Over the next few months, Hephaestus put even more time into his work, and produced great things at his new forge on Olympus. Aphrodite visited once or twice, to admire his work and receive gifts, but never mentioned his marriage proposal. Perhaps, he reasoned, she has received so many advances that they have become insignificant. Whatever the case, he was glad that she never mentioned it. He couldn't bear to be made a fool in front of her.
The young goddess who had gazed at him in the palace on that first awkward day also tried to visit Hephaestus. At first he discouraged it; he was busy now that he had real commissioned work, and he still resented the pity she clearly had for him. But soon Hephaestus grew to welcome Aglaea's company. She was a simple girl, the youngest of the three Graces. At first she was quite talkative, asking a lot of questions about his work. But she soon realized that Hephaestus grew tired of talking, as he had lived alone for so long, and was content to watch him work quietly, her clear eyes never leaving him, or to chatter happily to herself. Eventually a genuine fondness developed between Hephaestus and the golden goddess, who, for some reason beyond his comprehension, chose to spend countless hours with him, and never seemed to see his physical failings. She did not mock him like Zeus, or intimidate him as Aphrodite did. She was just foolish girl, who seemed to take his stoic presence for good company, and he was glad of it.
On the fifth month after he moved into his new forge on Olympus, Hephaestus presented a fine new throne for Zeus, made from the finest gold, and truly fit for the King of the Gods. Zeus was greatly pleased, and made a great show of sitting on it for the first time at its presentation. This was his second great mistake. His first was to make a fool of Hephaestus, for Hephaestus had spent the first five months on Olympus plotting his revenge. The throne he had made for Zeus was in fact a trap, and would ensnare the sitter until a secret mechanism was pulled. Zeus naturally had no idea, and was enraged when he became entrapped. But there was nothing he or any of the other gods could do. The throne held him fast. Eventually Hephaestus was summoned.
"Release me at once!" bellowed Zeus.
Hephaestus remained calm. "Not until you let me marry Aphrodite."
"What? Is that what this is about? I refuse it!"
Hephaestus shrugged. "I hope you like your new throne; you shall remain in it for quite some time." He turned to walk away.
"Wait! Hephaestus!"
Hephaestus paused.
"Alright, you win. You may marry Aphrodite."
Hephaestus smiled.