyed eyes; "I still don't like this dress."

"Do you not like the dress, or do you not like the fact that I'm wearing it to the party?"

Before we'd left his palace, he had thrown a hissy fit because he didn't want me to wear the dress to the banquet. But I wasn't a fool- it wasn't because he didn't like the dress. He couldn't stop looking at me and I'm fairly certain I caught him drooling a few times in the foyer.

He just wanted me all to himself...

Thanatos huffed; "If it were up to me, you'd be wearing a baggy coat and a hood."

I chuckled; "Luckily, it's not..." My thoughts drifted to the previous night and how tenderly he'd held me as I slept. My cheeks grew hot and I looked down at my feet to recollect myself.

Two servants came up behind us, each one went to stand next to a door and they gracefully put each of their hands on the handles. Thanatos slowly let go of my hand and whispered; "Remember what I taught you, and if anything happens, you call for me. Now- smile."

The doors opened and I thought I might faint.

All the heads turned to us and the room grew quiet. The sound of music stopped playing and the double doors behind us closed softly.

Well, no escaping now...

"Gods, goddesses...."

A big, booming voice spoke up from the end of the large dining hall. A tall man stood up- I instantly recognised him as Zeus. Not all the depictions of him were wrong- he had long gray hair and a thick gray beard. His white toga ran over his one shoulder and his gold jewellery, armour and rings shined brightly in the flaming light.

On his head rested a golden, laurel-leaf crown.

He looked far more intimidating than I thought he would. Power and energy radiated off of him in waves. For an older man he still had quite the muscular build.

"Our honoured guest... Aurora."

And then suddenly- the entire room erupted with cheers and loud, expressive talking. The music sprang to life and the servants started rushing around to fill every glass- some twice.

Thanatos smiled broadly, but I knew it was fake. It was all part of his charm; "Greeks like to party- try not to get too drunk within the first ten minutes..."

I nodded and smiled as a gang of women rushed towards me. I froze; my smile still awkwardly in place. Thanatos stepped aside a bit and watched in amusement as a dark-haired beauty took my hands in hers and laughed; "Oh, darling! Welcome! Oh, Thanatos!"

She looked up at him with a wink; "She is beautiful, isn't she! Now I know why you haven't been visiting us so much lately..."

Thanatos shot her a glare and smiled down at me; "Aurora, this is Persephone, Hades' wife."

I looked back at her, my eyes wide. She was gorgeous. Her dark brown hair hung in curls down her back and her dark brown eyes were deep and radiated compassion. Her dress was black and had feathers running down the back and into a train on the floor.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" I giggled as she ran a hand through my hair; her eyes fascinated by the thickness.

"Now, come! First you must meet Zeus, and then we can talk properly..."

"Of course, thank you." I followed her to the front. I could feel all of the eyes in the room focused on me. It felt oddly exhilarating, but my heart felt like it was about to jump out from my chest. We neared the throne.

I only glanced at it quickly, making sure not to look Zeus in the eyes as Thanatos had directed. It was large and could easily seat four people. It was made from a stone I'd never seen before- it shined like pearl but was rough like marble. It was carved into a large diamond shape and the edges decorated with gold carvings.

I followed Persephone's example as she curtsied. She squeezed my hand and took a step back. I looked straight, careful not to meet his eyes as I heard him move down the stairs. Suddenly a hand touched my cheek.

I looked up into wise, grey eyes.

He was smiling; "Welcome, dear!" His laugh boomed through the palace and I smiled widely. I carefully ran my hand over the air next to me, creating a small portal-like hole. I hadn't yet mastered portal-creation, but I was making progress.

From the small, transparent hole, I took out the large, blue sapphire. Zeus's eyes grew in wonder and then he laughed joyfully as I bowed down and held up the gem for him to take; "A gift, my lord. To say thank you for your hospitality..."

"Wonderful! Just wonderful! Ah! It is beautiful, just like you..." Zeus remarked as he took the gem and winked down at me. His smile was wide and almost predatory. I felt like backing away.

From the corner of my eye I could see Thanatos cuss under his breath. He looked murderous as he clenched his golden chalice in his hand.

I kept my smile politely plastered to my face. 

