Disclaimer: I don't own PJO/HOO or Greek Mythology. The wedding traditions mentioned are genuine Greek traditions. Enjoy this spin-off of Goddess of Heroes. I recommend reading that too. R&R!

"Are you absolutely certain about this, Sister?"

Akantha bit back a frustrated sigh at Philomena's question. Since she and Lysander had announced their engagement the month prior, people had asked if they were sure at least three times a day each.

Personally, Akantha thought that just acknowledging their relationship and risking Poseidon and Athena's wrath said enough about their commitment to the wedding. But their siblings were still determined to change their minds apparently and had only a few hours left to do so.

"Philomena," she said turning to face her and waving Calista away, the daughter of Aphrodite frowning as she moved back. "I understand your concern and that you think only of my safety and happiness but I truly believe that the only way for me to be happy and healthy is by marrying Lysander. I have been struck by Eros' arrow and without Lysander at my side, I will surely waste away."

Her speech was more dramatic than usually made by herself and her half-siblings but it served its purpose of emphasizing her genuine belief in her words.

Philomena sighed and her shoulders slumped. "Our Lord Father is very displeased. Lady Athena also. I am afraid for you Akantha."

Akantha's eyes fell to the floor. Their decision to ignore the feud and stay friends after being claimed had caused chaos in the camp. Their engagement had resulted in a tsunami from her father's fury. Akantha suspected that she would be disowned upon speaking her vows. If she wasn't smote before finishing the oaths of fidelity anyway.

"I love him," she pleaded with her sister to understand. "I cannot lose him. If Father disowns me, then so be it." They had considered the consequences of their decision carefully and decided that even if they were killed for marrying, it would be worth it as long as they spent even one minute as husband and wife.

Philomena closed her green eyes and bowed her head in acceptance. Akantha felt a smile begin to play on her lips. "Well then," the other daughter of Poseidon said softly. "We should finish getting you ready shouldn't we?" The smile grew to full size at her favourite sibling's acceptance.

Calista came back over and continued working on Akantha's makeup while Philomena inserted delicate acanthus flowers into her raven locks. Akantha loved her hair. She hoped it would grow back quickly after she cut it off. The scent from Akantha's ritual bath the night before lingered as they worked in silence.

A knock came at the door and Calanthe, Akantha's closest friend entered with a delicate veil. Calanthe was the only one who had supported them completely and Akantha loved her for it.

"Oh!" Akantha let out a gasp as she took it. "Calanthe it's beautiful! Where did you get it?"

"I made it," she smiled back. "It is my wedding gift to you. Congratulations on your nuptials my dearest. I regret that I won't witness the ceremony."

Akantha felt her smile falter at the words but didn't try and change the other woman's mind. Lord Poseidon and Lady Athena would be angry enough. Akantha dreaded to think what would happen if the daughter of Zeus were to accompany her to Hera's temple.

"Come," Calanthe changed the subject as Philomena and Calista stepped back, Akantha now situably dressed save for her veil. "Let me place it on you. The party will be here soon enough." Akantha closed her eyes as she felt her friend attach the fabric to her head. When she re-opened them, her view was obscured by light green and blue lace.

A sharp knock came at the door and Akantha felt herself inhale sharply. "My daughter," the voice came from behind and all the girls spun around, falling to their knees in respect at the sight of the God of the Sea. His eyes flicked over them. "Philomena, inform the party that there will be a slight delay before Akantha will come out."

Philomena curtsied and rushed out, Calanthe and Calista copying her with anxious looks sent at the still kneeling bride.

Poseidon frowned at his eldest mortal daughter for a moment before gesturing for her to rise. She did so with reluctance. It seemed that she would not be getting married after all, she thought dully to herself. She wouldn't obey if Poseidon ordered her not to go forth with ceremony and then he would probably kill her for it.

"You intend to marry a son of Athena," the god finally snapped. "A goddess who has continually offended me and attempted to humiliate me. You wish to lower yourself by marrying one of her spawn!"

Akantha swallowed slightly at the rage in his voice before settling into a battle stance, deciding to treat this as if she were fighting a hydra instead of speaking to a parent. "I understand your displeasure, My Lord, but Lysander is-" he cut her off and she felt her nose twitch in irritation. She hated to be interrupted.

"I care not what he is or is not. The only relevant fact I care about is his heritage. He is a son of Athena. I will not accept this. Either you retract your decision to marry him or you will no longer be my child!"

"Then I am no longer your child!" Akantha retorted furiously as she lost her temper. "So be it! I love him and I will not change my decision." In a contest between her father, whom she was only seeing for the first time today, or the love of her life, there was no contest. Lysander, always.

Poseidon stared at her disbelief before curtly nodding. "Very well," he told her curtly. "You have my blessing." Akantha's eyes widened in shock as she watched her father disappear into a sea breeze. She stood still for another minute before turning and walking out to where the marriage party waited, anxious looks on their faces. Lysander was being held back from entering by brothers and he promptly rushed to her.

"Well?" he demanded anxiously. "What happened?"

She broke into a beam. "Lord Poseidon has approved of our match!" He instantly swept her into his arms and spun her around in delight.

"Well then," Chiron declared with a happy smile. "I think it's time to begin don't you?"

Lysander helped her into the chariot before he climbed in and Akantha chuckled slightly at the pegasi's grumblings in her head at being made to carry them as she linked her hands with Lysander. He gave her a brief smile before concentrating on guiding the chariot to the temple dedicated to Hera.

The ceremony passed in a blur for Akantha. She had no memory of Chiron sacrificing a goat for them, or cutting her hair to signal losing her innocence, or the ceremonial bath. She didn't know when it ended or how they got back to the pavilion for the feast. She only remembered Lysander's face and a sense of happiness and peace that she would never feel again.