“No buts, that is the end of it. I will not allow you to throw your life away.”
Mother watched me like a hawk after that, so closely, I couldn’t slip out. More deadly though were Athena’s
attentions. She too had noticed her father’s eyes, and arrived to offer advice.
“Let her come and serve in my temple. No one dares to touch my handmaidens,” Athena said. “I would never
tolerate such an affront.” Her voice tinged with clash of battle and in her blazing eyes I caught a glimpse of de-
ity. She turned to me, her face her eyes soft amber, and I thought I’d imagined the moment. “Come my child.
I’ll keep you safe.”
I went with her willingly, eager to escape my mother’s watchful eyes. After all, what could Athena do to me?
Athena wasted no time replacing my gown with a shapeless shift, insisted that I braid and cover my hair, keep
my eyes downcast, demonstrate maidenly virtue. She watched me closely for the first few days, picking at
every little flaw, making me sweep the temple floors until the marble shone.
Fortunately, some war drew her away, and while she was gone, I discovered the pleasures of temple life. There
was a constant stream of men visiting the temple, and they were easily distracted by big blue eyes and perfect
skin, the casual brush of my breast against their arms. I was buoyed by the attention. Soon, they were coming
to see me, not her.
When Athena returned victorious, she was graciousness personified, adorning her handmaidens with the
spoils of war. She paraded us arrayed in fine jewels, gold and fine gowns to demonstrate her success. Until she
noticed the admiring looks I garnered, and hastily removed me from the parades, leaving me behind, to do
the heaviest work.
I was scrubbing the floor for the tenth time when I felt prickling at the nape of my neck, and looked up into
ocean blue eyes.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you here before,” his voice boomed with the crashing of waves. “I’m sure I would have
noticed. You’re beautiful.”
“I’m new,” I said, preparing to stand. He stretched out his hand, and I took it, electricity crackled, my heart
began to pound to the rhythm of the waves. I felt breathless. He drew me to him; I felt his strength and pow-
er. I was drowning.
“What are you doing Si. You know better than this.”
11
Cauldron Anthology