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His fingers tightened convulsively now, the lingering feel of her locks a whisper on his skin.
“You are the greatest gift I’ve been given,” he’d murmured against the column of her throat, his nose burying itself in her hair.
Her scent stirred his nostrils as if she was within his reach. He closed his eyes to savor it.
She’d said, “You are the only gift I’ve been given – to me, for me.”
“How can that be? You’re too loved to have been given nothing.” How naïve his answer had been.
“You are right. Thea is mine, too. And she loves me almost as dearly as you do, I think.” She touched his cheek as she continued. “But I’ve never been free to receive a gift that wasn’t given for the priestess. Or offered in trade for some duty or service I must fulfill.”
Her words were uttered without wistfulness or regret, as was her way. She spoke plainly, acknowledging her status.
“When did you leave your parents?” They’d much to discover about one another. But they hoped to have years of sharing before them.
“My father became indebted to Galenus during one of the Titans’ revolts. I know little in the way of particulars, but whatever Galenus did, I was payment. Xenia had many babes, though none lived long and she grieved so. I was given as a slave, but treated as a daughter. Xenia knows I cannot stay with them forever, yet she’s given me a tiny piece of her heart. Loving me too dearly would only lead to more heartache, and the poor lady has had too much in her time.”
“When did you come to serve Athena?” He traced the lines of her face in the moonlight.
“I was a small thing – barely in full robes.” She smiled. “My father was blamed for flooding one of Athena’s olive orchards. He swore it was Poseidon, but who would believe a Titan over a God? Even I have my doubts, and he is my father.”
“And so you became Athena’s arrephoroi to pay his offense? Were you frightened to serve the Goddess?”
“I was terrified when I entered the temple. I’d seen her statue, of course…but the sight of her armed in her helmet and bearing her shield made me forget what I was to do. I froze, staring up at her, without kneeling or bowing. She must have found me amusing because she smiled at me.”
“What did you do?” He could imagine it. Medusa’s wide blue eyes would have been even more enormous when she was a child – a lovely, guileless child.
“I smiled back.” Medusa shook her head. “And then I remembered myself and dropped to my knees. I’ve seen Athena many times over the years. And each time, she’s given me nothing but kind smiles and sweet words of praise.”
“Because you honor her so.” He quivered as her fingers traced his lower lip.
“I would honor Selene this night and ask the Lady Moon to linger. So that I may stay at your side for whatever time she will give to us.”
“My prayers join yours, wife,” he murmured against her lips.
His hands had trailed over her, leisurely caressing every silken slope and curve. His lips clung to hers, parting as her smooth arms wound about his neck.
A cold wind startled Ariston, pulling him firmly back to the present.
He flexed his hands, relaxing the tight fists. He must find his bed and sleep. He would have her in his arms then, he knew. She was with him every night.
He hoped for a happy dream or a pleasant memory. But his nightmares visited more frequently of late. At least, even in his blackest dream, she was with him.
###
Medusa pushed herself up, swaying as her head throbbed mercilessly.
“Sister?” Stheno’s voice was soft.
“What happened?” Medusa asked.
“Athens has been destroyed. All have fled, days ago, spirited across the sea to safety,” Euryale voice joined them.
Medusa stared into the darkness, blinking rapidly. Two shadows huddled together. “Where are we?” she asked.
“In a cave,” Stheno answered, “not far from Galenus’ house.”
Galenus. Her head swam.
