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His words horrified her. She had no desire to go anywhere with this man. And she knew better than to consider breaking faith with Athena. That he dared to suggest such things… “You speak blasphemy,” she whispered.
She glanced towards the temple’s entrance in panic. The fog was too thick, hiding all.
He could take her if he chose to.
His breath stirred the hair at her ear. “I cannot speak blasphemy, Medusa.” His voice was soft, silky. He moved effortlessly around her, the space that separated them so slight that a single step would compromise her. He was smiling as he came to stand before her again. “I am Poseidon.”
Looking upon him, she knew it was true. He was Poseidon.
She stared at him with wide eyes, her throat tightening painfully. She dropped to her knees.
But why was he here? What was his purpose in coming to her?
“Do not kneel before me, woman,” he commanded, waiting for her to stand before he continued. His voice was at her ear again, making her shiver uncontrollably, but he stood an arm’s length from her. “I could give you freedom, Medusa. Freedom to return home – if you wish. Or freedom from your parents, if you prefer, to do as you please.” His voice was husky, tickling her ear. “But I would have you come with me now.”
She could make no sense of this. “My parents? Are you here on their behalf? Athena told me that I was…”
His hands hovered over her shoulder, but he did not touch her. “Your lady can find another priestess. She uses you now to gain favor with Zeus and cause strife with me. ‘Tis more of our…game, no more. A game I shall end, as victor.” He leaned forward, his eyes darkening. “And you will be my reward, Medusa.”
She looked up at him. “I don’t understand.”
His eyes bore into hers, palest blue. “You will come with me. You will be my wife.”
Medusa stared at him, her heart thumping desperately inside her chest. This was no test. Athena would not test her so.
Then he… he wanted her? To marry? A God? Poseidon’s bride?
She would have no say in these matters. Why would she? It was more than her father could dream of. It would be her duty, if her father wished it – he would most assuredly agree to such a match. Her duty to marry a God…this God. She cast a nervous glance at his magnificent face.
There was no gold in his eyes, or wheaten curls on his brow. His skin would not glow in the sun, and his laugh would not make her heart swell. He was not warm. He was not her love.
Her stomach twisted. She took a deep breath, her voice a strangled whisper. “You do me great honor, but I am Athena’s. I cannot leave my lady.” Would Athena fight for her? She did not know.
He laughed, as if she had surprised him. “You cannot? Or you will not?” His voice dropped, the sound rumbling. “You would say no to me? To Poseidon?”
She trembled. “I belong to Athena.”
He rose high above her, elevated by the fog, to peer down at her. “You will belong to her no more. I will come back for you.”
“Lady?” Ariston’s voice filled the temple.
The sound of his voice sent terror coursing through her. This was Poseidon, a God. With a word he could end Ariston’s life. She felt the hot prick of tears burning her eyes.
Poseidon watched her. “I will have you.”
She felt the wetness of tears on her cheek, but she said nothing. There was nothing for her to say.
But she saw Ariston then. And, as the cloud parted, he saw her. His anger was evident as he came towards them – his face twisted and his body grew taut and ready.
Poseidon watched Ariston with an amused smile. Her fear mounted.
Ariston charged, his sword drawn.
Medusa drew breath to cry out. But Poseidon rose high into the air, buoyed by the fog, and vanished.
The grey cloud thickened. It swirled around her, a vaporous serpent, before it gusted from the temple. As it left, it lifted Ariston and threw him against the wall with uncontrolled power. Ariston’s body fell to the floor, his head striking a column with a resounding thud.
Medusa cried out, horrified at the sight of his still form. She ran towards his crumpled body and knelt beside him with her heart in her throat. But his chest rose and fell. He lived. Her tears spilled over at her relief.
