MASKS

Chapter Fourteen

Triton

It was early morning. Many in the castle were still asleep, but I could sense a few people moving around, likely workers and guards. None approached the balcony I was on. I don't know if it's because of my volatile mood or my title; no matter,  I welcomed the few moments I had left before the day's events began. 

"Your worry is palpable...and not a good look," my mother said from behind me. I straightened my spine immediately, years of ingrained protocols and etiquette lessons propelling me before my mind could catch up.

"How was your rest, mother?" I ask very clearly, ignoring her concern. I studied her closely; her black hair was arranged neatly, the small crab horns peaking through, her white chiton swayed gently with the currents, her gold necklace and rings glimmered as they reflected the limited light from the sun above, the regal crown from coral and rubies mined from the ocean floor completed the look. She looked perfect, untouchable, a goddess and queen. Her body language was cold and indifferent: the worry in her eyes was the only thing that showed she was also a mother. Even if she didn't birth Pearl, she was her mother in everything else; the worry showed her love. 

"My rest was good. What of yours?" she asked, knowledge in her eyes. I was restless all night, wondering if I had done everything possible and if all the training and lessons were enough. I spent all night worrying over today.

"It could have been better, but it is a new day, and I need to be ready," I folded my hands in front of me, turned my back to her, and looked at the arena below. She took my hand and silently led me to a cushioned bench. She sat me down and went behind me. I felt her hands run through my hair, trying to detangle the few knots I didn't care enough to worry about. She hadn't done my hair in decades. Next, she took a comb to it, and that's when she started talking.

"When I learnt of your sister, I was jealous, but I remembered my place, so instead, I became angry," I didn't know what this had to do with today, but I didn't interrupt, "a century had passed, and I wondered who this human who was special enough to turn your father's eye was? Why would your father risk our peace for a mortal whose whole life is but a blink to a god? I was ready to be indifferent to the child when I knew she would come to my home, then she found me the same day she came, she looked lost and afraid ready to run, but she faced me, she bowed then stood in front of me and looked me in the eye. Her spine was ramrod straight, and steely determination shone brightly in her eyes, brighter than her fear. I waited for her to claim her place, tell me why she belongs here," she let go of my hair after tying it up. 

She walked to the railing and watched as the servants put the last decorations in place below. A stream of bubbles blew out of her mouth. When she turned to me, the queen was gone; before me stood a mother, a mother worried for her daughter because the cruel world was catching up to her child, and the world of a royal bastard child was worse. Tradition and law were tough on them, brutal with no mercy.

"'I lay my life and all that I am at your feet, do with it and me what you must but spare my mother. I am the only evidence of my King's infidelity; erase me if you must but leave my mother be'," I was shocked," those were her worlds ingrained in my mind for all eternity, she could have done anything then, but she chose to protect the only parent she knew, willing to sign her loyalty, her life to what she saw as an enemy, all for the one she loved. That is the day my love grew for her and when  I saw a glimpse of her strength. I vowed then to protect her the best I could. She is young and has a lot to learn, and that all will come with time. As for today? she is strong and will succeed. The fates have plans for her; she will not fail. Come, we must eat before the day's festivities," then she left.

 Pearl was brave, but bravery could only get a person so far. She was of the sea; she would adapt, bend even, but never break. So I sent a prayer to the fates as I followed after my mother. They were cruel, but they knew best.

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I know it's been a minute, but here you go, a concise chapter with a little mother-son moment for Triton. I needed this chapter to bridge the gap between the last chapter and the next scene. It is also meant to pull you from Apollo's timeline and back to Percy's. So what do you all think the big event is? I'm curious to see where all your minds are at. I hope you enjoyed it and are as excited for the next chapter as I am. Until next time have a great morning/ night/ afternoon/ middle of the night.

as usual love

anglevil😇😈