End of The Last Olympian

Aphrodite

Aphrodite was at the edge of her seat watching how things were playing out. She intended to keep her promise to Artemis about his happiness, but he kept stalling things. True, he was only 16, but if he was comfortable supporting the daughter of Athena while she was passed out in his arms surely he could ask her on a date. Placing Rachel Elizabeth Dare in his path was to work as either another option than this relationship, or a kickstart to it. They seemed to be favoring the latter. She loved seeing them in person, not just from afar. It was obvious how much they depended on each other's presence.

At the mention of statues she pulled herself out of her analysis and chimed in that she wanted many as well. Percy's encouragement for Annabeth only warmed Aphrodite's heart. She wished he could support Artemis, but they could both be happy without such a future.

Of course, that line of thought took a downward spiral when her father and uncle began speaking of immortality and godhood. Aphrodite was panicking, unsure if she should vote for him to be granted a seat and left to torment her with his unchosen fate that only she knew, or if she should vote he remain a hero and incur the wrath of Posiedon. Both options were cruel and heartbreaking. He and Artemis were so close to finding one another.

"No," he said. She blinked, pulled from her panic.

"No?" Zeus said. "You are… turning down our generous gift?"

"I'm honored and everything," answered Percy. "Don't get me wrong. It's just… I've got a lot of life left to live. I'd hate to peak in my sophomore year."

When he continued, she agreed to the request to swear on the River Styx as she curiously waited to hear what required such a vow. She fought a smile as she heard his arguments; it was easy to see why he was Artemis's soulmate.