The New Order: The Divine Order of the Olympians, #3

By Catherine Gagnon

…you cannot run from fate…
…the prophecy of the godchild has been fulfilled… at least in part…

 

Rising from her mortal coil and human life, Serena now sits upon the very throne of Zeus himself to rule and command the Olympian deities, whether they are willing or not.

The three sisters of Fate show little remorse for the new leader of the gods, and their twisted trials push Serena to her breaking point, all to prove she is worthy of such an honor.

But soon, Serena discovers not all those who stood by her did so with honest intent and the lines of friend and foe blur in a dangerous weave for power and corruption. Will she be able to hold onto her power and prove her rightful place among the gods? Or will it all prove too much for her and throw the world into madness and chaos?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catherine Gagnon
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781738817412

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Ancient Greece, a long, long time ago…

She threw a drachma into the temple fountain, closing her eyes and pressing her lips together, silently praying as she did every day in the Temple of Athena of Pronaia. A temple known as the 'Vaulted Temple of Delphi.' She preferred this temple because it was a clear demonstration of its creator's great skills, capturing excellent details with liveliness and undeniable accuracy of the people it depicted. The frieze, a long stretch of painted, sculpted, and even calligraphic decorations, was set just above eye-level in its architecture for easy admiration by its visitors and worshipers.

The circular wall of the cella, the building's central chamber, was also crowned by a similar but smaller frieze with metopes, a rectangular architectural element used to brilliantly fill the space between two triglyphs depicting Hercules and Theseus' labors. There was a stone bench on which ten Corinthian style pillars stood, all of which were attached to the concave surface of the wall. The colorful effects created by the skillful use of various materials such as thin slabs of stone, marble, and limestone were breathtaking.

It was supported by twenty columns on the outside, which were decorated with more artistic triglyphs and metopes. The battles between the Amazons and Centaurs are depicted in the scenes.

Thetis, who possessed the gift of prophecy, found solace and clarity in visiting the sacred oracle of Delphi. Unlike Lord Apollo's oracle, her visions and prophecy frequently came in clouded visions, and only Delphi seemed to be able to help her make sense of them.

Gentle hands wrapped around her waist from behind her, and she couldn't help but smile as she leaned back against his chest, recognising the earthy smell. She reached back to caress his hair as he kissed her neck, her eyes still closed.

He inhaled her sweet, familiar, intoxicating scent of cherries and lemons, the scent of blooming water lilies that he could never get enough of, even after centuries. It was what drew him to her, aside from her small, perfectly curvy figure and enticing dark brown waves that flowed down to the middle of her back. That, and her seductive, irresistible smile, which could seduce any man who looked at her. She was the queen of the Nereids, beautiful sea nymphs known throughout the worlds for their unrivaled beauty. How could he ever resist the queen of the most beautiful creatures ever created?

They stood in silence for a few precious moments, enjoying each other's embrace, until Thetis began to feel uneasy. It wasn't like Zeus to be silent for so long, and she found herself reluctantly pushing herself away from him to face him. She knew when their gazes locked.

No! She sobbed and took a step back, shaking her head.

Thetis… he reached for her hand, firmly pulling her back to him when she pushed away. Please understand… he begged, his sorrowful eyes tearing at her heart.

Zeus, you swore to me! She sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Don't you realize I did everything I possibly could? His voice rumbled painfully, causing the temple walls to shake.

You are Atlantis' king! She sobbed uncontrollably, pounding his chest with her fists in rage.

Zeus allowed it, each blow piercing his heart like a sharp Atlantean dagger, until he couldn't take it any longer. He drew her tight against the security of his thick muscular chest, sobbing until she had no tears left to cry. He framed the side of her delicate face as she drew away.

You are the king of Atlantis, she whimpered, her hands tightly gripping his arms, pleading to be heard as she repeated the words.

You know that means nothing, my love. He closed his eyes, unable to look into hers, knowing she could not understand the ways of the Olympians. He leaned his forehead upon hers, pressing his soft, gentle and calming power against her to soothe her.

You promised, she whispered so softly that he barely heard the cutting words.

