“He would have better harvests if he remembered to honor the Harvest,” Demeter affirmed.
“He claims Seriphos is unable to offer tribute?” Athena stared at Zeus in surprise. “But demands his people offer him horses?”
“Why have we done nothing to punish this man, then?” Ares asked.
“Why indeed?” Hera agreed.
Poseidon enjoyed watching his brother at work. Truly, Zeus was a master at such games. Whatever his intent this time, his brother was taking pains to ensure Olympus would rally behind him.
“There was no one fit to take his place, wife,” Zeus’ words were layered, spoken with care.
Hera’s lips pursed, but she said nothing.
“What does he want? Why is Polydectes calling for such tributes?” Hermes asked, his young face inquisitive as he searched the faces of his fellow Gods.
“He’s offered marriage to Hippodameia,” Zeus continued.
“He would use the vows of marriage to gain his fortune?” Hera asked.
“Is that not why mortals marry?” Ares argued.
“It is,” Hermes agreed.
“But not at the cost of their kingdom,” Athena said. “Seriphos’ people cannot manage such tributes without leading to their ruination. He is a fool.”
Poseidon had heard his brother’s answer and knew there was more to it. “You said there was no one to take his place, to rule Seriphos. There is now?” Poseidon asked.
“Mayhap Apollo has found one,” Zeus suggested softly.
Poseidon’s gaze narrowed, noting Zeus’s posture. He can scarce contain his excitement.
Apollo nodded. “While the king has been quick to silence those who would question his demands, one has dared to speak out against Polydectes. He has great courage, a certain charm that the people admire. His name is Perseus.”
Aphrodite turned to Poseidon, a brilliant smile upon her triumphant face. He covered his mouth, catching his laughter quickly.
“Perseus?” Hera asked without rancor.
So Hera did not know who this Perseus was. She would have been quick to react if she had. It was apparent that Zeus had no intention of telling her Perseus was his son. Not just yet, anyway.
Poseidon bit back a grin, catching Aphrodite’s gaze once more. She, too, was waiting expectantly.
“Perseus told Polydectes it would be smarter to expect Medusa’s head than a horse as he was better able to take her head than find a horse. He is without property, adopted son of Dyktes, a simple fisherman.” Apollo finished, clearly amused.
Poseidon shook his head. The boy must be Zeus’ son, to have such rash overconfidence.
“What was Polydectes response to Perseus impudence?” Ares asked, greatly amused.
“Polydectes accepted his offer.” Zeus said.
Silence fell upon the Council Chamber.
Poseidon froze. No…this was not what had been decided.
Would Hera intercede again? Mayhap Aphrodite would champion Medusa’s plight, as she was greatly fascinated with the husband, Ariston. That she’d turned herself into an old man to gauge the man’s devotion boggled Poseidon. What had it accomplished? Nothing save more dissatisfaction with the cretin she was sadly wed to. He supposed he might seek out other husbands if saddled with one as dreadful and morose as hers.
As the silence held, his stomach clenched.
“What of the promise you gave Medusa?” Poseidon asked Hera.