Ice Princess

24

Melinoe was worried as they escorted her towards the ship. Still, she kept her wits about her. Absorbing everything, who was in charge, what they wore, how they talked to one another, everything and anything. She didn't know if it would help or how it would help until she got to where they were going. The guards took her to a large room on the ship, it was opulent to say the least. There were four women there.

"These are your maids who will tend to you." The captain of the guard told her.

"Thank you captain, some rest and refreshment are in order. How long will it take for us to get to where we are going?" She asked.

"Highness, Omnipotence City is a full day away." The captain told her as he left. The door was shut and locked behind him.

"Hi," she said turning to the four women. They each looked different but were beautiful. "What are your names?" They looked at each other shocked that she was addressing them. "I'm Melinoe, my friends call me Meli."

"Highness, we are not supposed to address you." They kept their eyes averted.

"It's ok, I won't do anything to you. But how am I supposed to know what you want me to do if I don't ask." The women looked from one to another.

"We are here to bath you, dress you, feed you, and entertain you." Another said.

"Well, let's get started then." She said. They started to throw out her clothes. "No, wait. I want to keep those. They're important to me, sentimental value."

"Then we will clean them." Melinoe removed the bracelets, the gold coins, and the necklace putting them all in the jewelry box on the table. When she opened it, there were a great many jewels in it. After they stripped her, they cleaned her. But then they led her down into a pool of water, it was the perfect temperature and lily pads with lilies floated on the water. As she soaked in the water, they massaged her limbs. Leading her out of the water, they patted her dry and began dressing her in the Greek style, her robes were black, accented with silver. They adorned her with jewelry from the box, and did her hair and makeup. When they moved from the mirror, she did not recognize herself. She looked regal. Then they began bringing dishes and feeding her. When dinner was complete, they each picked up a different instrument and begun to play, it was quiet and relaxing. Something in the food and drink was making her tired. Melinoe eyes shut, she didn't even remember falling asleep.

____________

"What are they doing with her?" Bucky asked.

"I've never been to Omnipotence City, but it's where the gods, ALL of the gods from the different worlds go." Rocket said.

"The one guard mentioned Zeus."

"Yeah, he's a bit of an ass, so watch what you say and do around him. He can be tricky and he loves beautiful women. Just be careful." Rocket warned.

Melinoe was greeted with a delicious breakfast the next morning and dined with the captain of the guards. She had stuffed her trinkets in her dress before he arrived. She reviewed protocol about how to be received by Zeus and what to expect. The captain questioned as to why she didn't remember and she told him she didn't remember anything and that she had lived her life on Earth. He thought that was strange.

"Yes, that was why I thought you have the wrong person. I don't want to get you in trouble." She said touching his hand, which he withdrew quickly.

"Highness, you are not permitted to touch a commoner as me."

"I'm sorry that I made you uncomfortable, captain. This is all a little strange to me." Was this what her life was going to be relegated to? It would be far lonely than it was right now. "May I be able to talk to my friends before we land?"

"I will see if I can arrange that. Please wait here." As she waited she looked at the oddities in the room. "Highness, sit here." He directed her to the mirror and she sat in front of it. Then, Rocket appeared.

"Oh, Rocket, Bucky, I'm so glad to see you both." She told them.

"What did they do to you?" Bucky asked.

"Bath, massage, hair, and makeup. I've been fed as well. It's just really strange." She told them.

"But you haven't been hurt?" Rocket asked.

"No, are you both ok?"

"We're getting on fine." Rocket told her. Bucky was seething.

"They are taking me to Omnipotence City. Zeus, as in THE ZEUS, is supposed to greet me. I've been told protocol as to how to talk with him. Then they are supposed to take me to see Hades and Persephone."

"And you're ok with this?" Bucky asked.

"No, but what choice did I have." She didn't tell them that they would have arrested and tortured the both of them if she didn't.

"Meli, be careful, ok?" Rocket told her.

"I will, I'm sure we can get this all straightened out once we get to this city. I'm sure it's just a huge mistake." With that the conversation ended.

_______

The captain of the guard escorted her off the ship and into a huge arena. There were all sorts of gods there from all types of cultures. It was overwhelming. Rocket and Bucky were brought to her and she hugged them both. She smoothed her clothes and turned towards a stage that was being lowered from on high. There was a group of people on it with who she thought was Zeus in the center. She kept her hands folded respectfully in front of her.

"Ah, my child, you have at last returned to us. The centuries you have been gone, your parents have been very distraught." Zeus said exiting the stage and walking over to her. He took her into his arms and kissed her cheeks.

"Great and powerful Zeus. Surely, I cannot be the woman you have been searching for. I've only been alive for 40 years." She told him.

"Oh, Meli, the time it took to create your life anew started centuries ago. Where your being appeared we did not know where or when you would be reincarnated. Do you not have any memories, little one of me? Of your father? Of your mother?" He looked sad, like a favorite niece had forgotten a loved uncle.

"No, sir." She told him.

"That is highly unusual. Usually, when one of us is reincarnated, we retain all of our memories. Perhaps this is something your parents can address for you." He cupped her cheek and patted it. "Well, I shall send you off to them." The ground quaked and opened up.

"Wait, what about my friends?" She asked shocked.

"My dear, only the dead and gods can enter Hades."

"And if I'm not this person?" She asked, the hole becoming bigger and angrier. "Don't," she waved Rocket and Bucky off.

"Then, you shall die." Zeus chuckled as she was swallowed up. "Now, gentlemen. Both of you are curious specimens. We will listen to your accounts of Melinoe while she makes her trek." A set of golden ankle and wrist chains held them to the ground as Zeus made his way back to the platform. "So, entertain us. And if you decide to lie, you will get a rather lovely shock."