Forbidden Love

Chapter 20

Peitho sat hugging her knees to her chest with tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. She had hoped that Vulcan would contact her as soon as he returned home, but she had yet to hear from him. Cupid had told her Vulcan would be back today. When she heard those words, it made her heart soar. She had yearned to see Vulcan since the moment they'd parted at his wedding. Suddenly, she heard a knock at her bedroom door, which succeeded in pulling her mind away from the thoughts that swam in her head. "Come in," she called, without bothering to look up.

"Adelfi?"

"What do you want, Eros?" She snapped. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about his trip.

"They're back," he responded. Peitho finally looked up and gave him a puzzled expression.

"What? Who?" She asked, feigning ignorance. Eros folded his arms across his chest and glared at Peitho.

"Well, for starters, me. Hi Peitho, it's nice to see you too. Vulcan and Venus returned to Capitoline today."

"Okay?" Peitho answered quizzically. Eros huffed before completely entering her room and closing the door behind him. He crossed the room and squatted in front of her, forcing her to look at him.

"Why on Olympus would I want to know that?" She continued once they were face to face.

"Because you love him," responded Eros matter of factly. Peitho gaped at him.

"How did you..?"

"it's my job, remember?" He answered before Peitho could completely ask the question.

"B-but Mitêra,"

"Doesn't care or pay enough attention to either of us to be in tune with our feelings. If she did, she'd have figured you out as soon as you lost your virtue, if not before."

Peitho's mouth hung open in surprise at her brother. She went to speak, but he cut her off before she could.

"Before you ask, I haven't been spying on you. But I can feel your love for him just as I felt the ache in your heart when you were charged with following Vulcan and Venus on their honeymoon. That's why I offered to go in your place."

Peitho breathed a sigh of relief. She was grateful to Eros for saving her from the pain of seeing Vulcan in the arms of Venus. She had no idea how to repay him for the kindness he'd done her. She moved to get up and pulled him into a hug. He was so tall that she just barely reached his chest. "Thank you," said Peitho softly as she rose to her tip toes to hug him tighter. Eros smiled and kissed the top of her head.

"There's something you should know, Pei Pei," said Eros, using the pet name only he was allowed to use. Now that they were adults, he only used it when worried or scared.

"What's wrong, Eros?" Peitho asked nervously.

"You're fated, you, and Vulcan, you're fated. Neither Cupid nor myself can figure out why, but you are. The only way it's possible for two deities from opposite pantheons to become fated is if the fates on both sides agree to it. The Fates are cruel P if they're doing this, there's got to be a reason behind it. Cupid suspects that Jupiter has something to do with it but has yet to have it confirmed. If you ask me, I think he's right. Given that Jupiter loathes Vulcan for merely existing."

"But, if we're fated, doesn't that mean we're supposed to be together? Isn't that a good thing?" Asked Peitho, a note of hope in her voice.

"it should be a good thing you're right, but if Cupid's suspicion is correct, and Jupiter conspired with The Fates to ensure you'd be with Vulcan, then I fear it isn't a good thing. I think Jupiter will use you to get to Vulcan somehow.

******

Hermes flew through the air in his winged sandals. He loved to fly high and look over all of Olympus and enjoy the view as he made his way to wherever he was headed that day. As the messenger of the Gods, Hermes was always on the move. Today he wasn't delivering a message to someone else. Today he was doing something for himself, for once. He let the wings of his sandals carry him to Aphrodite's temple and hovered above it for a moment before gently landing on the ground. He knew as soon as he knocked on the door that Aphrodite would suspect he was there for her. That he wanted her, but she was not why he'd come. Hermes gently knocked on the door and waited. "Enter." He heard Aphrodite call before the doors opened on their own. Instead of walking, he glided in on the wings of his sandals. Most gods and goddesses found him annoying because Hermes rarely let his feet touch the floor. Hermes placed himself in front of the throne. Aphrodite had fashioned herself and gave a slight bow before speaking. She smiled at the sight of him.

"Hello, Dite," said Hermes with a smile.

"Hermes," she answered in a bored tone as she twirled a strand of golden hair around her finger absentmindedly.

"If you've come here for a taste of me, I have no interest in giving you one," Aphrodite continued, hoping that would be enough to send Hermes away.

"Believe it or not, it's not you. I want love," replied Hermes in a monotone voice. Those words succeeded in getting Aphrodite's attention.

"WHAT?" She said, astonished by his answer. What could he possibly want if it wasn't her? Why would he come here if she wasn't the reason?

"Tell me something, Dite," said Hermes, interrupting Aphrodite's train of thought.

"Do you keep Peitho chaste for her benefit or yours? She had the power of seduction that's got to drive you crazy, yet you have her running around seducing everyone for your benefit. What's the matter, Dite, afraid of a little competition? You may be the Goddess of Love filtatos, but what you aren't is kind or persuasive. You want what you want when you want it on your terms, and if you can't get it, then to Tartarus with us!" he said, emphasizing the last words out of his mouth.

"What's your point?" Asked Aphrodite irritatedly, having seemingly ignored every word he said. Hermes rolled his eyes.

"I want her Aphrodite. I want to marry Peitho."