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Would no one honor their word to this woman? His eyes traveled about the chamber and knew none would defend Medusa. Why did it trouble him?
“The children will be kept safe,” Hera answered. “Medusa has made peace with her life. She has some happiness knowing her man lives.”
“Tis past time for Polydectes to meet Hades’ judges,” Apollo said.
“What of her test? Did she not do everything you asked of her? Has she not proven herself loyal to us all still?” Poseidon’s voice was flat, his anger barely under check.
Would they all forget her now?
“She has proven useful, yes. But I am not so sentimental as you think. She cannot be spared if it means others, all of Seriphos, will suffer under tyranny, Poseidon.” Hera shook her head.
“It is a great sadness…” Aphrodite said, her lovely face somber.
“Her husband?” Poseidon asked.
“Brother,” Zeus smiled his most lascivious smile. “He is a man, after all. He will find solace soon enough.”
“She wants death, she said as much to Hera,” Athena said. “And with her death comes freedom to those she’s turned.”
Ares snorted, amused. “The Persians broke some, the Gorgons more still. I fear Medusa’s death will release no one as the Gorgons have sent them on to Hades’ realm. Once their statue is broken, they cannot be freed?” he asked. When Athena nodded, he continued, “Oh, to have an army made up of the likes of them. What a fearsome regiment they would lead.”
“We must assist Perseus, I think,” Hera mused. “Athena, Hermes, you must help this young man defeat Medusa. He must put this Polydectes in his place.”
Poseidon sat back, unsettled by the twinge of guilt that twisted his gut.
“You are displeased?” Aphrodite asked, her huge blue eyes warm upon him.
“What, me? Why would I care what happens to the girl and her besotted husband?”
“And yet you do, I think.” Aphrodite smiled slightly. “Is this not a sort of justice for her? For them both? There is some sort of freedom in death.”
Poseidon shook his head, his mocking words meant for her ears alone. “This has naught to do with justice. Zeus seeks to gain Hera’s favor for his bastard. A quest, a noble quest to be sure, might aid my brother in this.”
Aphrodite’s eyes never wavered. “Do you care for her?”
Poseidon swallowed, considering his words. He had no answer.
“I know too well the sting of unrequited love.” Aphrodite smiled brightly. “There is little help for it. Medusa will fall, it is Zeus’ will. You need distraction, I think… Under this night’s full moon, I will send one of my eager Nereids to you. Find some solace in her arms; your heart will heal in time.” The Goddess studied him at length, her glistening blue eyes and plump red lips tempting him greatly. “I must admit, Poseidon, finding you’ve a heart at all is a pleasing surprise to me.”
“Is it?” His chest tightened as his lust rose. “If this nymph does not please me, I may yet visit with you to see what other pleasures you might bestow upon me.”
He smiled at the instant flush of her skin, the subtle tremor of her chest as she drew in breath. He had no doubt that he would visit her very soon, but he would enjoy this Nereid first.
###
In the time Ariston had spent searching, Athens had rallied. Gone were the smoldering remains, harried citizens and falling temple on the Acropolis. Its walls had yet to be completed, more than half of its homes still needed repairs, yet its people seemed focused, full of hope and determination.
The docks were no exception. Finding a ship for Stheno and Euryale had been an easy task. And they were eager to return to their parents, to share the news of Medusa and grieve together.
“Listen to Xenia,” Stheno said to Spiridion, her tone soft and coaxing.
“In the years Medusa lived with her, the lady showed her only love,” Euryale continued. “Make her love you, boy, and little Kore.”
“She will miss you.” The tell-tale quiver in Spiridion’s voice was unmistakable. “Kore, I mean. She will miss you.”
“She’d better,” Euryale teased.
“But you will be too busy in your new life, child, to linger on memories best forgotten,” Stheno chided. “Let all that has happened
