Finally can really pay attention to this-- I had read this chapter ages ago because I wanted to know what happened but didn't have time to review. So here is one for you.

Like the quick pace of the introductions, the time skip is not surprising given the last chap, and now we get some central players. Good, good, good.

"Dancing Floors of Ariadne, which became known as the labyrinth, "- if you're saying that this became known to the people currently in the story, then it should be "had become known as the labyrinth" and if it's a future 'narrator' intrusion, sounds jarring and you don't need it.

Weird interaction between bro and sis...seems unclear at this point if this is a thread of the plot itself or just the time/setting of the story. I can't remember the minotaur's and Ariadne's exact relationship in the myth either, so it could just be my late night lack of memory. Good descriptions for the characters, though, I can really see Asterios. The way Ariadne is thinking about protecting him from himself gives a good idea of her character and a hint as to where the story might go, which is nice to have here.

Phaedra certainly wouldn't be the sister I'd like to share secrets with...interesting that they fight so openly, most royalty seems to use the game of "polite-rudeness" so on paper it can't seem that they've said anything actually damning. Depends on whether or not the sisters care if they are over heard or not, and I suppose on your plan for what the argument means.

Aw, I wanted more details about Theseus. Clearly, he's a challenge, and in danger now we know, but maybe some more details about him, just a few, would help place him centrally in the story more.

Very dramatic ending, and the Queen's reaction was certainly expected...I think that her saying she'll accept Theseus is even a bit heavy handed, maybe just have her stop arguing and suggest they drink, would make her seem less melodramatic here...the King, can't decide about him. Having him chuckle at at the end was funny, and gave me an idea of him, but then again, if his wife was believed to be a witch and she lays this scorching curse on him, would he really be so nonchalant about it or would that just be stupid. Just things to think about.

I really like where this is headed, and I think you've done an excellenet job with the siblings, Ariadne, Asterios, and Phaedra. Kind of reminds me of the first book of the Troy game without being so based in that I feel the stories would be similar. It's nice! Hope I can get to the next chapter soon, and also that you are working on this, because then I'll have more to spur me on reading!

Oh man, this is up there with higher tier mythology writing. I'll start off by saying I'm a big mythology fan, and I like how well you've written it, but my one major criticism is that, for people who aren't very knowledgeable, it might be easy to get lost.

It's not that it's 'hard' writing, it's just that perspectives are changed, things are going left and right, and in terms of atmosphere, I felt like I was just settling into one scene before being pulled to the next. Rather, the way things are written/described, it feels like I'm in for a long scene, but then I feel a little jarred when I go and the next scene is so different. Sorry if that doesn't sound helpful, heh.

Other than those two things- people not knowing what's going on with so many names and such and some slight pacing issue- I have no criticism. Although, when describing something, I learned that dashes work better than parentheses.
Example: "There was heated honey (which was likened to water when hot, making it easier to mix), bees wax.." dashes, in my opinion, would suit the flow better than parentheses.

I hope this was constructive and helpful at all, because really you've done very well, and I have to confess I'm impressed with it. Oh and Theseus is a personal favorite, and you write him so PERFECTLY, hah. Cheers.

-Will

I love how you bring the tension of what will be in the future right into things with Zues's mumbling about what the oracle told him, and how we know what the bull/minos connection is. The dynamics between gods is explained well too, at least so we get a feeling for what the gods will and can do, in their own terms of domains and how much they consider their own power to be. One thing might be tricky:"the magnificent bull between her legs grunted" okay, I know that in context the bull's carrying her so this should be fine, but it sounds a little risque just reading along, and since it is the 2nd sentence of the whole story, maybe try rewording a little. it might be the 'grunt' that's doing it, or maybe I just have a dirty mind. too much school learnin:) In the second section, love the description of the curls white like saline, original, fititng, and a really good detail to remember the character. Uh oh, trouble brewing with Athena there...have you ever read the books about demi-gods that go to a camp. Percy Jackson and the Olympians I think is the name, they're like ya books but I still liked them. This kind of reminds me of them, but in a more refined, adult form. The spinners chant was nice too.

In Aphrodite's section, the explanation about the bull and the sacrifice was a little confusing, it wasn't clear if the mother was the same as the queen, or if they were separate and he was just punishing the queen. Poseidon and Aphrodite together might cause trouble, and he already seems to have something naughty planned as we know what's coming about the bull. The only issue I have here is that in most legends about Aphrodite, she isn't portrayed as very compassionate, usually spiteful, petty, jealous or vain. I would feel more like she'd be invovled in the trick than arguing with a god about a mortal woman's well being, unless she needed the woman for something to suit her own plots.

The last section is dramatic, and leaves you wanting to know the details of how things will end up in the situation when the "destinies" come to fruition; Poseidon has a much darker side in this than a lot of other mythologically based things I've read, and I think it's really interesting. This has so much good potential, can't wait until I can read the rest. I've been meaning to for a while, but life sadly interferes with things from time to time:) Keep writing!

I love the way your telling this story. from the side of the gods then the mortals. I love the Dionysus/Ariadne story.