A/N: Another long break, I know, but school's made me incredibly busy, so please bear with me! However, I haven't forgotten about this story, and I'm happy to give you all a new update! Thanks SO much for your reviews, they make posting new chapters worth the effort! As to some of your questions, I'm happy to answer!
Fae: I laughed when I read your last review, yes, she was wearing clothes! I just forgot to add that in, hehe.
Sapphire Warrioress: The palace is in Greece, tucked away in the mountains where the gods won't think to look. I'd imagine there's also a little magic concealing the palace from any passers-by.
Again, thank you so much for your wonderful comments, it does my poor little stressed-out heart good, and thank you especially to those of you who have been faithful readers! A little note as to this chapter, I've been reading quite a few romance novels lately (guilty pleasure!), so this chapter gets a little steamy! But honestly, who doesn't want a little romance in a story like this? I hope you all like it, and please post your reviews! I crave your opinions! Enjoy!
As he had promised, Psyche was visited by her husband that night, and nearly every night for the following two weeks. The pair grew closer with every encounter, and became fast friends. However, "friends" is not perhaps the right word for them, for each night the chemistry between them grew, as did the tension. Before Psyche had come to his palace, Eros had decided that he would take things differently with his future bride. He would get to know her before he let himself seduce her, for she was certainly an innocent young thing. However, with each passing night, he found his restraint tested as it had never been before. Psyche was an incredibly alluring young woman, and though she had no previous experience with men, she was able to tempt him nearly beyond his control.
A fire blazed in the massive fireplace before them as they sat together on the plush couch in Evander's room, casting a rosy glow around the room, save for, mysteriously, Evander's head and neck. Psyche had become rather disillusioned by the enigma that shrouded her husband and his home, for so many mystifying things had happened there that she simply became used to the magical atmosphere. Smiling down at her, he kissed her on the top of her head lightly. "I think it is high time that we were wed," he announced as he stroked her arm lightly, his tone casual yet decisive. Broken out of her momentary reverie, Psyche's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she turned around to look toward him. "Wed?" she parroted, tilting her head inquisitively.
Evander chuckled, nodding. "Well we are affianced, are we not? I wished to wait until you felt more comfortable with me. Now that you are, I believe that we can proceed with the wedding."
Staring into the darkness at him, Psyche's eyes were wide with surprise. They were finally to wed. Funnily enough, the thought had slipped from Psyche's mind. The way they had come to meet was so unusual that all other conventional ideas of marriage and weddings had simply vanished in light of this new situation. An uncomfortable little cough from Evander caused Psyche to realize that she had been wrapped up in her own silent thoughts for too long, and laughter burbled up from deep inside. With a merry giggle, she nodded eagerly. "Of course," she answered with a brilliant smile. "When shall we wed?"
At her agreement, a wide smile spread across Evander's own face. "I was hoping that the wedding could be next week," he replied, noting her concerned expression. "I know that it is quite soon, but my servants are more than capable of preparing the palace in that time, and Hesper will aid you with whatever plans you have, and whatever you need to be done," he assured her, taking her hands in his.
Leaning back with a small sigh, Psyche's thoughts ran wild. A wedding in a week! The planning alone would take all of the spare time she had, not to mention all of the preparations for the palace, and the guests. Though she would certainly be put to the test in pulling this wedding together, she knew that Evander would be there at the end of the day to assure her that it was all worth it. With a little laugh, she sighed, shaking her head. "All right, then the date is set. Though," she went on, looking toward him with a slightly embarrassed smile, "I still can't help but wonder why a man like you would want to marry someone like me anyway."
Her little admission shocked him. Staring at her intently, he couldn't think of a reason not to marry her. She was the kindest, wittiest, most genuine woman he'd ever met, and was as beautiful internally as she was on the outside. For one of the first times in his long existence, Eros found himself speechless. This enchanting creature before him had completely taken him under her spell. Rather than explain it to her, he would show her. The firelight dimmed until only embers glowed, and Psyche noticed him leaning toward her and his hands circling her waist, pulling her closer to him. The glowing of the dying fire was equaled in his eyes as his smoldering gaze held her own, the two of them inexplicably frozen in that moment. His hand cupped the back of her neck as he lowered his head, touching his lips to hers. Psyche closed her eyes, and let the thrill of his touch flow through her. His lips moved on hers gently, yet more insistent than the last time. Psyche moved her hands up to his chest, feeling the strength of his taught muscles beneath her as she slid her hands upward and twined them behind his neck, closing the small space between them and molding herself to him.