"Let the celebrations begin!" A cheer rang out behind me as Zeus lifted the sapphire in the air and gulped down the rest of his wine. Suddenly, a chalice was pushed into my hand by one of the servants and he indicated to me to drink. I nervously glanced at Thanatos, who lifted up his cup and signalled to me to do the same.

I held it up and gulped down the contents. The red wine was heavy, but it certainly dulled my nerves.

"Aurora! Join me for a moment..." Zeus said as he walked up the steps. I glanced back at Thanatos. To my utter relive I saw him make his way over to me.

As he reached my side, Zeus sat down on his throne. The older man looked down at us with a scowl and then laughed; "Come now, Thanatos! I won't steal her from you- let me have a word with her in private."

Thanatos stiffened and smiled charmingly; "Of course, your majesty."

His hand gazed mine as he backed down the stairs and bowed; his reassurance was tender. I swallowed softly, but stood still.

Zeus signalled for me to come closer. I walked up and sat next to him on the throne as the rest of the partygoers all drank, danced and talked lively. I could feel Thanatos' eyes burning a hole into my back.

"Are you enjoying your time in the Underworld?" The king held out his hand for a servant to place a large, golden chalice in it. He didn't even have to look in the young boy's direction.

"Yes, your majesty, very much. It's extremely beautiful."

Zeus smiled and sipped at this drink. A servant came up beside me and filled my cup. They certainly don't waste any time here.

"Does Thanatos treat you well?"

I knew Thanatos could hear us from where he was standing. He stood next to a younger man- about the same age as him- with his chalice to his lips and his red eyes on me. The younger man was snickering and trying to get his attention.

"Yes, he's very attentive."

"I'm sure he is..." Zeus said amusingly. I didn't like his tone.

"Well, you must just say the word if you'd rather stay here, in Olympus."

Thanatos chocked on his wine.

"Ah, I don't think-" I began to speak, but a mature voice cut in.

"Don't be silly, Zeus." An older woman made her way up the stairs- her crisp white dress dragging on the floor and a golden embellished cape over her shoulders. She interrupted my words and gave me a once over with steely grey eyes. Her hair was a dark brown and on her head was a matching golden laurel crown; the same as her husband's.

This had to be Hera.

"My lady..." I stood up and curtsied quickly. Zeus smiled at me, but Hera wasn't impressed. I stood to the side as she went to sit on my spot, next to her husband.

I tried to remember all the pointers Thanatos had given me, but all that looped through my brain was 'compliment her pet peacock'.
Dammit- it isn't even here!

"You look astoundingly beautiful, my lady." Compliment her! Just keep going.

Hera smiled slightly; the look in her eye changing. I smiled and spoke up again; "I am eager to learn all I can from you. I've heard so many good things..."

Thanatos wasn't the only talented liar...

Hera smiled- this time larger and more sincere.

Gotcha.

"What a well-mannered young lady... How refreshing." Hera said as she took a sip of her wine. I could feel Zeus' eyes run up and down my body. I folded my hands in front of my dress.

I needed an escape- this was getting awkward for me.

Just then, a soft hand clasped over my bare shoulder. I turned my head to find a dazzling smile.

Persephone.

"Father, would you mind if I stole Aurora for a moment? I'd very much like to get acquainted..."

Both Hera and Zeus seemed a tad annoyed by the interruption, but Zeus nodded and smiled; "Of course, dear. Aurora, please- enjoy the rest of your feast. We'll talk again soon..." He winked at me. I shivered.

As I turned to leave, Hera called out; "Aurora. Hold on, dear. I have a gift for you."

She extended her hand. In her palm she held a small silver ring, with a moonstone. I looked back up into her luminous eyes.

"It's called a 'virtue ring'."

She placed it on my index finger. It fit perfectly. Persephone next to me gasped and leaned her head in to ogle at its beauty, but my heart sank into the pit of my stomach.

Hera smiled stiffly; "We are so fortunate to have found you during such a dire time in our kingdom, and we only wish for you to ascend as soon as possible. This ring will help you to remain pure until your ascension."

Zeus glared at the ring and took a gulp of his drink. I felt his irritation.

"How does it work?" I asked cautiously. I didn't want this- this was not part of the plan.

"It will simply stay white while you have your maidenhood, but be warned- as soon as you give away your virginity, it will turn black. And we don't want that now, do we?"

I gulped; her smile was knowing.

So no hanky-panky with Thanatos behind closed doors, or else everyone will think I can't ascend.

