A/N: Alright so… I changed it to Mature for the end of this chapter. Sorry I'm not an erotic writer, so that is the best I can do. And I wanted to keep it as tender and sweet and innocent as possible, because that is just how the love between Eros and Psyche strikes me. Much longer. =] I was just glad to bring Eros in. Read and review and I will 3 you forever!
Disclaimer: No, I don't own any of these characters or the story.
CHAPTER FOUR
Patrice Beck / Psyche
I felt like I was finally getting to know this new family of mine, and they were now getting ripped away, to leave me even more alone in this large, strange world. To be honest, I was perfectly certain I was going to die after hearing what the Oracle told my father to do. The worst part was that these people lived by every word the Oracle said, and I mean everything. So when the Oracle told my father that the way to solve my marriage problem was by leaving me atop a mountain to await my fate, he already had planned it out. The ceremony was to happen tonight, at sundown. It seemed the best idea, according to my father. I would be left in a ceremonial bridal gown with a bed of flowers, an offering to the goddess Aphrodite, the one who so loathed me. I had been filled in on a lot while my father was in talking to the Oracle thanks to my sisters and my mother. I had taken to accepting my fate and accepting that these people were my new family. It was just how it had to be.
I let out a soft sigh as loneliness stabbed at my heart. We were back in our rooms, and I was sitting watching as the sun slowly made its way closer to the horizon. It was a long trek up the mountain, but my father had to run to the market to get the necessary goods for the ceremony tonight. He had returned just minutes ago, and my mother was preparing the bridal gown. It was tradition, my sisters say, to wear the finest clothes your family can buy you. So my father had gone out to get a gown for me. Right now as I sat watching the sun, my sisters had already entered and were pampering my hair.
"He probably won't be that bad. I'm guessing he can support you and take care of you, and that's all that really matters, right?" My eldest sister, Rhea, comforted me as she twisted and pulled at my chocolate curls. "My husband isn't the most attractive or wealthy, but he can provide for me and he loves me, and he has given us a soon to be son, or daughter, and that is what is most important." Rhea took a second to smile at me and Agathe, my other sister, and rub her slightly swollen belly. I had discovered earlier that she was about two months pregnant. It was then that Agathe chimed in.
"She's right, you know. While you might have men falling all over you left and right, this suitor might be a blessing. Maybe you will be the only girl who can tolerate him. He will never take another mistress or anything of the likes…" Agathe trailed off as she stabbed a pin a bit harshly into my scalp. I let out a soft ouch and flinched, but she didn't seem to notice. Instead she just went back to messing with my hair, doing whatever it was she was doing with it. "And besides, my husband isn't the most handsome, nor is he the most… interesting, but it is a nice match. He is wealthy and he treats me well. He has only ever scolded me once. We're happy. You will be, too."
Thinking about all of this marriage was scaring me. I was 18, I wasn't ready to get married. I was still planning on going to college, or I had been planning on it. Keep it together, I thought to myself. I wasn't going to college, not here. Hell, at 18 I was long over due, in Greek culture, for a wedding. Girls got married by the age of 13 here. I had to wonder what this Psyche girl's childhood was like. But I was distracted by my sisters.
"Well, you're ready…" Rhea handed me a small hand mirror. I had no idea what they had done to my hair, but it was pulled back prettily, with only a few small curls framing my face. Flowers were stuck into the side of my head in a gorgeous arrangement, and yet another golden circlet was placed around my head adding a very simple look. It was perfect timing, for almost immediately my mother came in. The house was eerily quiet, as if they were planning a funeral instead of a wedding. I sniffled slightly, trying to hold back a wave of tears. In all of hours I had gotten attached to this new family. Of course it helped that they looked identical to my family back home, but in a way, I was happy to have them as my new family. I wasn't ready to leave, and this whole thing about being left on top of a mountain was really scaring me.
My mother ushered my sisters out as she brought over the new clothes. They were a gorgeous shade of red, almost like blood, but much prettier. Sighing, my mother pulled me close. "You will be fine, dearest. Trust me…" And part of me did trust her… and part of me knew she was crazy and that I was as good as dead as soon as we got to the top of that mountain. "Now let's get you changed. Your father is ready to go…" I sighed as she undid the wrap I had been wearing today. Once again I was brutally exposed, and I felt so self conscious. But I put on a good face and waited patiently as she wrapped the soft silk around my body. Once the first layer of red silk had been placed, she wrapped some lace around my shoulders and over my head, much like a hood. I was unsure as to the reason for this, but I figured that it was some kind of ritual. "You're ready… now let's go downstairs, your father is waiting…" She trailed off, but instead of moving stared at me, before breaking down into tears. Shocked, I wrapped my arms around her.
