Free Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus) by Sasha Summers

grumbled.
    “Surely Phorcys is not willing to challenge Athena over marriage? Medusa is young yet, there is no need to force such an event.” Xenia blinked back tears as she regarded them both.
    “If he would have her marry, she will. But not when Athena says otherwise. Is there some reason he forces this now? And who does he woo for his daughter? Who is worthy of her?”
    “Someone of great import, certainly. Phorcys is nothing if not ambitious. The suitor himself may be unaware… Or may not yet exist.” He shook his head. “But the matter has become less about Medusa and more about this perceived challenge by Athena. A challenge he cannot win.”
    “My uncle is wise, sweet Aunt. I am of little use to my father here. Some scheme has availed itself to him that makes him have need of me now.” Medusa attempted nonchalance, to mask her dread. Her father was scheming, and she would be the one to pay the price for it. She had since she was a child.
    First she’d been given as a servant, to repay her father’s debt. He had come upon Galenus’ ship long ago, when Galenus was more warrior than politician, and almost sunk the vessel. If not for Galenus’ booming voice and determined manner, Phorcys may not have paused to learn the truth. Galenus had been on a mission for Athens, a mission for Athena. Galenus had threatened Phorcys boldly, for he had done no wrong and deserved no torment. And Phorcys knew this too. Knowing the Olympians’ temper, Phorcys devised a bargain. As Galenus and Xenia had no living children, he’d offered up Medusa in reparation for the ship’s damage and delay – and Athena would never know of it. Galenus had happily accepted.
    Several years later Phorcys had caused a storm upon Athens, washing away the new foundation for Athena’s temple. Athena had been greatly displeased. Quick to make amends, Phorcys offered Medusa to Athena as an arrephoroi. Athena had agreed, honoring the eleven-year-old while ensuring Phorcys’ transgressions settled.
    In the years she’d served as Athena’s priestess and Galenus’ servant she’d found comfort and peace. That Galenus and Xenia loved her dearly was a blessing, that she loved Athena a gift. 
    “Whatever he’s thinking, child, I fear you will bear the brunt of it.” Galenus regarded her with true sympathy.
    Medusa felt the prick of tears in her eyes, but smiled at him. “It will be bearable. He may be strong-willed and, on occasion, self-important, but he’s not without heart, I think.”
    Galenus snorted, shaking his head.
    Xenia took a deep breath. “He is foiled, for now. We must not think on it, child. Anestheria is soon upon us and there are preparations to be made.”
    Medusa watched her aunt, quick to dismiss any unpleasantness. It wasn’t that Xenia cared little. She cared a great deal. So much so that even the threat of harm towards Medusa quite unnerved her. Medusa was her only child. The five she’d birthed had not lived long on this earth, a devastating loss for any woman. She prayed that whatever drama her father had begun would not be too much for her sweet aunt.
    “It is a glorious eve. Take Elpis and find some night-blooming jasmine for me?” Xenia smiled, cupping Medusa’s cheek with a soft hand.
    Medusa nodded and went to find Elpis. Her companion was lighting the lamps in Medusa’s chamber.
    “You have news?” Elpis took Medusa’s hands in her own.
    Medusa smiled. “I have, a bit. Athena has rejected his plea, for now. And my father cannot abide it. He is determined to get his way.”
    Elpis’ eyebrow arched. “Phorcys will yield, in time, mistress.”
    Medusa wanted to believe Elpis and her aunt, but she knew better. Her father was rarely distracted when his mind was set. Perhaps he had changed. Perhaps he would accept Athena’s decree in time. She dearly hoped so.
    As she and Elpis found cloaks and baskets for the jasmine, her heart lightened.
    Ariston would accompany them.
    The shell necklace she’d