A/N Lord is it really over a month since I last updated? I am so sorry. I'd like to say that there's a good excuse but really it's just been a temporary lack of inspiration.

Anyway if anyone's still reading please let me know (especially if you're enjoying the story). It might help me to concentrate on the next chapter a little more (because knowing that people are still interested tends to spur me on).


As King Laius approached through the archway into the enclosed courtyard, his retinue arrayed behind him, Minos waited for him on the steps of the house dressed in a fine robe prepared for him over the last few days by the finest seamstresses in Pagenia. Made of deep blue silk and heavily embroidered with gold it came close to rivalling his state robe left behind in the chaos of the fall of the city. The manner of his dress was carefully constructed to give the allied kings a particular impression; that Minos was not defeated – that he was still very much a King.

The presence of Pasiphae at his side only added to the impression that far from being the deposed monarch Minos was very much in charge. The Queen stood as straight and elegant as ever, the pale blue silk gown that had been provided for her hanging gracefully from her slender shoulders, fastened with gold clasps at the shoulder and pulled in under her bust and at the waist by a narrow gold belt which accentuated her slim figure. Her jewellery, carefully carried to Pagenia in the torn remnants of the gown she had worn in Atlantis, had been polished by the servants until it shone in the late afternoon sunlight and her hair was elaborately dressed to show off her gold diadem to its best advantage; the soft, diaphanous veil attached to her hair by means of a jewelled comb and floating down gracefully across her shoulders only adding to the image Pasiphae was trying to portray.

Pasiphae allowed a faint, graceful smile to touch her face. Image was important right now as well she knew (and had counselled her husband). If Minos was to regain the throne then he could not afford to show any weakness, even when applying for aid from his allies, and she would be required to stand at his side and play the perfect hostess. The few extra days of rest that she had managed to get while waiting for the allied kings too arrive had helped to restore a little of her strength and stamina – enough so that she would be able to maintain a façade at least; should be able to convince any outsiders that she was as strong and healthy as ever. If the wound in her stomach still gave her some pain at times and if she found herself growing tired remarkably quickly? Well, who would know? Pasiphae was well practiced at schooling her emotions, at hiding behind the mask of the Queen, and she had no doubt in her own ability to do it now.

Alongside Pasiphae, Ariadne looked every inch the perfect Atlantian princess; the royal family of Atlantis presenting a united front for the outside world. In reality Pasiphae knew that her prim and proper stepdaughter had little time for Laius; objecting to the Theban monarch's morality – his behaviour towards any women that happened to catch his eye. It was evident in the girl's stiff carriage that she had no wish to be present but was determined to do her duty. Pasiphae inwardly snorted. Sooner or later Ariadne would have to learn the realities of life. No matter how much political awareness she had begun to show over the last few months this was one respect in which she remained terribly priggish and naïve. In the end it did not matter whether or not she approved of Laius' conduct; he was of royal blood – a sovereign king – and their ally, and must be treated with all the courtesy and respect that his position afforded.

How many times had Pasiphae stood like this waiting at her husband's side waiting to greet a visiting dignitary? Somewhere along the line she had lost count. Unlike her stepdaughter, however, Pasiphae was too experienced to allow her personal opinions to show or to colour her dealings with outsiders. She knew all too well the role she had to play and would play it to perfection if it meant that she could regain her rightful place as Queen of Atlantis. She glanced sideways at her stepdaughter without turning her head. She had no doubt that Ariadne would behave with grace and decorum no matter how she felt about Laius personally; the girl was simply too well schooled in etiquette to do otherwise. It was only because she knew Ariadne so very well that she could pick up the indications in her body language that almost screamed disapproval to Pasiphae's knowing gaze.

If circumstances were different there would of course be another member of their family on the steps greeting their guests. Pasiphae felt a little surge of longing – no more than an idle daydream she told herself – for a time when her son would stand there with them openly. She understood the reasons why he was still being kept secret even from their allies of course; he was in no way ready for any of this; would require careful training – educating in proper court etiquette – before she would be willing to allow him to be subjected to the constant scrutiny of court life. As soon as Jason was openly acknowledged he would be silently judged by dozens of eyes – both friendly and unfriendly; his every move watched and whispered about by members of both the Atlantian court and any visiting nobility and their retinues. He was such a free spirit; so unbridled and innocent of their customs that until he was properly educated he was almost bound to fall foul of some of the rules that governed the lives of the royal family – and Pasiphae was not about to expose him to the whispered censure of those who were actually socially inferior until she was sure that he was ready and would cause no embarrassment to her. She would not leave the boy vulnerable to the ridicule of the sycophantic toadies that clung to her husband like the moss that grows on the underside of a stone; would protect him passionately from the more unpleasant aspects of life within the Atlantian court until she was sure he was ready to hold his own.

Just because she knew the reasons for keeping the nature of Jason's relationship to her secret, however, didn't mean that she didn't dream of the day when she could openly acknowledge his presence. Pasiphae allowed herself a small sigh as the little surge of longing swept over her once more. From the corner of her eye she caught Ariadne giving a little start and casting a startled glance in her direction. Pasiphae stiffened; straightening her back and forcing the mask of the Queen back into place. She could not allow herself such sentimentality; could not allow anyone (especially not Ariadne of all people) to see even the hint of weakness in her.

As Laius stepped forwards, mounting the steps in front of him, Minos stepped forwards with a smile and his hands extended. He did not leave the stylobate and descend the steps at all, knowing that he had to appear dominant and not supplicant (even if that was what he really was – asking his allies for aid). Laius smiled widely and stepped forward into the Atlantian King's welcoming handclasp.

"King Laius," Minos said in greeting, his voice warm. Laius was after all a friend and not simply a political ally, and in spite of the circumstances Minos was genuinely pleased to see him.

"My Lord," Laius answered equally warmly. "I had hoped to entertain you as my guest in Thebes; to return some of the kind hospitality you showed to my wife and I when we visited your court."

"Perhaps in the future that may be possible," Minos responded. "I would like nothing more than to visit your kingdom but for now I fear such an endeavour must be postponed until Anaxandros has been driven from Atlantis."

