And I'm back! I apologize for the loooong break between chapters. I took a break from fanfiction to take care of some other things. I only started writing again last week. I realized I wasn't reading enough books and took the time to also catch up on my reading list. For the next few weeks, I have a lot of free time and hope to write a lot more. I'll bore you no longer. Here's chapter two!
CHAPTER 2
"There is no remedy for love, but to love more."
-Henry David Thoreau
King Frederick paced back and forth in his chamber, waiting for his audience with a very special… person. So many thoughts ran through his head. A good majority of them revolved around his daughter. Frederick knew that he was never a great father. Actually, that was an understatement. He was probably the worst father in existence, but he really didn't care. She was the least of his worries. If anything, she was the cause of most of his problems. He had never really wanted her. He had once loved her mother, but knew they couldn't be together. His wretched daughter reminded him too much of what his lover had been and of what they'd had.
Thoughts of his daughter brought his mind back to his meeting. When he had mentioned his appointment to his Queen, she was none too happy. This guest was a very dangerous character. Her wit had never met a match. No one ever stood a chance against her manipulation. Even Frederick was slightly nervous, despite knowing her very, very well. He had many wonderful memories with this woman. But that was in the past. Only time could tell what would happen and how it would go. Until then, he'd have to wait patiently and doubt himself and regret his past mistakes.
Frederick suddenly felt a burst of light. He rose from his seat and slowly turned around only to jerk back to his previous position at the sight of a blinding flash. Though his eyes were closed, he could sense a powerful aura from behind him. He wanted to watch, as he knew that it would be a beautiful sight to see, but he had enough sense not to. The light died down and Frederick heard footsteps. Quickly, the King swiveled around and bowed.
"W-welcome, Milady," he stuttered.
"Frederick Chase. It has been a while, hasn't it? Sit. I would like to have a word with you."
As much as the Gods of Olympus resented mortals, they seemed to spend a lot of time meddling with the mortal world. Eons spent on Olympus resulted in severe cases of boredom, and what better entertainment than those who worship you? While some of the Gods found it hilarious to dress up and torment humans, the more sensible of the lot- Athena, Poseidon, and Hephaestus- found pastimes among themselves. Of course, even the wisest of beings get into arguments. And the occasional everlasting fight…
That was how the rivalry between Athena and Poseidon began. They'd always had rocky relationship, but their competitive spirits were what started the ongoing fight between the two deities. Athens was the most sought after province in Greece. The citizens were strong, brave, and kind-hearted. While Zeus didn't care much for the city, Athena and Poseidon lunged for the opportunity to be its patron. They fought day and night for years until they reached a compromise- actually, more like a civil decision. They would both present the city's inhabitants with a gift that would help better their lives. Poseidon went with the obvious choice. Water. He struck the ground with his trident and created a well of "drinking water". Unfortunately, the water was filled with salt and wasn't of any use to the citizens, giving Athena a huge head start. She sat on her options for a little longer, thinking through every little detail. She soon decided on an olive tree. Cecrops, the King of Athens at the time, weighed his options and picked Athena. They celebrated and named their city in honor of their new patron goddess. Disappointed and angry, Poseidon gave up and found himself a new city, Corinth. From that moment forward, Poseidon and Athena created a new found enmity which could not be resolved. And they turned Athens and Corinth against each other.
Though both immortals secretly wanted to heal the rift, they didn't know how to approach the topic without causing an uproar throughout Olympus. So eons later, she and Poseidon secretly agreed to work together and reunite Athens and Corinth. And when the heirs to the Jackson and Chase lines were born, Athena knew just what to do.
Every night, before going to sleep, Queen Sally Jackson prayed. She sat and prayed for her son, her husband, and her kingdom. Never for herself. She knew that if her son was happy, she would be too. And she didn't only pray to Poseidon, no, she prayed to everyone. Hestia for warmth, Hera for a happy marriage and family, Hermes for the truth, Apollo for health, Artemis for moonlight, Ares for military tactics, Demeter for trees and air, Hades for a long life, Zeus for rain, and even Athena for knowledge and strength. And one would be stupid to think that these prayers went unheard. No. As a matter of fact, the prayers were most definitely heard and received justice.
Athena had taken a liking to the queen ever since her coronation. Both of Sally's parents had died when she was ten, and her Uncle (who had become king) died when she was fifteen. She went from a happy, carefree teenager to Queen of Corinth in a matter of minutes. Yet, she still managed to keep her liveliness. The remains of her childhood could be seen when her eyes crinkled as she laughed. That wasn't all Sally was good for. She was intelligent. Very, very intelligent. She was perceptive and helpful. She knew when and how to help people. And that's what made her fit to rule the country. Athena found Sally to be proper and helped the young girl at every possible chance. The Goddess hoped that Sally would pick a man who was intelligent; a man kind, smart, and wise. The one meant to rule by her side. But when Sally's advisors told her that it was time to start looking for a King, the Queen's choice was far from Athena's approval. Very, very far.
I hope this chapter lived up to its standards. I know it was short, but the next chapter will make up for it. It's going to be a backstory on Sally, Poseidon, and Percy because Sally plays a large role in this story and some information about her past may explain the way she acts at times. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'll see you soon!
Love,
AnnabethGinevraJacksonPotter
