Bridge

3- Two Days Time

The throne room shook slightly, surprising the demigods who remained standing except for the one who caused it.

Electricity flickered around Thalia's knuckles, fists clenched in tight anger and disbelief. Her glare was a mixture of anger, disbelief, denial, sadness, and acceptance.

Yet she wasn't the only daughter of Zeus to retaliate.

Artemis stood up rigid, hand clenched tightly around her bow. "Father! This is outrageous!" she exclaimed. "Thalia is my lieutenant! She swore an oath to abandon love and turn her back on men! This would cost her her life at the least, Styx knows how much more!"

Zeus scowled. "You dare shout at me, daughter? I am king! My word is law! You will obey me as I'm both your king and your father. As both, I command you to silence yourself and sit back down!" he thundered.

Artemis seemed like she wanted to say something more, but a look from Athena and Hestia stopped her. She gave Thalia a saddened look before returning to her throne, knuckles white as her grip on her bow did not slacken.

Thalia appreciated her sister's attempt, but she knew there was nothing that could be done. Once Zeus made up his mind, rarely was it ever able to change. But that itself would not stop her from defending Reyna's rights.

"Now you show your true colors, Father. The gods care about nothing but themselves. We're just toys you all play with, puppets meant only for amusement. After two Great Prophecies, two major wars...after everything we went through just for the sakes of the gods, this is how you repay your so-called heroes? If so, I want none of it." Thalia spat. "Or just do what you wish to me, burn me, torture me, destroy me, anything. Leave the others out of it, especially Reyna."

Thalia's rant startled everyone, especially Zeus, Artemis, and Reyna.

The daughter of Bellona was more than surprised by the daughter of Zeus' words. Reyna always had known how rebellious Thalia was, but she never expected the Greek demigoddess to lash out at the gods themselves, especially her own father.

Zeus was furious.

Athena spoke before her father could strike down her half-sister.  "Father. These demigods have been worn down by many battles. As such, their minds may still be frayed by the exhaustion they hold as mortals. I suggest giving them some time before the wedding, that way they can think over their choices and follow your orders."

The king of the gods paused, thoughtful. He nodded slowly. "Yes, it makes sense. Let the demigods return to their camps and duties, prepare for the marriage. Those to be wed...Bellona, go with your daughter, retrieve her things, and bring her to Artemis's palace. She is to stay there with Thalia until their palace is completed. 

"Athena, begin work on the palace, make it as grand as it should be for the wives-to-be. Artemis, take Thalia and do the same with her, prepare her things and take her to your palace." Zeus paused, having already forgotten Thalia's words. "In two days time, they shall be married. Prepare Olympus for the marriage, the celebration, and above all, the unity of both Greeks and Romans!"

~~~~

"NNaaaggHHH!" Thalia struck at a nearby tree, anger flooding over the betrayal. Artemis radiated silver heat around her, her own barely contained rage visible.

Knowing Thalia was the first priority, Artemis quenched her anger and remained solemn, entering her lieutenant's tent and gathering some of the demigoddess's belongings. Thalia entered a few minutes later, smoke rising from her clenched fists as she breathed heavily.

Artemis said nothing as her friend entered, glaring at the ground. After a while passed, Thalia spoke. "Why does he always have to ruin everything?"

The goddess of the moon sighed, sitting down on the bed beside her half-sister. "Father is blinded by his pride and greed. I hoped he would listen to reason, but it seems he is fixed on the decision of marrying you off for a purpose. Even if the purpose isn't...sensible."

"How can you stand him?" Thalia asked, exasperated as she laid back on the bed. "I mean, you never die. You have to deal with him for eternity, ages and ages passing by. How don't you go insane just dealing with him?"

"Well, for starters, I don't." Artemis explained at her half-sister's questioning gaze. "I spend as little time on Olympus as possible, mostly because of Father and Apollo, both being insufferable and arrogant. I roam with the Hunt, helping maidens and children in need. When it comes to his orders and decisions, however..." Artemis paused. "There comes a point in time where you learn there are things you cannot change, and Father is one of them. Once he decides something, he doesn't change his mind."

"Just my luck," Thalia grumbled.

The goddess frowned. "I don't like it either, sister, but we have no choice. Now, are you going to pack your things, or will I just have to have the wolves come in and drag them into the woods?"