Page 120 of Styx

what was about to happen.

The look on his face

alerted Oceanus.

The old God of the sea stood

to his full height

and asked coldly,

‘What Is It You Want, Young Perses?’

At the boom of his voice,

a hush fell.

Perses looked unperturbed.

He met my father’s and

Oceanus’s eyes fearlessly.

‘I have come for Asteria’s hand.’

My father was about to speak

but Oceanus interrupted.

‘You are too late. She is promised

to another. My oldest son.’

Perses looked at me.

‘Asteria, is that what you want?’

I hated the way all eyes fell on me.

But I could not let Perses stand alone.

‘I wish to be with Perses, Father.’

I addressed him instead of Oceanus.

My father looked deeply uncomfortable,

his eyes moving between Perses and me

and Oceanus. ‘Asteria,’ he sighed,

‘you should have told me before.’

Perses shook his head.

‘Please do not blame Asteria.

It is I who took my time asking.’