Hades sat in his chamber, his skin glowing slightly. That meant she was awake, loitering around, for prey.

It was a curse he had endowed upon her after the multitude of destruction he had witnessed during the last few millennia. He hadn't imagined this would happen when he held a baby that time. Baby Amoris was beautiful with violet eyes. He knew she'd be destructive, if she took after her mother , but he was hoping she'd be more like him. More with him, truth be told.

After all, it did get boring in the underworld sometimes.

"She is going to the coronation ceremony, Hades," a voice spoke.

"Shut that thing off! There is no escape, and if you will, I don't want to see it personally."

The spirit took one last look at the fox and then, shut it off. Perhaps, it was best.

"Amoris is very dangerous," Hades spoke tiredly.

"We know that, master. If there is anything..."

"There is no way. I thought I could kill everything, take the life out of everything, but she...she defied it. She's my daughter for Zeus' sake. What do you think you can do about that?"

The voice shook its head.

********

"That's it, boy. All perfect," said Veronica, styling the boy's hair.

"I am not a boy anymore!" he snapped.

"Careful. Kings don't lose their temper very often," she chided.

"But, I can do whatever I want," he said, spinning in front of the mirror.

"Not exactly. You might face resistance from the nymphs. Be careful. They are very good in luring," Veronica said, scanning for any flaws.

"Hmm," Eric considered. "Is there any way to...deflect that?"

"Not exactly. I mean, no. If it were possible, they'd just use it and the nymphs would lose their power."

"I suppose there is no way to defy attraction," he sighed.

"Now, leave all that," she said gently. "Say this oath. Remember, have confidence, not arrogance. Make them feel as if they could trust you. Okay?"

He nodded, looking into the paper and memorizing what he had to say. "I'll be okay, right Veronica?"

"Most would-be-kings would have jumped at the idea. But you...no worries. Not everyone is born perfect. You just have to improve your speech and communication tactics."

He sighed visibly. "I don't know, Veronica. It's not my strong area, but I will try."

Veronica patted him on the back comfortingly and looked at the watch. "It's time. By the way, she might be there."

Eric slightly seemed to lose his tongue. "Well...No use, since..."

She waved it away. "I got it all set, boy."

Eric walked downstairs, clutching the paper tightly in his hand, mouth moving slightly. Veronica shook her head and lead him.

It was three-thirteen a.m. Not bad for a coronation ceremony for these folks. If the humans witnessed it, they would probably scream in shock.

Eric looked up and then at Veronica. His brow furrowed. "Who made the...room so...big?"

Veronica frowned at his question and looked around. "No one. You were here yesterday, right?"

"Why is Aunt Marcella so huge? I think I am shrinking, Veronica," he closed his eyes for a second and opened them again. "How come you got so huge?"

"Eric?" she said worriedly. She pulled him to the corner and shook him gently. "Are you having a migraine?"

"I think..." he said, forcing his eyes shut. "This is weird, though."

He slid down the wall and put his head on his legs. Veronica ran out to fetch a glass of water but then, she noticed everyone staring at something. Someone. She didn't look and ran into the kitchen for some water and hurried back.

"Here you go. I think someone special has arrived."

"Is it...oh my, don't tell me it's her," he said, gulping the water. "That mirror is still big."

Someone rapped on the door sharply. "Eric? Come out this minute! Don't hide in there!"

"Father..." he groaned. "I am telling you, Veronica, everything is way too big. I think everyone might crush me."

Veronica was in a fix. She opened the door and explained the problem to Eric's father.

"I don't care, boy. All the guests are waiting, and we must go. By the way, you will dance and find someone of your race today," the man's eyes glowed. "No excuses."

Eric went forward, cautiously. He tiptoed, worried that someone might step on him. A waiter, veered towards him and he jumped.

"I can't believe this," his father muttered. "We should have had another son."

Aunt Marcella spotted him and rushed towards him.

I think I am gonna get run over by her...

"Well, don't you look wonderful? All set to become a king, huh?" she pinched his cheek.

"Miss Marcella, I advise you to not spoil the makeup of him..." Veronica said.

"Oh, shut up. What good is it anyway? I could have done much better," she waved her parasol. Her fangs were visible.

Eric touched Veronica's hand so she wouldn't jump at her. Veronica was like a sister to him. She was a nymph, but since she left her home, they renounced her. And her powers of luring also vanished went that happened. But, Veronica was still beautiful. There was no need to be a nymph.

"Let's go, Veronica."

They went off together and then, suddenly stopped talking. Whispers stopped, there was a stillness so eerie that she looked up.

Violet eyes. So beautiful. Eric hadn't looked up; he kept his gaze on the floor, so he wouldn't have to run every time. Veronica nudged Eric and he glanced up.

She was beautiful no doubt. Long red spiked hair flowing around her, hanging above the ground. That was mysterious. The violet eyes held his and stared. There was something wrong though. She was too perfect.

Someone broke the silence.

"Which year is this?"

The violet eyes smiled.

"Is it..."

"The Year of the Water."

And then the whispers went up again. "It's her. Amoris."

People backed away but the girl, supposedly Amoris, just stood there. Smiling. Gentle. 

********

Hey, everyone! I don't know if you've ever heard of the Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, but anyway, it makes people feel like other things are smaller or bigger, just like Alice, in the story. It's rare, or maybe it's just that not many realise it's a syndrome...

do vote and comment if you like it! more to come from greek myth! stay tuned...

Yours,

Rose Phoebe