The Librarian

We sat outside Olympus on an uncomfortable stone bench, my shoes brushing against the floor as I swung them back and forth.

Nico ground his teeth, "please stop that, we're supposed to be here on official Underworld business."

I nodded and crossed my ankles, straightening my posture mockingly. "Right, I nearly forgot. Serious faces."

He raised an eyebrow at me and I grinned. "I love you too, you know," he said, "I never did say it back to you."

"You didn't need to," I told him and he kissed me with a smile.

A throat cleared behind us and we broke apart to see a beautiful male secretary standing in the open doors of the throne room. "The Olympians will see you now," he announced, leading us into a room bigger than any I had ever been in. There was room for an atmosphere beneath the cavernous roof and I had to squint to see the back of the chamber as Nico led me towards the open circle of gods seated in the centre around a burning fire. Every seat was occupied except Hades' as he prepared for war in the Realm of the Dead.

"Nico di Angelo, Son of Hades and Kimmi Ye, mortal, to see the Olympian council regarding the impending war in the Underworld." The secretary spoke to the gods in a melodious voice.

"Thank you, Ganymedes, that will be all," Zeus boomed from his throne, causing the floor beneath my feet to tremble.

"I hear your father has started another war," Athena said, peering down at Nico over long lashes.

"Yes, lady, he believes Leuce has taken Persephone and intends-"

Nico was cut off by the curt voice of Demeter, "why are we even having this silly council? There is no question that we will go to war. The safety of my daughter - our daughter -" she glared at Zeus, "is at stake. My troops will rally to Hades' side."

Zeus sighed, leaning back in his throne, "I suppose I should also pledge my support."

"And I," said Athena.

"And I," said Artemis.

"And I," said Hermes.

"And I," said Dionysus.

"It is by majority, then. Olympus is at war." Zeus looked down at Nico and I as if we were a chore he really didn't want to do. "Tell your father his allies will stand by him."

Nico bowed respectfully, "but of course."

Notes