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Before I leave Eileithyia hands me a magnificent amethyst pendant. The large prism-shaped stone is delicately surrounded in gold, giving it a halo-like appearance. The brilliant purple coloured stone matches my eyes; it looks like it has been custom made just for me.
“This was your mother’s before she transitioned to a god. It is rightfully yours now Siriarna?I believe it was always meant for you.” She kisses the top of my head and whispers, “Now go.”
Chapter23
Siriarna
Climbing the rungs of the suspended ladder, I board the waiting chariot, contemplating my destination. Once aboard, I stroke my amethyst pendant, and instantly know where I must travel. The charioteer shakes the reins, and the immortal horses knowingly respond to their master’s command. As soon as we are airborne, the veil hiding our existence from the Surface World lifts. The wind catches my hair, blowing previously straightened bangs into my face. Automatically, I tuck them firmly behind my ears, securing them into place.
Within moments we are exiting the vortex, and the heavenly welcome of Mount Olympus immediately comes into view. Oversized golden gates open automatically, and I crane my neck to watch them close behind.
No turning back now!
The horses hit the ground with nothing more than a whisper of hooves. Past the Main Palace they gallop—the House of Zeus. My father’s residence. Trepidation strikes as we gallop past. I know I will face him soon, however, today’s journey is dedicated to my reunion with Psyche.Gods help me.
The chariot comes to a standstill outside a lavish andrather ostentatious palace. Solid gold inlays snake through the building’s elaborate mouldings, and angelic carvings sit audaciously on prominent corbels. Eros and Psyche’s home. I suck a sharp breath into my lungs as the brashness of my actions register. Heart pounding, I jump from the chariot, head held high, and walk to my mother’s front door.
Wrapping my knuckles on the large ancient oak door, I make barely a sound. Instead of continuing the charade redundantly, I slide the wooden bolt from its housing and let myself into the palace entrance hall, completely unannounced.
“Hello” I call out.
Nothing. No response is met by my greeting. I try again. This time, I take a deep breath and project my voice as loud as I can.
“Hel-lo.”
I hear footsteps approach from afar. In almost an instant, standing right in front of me, is Psyche herself. She is every bit as beautiful as her legend portrays. Pale flawless skin, full rosy lips, and the bluest sapphire eyes sparking within her angelic face. The most astonishing feature is the faint glittering outline of butterfly wings sprouting from her back. I am in awe at her magnificence and have trouble grasping that this goddess is really my mother.
Her voice brings me back to reality.
“Can I help you?” she asks in a sweet melodic pitch.
Here it is—the moment I hadn’t realised I have been waiting for my entire life. “My name is Siriarna, and I was hoping we could speak.”
“What a strange request, Siriarna. It is not common practice for a semi god to appear at the palace of a god. In fact, it is forbidden without invitation.”
“That is what I would like to speak about,” I say.
“Very well. On this occasion I will allow it as my husband is currently attending Divine Council. I could do with thedistraction.”
She turns and proceeds down the hallway turning left, her wings fluttering with each step. I follow behind, jogging to keep up. We reach a courtyard filled with juniper trees, housed in large marble pots, surrounding the perimeter. A glorious strawberry tree fills the courtyard’s centre. Its branches splay like an umbrella shading the garden benches underneath. Psyche takes her place on one of the benches. I follow her lead and sit opposite on the other.
“You may begin semi god Siriarna,” she says plucking a plump strawberry from the tree.
I am relieved Eros is not currently in residence, it would have made for an awkward conversation if he was present. Taking a deep breath, I speak my truth, “I have been on a personal quest which has ended here. With you.”
“Oh, how exciting,” says Psyche licking her strawberry stained lips.
She really is the most beautiful god I have ever seen. No wonder mortals came to worship her on the Surface World.
I continue, staring her straight in the eyes, “My quest was to find my true heritage, my god parent—”
Psyche interrupts, “That is forbidden information.”
“My case is different.”
Psyche draws closer, “Well, do go on,” she says with impatience.
“I sought out Goddess Eileithyia on the Surface World. She shared an ancient legend only she and one other knew…you. A legend of a mortal princess in love with a god. One who had a secret affair with Zeus, and then fell pregnant. She told me how the princess married her god and came to her immediately after the ceremony to birth her child. I am that child.”
