บท 84: DA : Chapter 84: Third Front I
Percy sighed as he watched the gods and guests alike mingle around the open courtyard behind the Temple of Primordials.
It was lightly decorated with floating solid light lamps above their heads, a refreshment table and snack table running the length of the south end, and even a small band on a stage in front of the Sky Anchor or White Tree of the Council as it was known. The soft melodies feel into the conversations going around as gods convened, several having to make appearances for the first time.
All manner of minor gods had been turned throughout the years and were now finally in their true home, a few having even brought their own demigod children with them.
Percy was sympathetic to the many nervous looks from said teens, most of them looking decidedly uncomfortable with so many beings famously known for throwing the worst temper tantrums for the smallest slights. Luckily there were many nymphs and satyrs milling about as well to make the atmosphere a little lighter.
As his gaze passed he noted his fellow council members. He chuckled as he noticed Styx, her ever teasing smile present, next to both Will and Nico as the pair blushed while sipping their martinis. Farther off Phoebe was speaking to some of her fellow gods born from her generation.
Thalia was close by, surrounded by some of the present demigods as she answered questions about the past wars and such. Jason was farther down and speaking with Hercules, the strength god's face still beaming after seeing Hera so devastated.
It was rather morbid to note how so many of the gods present were brimming with glee at the display but then again, many of them had been present for the time of gladiators so taking joy out of an execution wasn't too far-fetched. He personally hadn't really relished in watching it or even doing it.
To him it just felt like a job to do and there was no point to try to get anything more out of it. He'd already taken out his own revenge against the late god and all it had been was simply putting the poor bastard out of his misery.
He sighed again as he took a sip of his scotch, letting the burning liquid trail down his throat as he spotted the goddess who'd been plaguing his thoughts for many nights now. Andromeda stood off to a side, chatting with Medusa.
The distance that had formed between the two had been … odd for him. Up until now he really hadn't realized how close she often was with him. Brushing shoulders, lingering touches, simply hugging her and pulling her close because he could. He missed it. He missed her.
And most of it was because of his own doubts.
Thank Chaos that he had two beautiful, strong, and understanding wives that helped him settle his thoughts … and finally come to a decision.
The last straw that pushed him to admitting his own feelings in that matter had been Hestia's all too innocent comment while he was sword training … thank goodness he usually trained in Tartarus.
'Think of it this way Perce. How do you feel about Andromeda being in another man's arms?'
His own anger at the thought had surprised him, driven home with how he actually cut down a mountain top in the process. He shook his head to rid himself of the memory and anger with it, barely stopping a growl from escaping his throat as he noticed how many eyes were roving over Andromeda's form from the guests.
Luckily he'd had a break without anyone coming up to speak to him so he immediately set his path towards Andy. He guessed his face must have been intimidating at the moment since none approached but instead moved clearly out of the way.
As he moved Andy's eyes flicked up and met his, her own widening in slight surprise as Medusa glanced back to see him coming as well. Neither moved as he got closer, eyes only on him until he all but stood over them. He absentmindedly left his finished glass on a passing tray held by a wind spirit as he cleared his throat, feeling rather self-conscious in that moment.
"Andy, Medusa," he greeted lamely, already berating himself for not having thought of a better approach.
"Percy," they said together, Andy looking decidedly more nervous and he knew it was because of him.
Percy grunted a bit as he looked around before focusing on Medusa. "… Mind if I steal Andy away for a while?" he asked in a semi-whisper.
Medusa looked at him questioningly for a moment before glancing over his shoulder and suddenly breaking into a teasing grin that he'd come to associate with trouble for himself. He really didn't want to know what was it that made her give him that look.
"Of course, my lord," she replied with an added purr at his title as she gave Andy a quick wink and turning to walk away with a slight sway to her hips.
Once she'd seamlessly merged into the crowd Percy glanced back to Andy, noting her slight blush as she kept glancing down. 'Cute,' he thought as he gingerly took one of her hands in his and gently leading her away from the courtyard and towards one of the little more private paths leading to the extensive gardens around the temple's sides.
She didn't resist him as they walked, the hum of the crowd slowly fading into the background until he stopped near a small pond reflecting the moonlight.
He turned to look at Andromeda as she still kept her face lowered, her nervousness rolling off her in waves. His lips thinned as he used his free hand to softly tilt her head up, her eyes glistening as she finally met his gaze. He just looked into them, those jewels of lavender that were so calming to him. They stood in silence for some time, neither sure how to begin until Andromeda finally broke the spell.
"So … they told you…"
It wasn't a question. Ever since Hestia and Rhea had been confronted by Andy and Medusa, Percy hadn't had a chance to really speak with Andy aside from council meetings. All other times one or the other had been avoiding each other, unsure of what to do with the situation until now.
"Yes," he said gently as he let his hand fall as her head lowered slightly. "I've been talking to Rhea and Hestia about it for some time."
"… And what did they say?" she asked as she shuffled slightly.
"Well they weren't very happy at first and I didn't even know why, just that they came to bed being somewhat upset at times," he replied honestly as her gaze fell. "… But after a week or so they mellowed out and finally told me what happened. Turns out that they might agree to this."
Andromeda's head snapped up so fast Percy was worried she'd get whiplash.
"R-really?" she asked in a trembling voice. "But what about your vows?"
He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair as he looked at her, wondering how to go about this.
"They've spoken to Styx and Lady Chaos on the matter," he answered before pausing as he bit his lip. "Depending on some wording, as long as all three of us agree to include the person in our relationship, it wouldn't go against our vows. But there is a bit of a catch," he added seeing how she was starting to get excited.
He still didn't know how she would feel about Hestia and Rhea's conditions. Andy frowned a bit at the catch part before nodding, "Okay, and what are they?"
And so he told her as best that he could. About his queens' concerns and their past experiences, what they thought about having more women joining their bed, and even how they would be distinguished.
As he spoke Andy's expressions kept changing, ranging from surprise and an especially bright smile at the mention of her possibly marrying him to pensive on the thought of concubines. Once he wrapped up she scrunched her nose in that cute way that he knew meant she was in deep thought.
"So … if I agreed I could marry you," she said as she looked at him almost shyly. "But I'd also be married to Rhea and Hestia."
He nodded as she bit her lower lip slightly before she shrugged.
"I could definitely deal with that but …" she then paused as she looked at him intently. "… what do you feel Percy? I know you'd do this if you knew what it means for me but I don't want to force you into anything." She then looked down dejectedly. "I know you're really noble about these things and I love that about you but if this makes you unhappy in any—"
He cut her off with a finger to her lips as he eyes met his again.
"Then answer me this for a moment. Did you fall in love with me long before you became a goddess?"
She nodded slowly as his face broke into a smile.
"And being a Love goddess means you can't lie to yourself about your feelings right?"
She nodded again, this time looking surer of herself.
"Then I'll stop denying my own," he replied before he lowered his head to hers.
===================
Don't forget to throw some power Stones, to keep the story going.
...
if you want to support me or just to read ahead of the public release, you can join my p@treon :
p atreon/Moonhorse
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง