Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus 1)

“You are more beautiful than…” he paused. “You are beauty.”

“If I am, it is because you make me so.” For the first time her smile wavered. She bit her lip, blinking furiously. “I’m sorry.” A single tear slipped from her eye.

His heart was breaking. He caught her in his arms and pulled her against him. He kissed her tenderly.

“I am proud of you, husband. Proud of your loyalty to Athens and the Goddess, and I would have you do your duty,” she assured him, her voice unsteady. “But I will miss you.”

“And I you, Medusa.” He took a fortifying breath and smiled at her. All the while he felt a desperate pain filling his heart. “I promise you,” he said against her lips. “I will come back to you.”

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Elpis found them this way, walking from the water. Her mistress was naked, lovely and damp. Ariston was, too, but she tore her eyes from his figure. He was Medusa’s. She’d no right or desire to look upon him in such a state of undress.

She was glad she’d made Ektor wait behind the rocks, for he’d doubtless be overcome by such a sight.

Thea cackled, drawing all eyes.

“Good afternoon, Thea,” Elpis returned the bird’s greeting.

“Good afternoon to you, sweet Elpis,” Medusa stooped to retrieve her peplos from the sand.

Elpis moved forward, helping Medusa dress. “And to you, mistress.”

Medusa hugged Elpis to her. Her lady trembled in her arms. So Medusa’s smile was for Ariston. She squeezed Medusa, proud of her bravery.

“Are you well, Elpis?” Ariston asked, safely draped in his chiton.

“I am well. And ready for our travels to Rhodes. My lady’s things are ready to be packed and carried to our ship upon my lord’s bidding.” Elpis released her mistress. She glanced back and forth between the two, both pleased and saddened by what was to come.

“You are a gift to my lady.” Ariston dropped a kiss on the top of his wife’s head. “Look for a messenger shortly. He will have the name of your ship as well as the means to take your things with him.”

Thea cooed and flew to Ariston, landing on his shoulder with the slightest ruffling of feathers. “And you will watch over my lady while I’m away, mighty Thea. I charge you with her safe keeping.” Ariston’s voice was soft. But he met the owl’s yellow eyes with such conviction that Elpis wondered at it.

Did he believe Thea would hear him – understand him?

“If she has need of me, come and find me, Thea,” the last was the faintest of whispers.

Thea clicked and cooed.

Mayhap she does, Elpis wondered. “Ektor awaits my lord. We met on the way…”

Elpis saw Medusa’s hands tighten about her husband’s. Soon they would be parted for who knew how long. It hurt her, this sadness that tinged their blissful union. But surely the Gods would find favor with such a match and preserve it.

Ariston turned to Medusa, his eyes fierce upon her. “I will return to you as soon as I can. I give you my word.”

Medusa nodded, then wrapped her arms around him.

In those few moments, Elpis could not look at them. Sorrow replaced whatever joy they’d shared. And Elpis understood it. After so long having been denied love, being parted would be a terrible blow. In fact, Elpis could imagine nothing more painful for either of them.

“Ariston!” Ektor’s voice traveled down the hill to them.

Elpis turned, catching sight of Ariston’s handsome face contorting. He pressed his face into his lady’s hair and whispered something. His arms tightened.

Medusa buried her face against his neck, her hands fisting in his robe to hold him to her.

“Ariston?” Ektor called again. “It is time. Nereus demands your presence immediately. The ships leave at first light.”

In the fading sun Elpis watched as Ariston grabbed his wife to him, kissing her with more tenderness, more ferocity, than Elpis had imagined. She stared, amazed at the way they swayed together before he tore himself from her arms and ran. He did not look back when he crested the hill or as he pulled himself onto his horse.