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Truly, was there a more glorious thing than the untamed sea? His affection ebbed and flowed, he took what he wanted – regardless of the destruction it might cause. He was a selfish deity, but he felt no shame for it. Why should he? He was a God.
“You will marry her?” Zeus asked again.
“Yes.” His passion drove him. He had no doubt that his lust was evident on the flush of his cheeks and the dew of his brow. But if marriage was the only way to have her, this untried prize amongst women, he would happily wed her.
“Can not a nymph…” Zeus began.
“You have not seen her,” Poseidon countered, shaking his head.
“Should I? Should I see this creature that’s bewitched you so?” Zeus asked, only half in jest.
Poseidon glared at his brother, his anger rising. “You have a wife. You need not another consort. You worry over Athena? Your daughter would hardly be pleased by such an arrangement. At least I might attempt an honorable offer.” He spoke urgently. “I will wed Medusa… I must have her.”
“And Phorcys?” Zeus asked.
“Will have his daughter wed to a God. I will give her immortality. His grandchildren will be demi-gods. How could he not be pleased?” Poseidon cared nothing about Phorcys or the Titan’s wishes.
“Mayhap you are right, but this is a delicate matter that will take time…”
“Soon.” His blood would not cool. She’d bewitched him.
Zeus regarded him closely. “You question me?” His words were hard, the edge a threat his brother was quick to recognize.
Poseidon was wise enough to avert his eyes, staring at the floor while he wrestled with his fury. “No, brother.” To challenge Zeus was to lose Medusa. He would endure his brother’s decree until she was safely his.
Zeus sighed, taking his time before pronouncing, “It is Anestheria. On the final eve, two nights thus, Athena will select her new handmaiden. This is when Athena will release your bride.”
Poseidon relaxed. “Two nights….”
“Hold, brother,” Zeus cautioned, “Let her find some rest before she is summoned back to Athena’s temple. Two days more and she will be yours. You will have your bride, for I see the fever in your blood.”
Poseidon held his tongue, his frustration trapped inside.
Zeus grasped his shoulders. “You must have patience. Go, gain Phorcys’ blessing.” He paused. “I will deal with Athena. When I do, you should be far from Olympus.”
Poseidon’s irritation eased then. His hunger for Medusa had wiped his original intent from his mind. And yet he’d won. He’d bested his insolent niece – and he would have Medusa, too.
Chapter Five
Medusa leaned against the temple column in the fading sunlight, vaguely aware of the goings on about her. The distant sounds of Athens reached her, lifted by a crisp breeze. Someone was singing, accompanied by a lyre, on a distant hill. It was a pleasant tune – especially when compared to the sounds of her aunt and uncles’ quarreling. She could hear them inside the temple, placing their offerings on Athena’s dais.
Elpis was at her side, waiting anxiously. She knew Elpis worried over her, more so since Poseidon had visited. In truth the one thing Medusa wanted was something Elpis wouldn’t give her – a moment’s solitude.
Thea circled overhead, searching the temple grounds for any sign of food. Medusa watched the owl, relishing the animal’s grace and freedom.
Tonight she envied even the sun’s rays. Spread across the horizon, streaks of orange, pink and red faded far to the east overhead. Medusa’s gaze traced a bright magenta streak, wishing she might slip away with the sun. Far, far away.
As she turned, she was careful to keep her gaze from Ariston. She could imagine his curls dancing in the evening breeze, flaxen as the sun shone on him. She knew that he, too, stood close enough to protect her, yet far enough to see any advancing danger. Yet she could not look upon him – had not since Poseidon came.
“Look, there, Thea has her prey,” Elpis said, capturing Medusa’s attention.
Medusa looked where Elpis pointed. “A mouse?”
“Or a small rabbit?” Elpis suggested.
r /> Thea ate quickly and flew to Medusa, settling onto the leather brace over her mistress’ arm with a satisfied coo.
“You are a mighty huntress, my Thea.” Medusa praised the bird.
