Chapter 3

He cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. “There’s a banquet on Olympus tomorrow. Thalia’s son’s birthday is coming up, and his wish is to see it, to experience the world of the gods. I want to take him.”

I knew of the banquet. It was an event only for the major gods and their chosen heirs.

I watched him, my silence a question.

“I know this chance should be Chloe’s, but she’ll have plenty of chances in the future. Ethan… he’s different.”

“So, for the market trip tomorrow, let’s go after the banquet.”

He didn’t know. Chloe wouldn’t be here in the future. There would be no more chances.

But I just nodded. “Fine.”

Poseidon smiled, relieved. He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “My love, I knew you’d understand. I’ll go tell Thalia the good news right away.”

With that, he grabbed his trident and hurried out.

The door slammed shut with a bang.

His figure was gone.

I stared at the door for a long, silent moment.

Then, to the empty room, I finished my sentence.

“The truth is, Chloe and I don’t want you anymore.”

Two days left until we were gone.

Late that night, after I’d finished packing, I lay exhausted on the bed. The message conch glowed. It was a message from Poseidon.

[Ethan is so excited for the banquet tomorrow. Thalia wanted me to thank you for being so understanding.]

It was midnight, and my partner was still bothering me with another nymph’s gratitude.

A dry, bitter laugh escaped me. But I couldn’t even be bothered to be angry. Maybe it was because I had no expectations left, but I felt none of the usual heartache. Just… a hollow nothing.

I replied.

[You’re welcome.]

[And let me remind you, the trip to the market was your idea to make things up to Chloe. She is very much looking forward to it. Do not break your promise again.]

After sending it, I went to Chloe’s room. Her brow was furrowed in her sleep, a sign of her unease. I rested my head beside hers and slowly drifted off.

As for Poseidon, I didn’t care what he thought when he read my message.

The next morning at eight, Poseidon returned to the palace, unusually early. He took off his divine robes at the entrance, then froze, staring at the neatly arranged trunks in the main hall.

“Do you need to pack this much for a day trip?” he asked, walking into the rooms without even putting his robes away, a hint of panic in his voice.

I was helping Chloe into a dress, one covered in pearls and gems that she adored.

“The place we’re going is far away,” I said casually.

He immediately looked at Chloe for confirmation. When she nodded, his expression relaxed. He set his robes aside and smiled at her. “You be good and wait for me at home. I’ll be back before you know it, and then we’ll go to the market, okay?”

Chloe’s face flushed with excitement. “I know! I’ll be good!”

I smiled, but before I could speak, Poseidon continued.

“But Chloe… that dress seems a bit too flashy. You know, Ethan only wears the plainest cotton clothes. He says it’s so the other sea folk can have more resources…”

He went on, his voice thick with admiration, oblivious as the color drained from Chloe’s face.

I couldn’t listen anymore. He’d forgotten he was the one who gave her that dress for her birthday last year. That’s why she loved it so much, why she wanted to wear it for her day out with him.

I was about to say something, but Chloe cut me off. She forced a smile. “I understand.”

“I’ll change.”

Poseidon, oblivious to her sadness, beamed with approval and patted her head. “That’s my daughter.”

“Well, I’ll see you later.”

He stood and walked away. Just before he reached the door, he turned back.

“My Nerida, my daughter. I am so lucky to have you both.”

Neither of us said a word.

After he left, Chloe jumped off the bed and grabbed the small bag she had already packed.

“Mother, I don’t want to see Lord Poseidon again. Can we leave early?”