#interaction: cronus

[thegoddessofspring]

@mysterycflife asked: i swear i've had this dinner before. (from Cronus)

"I thought so." Persephone sweetly chuckled as she sat down across from Cronus. She didn't know how the elder titan would react to her asking to cook for him but when he accepted the offer, she was pleasantly surprised. Making something from the Golden Age could have gone two ways: painful memories or happy familiarity. For now at least, it seemed to be positively accepted by her grandfather.

"Aunt Hestia taught my mother how to make it. It was one of the few things Mom remembered from her early days on Othrys. She tried making it from memory but she failed. Aunt Hestia thankfully remembered. They both taught me together later on. I just never thought I would be making it for you one day." Persephone continued with a shrug of her shoulders. She doubt anyone else offered him the same hospitality besides Hestia and Rhea since his release. Visiting him seemed to be going well even if Hades was still in the dark about it.

"Speaking of mom, has she stopped by to see you yet? I would have figured she would see me as well if she did so in the winter." She asked him. Even if she did already, it was plausible Demeter wouldn't say anything. Demeter's presence in the Underworld wouldn't be a secret but she could always pretend she was visiting Persephone and her granddaughters.

[rheaeaseandflow]

(guard): @mysterycflife is made receiver’s guard and they have to travel/spend time together. (Cronus, ram king AU)

Rhea smiled at the sound of the secret knock rapping on her chamber doors, alerting her to who was behind them. They opened and she turned around in her chair in one swift move before raising up to greet Cronus. There was no need for royal protocols when they were alone, no bowing or controlled gestures. However, distance wasn't necessary as Cronus was deemed her guard. He needed a title in order stay on the grounds and sharing close proximity to her, his true wife.

"I missed you! So much!" She cried as she wrapped her arms around him. She knew he couldn't stand the thought of Rhea and Crius sharing a marital bed but consummating their royal marriage was necessary and inescapable. She wouldn't be required to do so again...unless a heir was demanded for her. But it was still too early to make such plans: her priority was finding her footing as queen and help Crius rule. He needed her even if he couldn't admit so aloud.

It was her first official day as Queen of Heaven, a day she preferred to share with Cronus as her king not her guard but at least he was beside her somehow. She looked up at him with uncertain eyes, hoping he could look past her duty from last night. There was no love or passion between Rhea and the Ram; only duty.

"You are so handsome in your official attire. I know becoming my guard wasn't the first choice but at least it removes the suspicion of why you are always around me. Better than an advisor. An advisor is hardly allowed in his queen's chambers." Rhea chuckled as her hands ran up and down his arms. "Your first official duty is to escort me to the throne room so I can greet my people with Crius. Although, that's in a few hours. You're quite early though Are you sure you're the titan god of time?" She informed him, finishing with a soft chuckle.

Rhea moved herself to stand behind him, slowly removing his heavy cloak and weapons attached to his back and waist. "If I'm not properly dressed, you shouldn't be either! And you must join me for breakfast. Your queen commands you!" She purred into his ear before pressing a kiss upon his earlobe.

[rheaeaseandflow]

"And what of my trust.” There was more disappointment than anger in Cronus’ tone. What’s done is done, he thought. The problem had been dealt with, even though he had hoped it would never come to that. They had been happy with Hestia and Demeter. The Titan king had opened up to the possibility of being a father despite the prophecy warning him about his offspring. But Rhea had to be selfish. She couldn’t be content with just the four of them. Greedy for more. And while he knew of her desires. Knew what it meant for her and the domains she reigned over. It was a betrayal. “What of your loyalty? Do you love the thought of being a mother more than the realm we’ve built together?” He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. Closed his eyes while he took a deep breath. The waves of anger came and went. He had been furious after the birth. When it had been a son despite her constant reassurance. Her lies. It had left him drained now. She had come back after her own fury and heartache. It was better this way! Their son would’ve ruined all he – they – had achieved. “You certainly seem to love it more than me!”  