I… He swallowed hard, trying to force his own sadness into a deep corner of his mind. He was the king of Atlantis, the most powerful Atlantean to ever exist, yet this very woman in front of him was his undoing. He had done what the Fates had asked of him by defeating his tyrant father Cronos and how did they repay him? By calling forth a new prophecy that would change everything.

Thetis, he croaked, caressing the sides of her face with his thumbs, by putting you under my protection, the council could not send you to Tartarus. He forced a smile as she opened her eyes and looked up at him. Those Atlas be damned perfect piercing green eyes staring right at him did something to his resolve and it took every inch of his Atlantean strength to keep it together.

What good will that do? She scoffed with disbelief.

You will live. He frowned, the smile vanishing and giving way to pleading eyes.

Live? She mocked as she pushed herself away and raised her chin defiantly as she studied him. What good is living without you and why do I sense that it comes at a price? She narrowed her eyes as she pursed her lips.

Thetis… He let go of her, turning away from her prying eyes, knowing she could read him like no other.

You owe me the truth, Zeus! She shouted, knowing that her anger was misguided but unable to control herself.

Your fate has been decided. He closed his eyes, his voice so low he almost whispered.

Tell me something I wasn’t already aware of, She snapped. Seeing that he was silent, hesitant to say more, she took his arm, pulling him around so he could face her. She was dreading what he was hiding, but she also couldn’t stand the silence and waited for the words he was too afraid to speak.

You will be banished to earth, he said in a whisper, eyes still closed as he couldn’t bear to look at her.

That seems rather a light punishment. She stated, crumpling her brow, feeling there was more to this. When Zeus didn’t answer, the grip on his arm tightened. Zeus! She pleaded.

You will be bonded to a human, to pre—

No! She shouted, shaking her head in sheer disbelief as she yanked her arm back as she stepped away. You cannot do this to me!

It is the only way, he pressed his eyes closed tighter in an attempt to drown the emotions threatening to surface once again.

You mean it's the only way for the Olympians to conduct their sacrilegious act of disobeying the Fates while maintaining your pitiful perception of godliness? Her face hardened, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. Even though Zeus was her king, their connection had always given her the sense she had the freedom to say such things. Yet as she watched his face darken and his features harden, she knew she had stepped over the fine line that had been drawn for her, but she regretted nothing, only raising her chin defiantly.

Whatever you may think of me, Thetis, I have only done because of the love I have for you. Nothing you say will change it, and there is nothing that can be done to prevent the decision of the council, he said firmly as he worked his jaw in resolve.

Did you now? Thetis scoffed, even though she knew what he said was the truth, she was too hurt at the moment.

Thetis, he said softly as his features somewhat softened. You have to understand, he touched her arm softly, knowing far too well the effect it had on her.

No. She shook her head. In her naivety, she had honestly believed Zeus would be able to somehow stop this, she should have known better. With Zeus himself, she stood a chance, but not against eleven other gods who cared more about their status than her fate.

You cannot force me to marry anyone, especially not a despicable mortal! She grumbled vehemently as she spun around and walked away.

Zeus sighed then rolled his eyes impatiently. Not that he didn’t empathize with the love of his life, but he felt annoyed that she didn’t seem to appreciate the lengths he went to keep her out of Tartarus.

Thetis! There’s nothing you can do to stop this! Zeus called after her. When he stepped out of the temple, Thetis was catching the reins of her dark pegasus Telassus. She angrily shoved her foot in the stirrup and in one swift motion, swung one leg over her pegasus’ back.

I will not marry a mortal, she repeated as she squared her shoulders and raised her chin defiantly. Without waiting for an answer from Zeus, she clicked her tongue as she heeled Telassus gently. The pegasus spread out its wings in response to his rider and gracefully flew away.

Zeus sighed heavily as he watched her fly away, knowing far too well there was absolutely nothing Thetis could do to stop what was coming, yet he knew she would put up an incredible fight. The thought made the corner of his mouth twitch into a smirk. Her defiance and feistiness was what made him fall in love with this queen in the first place. If the prophecy would ever come to be, their child would be a force to be reckoned with.