"Everything will turn out well…" I murmured, stifling my own few sobs.
"You are our most beautiful daughter and the most horrible fate has come to you… I wish I could change it, Psyche. I love you so much…" My mother hugged my tightly and I hugged her close, wiping my tears on the cloth of her gown.
"I love you too. It will all be well…" I wiped my tears on the back of my hand and pulled away. "We should get going…" I murmured softly. My mother nodded apprehensively and led the way down the stairs. I followed her out to wear everyone was waiting, and my father solemnly hugged me.
"It is time," he murmured, letting out a soft sigh.
The trip up the mountain was a long one, to say the least, and full of sorrow. When we reached the specified rock, it was almost as if no one quite knew what to say. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched them sorrowfully looked at me, almost waiting for the winds to sweep me away or something. After a few seconds of silence, my mother started weeping, and rested her forehead on Agathe's shoulder. The middle child patted our mother's back and nodded. Rhea finally approached and embraced me. "May luck and Fortuna be on your side," She whispered in my ear. I felt a stray tear drip off of her chin onto my neck, and I knew my own tears were staining her hair. Next came Agathe. She hugged me and wished me the same. My father then came, and held back the tears. Instead he swept me up into a comforting embrace and shook his head.
"I am sorry this fate has been assigned to you," He murmured as he looked me up and down. "You make a beautiful bride," He hugged me close one more time before my sobbing mother came over to embrace me. She had no words, and instead was pulled gently away by Agathe. They started down the mountain, then, and I knew better than to follow. Instead, once they were out of sight, I dropped onto my knees and began to cry softly. The soft tears eventually emerged into large, body shaking sobs. My fate was sealed, and I was going to die here, right now. I would never see Agathe or Rhea, or my greek mother or father again. Nor would I see Sophie or my real mother or father again, or Rachel and Paul or Abbi and Damon. I was going to die here. This was the thought that was in my head when I fell asleep there on the mountain top. I guess it was the long day that had caused me to cry myself to sleep, and finally accepting my cruel fate.
I'm not exactly sure what woke me up in the morning. It might have been the crisp sunlight as it came over the mountain tops, or quite possibly the dew that had gathered on the grass and was now soaking through my gown. Wait grass…? My eyes fluttered open and I sat up suddenly, giving myself a head rush. "Oh, goodness…" I looked around and was almost blinded by the sight that was before me. I was in a large, grassy, open meadow, and there, right at the mouth of the valley, was a large golden palace. That was the only way I could explain it. It was a large, golden palace sparkling in the sun. The whole structure seemed to be made of gold, and for a moment, I was dazzled by the brightness of the sun reflecting off of the surface. It was only then that I realized I had somehow gotten off the top of the mountain… that or I was dead and now in heaven. I was going to go with the latter. With this idea in my mind, I decided that it wasn't even worth grieving over. Instead I would just go into this palace and inspect. With hesitant steps I approached, and made my way through the open arch that I assumed was the front door. Immediately the inside of the building bedazzled me, and I knew I had to be in Heaven. The floors were bejeweled with many rare stones that created gorgeous mosaics. The walls were gilded in gold and silver, creating delicate, beautiful patterns. I brushed my fingers lightly over the golden swirls, positive now that I was in heaven. Almost as soon as my fingers had started touching, though, a soft whisper of a voice filled the room.
"Hello, Psyche." The voice was soft and gentle, like the wind, I thought. I sat still and waited for the voice to continue. "Everything you see here belongs to you. The bed chambers and bathing area are in the back. Once you have bathed and clothed yourself, as well as had a look around, the wedding feast will begin." I waited patiently, expecting the voice to come back again. After a good minute of silence, I inhaled deeply and moved on to the next room. A wedding feast? So maybe I wasn't dead. I was unsure of everything right now. All I knew was that I was totally ok being in this excellent palace. I walked through a few differently ornately decorated rooms. Some had couches and tables, others desks and chairs. I finally managed to find the kitchen, and luckily there happened to be soom food sitting out. I was so hungry, for I hadn't eaten at all yesterday. There was a loaf of bread as well as some fruits, and I opted for the bread as well as a few grapes which I popped gratefully into my mouth. They where the best grapes I had ever tasted. I ate a few more before turning to the bread. I was starving, I came to realize as I tore off a piece of the bread and timidly nibbled on it. It was decent enough, and I ate a little less than half of the loaf before going in search of the bed chambers and the bathing room. I walked through many halls; each had a different mosaic illustrated on the floor, a different curving pattern of gold along the walls. I was definitely in a place someone royal or rich resided, and I knew for a fact that wasn't me. My husband, I couldn't help but sadly think. Maybe I was alive after all. Maybe, in the dead of night, the monster had come to take me. That sounded plausible. I let out a sigh as my hand dragged over a wall.
