Page 46 of Heroines of Olympus

“I’m eager to get moving. I always get so antsy when I have to wait for anything important. I used to drive the masters absolutely mad with my fidgeting before an exam or evaluation.”

“I’m the same way,” Cadmus responds.

Medusa tries to keep her expressions as neutral as possible. He has said nothing wrong, but she has the urge to snap at him and tell him to mind his own business. She knows the hostility toward him is valid, but for the sake of the Allegiance and everything they are trying to do, she will do her absolute best to put that aside.

He continues with an amiable smile, “they always put me on patrol duty right before anything major. They didn’t bother telling me to rest instead, they knew it was futile and if they didn’t give me something official to do, I was likely to find myself in a spot of trouble.”

“The Masters would do the same. They would assign me the most mundane tasks that they knew would keep me busy, lest they find me sneaking into sealed areas or pilfering elderflower wine from the kitchens.” Medusa responds, feels herself softening with the easy conversation.

Cadmus smirks. “I bet you were fiercely mischievous under the influence of spirits.”

Her patience with him frays and snaps. “What in Tartarus is that supposed to mean? Of course, you would assume I was a delinquent.”

“I… uh…” At a loss on how to respond, Cadmus opts to leave the situation altogether and turns and walks away.

Medusa immediately kicks herself.

We JUST talked about this. Why are you like this?

Feeling like a petulant brat, Medusa is embarrassed to look Psyche in the eye. Psyche simply takes Medusa’s other hand and pulls her attention to her.

“Hey, it’s ok. I only know a fraction of your history with the Heroes but what little Idoknow tells me that this will take time and even then, you never have to like him. No one, including Cadmus himself, would blame you for that.”

“What do you mean, Cadmus wouldn’t blame me? I haven’t given him a moment of kindness. Why doesn’t he hate me?” Medusa asks.

“He’s not like any of the other Heroes I’ve ever met. I hope my trust in him isn’t misguided, but my gut says he’s different.” Psyche replies. “And I’ve seen his soul.”

Medusa thinks for a moment, then says, “I have been trying to be patient around him, but I’m failing. I will keep working on that and see if I can’t give him a chance because if you say he’s alright, who am I to disagree with that?”

Psyche smiles warmly in response and leaves it at that. They both turn and face the ship, taking in the bustling activity as people carry supplies on board, unfurl the sails, and make all the last-minute preparations.

After they take in the scene, Psyche says to Medusa, “I have one more thing to discuss with you before we head aboard.” She pauses and almost seems nervous. “cabin space is limited, meaning people have to share. I thought I would be whom you might be most comfortable sharing quarters with and volunteered us for that,” Psyche finishes and awaits Medusa’s response.

“Oh,” is all Medusa can think to say, swallowing awkwardly. “That… that should be alright.”

Neither of them looks each other’s way for the discussion and Medusa wonders if Psyche is nervous. Was she concerned Medusa would say no, or be angry at the assumption? Also, what does this mean? Her brain is walking the line of trying to assess if the gesture meant more, and also trying not to read too much into it. Regardless, the upcoming time at sea with Psyche is something Medusa very much looks forward to.

28

MEDUSA

Once they board the ship, Psyche and Medusa make their way to their cabin. Deonn waves when he sees her and Medusa is grateful there will be another friend on board.

Deonn guides Medusa and Psyche below deck to find their cabin. As Deonn opens the door, Medusa discovers sharing a cabin on this voyage also means sharing a bed.

Medusa’s eyes widen with surprise and Psyche flushes and quickly blurts out, “I’m so sorry, they didn’t mention we would share beds. I promise you, I wouldn’t have sprung this on you.”

Psyche being flustered makes Medusa smile. The thought of sharing a bed with Psyche is terrifying and exhilarating, but in a way that is romantic and exciting. Even if nothing new occurs between them, it is a relief to not be distraught by the mere idea.

“It’s alright,” then, feeling a little spunky, Medusa adds, “It won’t be our first time being close to each other. Somehow I think we’ll manage.” Medusa follows it up with a wink and has an immediate internal rush of awkwardness. Who is this person being bold and flirty? Whoever this new Medusa seems to be, hopefully she stays around a while.

* * *

Medusa and Psychewalk up to the upper decks to watch as they leave. The sun is setting as they are leaving, timing Medusa finds curious, but was told by Isadora that their departure time had been carefully calculated by Nicodemus, who would be the one sailing us there. It does not thrill Medusa to know it would be the same captain who had been rude to her on the way here and was then openly hostile to her in the meeting.

According to Isadora, no one can handle the seas as swiftly as Nicodemus, aside from Poseidon himself.

The ship moves away from the Isle and Medusa watches as it shrinks in their wake. A few minutes later, they have to go back through the Mysts and Medusa remembers what happened last time.

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