Present day Atlantis, Mount Olympus…

Zeus ascended the seven steps leading to his throne, each one lighting up in its assigned color as he went. He turned around, taking in the splendor of the pantheon before him. You'd think after centuries of existence, he'd grow tired of it, but he found himself deeply appreciating its majestic beauty every time they met here. He slowly lifted his white cape before taking his seat on his cold throne, the chatter of the Olympians around him coming to a halt as it always did when he took his seat. All eyes turned to him and he took a deep, slow breath through his nose to compose himself, knowing today would be eventful to say the least. He snapped his fingers, immediately, the scene in front of him took a different shape. Hestia’s seat appeared between Aphrodite’s sparkling throne and Dionysus’ gold-plated fir wood throne. A new throne appeared between Poseidon’s gray-green-white-streaked marble seat and Ares’s hideous dark brass throne. An impressive ebony throne with narcissus flowers etched along its fine cut edges. The tall back of the throne was carved with intricately shaped cypress tree branches and even though it had skulls on each peak, it was incomparable to Ares’s unimpressive choice of art. Each armrest had the head of a three headed dog. Sitting back on the seat, legs crossed, finger tapping the arm rest was none other than Hades himself.

What is the meaning of this? Ares barked.

Zeus bit the inside of his cheek to contain his amusement at the look of sheer horror displayed on the taut features of Ares’s face.

What in Atlas do you mean? I’ve always been a part of the most important meetings, dear nephew. Hades laced his fingers together, elbows leaning on his armrests as he cocked one eyebrow curiously.

Of course, Ares muttered under his breath, the muscles of his face twitching even as he slightly bowed his head.

It is…good to see you, Lord Hades. Hera forced a smile.

I highly doubt that, Dionysus muttered under his breath before he took a sip of his wine.

From the corner of his eye, Zeus caught a glimpse of his wife, clenching the arms of her throne so tight, the tips of her fingers turning white, even though the smile on her face did not waver. It might pass unseen to the unaccustomed eye, but he knew enough to know what made her uneasy.

Persephone is still in the underworld? Demeter pointed out, her tone slightly accusatory and insinuating.

Indeed, she is safe and sound. As you all know, our oath excludes crucial council meetings, but thank you for your concerns, Hades politely and calmly explained.

Zeus envied the fact that he was the most polite and controlled of the Olympians and that he was also the most calculated. If it wasn’t for the fact that Hades was loyal to the purpose of their existence, he might worry more about what he could be up to. In the end, everything Hades did was to serve the Creator and fulfill his commitment.

We can all agree this is definitely a meeting he should be present— Athena stopped suddenly and all their gazes turned to the entrance of the pantheon. No one was there, yet, but they could all sense the powerful presence about to enter.

1

TRITON & SERENA

As they entered the pantheon Serena stopped as all eyes fell on her. She swallowed hard, finding it difficult to slow her frantically pounding heart that felt as though it was going to jump right out of her chest. She had been here before, at least in her dreams, but had only seen Zeus. Here, now, the room seemed grander than she remembered, and the air was thick with power. Her lungs burned as she tried to breathe, her chest needing to adjust to the strange atmospheric changes the amalgamation of these powers seemed to create around them.

Triton had been here many times before and was accustomed to this sensation. He wanted to help her somehow. Closing his eyes briefly, he pushed his power to meet hers to create a barrier around their minds. This, using his power to meld with hers was entirely new. He had known that the bond would allow him to tap into her powers, but it still felt different to him. He knew it would take some time to adjust to it and get rid of the sense of unease he felt doing this, much like he had felt about touching Serena’s mind through the bond, making it much like he was invading her space, her power, her privacy.

Breathe Serena, it’ll be fine. Triton whispered in her mind as he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

How can you be sure this will be fine? She argued, her grip on his hand tightening with insecurity.

I don’t, but look at them, they are scared shitless of you right now.

Serena’s gaze studied the room and realized that the room was different from the last time she had seen it in her dreams. There had been five thrones on her left and five thrones on her right with a small one by the hearth in the middle. Now, there were six on the left and six on the right with none in the middle. She found herself looking at the details of the thrones to her left, which were all for the male Olympians it seemed. She saw the two ram heads cut into the arms of the throne closest to her and her eyes drifted up to meet Hermes’s cheerful smile. He winked at her and she couldn’t help but smile. Next to him was a swiveling innovative looking throne and she knew instantly by the golden leg, this was her uncle Hephee. As she looked up at his impressive figure, he nodded and although he didn’t smile, she could see his warmth.