Laius frowned, his dark brows knitting together into a glower.

"Anaxandros has no honour," he growled. "It will be a pleasure to help you to deal with him. Tell me, how can I help?"

Minos allowed the faintest of smiles to grace his stern features.

"That is something we will need to discuss," he answered smoothly. "For now though you must be tired from your long journey. Accommodation has been arranged for your retinue in some of the finest houses in Pagenia. I would be honoured if you yourself would stay here with me. A chamber has been set aside for your use in the family wing and refreshments have been laid on."

"What of Tiresias?" Laius asked. "His counsel is invaluable to me and I would have him nearby."

"Quarters have been arranged for him within this house," Minos responded. "I understand the value of good counsel only too well."

"You have my thanks," Laius responded, summoning Tiresias forwards with a wave of his hand.

Once directions had been given to the grim faced old man relating to the disposition and comfort of the rest of the small Theban party, Laius turned back towards the Atlantian royals with a smile. Stepping forwards he caught Pasiphae's hand in his own and raised it to his lips.

"My Lady," he said softly. "Your presence graces us all as always."

"My Lord," Pasiphae answered, the timbre of her voice warm and mellow.

"I am pleased to see you looking so well," Laius said, still maintaining his hold on her hand. "When news reached me of the fall of the city I feared for you all."

"As you can see I am quite well," Pasiphae responded. Laius did not need to know of her recent injury; could not be allowed to see her as a weak woman.

"I am glad of it. Dare I hope that we will see your gracious beauty visiting our court soon? I know that Jocasta will be delighted to entertain you."

Pasiphae's face remained proper, her smile warm and welcoming. Inside, however, she could not suppress a mental snigger – somehow she seriously doubted that Jocasta would welcome her presence in any way – although she would undoubtedly be polite. The Theban Queen was very much like Ariadne in some regards and looked on her husband's conduct and suspected multiple infidelities with disgust. During their time in Atlantis, Jocasta had barely been able to look at Laius and, whilst Pasiphae knew that much of her anger had stemmed from her heartbreak over the loss of her firstborn and her husband's part in that affair (and could privately understand the woman's sorrow – could even sympathise with it), part of it had been down to his conduct with regards to the Atlantian Queen and her own responses to it.

As Pasiphae had told Ariadne at the time Jocasta was young and a little shy and had yet to grow into the role of a queen; to come to understand the realities of political life. She fancied that she saw a mutual attraction between her husband and Pasiphae and had not yet learned that a woman's allure could be used as a weapon; could be used to gain her power and position. No, Jocasta would not be delighted to entertain someone who she feared as a rival no matter how far from the truth it really was.

"And I would be delighted to come My Lord," Pasiphae answered. "But alas it is not to be right now."

From the corner of her eye she thought she caught a glimpse of a dark haired figure ducking out of sight behind a pillar. Pasiphae frowned. If that was who she thought it was then he really should not be lurking in the shadows.

"Something is wrong?" Laius asked solicitously, seeing her frown.

Pasiphae pulled herself away from thoughts of her wayward son – there would be time enough later to ascertain exactly what Jason had been doing slinking around in the shadows – and back to the monarch in front of her.

"No My Lord," she answered smoothly. "I merely saw something that I was not expecting. It is a purely domestic matter and one which I will not bore you with."

"I have never found your words boring," Laius responded.

Pasiphae nearly rolled her eyes at the trite compliment but resisted the urge. To the side of her she heard Ariadne splutter slightly and smiled pleasingly, covering for her stepdaughter's rare social faux-pas more because she knew that they could not afford to offend Laius in any way than out of affection for the blasted girl.

"I thank you for your kindness," she said, taking a step towards the Theban king. "Tonight we will have a feast in your honour. Minos has ordered it."

"A feast?" Laius exclaimed.

"Indeed," Minos responded graciously. "We must celebrate our friendship. We will dine with those of your retinue who you value the most."

Laius smiled.

"I shall look forwards to it," he proclaimed.

"You will find our household here is far from being as grand as your court in Thebes – or indeed our own palace in Atlantis," Pasiphae murmured. "Yet I trust you shall not be disappointed… and, the Gods willing, it will not be long before we are able to entertain you in more appropriate surroundings; until we are back in our usual places."

"There is someone whom I wish you to meet tonight," Minos stated as they began to walk into the house, making their way through the corridors to the family wing. "A young kinsman of ours who is, at least in part, responsible for our presence here… and for my daughter's escape from the city when it fell."

Laius frowned lightly.

"I believe I met a nephew of yours when we visited Atlantis, did I not?"

"Heptarian is no longer in the land of the living," Minos answered shortly. "He has descended into Hades."

"I am sorry for your loss," Laius offered.

"Do not be," Minos responded, his face hardening. "Heptarian proved to be disloyal. Whilst I was lying ill he manipulated Pasiphae into believing that Ariadne had committed treason and attempted to have her executed… all so that he could treasonously claim the throne for himself in the event of my demise."

"Indeed?" wondered Laius, with a glance at Pasiphae. From what he knew of her he would not have believed that she was easily manipulated. Still, he supposed, she was only a woman after all and subject to the frailties of her sex.

Pasiphae once again felt the small frisson of sorrow at the mention of her nephew. She had not truly loved him – had used him to achieve her own ends – and yet he had still been her kin; her blood. Heptarian had come to her as a child – had at least in part been raised by her. It had scarcely been his fault that he could not live up to the memory of her lost child; that he could never replace her son in her affections. Then it struck her – Minos wanted Laius to meet Jason and had referred to him as a kinsman. She looked at her husband with scarcely concealed surprise.

"The young man who I wish you to meet is very different from Heptarian," Minos continued. He hesitated for a moment. "He has been raised far from our shores and as such is not well versed in our customs," he admitted. "The boy has come to us unexpectedly but is learning rapidly. I have so far refrained from introducing him to more than a handful of people… at least in part because we have not had the leisure to properly see to his education and training. He has, however, acquitted himself well at every task we have asked of him and I believe that the time is now right to begin to draw the boy forwards into polite society. I will warn you that Jason is… somewhat direct in his manner… forthright. If he believes in something he is not afraid to say it… to voice his opinion… no matter who it is that he is speaking to – or that it might be better for him to hold his tongue. It is a habit that we have yet to break him of. It would be easy to view such forthrightness as insolence and yet all I have come to know of the boy indicates that he is naïve and idealistic rather than insolent. For a young man past the age of majority there are times when he is almost breathtakingly innocent."