For fuck's sakes.

"Of course not. Thank you for your generosity." I smiled stiffly and turned to leave with Persephone in tow. She dragged me to a secluded spot in the great hall as the other gods laughed and danced.

Thanatos rushed over immediately. "Are you alright?"

Persephone squealed; "Awww! Thanatos! I've never seen you so concerned! How adorable!"

"Not now, Persephone!" He lifted up my hand to glare at the ring; "Please tell me this isn't what I think it is..."

"Unfortunately, it is..." Persephone spoke up before I had the chance.

Thanatos glared at her. I quickly spoke up before he could tell her to piss off; "It's a 'virtue ring'. It shows my, um...innocence."

Thanatos sighed and squeezed my hand. He looked devastated. "Fuck. This is so typical of her...." Thanatos growled softly; "She just wants to make sure that Zeus doesn't get to you behind her back."

"Well, then that's a good thing right?" I said as I tried to lighten the mood without giving away our secret with Persephone standing right next to me. Thanatos glared at the ring and dryly said; "Yeah. It's fucking fabulous."

"I know why you're cranky..." Persephone said as she picked up a glass of wine from the table behind her; "You wanted Aurora all to yourself, isn't that right? And now you can't, because it'll show. Awh, poor Thany!"

Persephone handed him the drink. She spoke almost like a child, but she certainly wasn't innocent if she could figure out Thanatos' source of immense displeasure. She was a dark-horse- at least, that's how I read her.

Thanatos eagerly took the glass and gulped down the wine. I gave him a warning look. My advisor and bodyguard cannot get drunk tonight of all nights!

He picked up my hand again and examined the ring; as if to see if it had an 'off-switch'.
As if...

Out of the blue, a male voice laughed; "Having trouble coming to terms with reality, dear friend?"

The young man who Thanatos was chatting with earlier came strolling up to us. He had clear blue eyes and dark hair. He was dressed in faded, dark silver armoury and an ocean blue toga. His smile was bright and cheerful, and seemed to piss Thanatos off even more.

"Poseidon, I'd like you to meet Aurora." Thanatos muttered as Poseidon picked up my hand and gave it a peck. I blushed and looked down. He was handsome, but nowhere near as handsome as the god glowering next to me.

Thanatos cleared his throat as Poseidon's lips lingered longer than necessary; "Aurora, this is Poseidon. Don't mind him; he's a bit of a pain."

Persephone and I snickered as Poseidon shot Thanatos a look of mock exasperation.

"You wound me, brother. After all I've done for you... Even after I saved you from that persistent hoard of nymphs who just wouldn't let you leave-"

"Yes, yes! Thank you, dear friend. Now let's not delve into the past, shall we?"

I raised a brow. What's this about a hoard of nymphs?

I thought loudly- enough to project the thought to Thanatos. He keenly avoided my questioning gaze.

Persephone laughed as Poseidon shot me a wink.

"Aurora, tell me, does he behave himself?" Poseidon's tone was teasing. I could tell they were good and very old friends. Thanatos took a sip of his wine; a small smile on his lips.

"We are talking about the same god, right?" My comment made the other two laugh out loudly, but Thanatos only shot me a sly smile as if to say 'well done'.

"Did you tell Aurora about how much trouble you and I got up to when we were young?" Poseidon draped an arm around Thanatos and grinned sweetly, like a man who'd never commit a single sin.

Thanatos chuckled; "I'd rather not bore her with your antics, malaka."

"Idiot." Persephone said as-a-matter-of-factly, to explain the Greek word. I nodded and smiled, showing my appreciation in her kindness. She pitched in quickly to tease the men; "Come now, tonight is all about Aurora. Tell us more about yourself, dear?"

I sipped at my wine, stalling for time. This wasn't going too badly. Hera and Zeus seemed to like me; these two definitely did. I opened my mouth to reply, but suddenly Persephone spotted something- or someone... "Oh, pookie!"

Pookie?

I shot Thanatos a questioning smile, but he was too busy trying to keep in his laughter as Poseidon made a funny face at the two of us. Persephone was waving her hand in the air to get someone's attention.

Just then a darkly dressed figure grumbled and broke loose from another group of gods.

Hades.

"Oh, pookie, come say hello to Aurora!"

"Not so loudly, dear." Hades said as he neared our small group.

