Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 32

"Let me get this straight," I walk up to him, clueless as a golden retriever watching television for the first time. "You saw the Athena... the Goddess Athena! And you didn't bring me along?!"

???

THE SUN BURNED BEHIND MY eyelids, and I knew morning had arrived.

I rose up, confused because this wasn't my room, then one by one, it all came back to me, realizing I slept over at Perseus's last night. I'd say that was the best sleep I ever had, as the bed was comfortable. Royals' own mattresses made from sheep wool and silk blankets. Together they form the best bed of this century.

It was nice being royal for a night.

As I stand on my jelly legs, stretching my wings, I pan my blurry vision to his bed and notice he isn't there, nor anywhere in the room. I assumed he had gone down to train or to visit his mother. Nevertheless, I made my way toward the door, wanting to leave the castle before any royal members accused me of trespassing. Upon reaching the door, someone opens it from the other side.

Perseus.

"Good morning, Zelus," he greets me as if this is my room.

"Good morning," what an awkward reply.

I got out of the way, and he entered. I was drawn to a shield dangled on his back, made from gold and silver and spotless as a mirror. It reflected my morning hair, and I desperately needed a comb.

"Were you training?" I ask as he sets the shield next to the door.

"No," he says, standing to face me. "I went to Athena's temple and sought out the goddess for her shield."

I was baffled, thinking I was hearing anything but what slipped past his lips.

"That's... Athena's shield?" I want to confirm.

He nods. And I felt the need to strangle him.

"Let me get this straight," I walk up to him, clueless as a golden retriever watching television for the first time. "You saw the Athena... the Goddess Athena! And you didn't bring me along?!"

"I tried to, but you were sleeping," he didn't move even though our noses were practically inches from touching. "I didn't want to wake you."

And suddenly, I recalled the nudging on my shoulders early in the morning when the sky was still dark. I opened my eyes but couldn't see who was speaking, and I assumed I was dreaming.

It's not a dream, and I missed meeting Athena. All because the bed was comfortable.

I wish they had an alarm clock or something that could be used as an alarm. Perhaps a bucket of iced cold water poured over me would even suffice.

"Besides, why are you upset? Were you hoping to pray to her?" He asks, and I back away, realizing I'm in his personal space.

"No," I said. "I just wanted to see her, that's all."

I wanted to question why she didn't hear Medusa out before turning her into the beast she is today. I wanted to know if Athena knew Medusa's innocence. Well, I guess I'll never know now.