"You like this young man," Laius commented.

"I do," Minos acknowledged. "He has much yet to learn before I consider what place he might have in the future but I see much that is good in him which should be fostered. To that end I wish to begin to familiarise him with cultured society; to see him become comfortable in the presence of his equals. Jason is by nature a little shy and awkward with strangers. I would see him overcome that and I can think of no better way to do that than to introduce him to a few carefully selected allies. I am aware that there are those who would not react well to Jason's uninhibited nature and I would have him learn to temper that before he is fully introduced to our world. You are a friend Laius and I believe I can trust you not to take offence and to help me to guide the boy in the right direction."

"I am honoured that you think so highly of me," Laius answered with a smile as they came to a halt before the door to the room he was to occupy. "I will be interested to meet this semi-wild boy of yours."

"Jason is not wild," Pasiphae snapped, unable to stop herself from leaping to her son's defence. "He simply has not had the opportunity to spend much time in civilised company."

Minos laid a restraining hand on her arm.

"My love," he began.

"Forgive me," Laius said, raising her hand to his lips once more. "I meant no offence. I am sure that under your tutelage this young kinsman of yours will swiftly blossom and become a credit to his teachers."

"Perhaps I overreacted," Pasiphae murmured in response. "If you will excuse me I must speak with the servants preparing for tonight's feast."

"Of course," Minos responded. "Perhaps you would also be good enough to inform Jason that his presence will be required at the meal."

Pasiphae schooled her expression into a gracious smile.

"As you wish My Lord," she said.


Even after everything that had happened in the last few weeks there was still something wondrous about being so close to her son, Pasiphae mused – especially in his quiet moments when she could watch the flicker and play of emotions across his face and sense a peaceful contentment in every line of his body. Not that she could see his face at the moment of course. Jason was turned away from her, facing the window of his chambers, seemingly deeply engrossed in reading a piece of parchment.

Pasiphae paused. This was not the first time she had seen him reading in a quiet moment or had spotted reading materials in his chambers. Perhaps it was something that he enjoyed? There was still so much about the boy that she did not know; still so much that she could not predict – but Gods willing she had a lifetime to learn, she reminded herself.

"You needed to see me for something," the young man said without turning or even looking up.

Pasiphae started. How had he known she was there? She had made no sound as she had entered she was sure of it. Then she felt it: the stirring at the back of her mind; the little pull that came from somewhere deep inside and set her magic thrumming. She could feel him; sense his presence. It was a warmth that snaked up inside her. If she had not known it before she certainly would have now – Jason was touched by the Gods in the same way that she was. It called to her.

When she had spoken to him a few days ago of feeling a bond tethering them together she had been speaking merely of the bond of love that any mother had with her son. This connection she was feeling now was something that went far deeper; something that could only be defined as magical.

She could only assume that she had failed to notice this feeling – this bond – before because there had been too much going on to allow her to sense it properly. From the moment Minos had taken Jason to meet Anaxandros there had been little time for her to focus on anything other than the moment, and her own recent injury had dulled her senses in the immediate aftermath. Injury or illness inevitably drained her magical energy as well as her physical energy (although her magical abilities – and being touched by the Gods of course – generally also prevented her from succumbing to common illnesses in the first place) and had prevented her from realising the strength of their connection until this moment.

It was clear, though, that she was not the only one who could feel the connection between them. Jason could sense her presence in the same way that she could sense his, she was certain of it. He could feel her too. Pasiphae paused for a moment. Would he acknowledge the fact though? If she tackled him directly, would he admit to feeling the connection? Would he accept that by virtue of the fact that he was touched by the Gods he had senses that went beyond the norm? If he would then it could be a way to reintroduce the topic of what she firmly believed were his newly emerging abilities; abilities that she suspected were growing stronger with each day that passed. As urgent as she believed the situation to be, however, it would do no good to push Jason too hard and too quickly. She dared not risk him clamming up and refusing to speak to her at all; completely refusing to acknowledge what was going on inside him.

She remembered only too well the fear that had encompassed her when she had first become aware of her powers; the forces that had surrounded her; the feeling of helplessness that had crept over her. There had been no-one to help her; no-one to guide her steps or explain things to her. She remembered how lonely she had been and knew that was how her son would be feeling. Knew that no matter how much he tried to hide it and to ignore the power that was growing in him, Jason would be very much afraid the more he became aware of his abilities; would fear both himself and the source of his powers; would perhaps even fear the reactions of other people (especially his friends) to his differences.

Although perhaps not, Pasiphae acknowledged. Jason seemed to care less for what people thought of him than she had; did not seem to be bothered by appearances or social positions. Despite the fact that she agreed with Minos that the boy was a little shy in nature Pasiphae also had to admit that Jason seemed remarkably comfortable with who he was and did not trouble himself with other people's opinions of him. Whilst she suspected that most of her predictions about the nature of his fears would prove only too accurate, perhaps he would not fear the reactions of others in the way she might expect.

Whatever happened though Pasiphae was determined that Jason would not face this alone. Possibly because there had been no-one to guide her through the first frightening months as her powers had emerged, she was determined that Jason would not be left to deal with his own awakening on his own. All she had to do now was persuade him to open up to her – and that would be a task in itself.

"Is everything alright?"

She had hesitated too long, caught up with the shock of realising their bond and in her concerns for her son. Jason had turned fully to look at her, his worry for her written in his eyes. Pasiphae allowed her face to drop into a maternal smile.

"Nothing is amiss," she answered, her tone mellow.

"Then to what do I owe the pleasure?" Jason asked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Not that I'm objecting but I thought you'd be off somewhere terrorising the servants now."