He was much older than I expected. Not nearly as old as Zeus, but not young like us. His hair was a deep black and at a medium length. Hades' eyes were a light copper and his skin was pale. He wore a long, black toga covering most of his body, and a red sash across his shoulder embroidered with gold and black.

Persephone was definitely much younger than him, but they looked striking together.

"Hades." Thanatos said as he bowed his head slightly.

Of course, this was Thanatos' master. The man I had to be thankful for that Thanatos didn't just decide to turn me into a human kebab the first time we met...

Poseidon only smiled at his older brother and raised his glass to his lips. 

It was a bit odd to me how Thanatos had once been brought up to be a king and now served the king of the Underworld. Yet, Hades had no issue with giving him free reign in his own domain. From my understanding, and the way Alexus and Conrad spoke about it, Thanatos pretty much handled most dealings in the lands on behalf of Hades. 

I curtsied slightly and looked up at the scowling man; "My lord, it's an honour to meet you."

Hades' piercing eyes bore into mine for what felt like an eternity. I tried to not show my fear as Thanatos had instructed. I smiled and nodded my head.

Hades narrowed his eyes and nodded his head once; "It's good to finally put a face to the name."

I took a sip of my wine; trying to keep myself occupied.

"Isn't she beautiful? Oh, you're absolutely astonishing, Aurora!" Persephone said excitedly as she hooked her arm through her husband's. He patted her hand with his.

"Thank you." I smiled at her. I could feel Thanatos' eyes on me.

"Aurora..." Another female voice snapped me from my thoughts, savings me from thinking too much about if I was making Thanatos proud or not.

She was beautiful as well- just like all the women here. Her eyes were a deep green, and her hair was light brown. She wore a dark blue dress that flared out at the bottom and had moonstone-coloured panels running up on the sides; like fish scales. Poseidon swung an arm around her waist as she neared the group.

Amphitrite, Poseidon's wife. "It's good to meet you, my name is Amphitrite."

"The pleasure is all mine. Your dress, it's beautiful!" I exclaimed. Thanatos smiled widely next to me. I could tell he was proud. I was getting really good at being charming...

Amphitrite smiled and looked down, as if to check what she was wearing. She blushed. I suppose she wasn't used to being complimented by the others.

"It reminds me of scales. So striking!"

Amphitrite smiled broadly; "I thought so too! Aren't they stunning?"

Persephone and I agreed in an instant. They really were. They shone in the light, creating a luminous and rainbow-like effect.

I was checking off all the right points- six down, nine to go.

Persephone grabbed my hand and pulled me towards where people were dancing; "Come, meet my mother! She'll just love you! Come Amphitrite!"

Amphitrite followed close by as we made our way to the dance floor. I glanced over my shoulder at Thanatos. Hades and Poseidon were talking, but Thanatos' eyes were on my retreating figure. He smile softly and winked in encouragement.

I smiled back sadly. I didn't want to leave his side, but I knew that he would be watching.

"Mama!" Persephone waived at an old woman who stood next to a younger-looking woman. "Mama! This is Aurora!"

The older woman smiled down at me with kindness. She looked like the typical motherly and nurturing type.

"Aurora, this is Demeter." I curtsied and the old woman waved her hand for me to stop. A small laugh escaped her lips; "Oh, don't worry about formalities with me, child. I do not care for them, never have..."

"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, my lady."

Demeter examined me, her light green eyes sharp; "Tell me, do you enjoy it in the Underworld?"

I grinned and tried to remember what Thanatos had told me to talk to her about- the weather, plants, her farm...

"I do, it's lovely, but I do miss Earth. Although, the Underworld has the loveliest flowers..."

She smiled broadly; "Oh, yes! It was Persephone who had the idea to add more down there, just to make it look less... dead."

I giggled; "Well, it certainly livens up the place. She clearly got her wonderful taste from her mother."

Wow, I'm on a roll...

Demeter blushed and tucked some light blonde hairs that came loose from her braid behind her ear. They didn't look similar at all really, but I could see Demeter's smile in Persephone too; a smile that was wholly genuine.

Seven down, eight to go...

This wasn't so bad after all.

Demeter, Hera and Amphitrite...

Zeus, Hades, Poseidon...

Aurora's dress...

NEXT UPDATE- the party continues... Earlier update on the 27th of February.