The Heroes Of Olympus

Chapter 29

Everyone was standing in an awkward silence. (Yet again)

'Great.' Zeus mumbled when Percy and Poseidon came back.

'Athena, you may go.'

Athena and Annabeth went now.

'Hey' Annabeth said.

'Honey.' Athena mumbled and rushed to hug her, which surprised her.

Athena held Annabeth for some while, then she let go. Looking at Annabeth, she said:

'Annabeth, you have been the best demigod child I have had over the last hundred years! I am extremely proud of you.'

'Really? For everything.'

'Yes. Everything.'

'And, do you like Percy now?'

'Well,' Athena pursed her lips, 'It will be unfair to say that I don't. After all, he did save your life...' She paused.

'Go on.'

'Okay. I don't really like him. But, I don't hate him like I did earlier. I do know that he loves you and that's enough to satisfy me right now.'

Annabeth smiled. 'I like this side of yours better mom, show it to me more, will you?'

Athena smiled.

'And, mom. Please come and visit dad and me sometimes. He misses you terribly!'

'I know hon. I promise I will.' Saying this, Athena and Annabeth joined their hands and went back.

Zeus smiled at seeing them back and said, 'Aphrodite, you're next.'

Aphrodite looked at Piper and beckoned her to follow her, but instead of taking her to the throne, like everyone else, she took her somewhere else.

'Mom, where are we going?'

Aphrodite didn't answer. She just led her through a straight passage. They kept going for a while, and then they turned a left. In front of them, now stood a door. Aphrodite turned the handle and Piper found herself standing in the most beautiful room ever.

'This,' Aphrodite said proudly, 'is my lair.'