Medusa Isn't So Bad

The Mortal Makes a choice

"I can see!" Constance twirled about, her laughter like that of a child. I glared fiercely at Circe. This was too cruel. She gave her sight back and yet I would have to let her go. Write her off and stay here to sate the lustful cravings of a sorceress. Even still, seeing a carefree on smile one Constance's face warmed every inch of me. I couldn't pinpoint it, but soft, comforting heat surrounded me and I wanted nothing more than for her to smile forever. So I neared Circe with a sigh.

"I won't settle for just correcting her fate and giving back her sight," I said. "You have the ability to put protection on her, making certain she reaches Sparta."

"Apophis, darling," She clicked her tongue. "Are you trying to insult me? I could send her straight there if you wish! So, do we have a deal?"

Constance stopped searching the room with her returned sight and turned to me. She ran her hands along my face and frowned deeply. "I don't want to leave you behind."

"It was going to happen eventually," I whispered. "Constance, be reasonable. With your sight back and your fate corrected, you'll be free. You can do whatever you want."

"Do what I want?" She looked at me strangely. Her eyes trailed me from head to toe, and I wondered why. My cheeks warmed the longer she looked at me. She started to circle me then and I could feel her breath near my neck. A few times she reached out as if to touch me and I had to force myself not to move. Circe smirked, fiddling with her staff and swishing her hips as she walked the length of the table.

"She is marvelous, isn't she?" Circe sighed. "But don't get attached to her, darling."

Constance glared at her. Those beautiful teal eyes which looked at me with...something warm looked at Circe harshly. She was beautiful when she wore her blindfold, but I equally loved this look. Also I was surprised. Her demeanor was so kind and carefree, I'd never seen an annoyed Constance.

"I will not trade Apophis for my sight." She said. "What good is seeing the world when I cannot see her when I please?"

"Are you a fool??" Circle demanded. "Who gives up their sight for a friend?"

"She isn't just my friend."

I was thoroughly amused at this point. I wasn't just a friend?? Well then what was I? I grinned from ear to ear and Constance slipped her hand in mine. My cheeks reddened and my serpents went wild around my feet. I didn't need to hear their thoughts to know what they thought.

"We're family."

I could hear something breaking. Maybe it was the sound of my now very mortal heart. What did she mean by that? I certainly didn't see her as a sister! Did she see me that way?? If so why? Curses! How did one flirt to convey their hearts desires? Clearly I wasn't doing it well enough. Sighing, I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"Circe," I addressed. "Gave us until tonight."
"Apophis, you should know better. This girl is still young. Don't let her waste her chance at a better life."
I couldn't disagree. Her life would be easier if she had her sight back, and I wasn't willing to trade that. Not even for the sake of my heart. Still, when I met her eyes, I could see the determination on her face. I sighed.
"Please give us until tonight."
Circe let out a breath of annoyance then threw up her hands. "Fine, fine. You may discuss it over until nightfall. By then I expect an answer."

She left us alone then, and I shifted uncomfortably. Constance took my hand and tugged me to an open balcony overlooking the sea. She enjoyed the breeze on her face and her eyes flickered everyone, curious about sights she hadn't seen in months. And then...Constance couldn't stop looking at me. Her eyes trailed my face and she reached out, cupping my cheeks. Her hair like golden wheat spilt over her shoulders as she leaned forward.