APHRODITE paced the Throne Room impatiently waiting. The sound of her high heels against the marble floor echoed throughout the empty room. Nervously, she rubbed the palms of her hands. If anyone found out about this, it could potentially cause a war. Ironic, how the only thing that could save her nation, could also destroy it. Unfortunately, she doesn't have a choice, for the sake of France, an alliance with Spain must happen. No matter the cost.
The sound of the door bursting open distracted her from her thoughts. She turned towards the doorways. Poseidon walked in with an envelope in hand and Aphrodite rushed to compose herself.
"Please, Aphrodite, do not bother. We both know how much you are in need of this. No need to hide it." Poseidon said, noticing Aphrodite's behavior.
Aphrodite stood there in silence, not knowing what to say. Was she really that predictable? She quickly disposed those thoughts out of her head. They are more important things at hand.
"Are you sure about this Poseidon? Are you aware of the consequences if they find out?"
"I am well aware of the risks, Aphrodite. Are you meaning to say that you do not want my help?"
"No! I need your help Poseidon. My nation cannot survive alone. We cannot win the war without your help."
"I know that Aphrodite. That is why I am helping you. I am giving the full support of Spain in this war against The Rebels. In our hands, lie that both our nations do not surrender to them. I have much to lose Aphrodite. What are you prepared to give me in exchange?"
Aphrodite scrambled for ideas. What could she offer in return? Her nation was in no position to offer anything. She knew the only thing she could offer, but she had vowed never to do it. "I have no choice...", she reminded herself.
"Aphrodite? Do you wish to think about it? We can wait if-"
"No. I need you help now. France needs Spain's support now. "
"The what is your offer?"
"Poseidon, you know France is no condition to offer anything. I have nothing to offer but two things."
"What are they?"
Aphrodite took a deep breath. She reminded herself that this has to be done. France needs this alliance. She didn't have a choice.
" A Queen and Heir. That is was I offer you. "
"I do not understand Aphrodite. Explain yourself. "
"It is no secret to any of us that Spain's Royal will be your son, Percy. After all, he is your only demigod offspring. He is coming of age soon. Percy will be Spain's King, and I can promise Spain a Queen and a Prince. "
"You of all people know that Percy is in a happy relationship with the daughter of Athena. I will not jeopardize Percy's happiness, Aphrodite. "
"Do not lie to yourself Poseidon. We both know that Athena does not plan on making Annabeth her Royal. Annabeth is ineligible to be Percy's wife and Spain's Queen. Even if Annabeth was to become a Royal, you know Zeus and Athena would never bless their union. They despise your son. They would do whatever they could to make him unhappy. Even if Percy did save us, Zeus and Athena would be too prideful to look past their anger."
Aphrodite watched as Poseidon slowly considered her offer, hesitating to reject it.
"I stand here offering a wise Queen for Spain. She will be able to sire how many heirs you wish. Spain's legacy to last. I grant you my blessing for this union. Think about it, Poseidon. Once my Royal and Percy are wed. Spain has full control over France. Percy will be King to both Spain and France. "
"You would jeopardize you own daughter's happiness for this alliance?"
"I do not have a choice, Poseidon. I have nothing else to offer. "
"I could be dooming Percy to an unhappy marriage. He has suffered greatly for me to condemned this way also, Aphrodite. "
"You are forgetting that I am the goddess of Love, Poseidon. I can assure you that will not happen. Trust me. "
Aphrodite watched as Poseidon rubbed his chin, thinking about her offer. Could Aphrodite really make her daughter fall in love with Percy? Of course not. Even she has her limits on her power. It was better that Aphrodite give false hope to Poseidon. She could only hope that Poseidon believed her.
"Very well, Aphrodite. I accept your offer. Spain's loyalty and support in exchange for a Queen and a Prince for Spain. "
This was it. This was the moment Aphrodite had dreamt about for months. France would not fall to the Rebels hands. France was going to survive.
Poseidon took out a piece of paper from the envelope and produced a pen. He proceeded to write on the paper.
"I, Poseidon, God of the Sea and leader of Spain promise France and it's leader, loyalty and support should any event arise that France would need us. I promise that my Royal and future King of Spain , Perseus Jackson shall honor the terms above."
Poseidon then signed the paper and sealed it with Royal Seal of Spain. He turned and handed the pen to Aphrodite. She took it and approached the paper.
"I, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and leader of France promise Spain and it's leader the loyalty and support of France should they need it. I promise that the King of Spain will have a Queen to rule by his side. My Royal and Spain's shall be wed. Within the year of said marriage, Spain will have an heir to France and it's throne. If not, my Royal will suffer the fatal consequences."
Aphrodite's hands shook as signed that paper. She then sealed it with the Royal Seal of France. She never wanted this for her daughter, but she didn't have a choice. It had to be done.
"It is done then Aphrodite. I will keep this treaty in a safe place in my court. I will send a copy to you as well. "
"Thank you, Poseidon. And the men?"
"I will send 17 carriages of armed men to the French court. They are now under your command, Aphrodite. "
Aphrodite let out a breath. It was over. She would be safe. France will survive. At least for now.
"Aphrodite, may I ask a question before I go?"
"Of course, Poseidon. What is it?"
"Who will be your Royal? Who will be the future Queen of Spain?"
"Her name is Piper McLean. She will be the future Queen of France and Spain. "
Poseidon nodded in acknowledgment before vanishing. Aphrodite stood in the Throne Room alone again. She erased any mark of Poseidon's and hers presence from the Throne Room, just in case. Once she was done, she walked out the door, and vanished back to France.