Pasiphae felt her smile widening. How different this was from their first uncertain and almost adversarial interactions at the Palace just a few weeks ago. Whereas Jason had been tense and suspicious then – at times bordering on insolent and contemptuous, and certainly full of anger – now he was relaxed and apparently genuinely happy to see her, his tone light and teasing.

"Do I need a reason to visit my son?" she asked lightly, crossing the room and sitting herself down opposite him. "We have had little time to grow to know one another better of late. I hoped that we might spend a little time together before I must speak to the servants in preparation for tonight's meal."

Jason put the parchment he was reading to one side.

"I'd like that," he said softly.

"I am glad," Pasiphae responded. "King Laius arrived a short time ago."

"Yeah, I know," Jason replied. "I saw."

"I thought I saw you ducking out of sight in the courtyard," his mother said. "What were you doing hiding in the shadows?"

Jason looked down at his hands.

"I didn't think you'd want… that is… I didn't know that anyone had arrived until I came into the courtyard and I didn't think you'd want to introduce me or anything… I didn't want to embarrass you," he finished quietly.

Pasiphae closed her eyes briefly. Much as she worried about the possibility of Jason committing a social faux pas in public she had never wanted him to know that.

"You believed I would be ashamed of you," she murmured. She reached out and cupped the side of her son's face with one slender hand. "You have no idea how wrong you are. I am so proud of you Jason. You are my son. These last few weeks so much has been asked of you and you have more than fulfilled both mine and the King's every hope. I will always regret the fact that I did not get the chance to know the child that you were, but I am proud of the man that you have become."

She was rewarded by a wide-eyed, hopeful look that tugged at her heart. What had this boy done to her? How had he managed to work his way into her heart so completely?

"There will be always be times when I am less than patient with you," she found herself saying, "but do not doubt that I will always be proud to call you my son."

Jason inclined his head slightly.

"My Dad's friend Mac always said that I could try the patience of a saint," he said with a half-ashamed laugh.

Pasiphae frowned in confusion.

"It's just a saying," Jason clarified hurriedly before she could ask. "It just means that I could annoy even the calmest person without even trying." He hesitated for a moment. "I don't want to let you down," he said softly.

Pasiphae felt a little warm glow inside.

"And as long as you allow yourself to be guided you will not," she responded. "Speaking of such matters, Minos has asked me to inform you that your presence will be required at the supper table tonight."

Jason shot her a confused look.

"I normally have dinner with you," he pointed out. "I've got used to it now."

"I appreciate that but Minos wished to make sure that you would definitely be there this evening," Pasiphae stated firmly.

"Why?" Jason asked with growing suspicion.

"Tonight there is to be a feast in honour of King Laius' arrival," Pasiphae answered. "Minos wishes to introduce you to Laius. It will be more formal than the family meals you have grown accustomed to… although it will be far from as lavish or as large as formal occasions usually are in Atlantis. Remind me when we return home to show you the large dining room."

Jason tensed immediately.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea," he said flatly.

"Your opinion is not actually required in the matter," Pasiphae informed him. "The King has demanded your presence and you will attend."

"I didn't say I wouldn't come," Jason protested quietly. "It's just…"

He stood up and moved away from the Queen, arms wrapped firmly around his middle and head ducking almost automatically, his back turned towards his mother.

Pasiphae frowned and stood gracefully, coming up behind the young man and resting a firm hand on his shoulder. Jason turned his head to glance at her and she found her breath being taken away by the sheer unhappiness in his hazel eyes.

"I was never very good at parties," he admitted softly. "I was always the one that ended up sitting in a corner. I'm rubbish at small talk and I've always found having to make polite conversation with strangers awkward. I'm bound to mess up and say something I shouldn't or use the wrong knife or something."

"You will be fine," Pasiphae answered. "Your table manners are more than good enough for Laius' company and as long as you remember to keep your head up and speak clearly and politely when spoken to everything will be well… and try not to argue with anyone for goodness sake. You may not agree with what Laius, or indeed anyone else, is saying to you but it is bad manners to show it in public. We need Laius' support – and his army – now more than ever and I would not have him offended in any way."

Jason grimaced.

"Trust me I don't want to offend him," he answered. "I know how important getting everyone on side is… which is why I'm not sure I should be there tonight. I'm not good when there are lots of people around."

Pasiphae gave him a faintly amused look.

"You are worrying too much," she said. "There will be no more than fifteen or twenty people there tonight – a small gathering by our standards. It will simply be the King, myself, Ariadne and you, King Laius and the closest of his retinue, and a few of the nobility who have chosen to make their homes in Pagenia. I am aware that this will be your first true social engagement but it is something that you will have to become used to. Minos is being kind in introducing you to civilised company at such a small gathering… do not make him regret it."

Jason's frown deepened. Did his mother really think that he was going to go out of his way to upset either his stepfather or any of the guests tonight? He opened his mouth to protest but before he could speak Pasiphae went on, her hand still warm on his shoulder, squeezing lightly as her thumb rubbed small circles on his back.

"All will be well I am sure," she said softly. "You managed to get through meeting the King's advisors for the first time and the meeting with Anaxandros without any disasters happening on your part. On both occasions Minos indicated that he was pleased with your conduct. This dinner should be a great deal more pleasant than both those meetings and you will not be on your own… I will be there – as will the King and Ariadne – and Laius is a good friend to Atlantis. Minos has already told him a little about you – has told him that you are a kinsman… if not the precise nature of our relationship – and he is already prepared to like you for our sakes."

Jason nodded silently.

"Just behave in the manner that I have instructed you in and everything will go easily," Pasiphae concluded. "I will see that suitable clothing is laid out for you," she added, eyeing his current attire with a raised eyebrow and a vague air of contempt.

Jason looked down at himself and blushed faintly.

"I wasn't planning on wearing this to dinner," he protested mildly.

"I am very glad to hear it," Pasiphae answered with asperity, "although I do wonder why it is exactly that you are wearing peasant's clothing when I know that more suitable garments have been provided."

Jason frowned. It was true that the clothes he was currently wearing were not as rich as the garments usually worn by members of the Atlantian royal family but they were far from being the rags that his mother seemed to be implying – and more importantly (at least to him) they were his; were the clothes he had arrived at the Palace in several weeks ago. He still felt more comfortable in his own things no matter what else might have been provided since – either at the Palace or here. Somehow, though, he still felt the need to explain; to justify himself.

