End of The Titan's Curse

Aphrodite

It was a somber meeting. She knew that. The rise of Kronos was confirmed at Artemis's capture and the tale of her trials was despicable to listen to. Aphrodite's heart felt broken. Such a threat made her entire being feel leaden. The circumstances she watched over the past several days only saddens her further.

She had been doing so well pulling Percy and Annabeth together. They were a good match and had an obvious bond. She watched them dance, so young and unsure. Then, he saw Artemis. His gasp at her appearance was audible to her even as chaos swirled around them. If only Artemis would appreciate his awe. Then, he was torn apart by Annabeth's fall. Perhaps that was a good thing; it would make him focus on the attainable girl, rather than the goddess he just met. It was odd watching Artemis defend him to her Hunters and smirk at his bluntness. She was drawn to him even without knowing why.

She had watched these things play out, and then she turned her back in fury as Artemis decided to hunt alone. If she states something is too dangerous, then she should take personal precautions as well! Aphrodite's brooding needed to wait, however. The trio of demigods was about to enter the chamber. Of course, Artemis was the first to speak.

"Welcome, heroes."

She watched the proceedings with interest. Any decisions made today would have severe consequences. And this was the first time she was able to watch Artemis interact with her soulmate in person. The atmosphere left her as the one leading the proceedings.

When Apollo made the motion to not disintegrate them she was the first to raise her hand, comforted by Demeter joining her. The rest of the gods either did not agree or did not wish to vote at Apollo's command. Ares made it clear what his stance was. As Athena talked through strategy, Artemis decided to speak up and make her own opinions known as well.

"I will not have them punished. I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it."

Aphrodite had to agree with her, but she wasn't quite fearless enough to voice that opinion so boldly. She watched as they argued over right and wrong and the killing of the monster. She watched as Artemis spoke privately with Zeus about a plan only she knew. She watched as Percy fought desperately to keep Annabeth as a friend.

Truly, Aphrodite was stunned when Artemis claimed Thalia as her new lieutenant. It was a good temporary fix to the problem of the prophecy, but that left Percy as the hero. He had enough strife in the past week, let alone continuing forward as the tipping point of Olympus's future. She was also surprised when he convinced Poseidon the creature needed to live. Zeus's reaction was less surprising.

The outcome was bittersweet, watching the soulmates dance around each other while fighting for the same things. Hopefully she could keep her promise, and continue cultivating a romance between Percy and Annabeth.