Rhea sat silently before Cronus, unsure of the first words she would say to him after time apart. She struggled to look him in the eye after the betrayal knowing that within him, their children hid in a dark abyss. She fled to another wing of the palace and only met him with for necessary public appearances. Weeks have passed and she couldn't hide from him forever. Even if being in his presence broke her heart.

"Why must I chose, Cronus? Why can't I have both...be both! A mother and your queen? Did I not prove I am capable of multiple roles?" Rhea didn't want to separate her roles; when appropriate, their children accompanied her during her royal duties. And while with Hestia, Rhea balanced her duties as a wife, mother and queen; it took her some time but she did adjust gracefully. However with each new baby, she started to spend less time with Cronus alone. Their children were more often than not in their presence and Rhea couldn't separate her time between them. She never heard any complaints from Cronus...not until she birthed a son.

"I told you explicitly I will build this kingdom with you and when everything was settled and comfortable, then I would focus on expanding our family." Rhea stated before her face shifted to offense. "And you are questioning my loyalty? I'm not the one who swallowed our children!"

@mysterycflife

[rheaeaseandflow]

@nectaric asked: "Do you think you could ever forgive me?" Rare was it for Cronus to show such emotion, to be so demure, even after his centuries of captivity. "Do you think I would ever deserve it?"

Rhea sat in silence, looking at Cronus. Her body remained still and her expression emotionless as she considered his questions. She thought what he said before, in her own mind over the centuries. All of her family either betrayed her and or betrayed others; forgiveness wasn't so simple.

Their history with betrayal and hurt was complex and as well as the aftermaths that followed. She faced disgust and disappoint with their kin but she couldn't remove herself from their lives. Perhaps separation over time but she always returned. She learned to move on instead of wallowing in disappointment. She was the Mother of the Gods; she couldn't ignore everyone. But she could ascend and be neutral. However did Cronus deserve the same treatment?

Rhea leaned back in her seat and sighed heavily. "I don't think it's a matter of forgiveness, Cronus. You changed our lives...for good...for bad? That I can't say. But you did break my heart and trust...you don't know what a mess I was after the war ended. I can't forgive you for that. Maybe someday...but today is not that day." She answered him truthfully. Then her face softened, pupils growing as she leaned in closer to Cronus to take his hand.

"But despite that, I have made steps to move on past the heartbreaks. Us talking...for one. I'd rather us grow from the hurt and be at peace. Peace we can find together or separate." She explained further as a meek smile crossed her lips, squezzing his hand softly. "I don't hate you, Cronus. I tried...but I could never just feel hate for you. There is love still. And love is more powerful than forgiveness."

[rheaeaseandflow]

@asoulunbound asked: ❛ maybe we don't have a choice. ❜ (from Cronus)

"We don't? I don't a choice!" Rhea emphasized as she placed her hand on her chest. The arrangement was set and plans for the wedding and coronation were already moving along before Gaia informed Rhea of the news. She was to be queen...but not Cronus's queen.

Married to the Ram King: Crius.

Rhea fared well enough with Crius growing up, not close but better acquainted than most of their siblings. Rhea wanted to marry for love, a love she shared with Cronus but that wasn't their destiny...thanks to Gaia. She believed Rhea to be the best suited for queen among the titanesses and no mere goddess or nymph was appropriate for the crown. Rhea was practically groomed for the role. Unfortunately she had to obtain with someone she didn't love passionately. Didn't envision creating a family and legacy with.

She was stuck; a refusal would ruin her and the vision she held for a better kingdom. For the people. One she talked over and over with Cronus. It was not only her dream but theirs. But could she keep Cronus close without scandal?

"Next week, I am to marry Crius. But I can't lose you, Cronus. I refuse to let you go. You are coming with me, one way or another." Rhea stated as her hand slipped from her chest to reach out for his hand. "Please. I need you. I can't do this alone."

[rheaeaseandflow]

@asoulunbound (Cronus) asked: “You will understand in time.”

Rhea opened her mouth as if to speak but no words were spoken. How could he act so calm after committing the worst crime against their family? Their love! Reassuring her that such a betrayal would make sense and easier to comprehend in time. She was sick to her stomach and she felt like she was crumble into pieces. She never thought Cronus was capable of breaking her heart and betraying their children. Yes the prophecy loomed over them for decades but with Hestia and Demeter, it seemed to have little effect anymore. Cronus slowly but surely growing more comfortable in his role as a father. They were innocent and undeserving of such cruelty and unjust punishment. Children! What changed?

