One with the Gods

Chapter Eighteen: Coronation

Chapter eighteen:          

Coronation

As she sat on the mother of pearl throne her father placed a silver diadem on her dark brown hair. She wore a silk white and blue dress with a new golden pendant around her neck. It depicted a sparrow soaring above a thunder storm. The sparrow was blue diamond with amber to depict its red chest. The storm cloud was ebony and the thunder bolts ivory. The rest was pure gold.  “By the name of all the gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus I pronounce you Queen of Thunder and all but Olympus!” Zeus shouted. The crowd roared.

Andromeda looked to her right. She saw Dian in the embrace of her new husband. He was a son of Apollo with thick curly blonde hair. Next to her Castolla stood and smiled at Andromeda, her husband’s arm wrapped around her. He was a son of Aphrodite. He was not Eros, but was one of them. He had blonde hair that reached his shoulders. It rested in a braid with golden bands. Andromeda looked in front of her as she stood all of the Olympians were there. She turned and faced Aeros. His black hair braided with golden bands. He wore a red and golden tunic. His ruby boar pendant rested on his chest. She took his arm as Zeus placed a silver diadem on Aeros head. “I pronounce Aeros son of Ares King of Thunder by marriage to Andromeda daughter of Zeus.” Zeus thundered. They walked together down the ebony diadem and passed the cheering people. They mounted a chariot with four white Pegasus’ hooked to it. They rode off to Andromeda’s home. This would now belong to both of them. They dismounted and entered the home. The home had been rebuilt to be big enough for two royal newlyweds. Andromeda shut the door to her bed chambers. “Isn’t this everything you ever wanted?” She asked. “Not quite everything.” He said. He took her into his embrace and kissed her passionately.

As Castolla watched Andromeda leave she realized that three people in the room were newlyweds, Andromeda and Aeros, Dian and Iollas, and her and Medon.  She leaned against Medon’s shoulder. “I cannot believe the sweaty girl that used to sell me fish is now queen of everything and married.” She said. “You are not bad off yourself. You married me yesterday.” Medon teased. “I know and it was the happiest day of my life.” She said. Medon and she had instantly fallen in love after the battle was over. They had met when she arrived. After her journey they fell in love. It was the same idea with Dian and Iollas. They had decided to marry after the battle. Her mother didn’t approve since she wanted her to stay a virgin. Artemis saw Castolla was too happy to change her mind. “Everything changes and today a misfit girl finds her true self.” Medon said. She knew he was referring to her and Andromeda. Medon kissed the top of her head. She wrapped her arms around Medon’s waist. “Just think days ago we were hunting her down to kill her.” Dian said. “Yes and if we had succeeded we would not have a Queen of Thunder.” Castolla said.

After the ceremony she went back to her husband’s home. They lay on their bed the room lit by candles. “You have been very quiet what’s wrong?” Medon asked. “I was just thinking if we had killed Andromeda then everything would be different. I probably would have never met you.” She said. Medon just wrapped his arm around Castolla’s shoulders and they fell asleep.

Andromeda awoke the next morning her body wrapped in Aeros’ embrace. “Good morning.” Aeros yawned. She placed her hand on his chest. She laughed a little. “What?” Aeros asked. “I just realized I have everything I ever wanted. I have a father, I’ve had an adventure, and now I have a husband.” She said. A low bark was heard at the foot of the bed. They looked up and Aeros’ giant dog jumped on the bed. He had a big flappy muzzle. The dog was black with thin tan strips running from his back to his stomach. The dog lay down. His giant paws resting on Andromeda’s legs. Aeros ruffled the mutts head. “Don’t forget you have Bronze.” Aeros said. Andromeda patted Bronze’s head. She lay back with Aeros. She had a thought then. She had been so fixed on the past. She had thought she could change the past and make her father come back. Now she had no reason to change the past. Now she could focus on the future. She had a husband that loves her, two friends that will fight by her side, and was now queen of everything. She thought that her past might be darkened without her father, but her future was bright and endless.