It was hard not to miss the next throne as it was bright and shiny and was somehow not surprised to find Apollo’s cheeky smile when she searched the face of the Olympian sitting there.

When her eyes found the next throne, she couldn’t help but wince at what she thought was an atrocity and wasn't surprised at all to find none other than the most despicable, in her opinion, of the Olympians sitting on the edge of its seat. Instinctively, she lifted her chin, her smile vanishing to give place to a stern look of antipathy.

I should have known better than to trust Hera with this ridiculous plan of hers! This is going to blow back in our faces! The little bitch can even block us out of her mind! Ares’s thought echoed back to hers.

You might just be right. She agreed with Triton, bearing down her teeth to keep from biting her lip off. What was someone like Ares doing on the Olympian council? His thoughts were just as horrid as she expected.

I’ve asked myself that question many times, wait, Triton frowned as he looked at her, you can hear his thoughts? Triton asked with surprise. Not that he should be, her powers were obviously much greater than anyone anticipated or feared.

I guess so, I was just looking at him and they came to me. She answered, her eyes narrowing in on Ares who still refused to meet her gaze. Then her eyes immediately landed on Hades and the warmth she found in his gaze returned the smile to her face. There was something so soothing about his smile. It melted the tension away and she felt the muscles of her neck and shoulders relax. His throne had not been there before. Zeus had rearranged the throne room to accommodate his presence.

Welcome, Serena, daughter of Zeus, Athena’s kind voice broke the awkward silence.

Thank you, Lady Athena. Serena bowed her head respectfully.

Son of Poseidon, you have accomplished the task that was asked of you, Artemis said, sitting up straight, hands folded on her lap. She looked nothing like the Hawaiian beacher, café worker and owner she had personified on earth. She looked like a princess and in many ways, being the daughter of Zeus and an Olympian, she was.

Yes, my lady. Triton bowed his head reverently.

How wonderful to finally meet you. Hera forced a smile that seemed even painful to her.

I highly doubt it, Dionysus muttered under his breath after choking on the sip of wine he had just taken, earning him a deadly stare from the queen.

Come, daughter. Zeus motioned her forward. She took a deep, silent breath before she moved forward, Triton still holding on firmly to her hand as he followed next to her until they reached the king and queen.

Triton knelt to one knee and Serena did the same, knowing if she wanted to start things the right way, she had to show everyone here the respect they deserved.

You may rise, Zeus commanded, his voice bouncing off the walls in a firm echo around them, clearly showing who was in charge.

They stood, a shiver running down her spine at the cold look in her father’s eyes. She had never seen this side of him as he always appeared to her more with his fatherly figure and rarely in this form, but rather in his younger self.

Don’t worry Serena, Zeus is king, he must act this way in front of the council. Triton reassured her, feeling the unease creeping through her body. He was impressed with how calm she seemed on the outside, even if she wanted nothing but to be anywhere else. He felt she knew why she needed to be there, even if she didn’t fully understand it.

Serena narrowed her eyes as she studied Zeus, wondering if she could hear his thoughts as she had with Ares but was only rewarded a look from Zeus.

What makes you think you can poke around my mind freely? She heard the amusement in his tone and felt relieved that Triton had been right.

I…was just…

I know exactly what you were doing, Serena.

Let us begin. Zeus flipped his hand, a rod-shaped lightning bolt appeared and he struck the ground, a loud clap of thunder followed in a loud rumble that shook the ground under their feet.

Daughter of Zeus, you are brought here today so that we may determine your intentions, Poseidon declared, his hands firmly gripping the armrests shaped like fearsome sea beasts. Ares opened his mouth to speak.

But before we begin, Zeus held a hand up to stop Ares before he could utter a word, there are some concerning matters that must be dealt with.

