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The goddess of peace and harmony bowed before them, speaking in a passive, even monotone.

‘I do not feel well about breaking the laws of Jupiter, but I did manage to convince a couple of others to join us.’

‘We are glad of your company,’ said Venus, her voice a little higher than usual. ‘And we have refreshments!’ She gestured to a table laden with golden fruits. ‘Would you like me to take your palla?’

Feronia and Eponia came next, the goddesses of wildlife and equestrianism respectively. Feronia was dishevelled, with twigs and leaves tangled in her curls, accompanied by a menagerie of creature companions. Eponia wore chariot-riding gear, her long hair plaited like the tail of an emperor’s horse.

‘We are only here to vouch for the animals of Rome,’ said Feronia. ‘Too many innocent lives were lost in the Vesuvian catastrophe.’

Eponia huffed in agreement.

Voluptas and Suada soon followed. The goddesses of sensual pleasure and seduction were loyal to Venus over all other men, including the gods, but they enjoyed nothing more than revelry. They quickly poured themselves glasses of ambrosia – the divine wine of deities – glugging as if desperately thirsty.

‘This isn’t a bacchanal,’ said Diana.

‘If we can’t consort with the men, we must be allowed to have a little fun,’ said Suada, downing her drink.

Soon, other deities emerged from the depths of the clouded caves, gathering around them expectantly. Diana and Venus greeted each in turn – bowing, shaking hands and thanking them for their attendance.

‘Fortuna is my kin,’ said Securitas, the elder goddess of national security, her grey hair cropped short. ‘We were born from the void together, back in the time before time. If she is Jupiter’s enemy, then he is mine. Are you sure we speak in confidence?’

‘As certain as I can be,’ said Diana. ‘After all, Jupiter could be hiding in those bubbles, or in the stone of this cavern. He could be disguised as a golden apple. There is only so much a goddess can do.’

Venus looked at the banquet table with newfound trepidation.

‘That wasn’t exactly what I was hoping to hear,’ said Securitas, narrowing her eyes as she gazed around the cavern. ‘I assume you have not invited Juno?’

‘Certainly not,’ said Diana, with a bark of a laugh. ‘Of all the goddesses in the pantheon, she is least likely to betray her consort.’

Salacia, the mermaid-tailed goddess of seawater, suddenly emerged from the blue waters of the pool. Her hair was made of seaweed, threaded with spiralling shells.

‘Salacia,’ said Venus, her eyes wide. ‘We were not expecting you.’

‘The waters hear everything,’ she said, staring at them fixedly. ‘Your words travelled on the waves and currents to my ears.’

Diana tensed, noting the trident in Salacia’s hand.

‘My mentor Neptune was killed by Jupiter. I stand against the king of the gods, now and always.’

‘We are grateful to have you,’ said Diana, exhaling.

They waited for more to arrive, but none came. The gathered goddesses grew restless, looking at Diana and Venus for guidance.

‘Should we… begin?’ the latter asked.

‘Fine. Let’s go ahead,’ said Diana.

‘Thank you all for coming,’ said Venus, turning to the small crowd. She glanced again at Diana and was met with an encouraging nod. ‘You know why we’re here today: we are tired of the gods sponsoring wretched men to rule the empire.’

Venus gazed around at the gathered pantheon. It wasn’t a terrible turnout for their first official engagement, but they would need hundreds more if they were to seize power from the king of the gods.

‘For now, Jupiter is licking his wounds, but his pride is too great for him to stay away for long. He won’t be able to resist the lure of an empty throne.’

The group burbled, murmuring with interest.

‘His client Emperor Decimus was murdered, and although Jupiter has done the same in the past, he will claim it is a violation of his rules,’ said Diana.

‘He is a hypocrite, above all things,’ said Venus.