The Wrath of Aphrodite - Book 2

Eternal Mortal

The next morning, I feel a small tinge of empowerment.

I look into this girl to determine the best approach to put this all behind me and maintain my standing. She's a princess, of course, gifted and privileged in all meanings of the word. The youngest and spoiled daughter of a father who adores her and gives her everything she needs, servants waiting on her from morning till night...ugh, I can feel her entitlement from here.

And her name is the most eye-roll-inducing of all: Psyche.

The solution is simple. I won't hurt the girl, but to make her unavailable is to make her forgotten. She will become just another woman married off and growing older and more boring by the day, locked up and hidden away.

My mind considers what qualities I am looking for as a match for her, but I ultimately decide I will know when I see her.

And see her I shall.

* * * * *

Once the nightfall arrives, I embark to this King's sanctuary, ready to see this so-called stunning example of mortal beauty standards.

I go alone, Eros not in my company for once. I'm afraid that he may influence my decision. He is turning me into a softy lately with our work.

However, this one is personal to me.

I approach the giant stoney building. Small windows near the peak of one of the towers, is a small lit candle, illuminating the room just enough for me to see a small figure standing inside.

I can't get nearly a good enough look from this height.

Stubbornly, I decide I need to get a better look. Get inside, in fact.

There are guards, but that truly won't be a problem.

I walk confidently through the front gates, opening them without any effort at all. They simply open as soon as I approach them. Two guards are posted at the front door, gawking as I come closer.

"I heard that someone by the name Psyche is a challenge to the legend of my beauty. I also heard that she resides here. Is this true?" I present the question with a serious tone, but a flirtatious smile...a look I have quite mastered.

The two men are speechless, as if they are frozen in time, their eyes unable to move from me. When in my presence, the mortal man will almost always have to come to the conclusion that I am the Goddess they are meant to worship, and almost always, they are unable to do a damn thing in the moment.

I draw closer. "I wish to see for myself. Tell me, is she truly as beautiful as they say?"

"S-she is b-beautiful." The one on the left of the doorway stutters, finally able to speak once I am directing my attention at the other and not at him.

I whip my head towards him, my tone suddenly threatening,"Is that so?"

"N-no. Not that beautiful." They both correct desperately.

"Mhm, mhm." I look at them both intensely, as if assessing their souls from top to bottom. "Well, gentlemen. I can't trust your blinded judgment. I need to see for myself." I gesture inside, "You'll move aside for me, and get beautiful wives of your own. How does that sound?"

"I already have a wife." The one on the right mutters, looking at the ground.

I giggle. "I don't care. Want a better one? No? If not that, I'm sure I will find some way to reward you both and not punish you for denying me."

The one on the left seems to physically melt, as if giving up any physical resistance left inside his body. He sways towards me as if the wind is knocking him over...I watch him curiously, and the other guard jolts forward to catch the fainting man.

I raise an eyebrow as my eyes connect with the gaze of the standing guard, now holding his partner up from faceplanting.

I've waited too long now. Their deal privileges have been revoked.

"You could have negotiated yourselves a decent deal, gentlemen. Now I'm no longer interested in entertaining you." I walk past them as they fall to the ground, helpless and in a trance.

I leave them behind as I walk myself effortlessly through the door. The dark grand entrance greets me, the walls merely lit with a small trail of candle light. In the front entrance is the grand staircase, of course, which I quickly start to climb, stepping faster the closer I get to the top.

The house is silent, and the anticipation is delicious. I bring myself confidently to the room I am certain must be hers....and...

The girl bolts up from bed, her hair a tangled mess of golden blonde. There's barely any light, but it still glimmers in the moon light sneaking through the bedside window. Her wide blue eyes stare directly into mine, fear clearly written on her rosy cheeks.

I think I am giving her the same expression.

She is an effortless, beautiful mess.

"H-how did you get in here?" She whispers fearfully. "Are you here to take me away?"

I suppose this is why they have her in the highest tower...

"No...dear child. I do not wish to take you away. Not tonight." I look her over slowly, as I approach her bed. "You shall walk yourself out in due time though." I promise her.

"You're here to help me?" She gasps. The poor child is full of hope.

My heart nearly feels an empathetic pang...but I still can't let this stand.

"You'll be married soon, my dear. And it will be because you'll love someone." I simply answer, giving her vaguely delicious expectations.

I decide to leave then...and sadly, as my back turns, that is when she decides to identify me. "You are Aphrodite. Aren't you?"

I pause and glance over my shoulder to look at her. I don't let my eyes reveal anything more.

"Thank you for not killing me and giving me a chance." Psyche murmurs, quiet as a child.

I stare at her silent, feeling a wave of emotion I don't quite know how to identify.

"They told me that you would." She continues her thought in a chilling whisper.

I give her a short nod and I make myself leave quickly then, without a word.