The sensation of her body so close to his was electric to Eros, whose response was more explosive than even he could've realized, Shifting her onto her back, he leaned over her and deepened the kiss, his hands shifting down her sides over the silk of her dress. Psyche was nearly beyond her wits at the sudden onslaught of Evander's passion, her hands moving restlessly upon his broad shoulders and back as their lips met and clung. His tongue touched her lips lightly, persuading them to part, and when they did Eros was nearly drugged with the sweetness of her mouth. Passion burst forth from deep within Psyche, and with a moment's hesitance, she returned his ardor as her tongue met his. A low groan emitted from Evander's throat as she did so, and the kiss grew wild. His hands slid down to her backside and pressed her close she could feel the intensity of his need for her.
Psyche was breathless as her fiancé kissed and caressed, fervor burning through her veins like fire as she felt an inexplicable need, though she knew not what for. His body beneath her hands was similar to warm marble, like one of the statues of the gods brought to life. The planes of his body perfect and angular, strength and power emanating from his muscular physique. His hands wandered back up her sides, brushing gently against her breast, and a small moan emitted from her lips. That little sound brought Eros back to reality, and reluctantly he pulled himself away. Looking down toward her, he had to keep himself in check at the sight of her, all flustered with her eyes full of need. Eros groaned again, cursing himself both for taking it too far, as well as having to pull away, and then stroked her cheek tenderly. "I'm afraid we'll have to stop there, darling," he murmured, his voice rough and low with passion. Panting slightly, Psyche merely nodded, her mind still reeling from the intensity of his kiss. Eros rose, instantly missing the feeling of her body being so close to his, and he took her up in his arms. Carrying her down the hall, they remained silent, staring toward each other. He opened the doors to Psyche's room and with a few long strides closed the distance to her bed. Laying her down gently, he placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead. "Until tomorrow, my love," he murmured.
Leaving her to herself, he closed the door and headed back down the hall, every inch of his body alive and violently aching with need for her. Despite his longing, Eros grinned. He knew the week before the wedding would be a task, but the outcome was worth the wait. Making his way out onto his large balcony, he called out into the night, his voice commanding. "ZEPHYRUS," he bellowed. A sudden gust of wind swelling around him, and as the air settled, a man stood before him, tall and imposing with hair as dark as the night, his eyes the turbulent, wild grey of a stormy sky.
"You called?" he remarked sarcastically, his arms folded over his brawny chest.
Eros rolled his eyes, chuckling to himself. "Yes, actually, I have a favor to ask of you."
Zephyrus, god of the West wind, sighed. "Another one? It seems I'm doing you a lot of favors lately. First bringing that beautiful little plaything of yours here, which I must admit was a treat," he added, a wicked smile on his lips, "and now this. What, I ask, is in it for me?"
Eros' perpetual grin grew even wider. "Well, would being invited to the wedding count as a good form of repayment?" he queried casually.
Zephyrus paused, his smirk wiped away as he regarded his old friend. "Wedding? What news is this?"
"I'm going to marry her, Zephyrus. I will marry her and then convince Zeus to make her a goddess. I know he will, he has a weakness for beautiful women."
"Marry her?" Zephyrus repeated, shaking his head. "But she's a mortal, Eros. We don't marry mortals. And even if you do, what will Aphrodite say?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
Eros sighed with impatience, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation. "I don't care what my mother thinks, she doesn't rule my life. I shall marry whom I choose, and I choose Psyche," he replied stubbornly. "I love her, Zephyrus," he added, his voice softer.
Zephyrus smiled. Well well, he thought, the god of love himself actually in love? It must be true. "If that is the case," he replied, "then it would be my pleasure to bring the happy news to Olympus. Hermes can take a break on his messenger duties just this once. When is the union to take place?"
Eros laughed, clapping his friend upon the back and giving him a brotherly hug. "Next week. And there is a certain, ah, dress code to be upheld as well," he added, filling Zephyrus in on the rest of the details. The two gods bade their farewells and Zephyrus was off in another gust of wind. Smiling to himself, Eros happily contemplated the day when he would make Psyche his wife. Moments later, from far, far away, he could hear a horrible, gut-wrenching scream. Immediately knew his mother had just been told of his wonderful news.