Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus 1)

“Elpis will come on the morrow and take me to Athena. The Goddess has a gift for me.” Medusa smiled at the necklace, tying it about her neck. “I fear any gift will pale in comparison.”

“And then?” His hands tightened the knot, then claimed her hands once more.

“I may wait for you here, at my uncle’s house?” she asked. “Or I may sail, with Elpis, to Rhodes and wait for you there?”

His hand smoothed the hair from her face. “Would you stay here?”

Medusa’s eyes settled on the small cabin, built into the side of the rocky hillside. “Is this yours?”

Ariston pointed to the large house set high above them on the cliff-top. “That is my Uncle Themistocles’ home…”

“Themistocles? Athens’ statesman?” She gasped, stunned. “He is your uncle?”

“He is. And a good man, as well.” Ariston smiled. “This is his cabin – one that will be occupied by a sentry shortly, no doubt. Themistocles has long since moved into the city, to live in her walls until this siege is finished.”

“He has no family?” Medusa asked.

“No.” Ariston’s eyes traveled over the length of her braid. He lifted a finger to smooth back the loose curls from her brow. “His work sustained him. I suspect now that he’s older, he regrets such loneliness.”

Medusa nodded. It would be a lonely life indeed, with no one to share it with.

“So where will you go, lady? I shall follow you when I am able.” His words were hoarse, betraying his emotion.

She could not look at him, she would reveal too much. Her grief, like his, was sharp.

Instead, Medusa’s eyes traced the shoreline. It was beautiful here. The sandy beach veered sharply up, transforming into rocky hills then higher still to become steep cliff faces. A rebellious tassel hyacinth peeked here and there, providing vibrant splashes of color between rocks otherwise sparse in vegetation. Overhead a golden eagle left its rocky nest and flew higher, its shadow sweeping across sea and sand.

Medusa narrowed her eyes, peering into the shadows on their beach. There, head burrowed under her wing, slept Thea. Ever present, ever watchful…though today her pet had trusted Ariston to do the watching.

She turned, settling herself closely against his side on their rocky seat. “I would be where I can feel you with me.”

“I am always with you, Medusa.” He sighed, hesitating before he offered, “Shall I arrange for a ship to take you to Rhodes? Elpis will go with you.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “My family will welcome you. And I will come back to you quickly.”

She nodded, letting herself go soft against him.

She would not betray the pain his words brought. She would not beg him to stay or plead with him to go with her. She could not. She would be strong. Her love demanded it.

“When will you leave?” Her voice was soft but calm.

Ariston shook his head. “Soon.”

She looked up at him, her hand on his cheek. Her heart was in her throat, but she swallowed the lump that settled there. “We have this day, and this night. Our memories must bind us together until you find your way back to me.”

She watched as his eyes closed. His jaw grew rigid, his nostrils flared, but he said nothing. She was not alone in this suffering. He felt it too.

She reached for him, welcoming the weigh

t of his arms as they pulled her to him.

Chapter Eight

Ariston’s heart grew heavier the higher the sun rose. Elpis would arrive soon, if Ektor did not arrive first.

The time for farewells had found them too quickly.

He placed his hand over her heart and prayed that their separation would be brief. He would come back to her a greater hero, but a warrior no more.

Medusa lay against him, her softness pressed close along the hard angles of his body. His hand cupped her breast, savoring the feel of her.