"I went with Nisos to help with the set-up of the extension to the camp," he answered. "I didn't think it would be appropriate wearing anything nicer while I was putting up shelters and chopping wood. Plus I thought that if I wore my own clothes there would be less chance of anyone recognising me."

Pasiphae didn't fail to notice that he referred to the garments as his 'own clothes' and flinched a little at the implication. It worried her a little that he clearly still could not view the things she had provided as his.

"It would certainly not have been appropriate for anyone to have seen you doing such menial work," she snapped. "These are not tasks which are suitable for you to undertake. I fail to understand why you were even there."

"I'm not good at just sitting around," responded Jason a little defensively. "I need to be busy… to be useful. This seemed like the best thing I could do to help." He grimaced. "It's not as if I'm all that much use around here… diplomacy isn't exactly my strongest point."

"Indeed," Pasiphae retorted with heavy irony. "You do surprise me."

The hurt look that flashed across the young man's hazel eyes made Pasiphae pause for a moment.

"If you feel the need to be busy I am sure there are more suitable tasks that might be found," she said more gently. "It would not reflect well on the King if any of our allies were to discover that you were doing the work of a servant."

"I didn't think anyone was going to know," Jason began. "I mean, I didn't think Minos wanted anyone to be told who I am."

"Minos does not wish to force you into a position that you are not ready to accept," Pasiphae answered softly. "He will protect you as much as he can… as will we all… but the time may come Jason when he has no choice but to reveal to our allies exactly who you are and what your relationship is to him… and to me."

"I don't need protecting," Jason protested. "I'm an adult." Even as he spoke, however, his arms tightened around himself and he caught his lower lip between his teeth, gnawing at it. At Pasiphae's pointed look he released it again.

"Are you trying to convince me… or yourself?" Pasiphae responded. "I did not mean that you are unable to protect yourself," she went on, blatantly ignoring the scowl that Jason was throwing in her direction. "But you have made it clear that you do not wish anyone to know who you are." There was a hint of sadness in her tone.

"I'm sorry," Jason muttered. "I'm just not ready for that."

"I know," Pasiphae answered hoarsely, turning away from him.

She was startled to feel tentative fingers worming their way into her grasp; holding her hand lightly – anxiously. Reflexively Pasiphae looked down at her hand and then up into her son's earnest and gentle eyes.

"I am sorry," he said softly. "I know you want more from me. It's just that we've only really known one another for a few weeks and with everything that's been going on we haven't really had the chance to be… well… normal. Everything's happened so quickly. A month ago I knew exactly who I was and where I belonged. Then you came along and now everything's different. I don't know what's coming at me around the corner and to be honest that sort of scares me. It feels like my home in the city is calling to me at times and the thought of being bound by the rules of your court…" he shuddered involuntarily. "It feels like I'd be letting myself be imprisoned in a cage." Jason paused for a moment. "When I was growing up I didn't have an awful lot," he admitted.

Pasiphae felt herself nodding. Somehow she had expected that.

"When you don't have much you learn to value what you do have," Jason went on. "The one thing I always had was freedom… independence – sometimes maybe a bit too much independence for a child – and it became important to me… so the thought of giving that up – of choosing to live my life with everyone watching my every move – of never really being free… that scares the hell out of me. I don't want to give up the life I've found – the family I've found – with Hercules and Pythagoras… but I'm also not sure I want to give up on the relationship I'm starting to develop with you either. You're not the type of mother I always thought I wanted but maybe you're what I need. I don't know yet what I want my future to be… where it will lie… but I do know that I want you to be in it." He looked down at their clasped hands. "I just don't feel like I can make any decisions about the future yet. I don't know enough about what normal life would entail with you. I'm not ready for the world to know who I am when I don't know myself yet."

"Very well," Pasiphae answered softly. "Then I will see what may be done so that you might learn what normal life is like in our home. I understand your desire to be busy and can see that you require ways to fill your time productively. To that end I believe that it is time to assess your levels of education."

"I've already been educated," Jason protested sharply.

"In the customs of the land that you have grown up in," Pasiphae responded smoothly, "but not in the customs of Atlantis. If you are to make an informed decision about your own future then it would be as well for you to learn what the role of a prince of Atlantis entails. I merely wish you to learn the customs of our people; our laws and history – your history. Back in the Palace you expressed a desire to learn about our Gods, this is merely an extension of that. That is not so unreasonable is it?"

Jason looked helplessly at her. Much as he hated to admit it what she was suggesting was not unreasonable. There had definitely been times over the last few months when his life would have been easier if he had known a little more about the rules of the society he had found himself in.

"Alright," he muttered.

Pasiphae smiled and reached up to caress his face.

"It will not be so bad," she said gently. "I will endeavour to engage a tutor who will be to your liking. For now I simply wish to learn where the gaps in your knowledge might be… and it may help you to feel a little more useful – and indeed be a little more useful – if you understand a little more of what is going on around you." Her smile softened. "Come now. This was not the conversation I intended to have with you and my time is unfortunately short. We will discuss the matter more in the morning. For now, do not worry about the future. What will be will be. I must go and ensure that everything is in readiness for this evening's feast. I will send a servant to lay out the clothes I wish you to wear and will see you at dinner." Pasiphae raised one eyebrow imperiously. "Do not be late," she instructed firmly, although the hint of an amused smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"I'll try not to be," Jason answered with mock-solemnity.

"Do not be cheeky," Pasiphae ordered, batting him lightly on the arm in much the same way one might admonish a puppy. "I will expect to see you in good time."

Once she had swept from the room Jason sat down and stared unseeingly out of the window. What exactly was he letting himself in for? He remembered only too well the long days of school spent in stuffy, overheated classrooms and did not relish the thought of going back to that; had never fared well when cooped up for too long. And what was the betting that any tutor that his mother found was some dry and dusty old academic? She was probably right that he could do with learning a little more about Atlantis but he just wished there was a way that he could do it in his own way.

