82. A Proposition
A Proposition
Perses smiled at me and said softly,
‘I think we find ourselves in a common
predicament. I have noticed Styx
is close to you. I am close to my brother too.
This decision to wed them
was decided between our fathers,
and my brother is dutiful.
But what I would like…’
He lowered his voice as he looked
in the direction of the door.
‘I would like to see him content,
instead of simply dutiful.’
I contemplated his words
for some time, then said,
‘Styx is my dearest friend,
very much a sister to me.
I too would like to see her content,
instead of forced into an arrangement
not of her choosing.’
He nodded and asked,
‘What if we helped them?’
His scent enveloped me,
like the earth after rainfall.
I closed my eyes and composed myself.
‘What precisely are you
suggesting we do?’
A mischievous smile
spread across his face.
‘Perhaps we find ways
to bring them together.
I believe they have
more in common than
they realize. While they are resigned
to their fate, we can show them
that this fate is not such a terrible thing.
Pallas is partial to fermented
wines, handcrafted objects, and quiet.
What does Styx enjoy?’
I considered this. It was hard
to think with him so close.
‘Styx enjoys being away
from Oceanus’s palace.
She likes the quiet
and time by the sea,’
I offered in a whisper as
I heard movement behind
the door. ‘Ah,’ Perses said.
‘Perhaps we can arrange
for them to meet on a walk?’
I smiled and nodded
just as the door opened
and Styx and Pallas walked out.