I finally arrived at a wooden door, and pushed it open. I had unknowingly arrived at the bed chambers, that was for sure. A large, king-sized bed was in the center of the room against the far wall. Drapes of multiple colors hung on the windows of that same wall, and a woven rug was now underneath my feet. Two large mahogany sets of drawers that matched the bed were on opposing walls, parallel from each other. I stepped within the room, curious now, and noted also two bedside tables, the right table bare, and the left table adorned with a vase full of blooming flowers. Chewing my lip nervously, I inched over to the right side of drawers. I pulled it open to find many folds of silk, much like the gown I was I was wearing had been before it had been put on me. There was also some lace, as well as some cotton, and some thicker wool. Atop the dresser was a small box, which I immediately looked into. There was a hair comb, as well as hair pins and ribbons. A mirror was hung above the chests, as well, at about shoulder level. I finally pulled open the top drawer, and couldn't help but gasp slightly. Within the drawer were many pieces of jewelry, from large, gaudy necklaces that I would never be seen wearing, to finely crafted, ornate rings. There was so much gold and gems sparkling in that one drawer.. I hurriedly pushed the drawer shut and closed my eyes, willing all of this away and just to be back in Athens with my family. I let my head fall into my hands and rubbed my eyes, waiting for something to happen. All that happened was I suddenly heard the sound of rushing water, as if something was being filled. It was only then that I noticed the door in the back corner of the room.
I could only hope this was the bathroom, because a good bath sounded excellent right about now. I pushed through the chiffon certain that hung in the door way, and found myself in a completely tiled room. Instead of the usual small, one person bathtub I was used to, there was a small swimming pool in the middle of the room. I hesitantly looked around, wondering if there was anyone else around. Realizing I was completely alone, I nervously started undressing myself, which I found rather hard since I had no idea how these greek women dressed themselves, and hung the silk toga up on a peg near the door. Once again I felt completely exposed, but seeing as I was alone this time, it wasn't so bad. I nervously dipped my big toe into the pool, and realized that, not only were there bubbles floating along the top, but also that the water was the perfect temperature. I squatted down and slowly put one foot in, then the other. A ledge of sorts ran around the perimeter of the pool, and I immediately perched on it, and leaned my head back to rest on the tiled floor. Every muscle in my body relaxed as I let my eyes flutter shut. I started suddenly as the sound of some sort of string instrument started up, causing my eyes to open in shock and my head to snap up. I looked around, expecting to find a person in the room with me, but the air was abuzz, and not a person was to be found. I chewed on my lip nervously and did a once over of the room again, figuring the person must be outside of the door. I let my head fall back again, and sighed lightly, enjoying the warmth of the bath water. Letting out a content sigh, I lightly rubbed at my arms and my legs. The water felt soapy, but not overly so. Enough that it would clean me, and not leave a sticky residue once I had gotten out of the bath. I now allowed myself to slide off of the bench and down under the water. I hurriedly rinsed my hair hurriedly, combing out all the pins from yesterday and collecting them in my fingers. I quickly broke the surface of the water and put a handful of pins on the edge of the bath, then submerged my head again to finish rinsing out my curls. Once I had finished this task and felt clean, I pulled myself up and out of the tub. I hurriedly rushed over to a stack of towels that was sitting on a small table, and grabbed one to wrap around my hair, and another to wrap around my body.
I silently treaded into the other room, hoping to catch a glimpse of the musician, but either he knew I was coming, or he had been else where, for the grandeur bedroom was completely empty when I returned. I was about to start rustling through drawers in order to figure out what to wear, but it was as if an invisible had was taking care of it for me. I watched in amazement as the drawers opened and pulled out clothes, and then as the towel was gently tugged from around me as well as from out of my hair. I shivered as the cool wind from the windows touched my delicate skin, and watched as the fabric was somehow magically wrapped perfectly around my body and pinned at the shoulder. "What is going on?" I wondered in amazement. It was then that the soft, reedy voice from earlier returned.