Then there was the dinner he was being expected to attend tonight. Jason grimaced at the thought. God but he hated having to make small talk. It didn't help that almost everyone there would be a stranger and that the guest of honour was a man who he knew had deliberately tried to send his infant son to his death (and as far as Laius knew he had succeeded). How exactly was Jason supposed to be polite to someone who had done that? By the same token though, Laius was a friend of Minos and a trusted ally – and they would desperately need his help in the weeks to come. Offending him was really not an option. Jason sighed. If he had to spend all evening biting his tongue it was what he would do. Minos and Pasiphae were both placing trust in him and he was determined not to let his parents down.


Dinner had gone very well all things considered. Pasiphae had been at her regal best and even Ariadne had managed to sit through an entire meal without sniping at her stepmother. Minos was not completely blind to the animosity between his wife and his beloved daughter no matter what people might think; he had grown used to the honeyed poison spread between the two. It did not mean that he liked it, however. Of late though there seemed to have been some sort of truce declared between Ariadne and Pasiphae. Not that they were friendly in any way but at least they no longer seemed to be in open warfare. Minos privately suspected that this rapprochement had a lot to do with the young man who had been sitting next to his daughter at dinner. A mutual desire between the Queen and the Princess to make Jason happy had a lot to answer for.

Tonight Ariadne had been graceful, elegant and softly spoken; the very image of a beautiful and delicate Princess. Minos had almost thought his heart would burst with pride. As for his stepson, Jason had done everything that had been asked of him. He had been polite and spoken clearly when spoken to. If he had not offered up any topics of conversation himself it hardly mattered. In fact it was possibly preferable that way – after all the boy's life experiences so far scarcely leant themselves to discussion in polite company. Minos shuddered at the thought of his stepson telling any sort of story about his life as a commoner in the city. Still he had behaved well so far this night. Minos made a mental note to speak with Pasiphae later to express his pleasure with how well she had taught the boy thus far.

Now though they were at the stage in the evening where the food was finished and the guests (or at least the important ones) had retired to a sitting room to mingle and make polite conversation while servants cleared away the detritus of the meal. Minos glanced around the room with pleasure. On the far side Pasiphae was charming Laius with her speech and manner, her silvery laugh carrying to her husband's ears, joined it seemed by one of the members of the town hierarchy who the Queen had deigned to invite for the evening; petty officials for the most part and their simpering wives who would dine out on the story of their brush with royal favour for years to come.

In a corner Ariadne was engaged in polite conversation with a man who bore a startling resemblance to a pig and his wife; a woman of distinctly middle years who had apparently squeezed herself into a dress that was at least two sizes too small, with overly elaborate hair and too much make-up. The Princess was as gracious and sweet as ever. She was apparently absorbed with the nasal whining of the petty official and listening to his conversation with interest. An occasional eye roll however – whenever the man and his wife were not looking – alerted her father to the fact that Ariadne was less than enthused by the encounter.

At her side, her stepbrother was trying his hardest to look interested. He had plastered the innocuous, friendly smile that so often stood him in good stead on his face, hiding behind it. As soon as supper had ended he and Ariadne had teamed up; the beautiful Princess seemingly determined to stay by his side and ensure that this evening ran as smoothly as possible. For that if nothing else Jason was inordinately grateful. The voice of the man in front of him was seriously grating on his nerves (already stretched to breaking point through having to attend this evening's feast) and he found his eyes almost involuntarily drawn to the ghastly spectacle of the man's wife; a woman who had been trying to flirt with him ever since the conversation began. Jason would admit to being a trifle naïve about such things at times but this woman was hardly trying to hide her interest. He swallowed down the urge to bolt, his nails biting viciously into his palm as he clenched one hand behind his back.

Finally the petty official ran out of topics to talk about and wandered off across the room with his wife in tow, attempting to attract the King's attention. Before anyone else could descend on them Jason excused himself, needing a few moments respite and a little fresh air. Ariadne smiled understandingly but suggested quietly that he might not want to take too long so that no-one felt the need to come searching for him.

The corridor was dark, cool and refreshing after the stuffy room he had come from. Jason moved to a window and looked out longingly at the courtyard below and the moonlit town beyond. God what he wouldn't give to escape outside right now. The only thing keeping him from slipping out was the knowledge that his leaving would undoubtedly embarrass both his mother and stepfather. The evening had seemed interminable so far. How much longer could it go on? How long were these awful little toadies and their whining wives intending to stay? He leant against the casement and took a few deep breaths of fresh air.

"You are the last person I would have expected to see at King Minos' table."

The deep voice behind him made him spin around, once more automatically on the defensive. Tiresias, King Laius' right hand man, had followed him from the sitting room and stood before him, a curious expression on his dour face.

Jason snorted.

"I'm the last person that expected to be at King Minos' table," he answered ironically.

"I had certainly not thought that we would meet again," Tiresias went on. "What game were you playing when we met last?"

"Game?" Jason asked.

Tiresias allowed a faint, cold smile to show.

"King Laius informs me that you are a kinsman of Minos and Pasiphae," he responded. "Which leads me to ask why, when the Queen was so determined to help my King, you would defy her so openly and help to rescue the child. Why you would offer to take him from the city yourself. I had taken you for no more than a peasant – a brave peasant but a peasant none the less – and had not anticipated seeing you again."

"I could ask you the same," replied Jason. "Why would you defy the orders of your King? There's an ugly word they use for people who do that."

"I am aware that what I did could be described as treason," the old man answered, "yet sometimes a man must do what he believes to be right no matter what the consequences. To my eternal shame I helped the King to cast out the boy in the first place. I was merely putting right the wrongs I had done."

"We can agree on that at least," Jason murmured.

"I have served Laius loyally for many years… and hope to do so for many years to come. The King is not a bad man… merely one who fears the words of the Oracle and the Gods." He looked at Jason shrewdly. "You have still not answered my question… My Lord," he pointed out.

"As you said, sometimes a man must do what he believes to be right," Jason answered. "To abandon a child that way… to leave him to die… it's wrong. There can't ever be a good reason to do that."

