A/N: Of course I don't own Eros, or Psyche, but wish I did! However, I do claim the new character in this chapter! Sorry for the long paragraphs, I promise I'll try to do better with Chapter 7. Oh, and also, PLEASE review! I'd love to know what you all think! And to the ones who have, thank you so very much! I hope you all like the new chapter!
She was sprinting, fast as her legs would allow, up the rocky mountain path. Behind her storm clouds thundered angrily, almost as though it were trying to speak through its monstrous booming. The lightning crackled at her heels, its forked fingers snatching at her tattered dress. Heart hammering wildly, she could not move fast enough to escape it…him... Just when she thought she might evade her that which pursued her, her foot hit a root on the path and she slammed to the ground, knocking the breath from her lungs. As she gasped for air, the oracle was suddenly there, smirking down at her. "It is your destiny," the old woman declared, her voice echoing in the cavernous space as her milky eyes bored through Psyche's very soul. "Your destiny…"
Psyche awoke with a start, covered in a fine sheen of sweat. Her hair was matted to her face, and she felt as though she could not stop herself from shaking, though her nightmare was over. Taking deep, calming breaths, she wiped the sleep from her eyes, sinking back against the massive down pillows. When she had collected herself, she realized that she was not in her room at the palace, as she had assumed. The room was unbelievably spacious, and lavishly decorated.
The walls were colored the most astonishing color blue she'd ever seen, a mix of the sea and sky. Large vases of flowers provided splashes of color against the white marble floor, flowers so beautiful and exotic, even a lover of flora like Psyche had never seen such ethereal blooms. A large vanity stood against the wall, its top nearly overflowing with different powders and brightly colored perfume bottles. Bright light flooded from the arches that led to a large balcony, from the arches fluttered silken white curtains. Upon the ceiling was painted a scene of the heavens, on one side of the room a golden sun shone happily, surrounded by puffs of fleecy clouds. On the other side was painted a beautiful silver moon, adorned by gently glimmering stars.
The bed she was laying upon was enormous, big enough to fit her and perhaps another three. Upon the strong wood of the backboard was etched with a beautiful meadow scene, intricate enough to be a tapestry. In the meadow of tiny, carved flowers sat a maiden, lifting an elegant hand to a great stag. The picture seemed so real, the girl's features so incredibly lifelike. Blooming vines were also carved up the tall bed posters, and from the top of the bed a gauzy canopy hung over the bed like a shimmering cloud. Never in her life had Psyche seen such a lovely room, not even in her father's palace.
Slipping from the bed, she padded lightly across the pristine marble floors. Near the vanity sat a desk and chair, and upon the desk was a bouquet of freshly cut irises. Taking them into her arms, she breathed in their sweet scent and wondered if she was still dreaming. It was certainly a good possibility, she reasoned, noting a large closet, for what sort of beast would allow her a room like this?
There was a knock at the door, and Psyche immediately froze where she stood, the flowers still clutched in her hand. Ever so slightly, the door opened, and through the crack peered a young woman, her eyes alight with curiosity. Her breath caught as she saw Psyche, and she instinctively bowed, only to have the misfortune of knocking her head against the door. Psyche couldn't help but giggle as she rushed to the door, opening it to see the serving girl holding a hand to her forehead and muttering an oath, then slapping a hand over her mouth as she realized Psyche was watching her.
"Ohhh, my lady, I am so sorry, I didn't think you would hear…" she trailed off, looking dejected.
Psyche grinned, opening the door and ushering her in. "Don't worry about it! Is your head alright?" she asked, gesturing to where the maid held her forehead.
The girl nodded, sheepish. "Yes, mistress, I'm quite fine. I came to check on you, you've been sleeping for nearly two days. But its wonderful you're awake now, we were beginning to worry!" she exclaimed, a large grin on her face.
Psyche was taken aback. Two days? How could she have possibly slept that long? She sat at the desk, slightly overwhelmed. The maid noticed, racking her brain for a way to comfort her. "Oh, my lady, do not worry, you were well taken care of. The master had very specific orders that you were to be under constant care."
Psyche glanced around the room again, her lips pursed. "So this is my husband's home?" she questioned.
The maid nodded with a grin. "Yes miss, this is his palace. Do you like your rooms? He picked everything out himself."
Impressed, Psyche chuckled. "They're absolutely gorgeous. I've never seen anything like them." She paused, looking to the girl. "Are you to be my maid servant, then?"
The maid blushed, obviously bashful. "Yes my lady, do forgive my forgetfulness. My name is Hesper, and I'm to be your personal maid. Now that you're awake, would you like a wash?"
Psyche nodded emphatically, feeling particularly grimy after having gone two days without attending to herself. Hesper led her into an adjoining room, and the moment they entered Psyche gasped. It was the largest, most grand washroom she'd ever seen. Her eyes were immediately drawn to a huge washing tub, which had been formed into the shape of a shell. She gingerly ran a finger across the sleek porcelain and a glint of gold caught her eye. At the head of the tub was a strange, snake like piece of metal that was bent into a 'U', and beside it were two small handles. She looked to Hesper questioningly, and with a knowing smile, the maid flicked one of the handles and water began pouring out of the tube.