"We are your hand maidens. You may not see us, but we see you. Trust us, and we shall take care of everything you ever need here." I licked my lips and nodded as an invisible hand brushed out my curls and dried them with a fresh towel. Instead of pinning my chocolate hair back, the maids just placed a golden circlet around my head. I figured I was ready for the rest of the day, and went to look out of the window at the position of the sun in the sky. It was starting to sink in the west. Where had my day gone? I must have slept longer than I thought this morning, and I must have taken longer in the bath than I remembered. "My Lady, this way. Your feast awaits you…" I felt a bit odd being addressed like that, but I didn't argue. Instead I wove my way through the hallways into a side room. There was a low table there, and a couch at about the same height. No people were present, and the windows were open, allowing the soft evening breeze to blow in. I sighed softly and dropped down onto the couch, tucking my legs up beneath myself and resting my arm over the side of the sofa.
I smelled the food before I saw it; it smelled delicious. Brought in by the invisible maids, the plates just simply appeared on the table in front of me. Platters of meats, cheeses, fruits and breads appeared before me, and I just watched helplessly as an invisible hand poured me what I could only fathom to be a glass of wine. Once the plates had stopped moving and I was positive everything was there to stay, I looked over the food, deciding what looked the best. I took a bit of meat, I thought possibly pork or lamb, and began eating. To my surprise, it was actually quite delicious. After I had finished that off, I moved on to a plate of fruits, first eating the large crimson pomegranate, then some of the olives that were also on the table. Everything was delicious.
I wasn't sure how long I was sitting there eating, but I ate pretty much everything that was present, and I felt so completely content by the end of the feast. I managed to glance out of the window and was shocked to find that it was completely dark outside. I stood up quickly, realizing that after eating so much food I really was quite tired. Yawning and stretching widely, I let my feet shuffle and carry me back to the bed chambers. I wasn't quite sure what I was supposed to wear to bed, so instead of worrying about it, I just struggled out of the toga I had on and pulled out a simple tunic from the bottom drawer. Luckily it had arm holes and a head hole, and it came to about mid thigh, which was enough to cover everything I wanted covered. I yawned one more time and slowly made my way over to the bed. Almost as soon as my head hit the pillow all of the light in the room went out, and I was in pure darkness. I could hardly see a foot in front of my face, but I wasn't complaining. It was as I was laying there in the darkness that the loneliness came back with stabbing pain. I couldn't force back the wave of tears the pushed on the back of my eyes and caused loud sobs to shake my body. I didn't realize how lonely I had been until I was sitting in this large bed all alone. I could feel the sobs shaking my body, and I couldn't hear anything but the sounds of my sobs. This house was so big and so empty… All I wanted was to be home.
It was as the tears were starting to subside that I felt something rather odd. It was as if a pair of eyes was watching me, and I sat up immediately, looking around with wide eyes. I couldn't see anything, though. Almost seconds later, I felt the covers shift, and some mysterious weight seemed to push the bed down. I became stiff with fear as a figure grew closer, and I could hardly move. I had even stopped breathing. But then a voice came through the darkness, so pure and lovely that it soothed my fear. "I promise I'm not here to hurt you…" His voice was like bells, or angels singing. I didn't know what to compare it to; it was so smooth and beautiful.
"Who are you?" The sentence left my lips before I could think. I hugged the covers on the bed closer to my thin body and looked in the voice's general direction, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever was in bed with me. Or maybe he was invisible, like everything else in this place.
"Ah… I'm afraid I cannot tell you that. I can tell you, though, that I am your husband, and I only want to take the greatest care of you. Your happiness is my main concern. Does this palace suit your needs?" I looked in the voice's direction, wide eyed and now even more scared. My husband? But there had been no wedding ceremony. No pretty white dress or exchanging of rings… I was ultimately confused.
"Yes it does but…" I trailed off and knew that he, my husband, was waiting for me to speak. "But I don't even know you…" I trailed off, my voice very soft and quiet. I felt the man stir on the other side of the bed then, out of nowhere felt a gentle hand grazing over my cheek and tracing the outlines of my face, as if he were getting to know me through feel. I realized that I had been holding my breath, and exhaled slowly.