"You do not approve of casting out unwanted or unhealthy children," Tiresias stated flatly. "Yet there are times when there is no other option. If the child has no chance of survival then it is as well not to waste valuable resources on it. That is what we tell ourselves."

"I can't accept that," Jason retorted sharply. "There can never be an excuse for abandoning a child in that way."

Tiresias sighed.

"As it happens I agree with you," he said quietly, "but society would not… and there is little that one man can do to change the minds of society. I cannot change the world… I can only live in it."

"It's not right," Jason said stubbornly, turning back to the window.

"No," Tiresias agreed, stepping up to his shoulder, "it is not."

The silence stretched between them. Presently Tiresias glanced across at his companion.

"Why were you posing as a peasant?" he asked.

Jason laughed humourlessly.

"I wasn't posing as anything," he said. "This," he gestured around himself, "is pretty recent. I only found out that I'm related to the Queen a few weeks ago."

"So it is Her Majesty that you are kinsman to then?" Tiresias murmured. "It is of no matter I suppose," he went on in answer to Jason's sharp look. "I believe that it will be best if we had never met," he said firmly. "If we meet again we must be strangers… must not acknowledge that we have even seen one another in the past. Any suspicion of any acquaintance between us could be hazardous to us both. No-one – especially the Queen – must ever learn of the way in which we first met or the enterprise we were both engaged in."

"Very well," Jason answered.

"Then I will leave you My Lord," Tiresias responded. "I will wait for my King to formally introduce us in the future."

As he left, Jason let out the breath he had been unconsciously holding. He supposed he really ought to be heading back into the sitting room and the gathering inside. Just a few more minutes of peace and sanity would be nice though. Without another thought he slipped through a door slightly further down the corridor from the one to the sitting room where everyone was gathered.

The room he found himself in was a smaller sitting room than the one he had left. It was also deserted; silent and peaceful. Jason smiled to himself and padded on quiet feet to a half-concealed deeply recessed window seat on the far side of the room, settling himself into it. He wasn't intending to stay here for long – just long enough to regroup and relax enough to let him get through the rest of the evening as easily as possible.

He'd barely settled into place, however, when the door to the room opened. Jason sighed inaudibly and scrunched down a little more into the seat, hoping to avoid the attention of whoever had come in. If they knew he was here and spoke to him directly he would respond, of course – but if they weren't actually looking for him then he would try to avoid the encounter.

"Does your husband, the King, appreciate you properly?" the voice which reached Jason's ears was very smooth.

"Minos knows my worth," Pasiphae's equally smooth response came softly.

Jason frowned and peered around the edge of the recess where he was sitting. King Laius moved across the room at a stately pace – very different from his usual stride – with Pasiphae at his side, her hand on top of his. The moonlight streaming in through the window caught the golden circlet he wore at his brow and bathed his face in soft light. He was dressed much as usual, although the heavy golden himation fastened at his right shoulder and draped over his left arm indicated both his status and the formality of the evening.

Together the Theban King and the Atlantian Queen stepped towards the window. There they stopped. Pasiphae gazed out of the casement, a soft and knowing smile playing at her lips. Laius stood behind her and brought his hands up to rest on her upper arms, his chest to her back. Jason felt his face begin to burn, a slowly growing anger twisting his guts. This was his mother for goodness sake; his married mother. How dare Laius behave this way? The man was married as well. It was just plain wrong – especially with Minos just a few doors away. Minos had proved to be kind over the last few weeks and somehow Jason couldn't bear to see him betrayed in this manner.

"How is Jocasta?" Pasiphae asked, stepping out from under Laius' hands and moving to lie on a long, low couch.

Laius stiffened and moved to the window.

"She is… cold," he responded. "Since the loss of the boy she no longer looks on me as she once did."

"Give it time My Lord," Pasiphae advised. "Jocasta is very young but she will learn. Another child may not fully replace the one she has lost but it might help to distract her from her grief a little."

"Perhaps," acknowledged Laius. "The Gods have not seen fit to bless us with another child though."

"There is still time," Pasiphae responded. "It is only a few months since the boy was born. Other children will come in time if the Gods will it."

"My family is cursed," Laius stated morosely. "We must have offended the Gods in some way but I do not know how."

"The Gods need no reason for their cruelty. They delight in tormenting men." Pasiphae paused and looked seriously at the Theban King. "Do not regret what happened, Laius," she said. "You had no choice."

"Perhaps," Laius acknowledged.

He came to stand beside the couch and took Pasiphae's outstretched hand, raising it to his lips, unaware of the pair of burning eyes that were watching from the window seat on the far side of the room.

"I would that Jocasta were like you," Laius murmured. "She cannot hope to rival your grace and elegance. She is but a pale shade by comparison."

"You are very kind, My Lord," Pasiphae responded, "but Jocasta is very beautiful."

"She has nothing of your poise or wit," Laius answered. "She is like the lygos flower, chaste and virtuous, but you are like the rose, bright symbol of Aphrodite; of love itself. She is no more than a shy girl but you are a woman."

"You flatter me."

"I speak nothing but the truth." Laius lifted her hand to his lips once more.

"Jocasta will learn as I did," Pasiphae answered. "I was once a young bride. It takes time to grow into the role of Queen."

"It is a role that you fill admirably. I doubt that Jocasta will ever be your equal."

Pasiphae gave a gracious smile.

"She may surprise you yet," she murmured. "Let us talk of the present though." She arched a delicate eyebrow. "Tomorrow Minos will ask for your support; for your backing against the Amphigeneians. Will he have it?"

"He will," Laius confirmed. "Your husband is a good man and has been a good friend to Thebes. I will give aid in any way I may to see you both restored to your rightful places."

"He may wish you to help convince some of our less… dedicated allies to give their aid also."

"And I will do so gladly," Laius declared. "Whatever I can do to help you both, I will."

Pasiphae reached up and clasped his hand in between hers.

"I thank you, My Lord," she said. "I will not forget this kindness."

"I pray that we may see each other again under more pleasant circumstances," Laius said. "I would like nothing more than to entertain both you and the King at my court in Thebes. If nothing else I owe Minos a return hunting trip."