What could possibly be more pressing than your bastard child being a threat to us all! Hera exclaimed with a humorless laugh. Zeus didn’t respond, with the muscles of his face tightened as his eyes narrowed in on Ares.

Serena, you must speak now. Zeus’ voice spoke softly in her mind.

I am a threat? I’ve done nothing to give any of you that impression, it is your actions that should be questioned. Serena stared intently at Ares, even though she was responding to Hera. Feeling her burning gaze, Ares finally locked eyes with her and raised his chin.

"Are you accusing me of something?" Ares scoffed. Zeus snapped his fingers and there was an eerie silence that filled the room. Sensing that somehow there was someone behind her, Serena glanced over her shoulder to find her mother standing there with a baffled look on her face. She squared her shoulders and held her head high.

Thetis, queen of the Nereids, what say you on behalf of your daughter’s accusations? Apollo demanded.

What is this? There were no accusations made! Ares shouted.

Are you that excited about the possibilities, Ares? Hermes trifled, rewarding him an icy glare from the god of war.

Silence! Zeus’s voice thundered.

"Without any provocation he belligerently attacked and defiled Zeus’ daughter!" Thetis answered with disgust. There was a moment of chaotic chatter amongst the Olympians, so loud, Serena couldn’t even understand what was being said.

Enough! Zeus ordered, a loud clap of thunder exploding above them.

What a bold accusation to make against an Olympian! Such a statement without any proof will bring dire consequences! Hera spat as she stood, ignoring her husband’s command. One simple look from him and she sat right back down on her throne, like a dog with its tail between its legs.

Do you honestly believe she is foolish enough to face the council without such proof? Hephaestus retorted defensively.

Hermes, care to do the honors? Hades asked curiously as he smirked.

I was summoned by the son of Poseidon and came upon a very…disturbing scene. Besides the obvious signs of an attack upon the daughter of Zeus and the queen of the Nereids, I found this. Hermes flicked his hand and a dagger appeared. Serena recognized the fine, engraved edges etched with rubies and she fought the urge to close her eyes and shudder.

Triton tensed, inadvertently tightening his grip on Serena’s hand. He didn’t know how Serena was staying so calm while revisiting a traumatizing event, but assumed it had to do with her visit to Elysium, which he did not have the pleasure of attending. It was all he could do not to grab the prick by the throat and squeeze the sleazy smirk off his face.

Breathe, Tristan. Serena’s soothing voice called to him. She knew the effect she had on him when she used his human name in that tone. He swallowed hard to calm himself.

I believe it belongs to you, does it not? Hermes pointed the tip of the dagger at Ares and with a shove, the dagger flew across the room towards him. Ares caught it with ease, evidently having done so plenty of times before with the familiar weapon.

My son? Poseidon questioned, all eyes turning to Triton.

I confirm Hermes’ description of events. I arrived at the home of the daughter of Zeus, Ares was…defiling her, the queen of the Nereids was already unconscious. Triton barely managed to contain his distraught emotions and kept his head lowered as he spoke to the king of Atlantis.

Daughter, do you have anything else to add to this? Zeus asked, the growing creases on his brow were the only indication that he was perplexed.

It wasn’t the only attempt on my life made with such a weapon, Serena replied, motioning to it with her chin.

Oh really? What tale will you conjure up this time? Ares chuckled, his nervousness now palpable.

As a matter of fact, did I not make you two of those very daggers? Hephaestus questioned. Serena watched curiously from one to the other, Ares refusing to answer.

Proof Serena, to accuse an Olympian, you need proof. Triton urged.

I don’t know how to do that! She argued, racking her brain.

Autonoe. He simply answered. She blew out a quick breath through her nose. Of course, she knew that Autonoe was really the proof she needed, but how was she supposed to use that?

Ask and ye shall receive the silent whispers filled her mind. She closed her eyes briefly and felt her entire body relax, as if the whispers had enveloped her with a calmness that was indescribable, and she knew what to do. She snapped her fingers and instantly Autonoe appeared next to Thetis, spread across the marble floors of the pantheon. A mist swirled around her body, transforming her into a form she could stand on. She wobbled to her feet as her hair began twisting itself in intricate braids, not used to standing on solid ground or on two feet. She was wearing a thin see-through sheer short red dress that left nothing to the imagination.

