Immortal Half-Blood

Old Friend

All four of them jumped back, and Apollonia flinched, she recognised that voice.

A woman had just appeared in front of them. She wore an elegant black dress with diamond jewellery, and she looked like a retired fashion model— maybe fifty years old. Her long dark hair swept over one shoulder, and her face was gorgeous in that surreal supermodel way— thin and haughty and cold, not quite human. With their long red-painted nails, her fingers looked more like talons, "I'm so happy to see new customers. How may I help you?" 

Piper and Leo glanced at Apollonia as if to say, 'All yours'. She was about to open her mouth to speak but Jason— again— beat her to it. By saying something stupid.

"Um," Jason started, his gaze shifting off the girl beside him to the lady, "is this your store?" 

The woman nodded, "I found it abandoned, you know. I understand so many stores are, these days. I decided it would make the perfect place. I love collecting tasteful objects, helping people, and offering quality goods at a reasonable price. So this seemed like a good— how do you say it... first acquisition in this country." 

Apollonia's eyes widened when she finally took a good look at her face, "M-Me—" 

Before she could finish, she was cut off by Jason's voice, "So you're new to America?" he asked. 

"I am... new." the woman agreed, "I am the Princess of Colchis. My friends call me 'Your Highness'. Now, what are you looking for?" 

Apollonia felt her gut twist, she knew exactly what Medea would do once she found out about Jason's name.

Apollonia elbowed Jason in the rib, "Hun..." she said with full charm speak, knocking him out of Medea's. She made eye contact with Medea and immediately she knew Medea recognised her. Who wouldn't recognise an old friend?

"Um, right. Actually, Your Highness..." He pointed to the gilded cage on the first floor, "That's our friend down there, Gleeson Hedge. The satyr. Could we... have him back, please?" 

Apollonia pursed her lips and was mentally slapping her forehead multiple times. Her soulmate was too nice.

"Of course!" the princess agreed immediately, "I would love to show you my inventory. First, may I know your names?" 

"My old friend, you already know me, Apollonia Athanasios. These are my companions—"

"Leo, Piper, Apollonia, and I'm Jason, Apollonia's soulmate," Jason interrupted. Apollonia wasn't fast enough to get to his name so the charmspeak would wash over him. She and Medea both trained together under Circe once upon a time.

Apollonia let out a tight smile and reached up to turn his head to face her and pinched both of his cheeks hard, "Yes! Yes, you are! Leave all the talking to me. You must be exhausted!" She spoke with her charm speak so strong making Leo and Piper not want to speak as well.

The princess fixed her eyes on him and, just for a moment, her face literally glowed, blazing with so much anger, Jason could see her skull beneath her skin. Jason's mind was getting blurrier, but he knew something didn't seem right. Then the moment passed, and her Highness looked like a normal elegant woman again, with a cordial smile and a soothing voice. 

"Jason. What an interesting name. Nia dear, you seem to have rather— good taste. Did dear Aphrodite set you up with him too?" She said, her eyes as cold as the Chicago wind.

"Of course she did. As it's her favourite sport," Apollonia said, matching her vocal tone with Medea's.

"Yes, how unfortunate, old friend. Following in my footsteps, how tragic. Anyway, I think we'll have to make a special deal for your sweet soulmate, Nia. Come, come. Let's go shopping!"