"Perhaps you might hunt while you are here," Pasiphae suggested. "It would do Minos good to forget his cares for a day... and we must wait for our other allies to arrive before any serious decisions can be made."

"Perhaps," Laius agreed. "If the Gods are willing. Once any affairs of state that we might conduct without the presence of our allies are concluded it might be pleasant to spend a day at leisure… If there is any game to be found in the hills around here that is."

"I have it on good authority that there is good hunting to be found no more than a league to the south," Pasiphae murmured. "My sources tell me that there is an area of woodland which contains both deer and boar. You should find it entertaining enough."

Laius smiled.

"And will you be joining us My Lady?" he asked. "You were once keen to remind me that Artemis herself was a woman and to suggest that you wished to hunt at my side."

"I am afraid I will be unable to join you on this occasion," Pasiphae answered. "I received an injury in our escape from the city. By the grace of the Gods I have been largely healed but I fear the exertion of the hunt would be unwise at present."

"A shame," Laius murmured. "That is a pleasure that I will have to look forward to for your visit to my kingdom then."

"That will be something for us both to look forward to," Pasiphae answered with a slight smile. She looked around. "We must return to the gathering soon," she said. "Minos will wonder where we have gone if we are absent for much longer and there are those present who would take pleasure in pointing out my absence to him."

"You have enemies?"

"We all have enemies Laius," Pasiphae answered bluntly. "You should know that as well as anyone. There are always those who will be jealous of anyone who is in a position of power or authority – or who is perceived to be socially superior. Such people are generally of little threat however if you know how to deal with them properly."

"You are a truly remarkable woman," Laius murmured admiringly, moving his hand to rest lightly on the Queen's shoulder.

"I am flattered that you think so," Pasiphae responded.

With one graceful, sinuous movement she stood up and took Laius' hand, ready to leave the chamber.

"I hope that there will be other opportunities for us to spend a little time together whilst we are here," Laius stated.

"I will look forwards to it My Lord," Pasiphae answered as they swept from the room.

Once they had gone Jason slowly uncurled himself from the window seat where he had remained unseen for the duration of the conversation. Anger bubbled inside him. Laius had no right to be trying to flirt with Pasiphae like that. He took a deep breath and tried to calm down a little. It would do no good whatsoever to return to the gathering in a foul temper – and return he must. Ariadne had already told him that people would begin to look for him if he was absent for too long and that that was something he should try to avoid if at all possible. He'd already been gone too long really but needed just a couple more minutes to pull himself together.

He'd been stupid, he told himself. Had let himself be seduced by the idea of having a mother; had allowed the maternal concern that Pasiphae seemed to be showing lull him into a false sense of security. But what if it wasn't real? What if the kindness she had shown him was no more than an act? A manipulation to suit her own purposes?

The woman he had just seen in here speaking with King Laius bore little resemblance to the mother who had apparently worried about him when he had disappeared from the Temple or who had sat with him in his rooms talking easily just this afternoon. So which was the real Pasiphae? Had his longing for a family of his own blinded him to her wicked side?

And she could be wicked – he knew that only too well; was ruthless when crossed. Yet somehow, every time he tried to remember her bad points, his mind kept straying back to the mother who had climbed up onto the bed next to him when he had been ill and tried to provide as much comfort as she could. Jason sighed. No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't seem to stay angry with his mother; desperately hoped that there was some sort of logical and rational explanation for her apparent betrayal of her marriage to Minos.

She hadn't let Laius actually do anything though, Jason sternly reminded himself. All that had really happened was a little flirting and some hand holding (and hand kissing). Perhaps Pasiphae never intended it to go too far? Perhaps she was simply playing along for the sake of the alliance and the troops that the Theban King could bring? After all she had made sure that Jason understood that they really could not afford to offend Laius. Somehow Jason found himself hoping so both for her sake and for his stepfather's.

But just how was he supposed to go back to the main gathering and exchange pleasantries with King Laius? A man who to all intents and purposes seemed to be trying to rip Jason's family apart on what could really be no more than a whim. Medusa had said that Laius had a roving eye and now he had seen the proof for himself. Could he go into the sitting room and be polite and courteous to a man who he firmly believed he had every reason to despise?

Yes, he decided, he could; he had to for the sake of Atlantis and its King. Minos was relying on him not to cause any offence – to be polite – although it had to be said that he was still more than a little uncertain as to why the King had been so insistent on Jason's presence in the first place. Atlantis needed all the allies she could get right now and if that meant that Jason had to show the correct level of deference to Laius (as opposed to his natural instinct which was just to punch the man for his behaviour) then that was what he would do.

Decision made he squared his shoulders and made his way back to the sitting room. The room was emptier than it had been, he immediately noticed. A few of the guests had already departed it appeared. It was getting late after all. Ariadne appeared at his elbow as soon as he entered, smiling at him gently, although her eyes betrayed her curiosity about where he had been.

"You've been gone a long time," she said softly. "I think my father was about to send a servant to find you."

"Sorry," Jason answered. "I was detained."

Ariadne frowned at his response.

"Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Nothing to worry about," Jason responded with an approximation of a smile.

Before Ariadne could question him any further Minos spotted them and strode over.

"Ah, Jason," he said. "I was looking for you."

"Forgive me Your Majesty," Jason replied. "I went to get a little air and was unavoidably held up."

Minos frowned. What could have kept the boy?

"No matter I suppose," he answered with vague suspicion lacing his tone. "There is someone that I would like you to meet however." He turned and gestured to a figure behind him. "Laius," he said. "This is Jason… the young man I have been telling you about."

Laius stepped from behind Minos with a superior smile.

"Jason," he said in well-modulated tones. "I am glad to make your acquaintance. King Minos has been telling me all about you." His eyes flicked up and down the young man in front of him and registered a faint amusement.

Jason resisted the urge to blush or look awkwardly at his feet, reminding himself that this was a man who had tried to arrange the death of his own infant son and who believed all women were his natural prey – Jason had nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about in his presence. Instead he made the short, formal bow his mother had instructed him on back at the Palace.

"Your Majesty," he responded formally, his tone respectful but his eyes as cold as winter. "I've heard plenty about you too."