Heir of a Titan - Book 2 PJO

Chapter 21: I Get A Little Mouthy

The three of them seemed to be in the middle of an argument.

"- told you he was a bum!" the older woman said.

"Mother!" Persephone replied.

"We have visitors!" Hades barked. "Please!"

Hades smoothed his black robes, which were covered with the terrified faces of the damned. He looked the same as last time I was here. He had pale skin and the intense eyes of a madman.

"Percy Jackson," he said with satisfaction. "At last." His dark wild eyes looked down at me and his face twisted. "What is she doing here?" He pointed a long slender finger at me.

"What's up Uncle Hades?" I saluted him.

"Lady Persephone." I bowed respectfully.

The older lady standing between them, was obviously Persephone's mother. She had the same hair and eyes, but looked older and sterner. Her dress was golden, the color of a wheat field. Her hair was woven with dried grasses so it reminded me of a wicker basket. I figured if somebody lit a match next to her, she'd be in serious trouble. I pressed my lips together trying not to giggle.  I gave her an over the top bow with much arm flailing.

"Lady Demeter."

Her eyebrows shot up. "You never said she was respectful!"

Persephone covered her smile with her hand before she cried, "Mother! That was the first thing I said about her. Also, Honey," Persephone turned to Hades and forced his still raised hand down, "be nice. I have already told you my thoughts on the girl. Leave her alone. As for Perseus Jackson..."

Next to me, Nico knelt. I heard Percy growl and narrow his eyes at the boy. I elbowed him and shook my head. I saw his one hand twitch like he wanted his sword.

"Father," Nico said. "I have done as you asked."

"Took you long enough," Hades grumbled. "Your sister would've done a better job."

Nico lowered his head. I felt Percy tense in a completely different way, his head whipped up to Hades, this time I growled at the guy. My hands felt tingly and I clamped them into fists. I was ready to shoot fireballs at the dude. If his wife and mother in law weren't beside him (and if Demeter wouldn't catch fire so fast) I would have.

I glared up at the god of the dead. "What do you want with Percy, Hades?"

"To talk, of course." The god twisted his mouth in a cruel smile. "Didn't Nico tell you?"

"So this whole quest was a lie. Nico brought me down here to get me killed." Percy snarled. I rolled my eyes. Percy was glaring at me now.

"Oh, no," Hades said. "I'm afraid Nico was quite sincere about wanting to help you. The boy is as honest as he is dense. I simply convinced him to take a small detour and bring you here first."

"Father," Nico said, "you promised that Percy would not be harmed. You said if I brought him, you would tell me about my past- about my mother."

I folded my arms and looked at Hades. Waiting. I had a feeling Hades had other plans, but we would deal with that when it came.

Queen Persephone sighed dramatically. "Can we please not talk about that woman in my presence?"

"I'm sorry, my dove," Hades said. "I had to promise the boy something."

"Hey! We talked about this...My Lady. It's not our fault the gods have kids with mortals. Stop taking your anger out in us! We did nothing."

Persephone pursed her lips and looked back at me and sighed dramatically again, and sat back in her chair with her arms folded.