Athena arched an eyebrow. “No, I thought not. You are most blessed, little one, for your gift is more than a mere mortal could dare to hope for.” But Athena’s voice was laced with bitterness. What was this?
Had the Persians found entry to her city? Was the siege already underway? Whatever had happened, the Goddess was not pleased, Medusa could tell.
“Enough, Athena, let us be done with this. I will take her.” The voice was low, alluring and seductive in its cadence.
Thea cackled, ruffling her feathers in agitation.
Medusa knew that voice, though she’d hoped never to hear it again. A terrible premonition began to unfurl within her.
In the shadows of the temple, her eyes sought and found Poseidon.
She could not speak, could not move. She felt only terror, cold and heavy, settle in her chest.
“He has pled his case, little one. The great Poseidon has humbled himself, for the want of you. And now you are honored among women. This is your gift. You will wed my uncle and be wife of a God. What say you?” Athena watched her carefully.
Medusa struggled to breathe. Her heart convulsed as she heard Athena continue gently, “It is the will of Olympus, of Zeus, and your father.”
Medusa tried not to cringe as Poseidon came to her side.
Thea hissed, shifting from talon to talon as she attempted a defensive posture.
His pale blue eyes peered past the owl and into hers, assessing her hesitancy. “You are displeased?” Poseidon knelt beside her, his blue eyes narrowing to slits. “How is it that our marriage, the honor I bestow upon you, could displease you?”
How could this be? Athena had released her, given her freedom. If she’d known, if she’d suspected what this was her gift – but how could she have known? Never had she entertained such a thought.
As her eyes met his, she knew she must be cautious now.
She drew a breath and whispered, “It is a surprise…” Her voice wavered as she added, “You do me a great honor.” She murmured the next words, knowing they were dangerous indeed. “One I am unworthy of… One I am unable to accept.”
But what choice did she have?
Athena gasped.
Poseidon smiled, his voice edged with laughter. “Do you think to toy with me, girl?”
“Medusa, think before you speak, I implore you.” Athena moved forward, her face astonished.
Thea cackled and flew away, leaving Medusa alone. She didn’t fault Thea – she would escape as well, if she could. But she couldn’t. She could only plead her case, and pray for understanding from the Gods.
Medusa glanced at the Goddess. There was concern in Athena’s eyes, it was clear.
She knew the words she should speak. She should accept Poseidon and bow to the will of the Gods. But she would not dishonor her husband or her marriage. She could not.
She drew a shaky breath and spoke softly, “I have married.”
“What?” Athena gasped.
“In two days’ time?” Poseidon laughed – a grating sound that unnerved Medusa.
“You’ve married?” Athena repeated.
“You were released to marry me, Medusa. Because I would have you,” Poseidon’s voice grew louder, each word rising as his irritation mounted. “I would secure peace between the Titans, the Olympians, and the mortals. Persia is waiting to destroy Athens, all of Greece. Our marriage would have secured such a treaty. But now…” he sighed and brushed a single finger down her cheek.
And then Poseidon froze. His eyes narrowed as he stared at his finger, resting upon her.
“Married two days past?” he growled. His hand fisted and his face filled with such anger that Medusa drew back. Touching her seemed to unleash his fury. Real fear gripped her. She’d never seen such a look of unconcealed rage.
His heart, if Poseidon had one, could not be so attached to her? Surely not. Athena had railed against Poseidon often enough. She thought him incapable of affection or attachment. Athena had compared her uncle’s selfish nature and blind ambition to that of her father on more than one occasion. Neither would rest until they had what they wanted…