Beauty Of Thebes

Chapter 30: Accept My Proposition

In the early morning, Dionysus summoned his servants who had excused themselves last night. The Muses sisters, the one leading the performances last night, appeared and poured wine into a golden cup which he accepted. 

Exhausted, he breathed heavily and asked Eutostea, who laid down on the carpet of vines, if she wanted some, to which, she again, refused.

Having sobered up, Eutostea began to reason and rebuke herself for what had occurred, only to conclude that there was no point crying over spilt milk.

Smiling cheekily, Dionysus slung his arm around her shoulder and asked, “You said you’re going to think about a place to stay after the festival ends, right?” 

He got close to her face.

“How ‘bout becoming my priest? What do you think? My temple’s located on the banks of Pactolus. Hardly anyone ever visits, so it gets rather lonely at times. But I’m sure it’ll become a breathable place worthy of living with you taking care of it! And, and, and…” he stressed the word out, “and since it’s under my jurisdiction, there won’t be anyone who’d dare invade, ‘lest they want to receive the wrath of a god. Oh! And you won’t ever have a shortage of food and wine.”

The tone of his voice implied that there was no better opportunity than this.

Eutostea didn’t take him seriously.

“You give quite the generous proposition to a mortal you’ve just met,” Eutostea smiled lightly.

Dionysus shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve taken a liking to you.”

“You seem to take a liking to others rather easily.”

“Uh… did Apollo tell you that? You shouldn’t listen to any words coming out of his mouth. It’s all hearsay.” Dionysus clicked his tongue in annoyance.  

“…”

Taken aback, Eutostea looked at him surprisingly. Her shoulders tensed and she grew more cautious.

“So did you do something wrong? Did he chase you away? Abandon you? You don’t seem like a broken-hearted woman. I find all of this strange, if you ask me.”

Dionysus asked questions after questions in quick succession.

Eutostea didn’t answer.

Dionysus shrugged.

“Wh-what? Don’t look at me like that. I’m only asking cause I can’t think of any other explanation but that. But what do you think? Is my offer not appealing enough? Should I throw in more incentives?”

He wore a sad puppy look.

“Okay, okay, if there’s something else you want, I’ll listen. Look, I like you. You’re unique and interesting. The fact that you’re a princess who ran away from the palace is mind bogglingly brave, but that’s also rather fun, too. And there’s never been a woman whom Apollo kindly let go after having touched her, yet here you are perfectly intact in one piece.”

Then he scratched his temples.

“Eutostea, please sincerely consider my proposition.”

Was this his way of taking pity on a girl who he spent the night with under the influence of alcohol?

Or was he joking like usual?

Eutostea carefully studied the face of the god standing in front her. She could find no traces of laughter. His two eyes were completely fixated on her.

“If you’re not making fun of me, then I’ll consider your offer,” she said after much thinking.

And with that, she picked up her clothes and redressed herself.

Dionysus watched her actions with a victorious smile before downing the wine on his golden chalice and throwing it carelessly on the ground.

“I’ll head to Delphi first while eagerly awaiting your arrival. The amount of time it’ll take to get there should be plenty enough for you to think about my offer. I’m serious about it and I’d like it if you could give me a definitive answer when you arrive.”

The grapevines that stretched across the front of the house followed his passing footsteps before disappearing into the shadows.

The many dozen goddesses that came to Dionysus’ call followed suit, their steps ethereally rhythmic as they danced away gracefully.