Ariston shrugged, unsettling the bird and making her fly to Medusa.
Thea landed in her mistress’ lap, burrowing against Medusa’s chest and cooing like a pleased infant.
“Not so much as you.” He chuckled, his brow lifting at the bird’s display.
“She knows that I love her dearly.” Medusa stroked the owl’s head, running her hand down the bird’s body in long fluid strokes.
Ariston watched, mesmerized.
Elpis shook her head. “She tried to tear my finger off when I offered her a treat. Count your blessings that she finds you more favorable.”
Once Elpis had shared her story, he was pleased Thea had found him an acceptable companion. And that her story had distracted Medusa, for Elpis was a gifted storyteller. She started with Thea’s bite, moved on to Xenia’s fear of the animal and eventually made her way back to Medusa’s sisters while they ate their meal. He laughed, enjoying the way Elpis carried on about the Gorgons’ treacherous habits.
When Medusa laughed, warmth spread throughout his entire being.
All the while he felt Medusa’s every move and sound. He was attuned to her, anticipating her reactions. How he would love to know her thoughts.
As Elpis continued, he shifted, reaching for a slice of lamb.
He felt her gaze upon him, and turned to meet it. But she stared upon his body, his chest, and then the length of his arm. She blinked, turning her attention upon his face. She explored each feature, focused yet hesitant, as her eyes fell to his lips, then the rapid pulse in his throat. She blinked again, glancing at his face once more.
His chest was tight and heavy, yet his gaze met hers. He could not help the heat that coursed through him as she flushed in obvious confusion. His jaw clenched, as did his body, as he fought for control. And still she did not look away.
He took what she offered, letting his eyes travel slowly over her face as she had him. He traced the line of her brow and the sweep of her lashes. Her cheeks were high and her lips… He drew in a deep breath, returning her openly curious stare.
Her breath hitched and she swallowed. In the slim column of her neck her pulse was visible. It raced, in time with his. Pleasure flowed through him, sweet and pure, as he smiled at her.
She blinked, turning to the sea, giving him time to slow the racing of his own heart.
“What think you, mistress?” Elpis asked.
Medusa did not respond. Had she not heard the question? It had barely reached him.
Elpis glanced at him, then at Medusa. He saw the fear on their companion’s face and felt the gravity of it settle heavy and hard in his stomach. His fear had l
ittle to do with the punishment he might endure for loving Medusa. He would never act upon it, for she would suffer too. No, his fear was born from the knowledge that – for the first time in his life – something mattered more to him than duty and honor. And he was willing to do anything to keep her safe.
Chapter Four
“A letter for you, girl.” Uncle Galenus handed the folded parchment to Medusa and watched her expectantly.
“I believe it’s from your father.” Aunt Xenia smiled at her, attempting comfort.
Medusa scanned the bold script, recognizing it. “So it is.” While she would have preferred to pour over the missive in the quiet of her room, she knew her adopted aunt and uncle were waiting most anxiously.
Her eyes were burning by the letter’s end.
“Well?” Uncle Galenus thundered, his brow descending low onto his forehead.
She handed him the letter. “It is as you anticipated, Uncle. Father is angered, greatly, by Athena’s interference.”
“Phorcys is angry? With Athena?” Aunt Xenia was astonished, clasping a hand over her bosom. “He must see reason.”
“He will carry on as he wishes – as is his way. But even a Sea Titan bows to the will of the Gods.” Uncle Galenus studied the note.
“What grounds does he have for his anger?” Xenia persisted.
“He insists I’ve repaid his debt to the Goddess,” Medusa explained. “And he has need of me at home.” She moved towards Xenia, smiling at the woman she’d thought of as her mother for most of her life. She placed a hand on the older woman’s arm, squeezing gently. “But all will be set right, Aunt. I have faith in Athena.”