Act 21: Eros

            "Thank you for meeting with me Zeus," Eros said. He and Zeus sat alone at the long table near the doors of the Great Hall of Olympus. Zeus had ordered the hall empty to have this conversation with Eros. Eros was relieved they would be alone; he didn't want anyone around in case he made a fool of himself as he pleaded his case to Zeus.

            Next to Zeus, Eros felt like nothing more than a bony teenager. Zeus may have the appearance of a middle-aged man with his wavy gray shoulder-length hair and beard, but he his tall, muscled frame could put any athlete to shame.  

            "So what is your problem?" asked Zeus.

            "I've fallen in love with a mortal," said Eros. "Psyche."

            "Ah," said Zeus. "I've heard of the young lady. She's supposedly more beautiful than even any goddess. Sounds like my kind of woman."

            Eros wasn't sure if Zeus was joking or not. He decided to continue his story occasionally glancing at Zeus for an indication of sympathy. However, Zeus's face was expressionless as he listened intently.

            "Interesting tale," said Zeus. "I'm surprised at your actions Eros."

            "Why?" asked Eros.

            "Because everyone knows what that you're really just a Mama's Boy. I'm surprised that you would go against Aphrodite. That Psyche must be one enchanting woman."

            "She is."

            "So why exactly should I help you? You're the one who should be telling Aphrodite how you feel. And you aren't my favorite god you know. It's funny how you crying to me after what you've done to me. "

            Eros knew Zeus would be a little reluctant to help him. Zeus had been target practice for Eros a few times. He just thought it was funny to watch the god of all gods chasing woman after woman. Still, Eros continued to plead his case.

             "My mother is very stubborn," said Eros. "And she's upset that a mortal woman has been declared more beautiful than she. No matter what Psyche does, Aphrodite will hate her just because she's Psyche. I know I may have had a little fun with you, but even you have to admit that you enjoyed the many trysts you shared with those lovely mortal females."

            "You have me there," Zeus said with a smirk. "I've had quite a bit of pleasure."

            Seeing the slight change in Zeus' mood, Eros decided to continue. "So you must know how I feel. Psyche's the beautiful woman that has captured my heart, and I want her to be my wife without my mother interfering."

            The doors of the Great Hall burst open. Aphrodite stalked into the hall, her eyes blazing. "Just what are you doing Eros!?" she shouted. "I know you helped that girl! She came running up to me with that box, looking so smug."

            Eros stood up and faced his mother. "How did you know I was here?" he asked.

            "Anteros told me after some persuasion," Aphrodite replied.

            Eros translated persuasion as force. "I had to help her," he said. "You were trying to kill her! I couldn't let you do it."

             "I was just trying to turn the girl into a good wife for you," said Aphrodite. "If she was weak enough to die during the process then she simply wasn't the right woman for you."

            Eros couldn't believe his ears. She really thinks she was helping Psyche! He thought.

            Zeus was getting bored with the little mother-son exchanged. He cleared his throat, demanding the attention he deserved. Eros and Aphrodite turned to Zeus, both ashamed at ignoring his presence.

            "Aphrodite," Zeus chuckled. "You are indeed a beautiful goddess, but your jealousy over that little mortal girl is very unbecoming."

            Zeus turned his attention to Eros. "Eros, I still think of you as a nuisance, but maybe Psyche is what you need. Settling down with the girl will surely keep you out of my love life. It seems the best way to solve this problem is to make Psyche immortal. Since Aphrodite is upset that a mortal is more beautiful then her, then she can't complain about an immortal being more beautiful than her. Right?" Zeus gave Aphrodite a look that dared her to question his decision. She folded her arms across her chest, not saying a word.

            Zeus stood up. "I'll have Hermes bring the girl here to have a cup of ambrosia. Then you and Psyche will be allowed to marry."

            "Thank you!" Eros said, a little too loudly. Both Aphrodite and Zeus gave him a strange look. He quickly regained composure and repeated, "thank you." Zeus gave him a slight nod as he walked out the hall, leaving Aphrodite and Eros alone.

            "So amazing," said Aphrodite. "Zeus only sided with you because it would benefit him."

Aphrodite started toward the door. Eros gently grabbed a hold of her shoulder. "I'm sorry for lying to you mother," he said. "It's just that—"

            Aphrodite quieted Eros with a wave of her hand. "Stop right there," she said. "I don't want to hear a sappy apology. You won the battle, that's the end of it. I suppose I must accept the fact that she will be my new daughter-in-law, but I don't have to like her. There is one bright side to this."

            "What's that?" asked Eros.

            "At least I'll have attractive grandchildren."

            Shaking his head with a smile, Eros followed his mother out the Great Hall.

Woohoo! Only one more chapter to go! J