Page 110 of Blood of Olympus

Or, at least, that’s what I thought prior to glancing over and witnessing a crown of daisies on one of their heads.

“You may also go,” the older of the two women instructed in a smooth, curiously accented tone. The six who had accompanied them marched off as I studied the women.

Both had bronzed skin that spoke of sunlit days and warm evenings. They bore the same round, cerulean eyes and deep brown hair twisted into braids down their backs. The younger of the two gazed eagerly back, her skin untouched by time, while the other wore her years with pride.

“I am Queen Idalia of Cytheros,” she said, rolling the ‘r,’ “And this is my daughter, Kallista.”

“Welcome to the Isle. I’m sure Aphrodite will be thrilled you made it safely,” I murmured, indicating the blonde, buxom goddess cackling at something Aros said as he leaned against the back of her chair.

“The goddess is here?” Queen Idalia asked, the creases around her eyes softening as she located her patron goddess. “It has been quite some time since I have seen her. Thank you. I shall go join them. Come, Kallista. Oh what a joy it shall be to introduce you.” She clapped her hands, her excitement palpable.

I was confident we would have allies in Cytheros, at least.

“I haven’t seen Idalia so happy in years,” Aelia commented, watching them leave.

Kallista beckoned to her, and with another quick dip of her head, Aelia joined them.

“What are you thinking?” Caelus asked quietly.

I shot him a wry look. “You, of all people, must know what I’m thinking.”

“There is a little room for doubt,” he answered with a raised brow. “Your mind is closed off to me, but your emotions are… wicked.”

I let them play upon my lips. “I was just thinking about how much of a commotion there will be amongst the mortals when Velira deigns to drop by.”

Prepare yourselves, the dragon in question purred. I shall keep an eye on the remaining boats and then make my grand entrance.

I snorted at her coquetry and relayed the message to my storm-wielder.

“You’re as bad as each other,” he laughed.

“We could be worse.”

Much worse, she agreed.

CHAPTER 29

Nyssa

An hour later, all boats had docked and deposited their representatives on the Isle — an assortment of people old and young, male and female, with all different shades of skin colour, and various styles of dress.

Everyone was seated at the oddly shaped table, Olympians on one side, mortals on the other, and all were waiting for me to speak.

I liked this table. Round, so that no one person could be elevated above any other, and all could see each other clearly.

Perhaps I’ll have one made for the council to match.

Caelus reached for my hand beneath the table, squeezing thrice before releasing it. I think that’s a wonderful idea. Imagine what we could do out of sight, while the others are none the wiser.

Caelus!

Blushing, I rose slowly, and the quiet hum of conversation fizzed out.

“Thank you for coming. I am aware some of you are displaced by the temperature here, so I’ll endeavour to keep things brief.”

My gaze slid around the table, momentarily humbled by what we had already accomplished in this meeting. Never before has one table housed so many noteworthy faces. Never before have mortal rulers all been in the same place at once, and definitely not in the presence of gods. And while not every ruler attended themselves — that would be foolish indeed, Kronos need only wipe out this island to thwart us and throw Ephemeron into further chaos — they had sent someone able to speak on their behalf.

Every Kingdom between the Underworld and Olympus was present.