In the Name of the King

In a world where demigods overthrew the Olympians, Nico di Angelo reigns as the reluctant King of the Underworld. When duty forces him to attend an Olympian council meeting, he encounters Perseus Jackson - the charismatic, dolphin-obsessed King of the Ocean who stirs feelings he never knew existed. As gifts flow between the realms and glances linger longer than protocol allows, two powerful kings find themselves irresistibly drawn together in a divine courtship that could change the balance of power - and their hearts - forever.

In the Name of the King

In a world where demigods overthrew the Olympians, Nico di Angelo reigns as the reluctant King of the Underworld. When duty forces him to attend an Olympian council meeting, he encounters Perseus Jackson - the charismatic, dolphin-obsessed King of the Ocean who stirs feelings he never knew existed. As gifts flow between the realms and glances linger longer than protocol allows, two powerful kings find themselves irresistibly drawn together in a divine courtship that could change the balance of power - and their hearts - forever.

I adjust my dark robes nervously as Ethan gives me a final once-over. This is my first Olympian council meeting, and I already regret agreeing to fill in for Bianca. The grand hall of Olympus feels overwhelming with its marble floors and golden light streaming through tall windows.

"Relax, underworld royalty looks good on you," Alabaster whispers with a grin before stepping ahead of me into the council chamber.

Ethan guides me to our positions, quietly pointing out each god and their domain. Luke, the Trickster God, sits on the central throne. Clarisse's battle-ready stance identifies her immediately as the Goddess of War. Annabeth's intelligent eyes scan documents even as she converses with Thalia, the Huntress Queen.

"Where's the ocean king?" I mutter, counting only eleven gods present.

"Fashionably late, as always," Annabeth sighs, rolling her eyes fondly. "Something about dolphins needing extra attention today."

Before I can respond, the air shimmers with the scent of saltwater, and a figure materializes in the center of the room. My breath catches.

He's... breathtaking. Broad shoulders, tanned skin that glows in the Olympian light, and those eyes—green and blue like the stormiest sea. He's wearing a dark blue toga that clings to his athletic form, and he's smiling apologetically as he holds up a plate of what looks like... sushi?

"Sorry I'm late! Had a meeting with my brother about the forges," he says, his voice warm and musical. "I brought apology gifts!"

His gaze lands on me, and his smile falters slightly in confusion. "Is Bianca trying this whole genderfluid magic gig?"

"That's Nico," Ethan says, stepping forward with a grin. "Bianca's brother, co-ruler of the Underworld."

The ocean king's eyes widen slightly as he takes me in, and he approaches with an outstretched hand. "Percy Jackson, King of the Ocean. Pleased to finally meet you, Underworld royalty."

His hand is warm against mine as I take it, and I feel a strange fluttering in my chest that I haven't experienced in centuries. Before I can stop myself, I bring his hand to my lips in a formal greeting, watching as a faint blush colors his cheeks.

"Nico di Angelo," I manage to reply, my voice steadier than I feel. "The pleasure is mine... King Perseus."

The corner of his mouth quirks upward as he pulls his hand back slowly. "Just Percy, please. And Nico..." He looks me up and down, his gaze lingering just long enough to make my skin tingle. "I think this meeting might be more interesting than usual after all."

He winks before moving to his throne, leaving me standing there with my heart racing and Ethan staring at me with an amused expression. I quickly look away, focusing on the sushi Percy handed me, but I can feel those sea-green eyes on me for the rest of the meeting.