Psyche jumped back in surprise, looking back and forth between the tub and her maid. "Wha…how does…?" She stammered, pointing to the tub.
Hesper chuckled at Psyche's reaction. "It's running water. I believe the master is the only person to have it in all of Greece."
Psyche put her fingers underneath the water; ready to pull them back if anything funny came out. "How does it work?" she asked, awe-struck.
Hesper shrugged, setting herself upon the tub. "No idea. But it is absolutely lovely to bathe in. Would you like me to draw you a bath then, my lady?" she asked, suppressing a laugh as Psyche pulled the handle back and forth.
Psyche nodded, turning her attention to the numerous bottles of bath oils and soaps that were so neatly arranged she hated to touch them. Hesper pulled both handles until they were at the perfect temperature, then left Psyche to her bath.
As she lounged in the tub, Psyche's mind raced. This palace was the most amazing thing she'd ever seen, and she hadn't even left her rooms yet. Even this bathroom was positively gorgeous. The sandstone used in the floors and part of the walls cast a warm glow in the room, and on the walls were painted gorgeous sea-inspired murals.
On one wall Aphrodite was pictured emerging from the sea, her gown made entirely of sea foam. The goddess seemed to have such life inside her, and she was as beautiful as legend had said. On another wall was Poseidon seated upon his great throne with his triton in hand, his wife Amphitrite beside him. Sea nymphs, whose hair floated gently in the blue waves, surrounded the pair. Washing her hair with one of the soaps, she felt all of the trepidation that had flooded her dreams simply wash away with mindless bliss.
Once she was done bathing, she wrapped herself in a fluffy robe and walked breezily back into her room. Settling herself on a plush white chaise on the balcony, she curled up in the sunlight like a cat. Even the scenery was breathtaking. Below the ivory palace was a sea of wildflowers, brilliant bursts of purple, yellow, pink and white covered the entire valley. The mountains on the other side of the valley were like something from a painting, slumbering like stone giants with white caps of snow.
Hesper walked out to the balcony and curtsied, smiling to see her mistress so at ease. "I take it you enjoyed your bath?"
Psyche sighed, content. "I feel as though I've been put under a lovely spell, and frankly, I don't mind it one bit."
Hesper cast her eyes in appreciation upon the valley below them and sighed. "I have to admit, I've never seen anywhere like it in my whole life. However, my lady, I've come to ready you to see your husband this evening."
The word 'husband' shocked Psyche out of her reverie. She hadn't even given thought to him since she'd awakened. She sat up and began fidgeting with the large sleeves of her robe, and Hesper noted her hesitation.
"Don't worry, my lady. He is a kind and generous master. Besides, judging the lengths he went to to make you feel at home, I'd say he's got a soft spot where you're concerned." At that Psyche gave a reluctant smile, following her maid into her room.
Hesper's fingers were deft and quick as they flew over Psyche's hair, fixing this and pinning that as she readied her mistress for the evening. Looking at herself in the mirror, Psyche couldn't help but admire the gown they'd chosen. The closet had been crammed full of every possible shade, style, and fabric of dresses, each one more beautiful than the one before. The gown she wore now was a soft blue, the color of the sky during mid-day, accented with gold. She'd been inspired by her room, and felt blue was only fitting. The fabric seemed to float over her skin, and fit like a glove. Looking to Hesper through the mirror, she paused, unsure of whether or not to ask the question burning in her mind.
"Hesper?" she began, her tone timid, "Before I came here, I was supposed to have married…well, a monster." Hesper's eyes widened at the last word, but she remained silent, a look of concern in her eyes. "So that obviously led me to wonder about my husband. Please, tell me honestly, what does he look like?" She asked, desperate for any information she could get.
Hesper sighed, her mouth scrunched to the side in thought. "Well, mistress, I honestly don't know. I've never seen him. Truth be told, I don't know of anyone who truly has." Psyche's eyebrows rose. That was not the answer she had been expecting.
"You see, my lady, the master is quite a busy man. He's usually out on business during the day, and he'll be around the palace at night. However, he likes it kept dark so no one can see his face. He's certainly a man, for you can see the rest of his body, but never his face. It's the most peculiar thing." Toying with a curl, Hesper chattered on. "Of course, there are rumors. Some like to say that he's hideously ugly, and that he never shows his face from the shame. However, some of the people who've seen his body say that he must be positively beautiful, like a god, and he doesn't want the rest of us to see. Of course, those are usually the ninnies who are so crazy about men that no one takes them seriously." She added, putting a smile on Psyche's face.
The two chatted happily for hours, but as the sun streaked its way through the sky, Psyche couldn't help but think about her husband. What type of man was he? What would she say to him? Whatever it was, she would need to decide soon, for evening drew close, and with it came her first meeting with her husband.