"I wish I could explain to you but alas, I cannot. All you can know is that I am your husband, and that I will never leave you or hurt you, as long as you promise you will not try to look upon my face when I come to bed every night." I hadn't realized how close in proximity he was to me until I realized I could feel his breath on my face. My hand timidly reached out now, and he took it immediately and pressed it to his lips. A soft shiver ran down my spine as his tender lips slowly kissed my hand, and then gently up my arm. He stopped momentarily at my shoulder, which I was thankful for. I was unsure what he wanted of me, but I could only imagine. After all, I was his new bride, and most husbands wanted to consummate a marriage, did they not?
Before I could even do anything, and with swiftness I believed no normal man could possess, my new husband had my tunic up and over my head, leaving me feeling extremely exposed for the third time in the past two days. I could feel his eyes on me and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I had no extraordinary body; I was just a normal and average girl. Almost as if he had read my mind, though, he spoke up. "You are a very beautiful girl, Psyche." He let out a soft sigh as his hand gently traced over my shoulder and then down my body, his fingers tenderly hugging each curve. "I don't keep you here to hide you, just to protect you. Don't ever forget that…" He warned me. I believed him, too. I was unsure if it was the sincerity that rang clearly through each word he said, or if I just needed some sort of reassurance. Whichever it was, I believed him very whole-heartedly. I chewed on my lower lip nervously, waiting for him to speak or make his moves. Instead he just laid there, his fingers gently tracing up and down my stomach. I shifted nervously, and his hand moved to grab mine. His lips once more kissed my hand, and then up my arms, at first just tender, gentle kisses, though they grew more passionate further up on my arm. At the nape of my neck he paused momentarily, and I was sure he was looking at my reaction. His proximity to me had caused my heart to speed up a bit, and I breathed deep to try and steady myself. He slowly eased his lips closer, and tenderly kissed up the side of my neck to my jawbone. Without any kind of hesitation or nervousness that I was used to, my husband soothingly put two fingers beneath my chin and turned my head towards him.
My heart was racing now. I was used to kissing high school boys with braces and 5 gum breath, boys who unsurely placed one of their hands on my hips and the other around my waist and then asked if it was ok if they kissed me. This man's aggressive movements and assurance in himself made me feel better about everything and, in a way, sort of turned me on. I was still hesitant though, as he pulled my face only millimeters away from his. His arms wrapped around my body, pulling us closer together. The warmth of his soft skin comforted me, and I let my own hands nervously run down his chest and then around his waist. He felt like a man, not a beast. An especially attractive man, too, since his chest seemed to be rippling with toned muscles, and his arms felt strong as well. I opened my mouth, about to speak, but instead of allowing that he placed his lips against mine, first hardly pressing on me at all, though as the seconds ticked by, I could feel his body tensing up a bit and his lips pressing against mine with a bit more passion. His hand, which had been tracing up and down my spine, across the muscles in my back. At first I felt completely uncomfortable as he gently caressed me, and I felt completely exposed as well. But instead of saying anything I just laid there and allowed him to take the lead. I could feel myself slowly warming up to him as his lips moved from my mouth to kiss down the side of my neck once more. His hands gently traced a route that his lips followed, and he kissed down from the very nape of my neck to my clavicle, down to my chest and then onto my soft stomach. He stopped there, though, and let his head rest on my stomach. I felt different than ever before. It was a mix of excitement and enthusiasm, as if something strange and unusual was growing inside of me. I knew that he was not done yet, and, oddly enough, I was ok with it.
I was unsure of how I felt after those next five minutes in which I lost my virginity. I felt slightly violated, but I knew there was nothing I could do, instead I smiled up at him, then, and cuddled closer to his chest. He seemed surprised by this action, and hesitantly wrapped me up in his strong arms. For the first time I felt truly loved, a new sensation to me. I knew this man, my husband, really and truly loved me. I was unsure how I knew this… maybe it was his mannerisms, how he was so gentle with me, treating me as if I was a delicate butterfly. I wasn't sure, but I knew he did love me.
I yawned widely and let my head rest on his shoulder. I was rather tired after a long day, and I felt all warm and fuzzy wrapped up in his tight embrace. As sleep started to overcome me, I felt his perfect lips kiss the nape of my neck and then brush over my ear. "I love you…" The words sounded perfect escaping from his lips. It was then, not seconds later, that I allowed my body to be overcome with sleep.