Favorite : Change for the both of us

Chapter 9

Percy's POV

Two hours later, we're in the car and driving off to the venue of the wedding; aiming to arrive at about half three as Poseidon didn't want to be the first to be greeted – if anything, he wanted to just slip into the crowd and not be noticed by anyone but his brothers. And even then, he didn't want to hang around with them for long.

The venue, surprisingly, is being held at Poseidon's brother's house. Zeus apparently has this massive mansion however I reckon that Poseidon's just exaggerating about that. We both have a habit of over exaggerating things.

"So, how are you going to break the news to them?" I ask, admiring the secluded road we drive down, through a thick forest towards the 'mansion'. It sounds quite far out of the city, but it's actually only a twenty minute drive from our house.

"'Oh, hey, family, what a pain it is to see you again – who is this you ask? Oh, just my son. Not that it's any of your business. Goodbye'," Poseidon mimics.

I roll my eyes. "Seriously,"

Poseidon sighs. "Fine. I'll probably introduce you to Zeus and Hades first, then their kids. Whatever order it goes in. After that, we'll find somewhere to sit and get on some people's nerves. Anyway, we're here now,"

At that moment we turn around a corner and the trees part to reveal a beautiful mansion. It's built on the outskirts of the forest, so that behind it there's nothing but empty fields. "Whoa!" I gasp. "Okay...you weren't kidding about the mansion part,"

"My brother can be quite a show off," says Poseidon, pulling up. There are a lot of other cars parked around the driveway, which is a large circle around a fountain. Before he climbs out, however, he turns to me. "If you get uncomfortable or anything, tell me – okay?"

"Sure," I reply. I'll admit; looking at the amount of cars has made me nervous.

"My family can be quite...um, how do you put it? Heavy. It's fine if you want to go home," Poseidon continues. I nod and flash him a smile and then we climb out of the car.

There's a butler standing at the door with the guest list. Poseidon doesn't even have to say his name before the butler greets him and leads us through the large house until we come to the back garden. It's quite warm for a September day and there's a big marquee set up. Guests bustle around talking with one another and gushing about the bride who is apparently gorgeous.

One woman worms her way through the crowd and comes to stand in front of Poseidon and I. "Poseidon!" she gushes, going to give him a hug. He pats her back awkwardly, as though the hug is more like being in a straight jacket than a friendly gesture. "How wonderful to see you!" the woman continues.

"And you, Hera," Poseidon says politely, putting his arm around my shoulders again once she'd released him. "Are my brothers around?"

The woman, Hera's, eyes land on me. "Who's this?" she asks sharply, ignoring his question.

"My plus one," Poseidon replies shortly. "My brothers, Hera. I wish to greet them,"

Her lips are pursed and she obviously isn't pleased. Hera glares at me, nods stiffly, and motions for us to follow her.

I stick to Poseidon's side as we head towards the marquee. A couple of time I nearly get separated from him, the crowd is so thick. Luckily Poseidon keeps his arm around me and I happily remain plastered to him. Inside the marquee is much less crowded. There are people who I notice look a little like my dad – black hair, handsome/pretty faces. So maybe outside the guests are all related to the bride and inside are related to Hephaestus, the groom. I don't know...