Page 121 of Styx

He turned to Oceanus.

‘I mean no disrespect

to your hospitality or home.’

Oceanus was thunderous.

‘And yet, disrespect is precisely

what you have brought.

Coeus, tell them your decree.’

But my father merely stood quiet.

He was studying me carefully.

Oceanus spun toward my father.

‘Now.’ His voice threatened a storm.

‘No,’ said my father softly.

I stared at him and he gave me

the slightest of smiles.

‘My daughter will spend eternity

with a consort of her choice, not mine.’

A strange relief filled me at his words.

My faith in him had been restored.

I knew he was not like Oceanus.

Perses bowed his head to my father

and quietly took my hand.

Coeus turned to Oceanus and said,

‘I will not force my daughter to spend

her goddesshood with someone

she feels bound to out of duty.’

Oceanus glared. ‘My daughters

are dutiful enough to serve my vows.’

My father nodded as I finally saw

Styx and Pallas push their way

to the front of the crowd of deities.