Poseidon felt anger rise within him.
Her body was undeniably soft and inviting. And his need had consumed him as he’d touched her. But the memory of her gasping and mewling beneath her husband had twisted his desire, had mocked him. His lust had turned to anger – an anger that overwhelmed him. No matter what caresses or strokes he bestowed upon her, she’d refused pleasure at his hand.
And if she would not sigh with pleasure, he would have her cry out for mercy. He had used her badly. But her tears, when they came, had been silent. She’d robbed him of satisfaction even then.
The things he’d done, he could never take back.
He should have killed her beloved husband. He should have drowned them both in their cove, and wiped away his longing. Instead she’d stirred his heart and made him want.
Not her. He knew the truth
of that now. Such love, to know the depth of real love for another and have it returned, was beyond his understanding. And yet, someday, he might deign to consider such a partnership. Someday.
“Would you, brother?” Zeus interrupted his musing.
Poseidon regarded his brother, noting the impatience on Zeus’ face. “No. Medusa belongs with the man she calls husband. Her heart is true and there is no room for another.” Though he thought her husband was a foolish man, leaving her behind to fight Athena’s battle.
“Then peace,” Zeus sighed. “Your lustful nature is most worrisome. Let us hope you will find a partner to calm the fire in your blood.” Zeus led him into the Council Chamber.
“You believe such a woman exists for me?” Poseidon laughed. He doubted one woman would be able to love him, and he her, with such true devotion.
Zeus regarded him with amused eyes, shrugging. “And Athena? Have you made peace with her?”
“Was there need to make peace?” Exasperation tinged his voice. “I cannot bed a woman, raise a storm or send an earthquake without needing to apologize to your daughter.” And yet, he would be forced to apologize to Athena if she discovered his latest exploit. Athena, chaste virgin Goddess that she was, would likely turn her spear on him if she learned that he’d found his pleasure with Medusa on the dais of her temple.
It was more than an insult, but his fury had been beyond control. He’d dragged her to the temple, intending to throw her at Athena, to expose her as a trollop. But watching her shiver upon the cold marble had stirred his blood again.
“Find a way to end this feud between you. It is unseemly.” Zeus spoke with authority, scowling at him in subtle warning. “She is a Goddess and worthy of your respect.”
“I will try, brother. I will.” He resented his brother’s superiority at times such as this. If he, Hera, and Athena had been successful in their attempt to overthrow Zeus – would Poseidon himself have become so insufferable and self-righteous?
But then he wouldn’t enjoy haranguing his niece. Controlling her was a chore he would never attempt. If their conquest had been successful, he would have been forced to kill Athena for the right to rule Olympus.
He grudgingly admitted that Zeus managed her with a calm he would never own.
Zeus clapped him on the shoulder. “I will hold you to that. We are Gods, yes, but we are family as well. I would have you remember that.” And then his brother went to join his wife.
Poseidon’s eyes swept the chamber, a familiar sense of discontent settling over him.
###
“Is she awake?” Medusa heard her uncle’s voice, but did not acknowledge it. If they thought she slept, she would be left in peace. She’d earned that.
“She is not,” Stheno snapped.
“When she wakes tell her Elpis has arrived. She brings news,” Galenus spoke softly.
Medusa stirred. News – from Elpis? Had she brought word of Ariston? Perhaps he’d come back or was on his way… or injured. She took a deep breath and waited.
“What news?” Stheno’s voice was a whisper.
“I dare not speak the words twice,” Galenus said.
Medusa did not move, though she grew rigid with apprehension. “Send Elpis to me.”
“Are you well, niece?” Galenus asked.
“No, Uncle. I am not.” She made no attempt at pleasantries. “Please send Elpis to me.”