Serena snapped her fingers again and Autonoe jerked as a full red toga properly covered her perfect curves and breasts to which she was more than certain most of the Olympians didn’t mind staring at, but she felt no such pleasure. Maybe it was the fact she knew this nymph was Triton’s toy for so long.

Nymph, do you know why you have been brought here today? Serena asked sternly, using her power to push against her mind, not to force lies, but to force out the truth as she could feel the nymph was resisting.

Yes! Autonoe’s eyes frantically looked at Ares, as if trying to convey she had no choice.

This is absurd! It is clear the bastard offspring is using her power on the nymph to influence—

Zeus raised his hand, slowly closed his hand into a fist and Ares’s mouth was forced shut, keeping him from uttering one more word. Serena swallowed back the satisfaction of seeing Ares go through exactly what he had done to her and wondered if her father had done so on purpose considering he had seen exactly what had transpired when he forced her to relive the events.

He … gave me … the weapon … and promised I would not suffer the consequences. Autonoe choked out as if every word was painful, her eyes filled with horror as they slipped out of her mouth.

The consequences … she’s talking about … becoming a wretched siren. Triton finished the sentence. Serena closed her eyes, fighting the mixed emotions overwhelming her, a shiver running through her body at the thought of this beautiful nymph turning into … that.

Serena, she made her choice. No one forced her to do this. Triton reassured her, knowing Serena would always struggle against the strong human reasoning that was ingrained by growing up as such. Even though the Olympians seemed to think they were above all, the rest of the universe was not.

I think we’ve heard enough. Zeus waved his hand, letting go of his hold on Ares.

"Zeus, I don’t understand why you are doing this. Since when someone outside of this council get to accuse us." Hera frowned with disbelief and indignation as she was obviously defending Ares.

I think perhaps we all should realize that it is not Serena that is here to face us, Artemis said softly, her tone melancholic and perhaps with a hint of guilt.

But rather we are here to face her, Apollo finished his sister’s sentence. Everyone turned to gape at them before returning their questioning eyes to Zeus.

2

SERENA

W hat foolish nonsense! Hera waved the notion away with one hand, yet all eyes turned to Serena.

Is it now? Hades uncrossed his legs and sat up straight in his seat.

"The sun shall shine on the divine. On her thirtieth flower moon, she shall fully bloom. From the depth of the deep blue sea, the son of its king shall set her free. Ye the daughter of the mighty king of the sky, with the son of Poseidon her fate shall we tie. A love stronger than a bond of power will remain unbreakable and shall be even mightier. Together they shall restore the gods to their humanity, for in her we have woven pure serenity." The words spewed out of Apollo’s mouth like he was reciting poetic works, his eyes unfocused and distant and gleaming like sunlight, as if someone else was speaking through him.

A sacred bond? Demeter questioned, her eyes burning at Aphrodite.

I had nothing to do with this bond! Aphrodite stood defensively, stepping towards Serena and Triton. She reached up with her left hand to Serena’s right arm, and Triton’s right arm with her own, as her fingers trailed down from their upper arms, a bright blue glow appeared, leaving a trail behind her fingers.

A bond of power, Aphrodite whispered, looking up to lock eyes with Serena. That could only truly be done by the Fates. She spoke loud enough for the others to hear.

They shall restore the gods to their humanity? Poseidon repeated with horror as he grabbed his trident with both hands and stood.

Sit down Poseidon. Zeus ordered.

And let her make us human again? He shouted at Zeus as he pointed his trident menacingly in Triton and Serena’s direction, sparks sizzling from the sharp edges inches from the back of Serena’s head.

Serena turned just in time to watch Triton grab his own glowing trident with two hands, thrusting it forward to catch his father’s weapon, the clashing of the celestial steel weapons echoing in the pantheon. He flung it across the room and outside of Mount Olympus before his father had time to react but immediately regretted it as he knew he had just declared war. He couldn’t have stopped himself if he wanted to, the bond demanding he protect Serena.

Poseidon’s eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape, unable to speak at his son’s bold and unexpected move.