"In time? Time!" Rhea spat as she pushed her hands against his chest with a might blow. "Will our children understand in time? Where are they, Cronus!?" She growled at him with another push. "Because wherever you sent them, you better send me there too!" Her words weren't an empty demand but the truth. They were children and babies! Hers! That she was carried and bore from her womb. Her greatest desire was to bear her own children with the love of her life and this was the outcome? Paranoia blinding her husband with fear. How could he even think she could move on? She couldn't simply forget about their children? Not the movement of them in them in her belly. Their giggles that echoed through the palace halls. Their tiny voices that called out for her. Their small hands that reached out to hold hers.

She was the eternal flow of time and she could not forget the past. Nor would she. Cronus stole their children from her but he could never make her understand why. Or act as if they were never born.

"Hestia, Demeter, Hera and Hades! I want them back, Cronus! Or your fate will be worse than Father's!"

[rheaeaseandflow]

@asoulunbound (Cronus) asked: “ i never thought i’d see you again. ”

Weeks passed since Zeus released the opposing Titans and their allies from Tartarus. While Rhea held little resentment over the past, she kept her distance for a little while before facing those she considered enemies once. She started with nieces and nephews, the youngest of the bunch before meeting with her brothers. But she knew she couldn't avoid Cronus forever. Zeus bestowing him a kingdom of Elysium surprised her but perhaps he thought ruling over it could occupy the usurped king for the time being.

Rhea didn't expect him to make the first move for a reunion; after all, she broke his heart...as much as he broke hers. The last time they saw each other was Rhea joined by their children, watching him enter Tartarus never to be seen or heard from again. The memory of him still plagued her, haunted her dreams and conscious. He never left her. Mates were not so easily discarded and forgotten despite the hurt and betrayal they put each other through.

At least this time seeing him, he was real. Not just a figment of her imagination. But reality could scare her. Her brothers couldn't forgive and forget and she didn't expect them to. She wanted to work on rebuilding those relationships and luckily, they had time. Time...even more so with Cronus. If he wanted to move on.

Rhea peered down to look at her two lion companions, one at each side of her. She inhaled and exhaled slowly before facing her husband again. She saw him again and again in her mind but perhaps this wasn't the time to admit that. "No, especially like this. To be honest, I never thought Zeus would free all of you let alone give you something to rule but he can be full of surprises." Rhea admitted as she stoked the tops of the lions' heads. She then patted their heads and motioned them to greet their old master.

"I could have shown myself earlier but it didn't feel right. Is this a good time?" Rhea asked him, keeping her distance. She'd only step closer if he allowed her to stay. Wanted her presence.

[rheaeaseandflow]

@asoulunbound (Cronus) asked: “ in case you ever foolishly forget; i am never not thinking of you.“

Rhea looked at Cronus with a small smile through the reflection of her vanity mirror as she carefully removed each piece of royal jewelry from her. She paused for a moment, creating some anticipation for her next word or move. She took pleasure in knowing that she was the only one who could taunt and tease him in such a manner without resentment or punishment.

The queen gracefully lifted herself from the dainty stool and strolled over to the large bed she shared with her husband. She planted her hands on the edge of the bed before she started to slowly crawl on it toward him. She embraced the lioness she was, emulating their pattern in their step. She stalked her prey well. As she was just inches from him, she paused in her tracks. She leaned herself back momentarily, teasing him further. But she quickly relented and crept between his legs. She folded her legs to rest against his hips, settling herself in his lap. She made herself comfortable. Cronus made a proper throne for his queen.

"You would be a fool for thinking about anything else." Rhea teased him, smiling at him with a taunt look. "Your only thoughts should be of me. As mine are only of you, my king." Rhea purred, stroking her nose as the warmth of his cheek. "It is my sworn duty as your queen...among other things." She added with her smile shifting into a smirk.