Page 187 of Styx
was Nyx. But then,
Nyx was also the Goddess
feared by every God
who ever existed.
When we arrived
at my father’s palace,
a strange kind of melancholy
took over my very bones.
My heart throbbed with a dull ache.
Something told me to treasure
these moments well.
So I let Perses take me
by the hand and say,
‘My father and I built
a palace long ago,
where I would bring my own consort to.
Instead of remaining here,
would you like to go
there instead?’
I should have refused.
But his amber eyes sparkled
and my desire for him
grew the closer he stepped.
I smiled and breathed,
‘Yes, take me home.’
Our New Home
To say it was beautiful would be a disservice to this place of dreams that Perses had created with his father’s help. It sat on an island not far from my own father’s palace, a bright marble structure that was full of open courtyards. Fountains of water drew in birds from across the world, the courtyards were home to peacocks and parakeets alike, white snowy owls lived in its tall marble towers. And behind the palace was a wilderness, its own forest of flora and fauna, wild hare and deer roaming free. But it was the largest courtyard that Perses took me to, one behind the palace, still enclosed safely behind its marble walls, but with enough space for three temples if not more. He told me this was mine to turn into a garden of my very own. A place where I could grow all the herbs and flowers I’d like. He told me he would build me an altar so that I could send the smoke to my Oracles, grant their prophecies. And the highest tower, he promised me would be turned into a place where I could see the stars and help them fall – showing them the way as I always did. It was only then that he took me to our own chambers hidden away within the heart of this fine palace, its airy hallways and arches, its bright courtyards full of colourful birds, and its secret forests and fountains, all welcoming me home.
The Dream
Five nights passed and I should have been
in the most peaceful rest of my immortality.