As a ruler and king, why are you not outraged by this? Poseidon finally managed to mutter to Zeus, after composing himself, his face burning with anger.

"Because, brother, Zeus stood slowly, there is nothing that can be done to stop it." Zeus lowered his eyes in resignation.

That is preposterous! Ares hung the dagger on his belt as he pulled his short sword out of its sheath, and he joined Poseidon.

Together we’ve defeated Cronus! Surely, we can defeat the granddaughter of Nereus! Hera spat as she stood slowly making her way to Poseidon and Ares’ side.

You’ve defeated Cronus? Hades laughed, holding his abdomen as he stepped to stand with Triton and Serena. I believe you meant to say we, he motioned at himself, at Poseidon, and Zeus, his smile vanishing, defeated our father before you were even a seed in our blessed mother’s womb, he gritted, evidently offended by Hera’s comment.

How dare you speak to your queen this way! Hera shouted as she made her way to Poseidon and Ares’ side, the tips of her fingers glistening with the pink mist of her powers.

You are the queen of Atlantis, Hera, but you are not my queen, Hades scoffed. Hera huffed angrily as she crossed her arms, staring at Zeus expectantly, but he did not respond.

Serena watched as everyone in the room began to shift as they argued. On her right side, standing with her was Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Hestia, Dionysus, Hephaestus, and Hermes stood. Hades placed himself on the other Serena’s side.

On the other side of Triton, standing against them was Ares, Poseidon, Demeter, Aphrodite and Hera. As outnumbered as they were, they stood defiantly and ready for battle.

Well perhaps then if you will not defend your queen, you do not deserve to be king. Hera raised her chin provokingly.

And you deserve to be a queen? Serena's soft voice broke through the chaos of the room and all eyes were upon her again.

Everything I have done was for this council and the safety of the universe! Hera sneered.

So killing Zeus’ illegitimate human children who bore no threat or power was to protect the universe? Serena frowned and Triton wondered how she managed to stay so serene through this. Hades chuckled beside them.

Enough, Zeus finally interfered, he stepped slowly down the steps which lit up under his feet and stopped in front of Serena, kneeling in front of her. Do what you must. He bowed his head as he closed his eyes.

I am not here to take the throne, Serena spoke up as she knelt in front of her father, lifting his chin to meet his eyes. You are the king of Atlantis and always will be. She forced a weak smile. She stood slowly, taking his hand, and pulling him up with her. Although she didn’t react, she felt how she could have fit two of her hands into one of his, but it didn’t matter, when he squeezed her hand, she felt empowered, like she had the strength to accomplish anything.

I am not here to take the throne of Atlantis. Serena repeated with confidence. This council is another matter. Ares lifted his sword as Poseidon, Hera and Demeter lifted their arms to conjure their powers. Serena closed her eyes briefly and without even lifting her fingers, a strong gust of her powers flew directly at them. A mist swirled madly around them, Hera and Demeter began to gasp for air. Ares dropped his sword, his daggers falling from his belt, and he collapsed to his knees. The mist disappeared and there was deadly silence in the room as no one dared to speak.

The Fates have chosen to give me this great power to restore the balance. All of you have played a role in defying the sacred rules, Serena’s voice resonated around them as she spoke, her eyes drifting from one to the other. For your interference, you must each pay the price.

Hera, Serena flicked her fingers, the crown on Hera’s head disappeared, her hair moving into small strands, and they began moving into a French braid. Her dress changed into a plain gray t-shirt and a plain pair of jean shorts. Her crystal and diamond Greek sandals vanished and were replaced by plain brown flip flops. You have been found unworthy to be queen.

But I am his wife! Hera cried out throwing her hands in front of her to use her powers.

You are no longer an Olympian. Serena looked at Hera, Ares and Demeter to convey that they too were part of this.

No! Hera cried out as she fell to her knees at Serena’s feet. Zeus is my husband! She grasped at Serena’s dress, sobbing uncontrollably.

By the power invested in me, you are his wife no longer. Serena placed a hand on the top of Hera’s head.

No! Hera cried out once again, pulling away from Serena, looking at her hand as the band on her fourth finger disappeared. Hera stumbled