If I Had Words

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Chapter 59      Chapter 61

The three sisters made their way to Aphrodite’s temple in a regal line of chariots. 

Psyche’s sisters had stared at her in bewilderment when she suggested they walk. 

Of course they couldn’t just walk! Not in this heat. They couldn’t arrive at the temple red-faced and sweaty. 

Psyche had to remind herself that her sisters were still her sisters and liked to do things their own way.

They soon arrived at the steps of the temple entrance. Cydippe and Aglaura gracefully and regally allowed their attendants to help them out of the chariot and with equal grace and beauty began mounting the steps. 

Psyche followed comfortably behind. 

She was happy to be able to be more of herself since returning home. 

Within minutes temple attendants descended upon them, gushing and leading them to the place where Aglaura and Cydippe usually came to say their prayers and give their tokens. 

Cydippe had been mindful enough to bring something for the Goddess. It would have been shameful to come empty-handed. 

The three quietly said a few prayers. Cydippe ceremoniously added her token to the scattered offerings before a smaller statue of the Goddess of Beauty. 

Psyche gazed at the statue. She felt a wave of panic as she imagined what she was about to ask the oracle. 

Talk to the Goddess? Return to the realm of the Gods? 

Not only was the prospect impossible, it was terrifying. 

The sisters had come up with a loose plan to go together and have Cydippe speak first. She knew the oracle best and was well-known in the temple. Then Aglaura would come in a supporting role (which was unique for her) in the hopes of convincing the oracle to consider their request. Psyche was to wait until the sisters had made some progress and the oracle was willing to speak to her. 

Psyche wasn’t sure what the results would be, but Aglaura was confident it would work 

Soon, the oracle entered their special area, followed by her usual entourage of attendants and priestesses. 

“High Queen Aglaura,” the oracle said in a haughty tone. “How gracious of you to grace us with your presence. We are most honorably honored.”

Aglaura bent her head. 

A bow low enough for an oracle. 

The oracle turned to Cydippe.

“Oh! And Lady Cydippe!” she said. “We are most delighted for this delightful chance to see you.” 

Cydippe smiled. 

The oracle was in an especially good mood, it seemed. 

It was then that the oracle noticed Psyche. Her expression turned cold and she gave Psyche a slight nod. 

“Princess Psyche,” she said stiffly. 

Aglaura looked at Cydippe. This wasn’t going to be easy. 

Cydippe drew in a breath and brought the oracle’s attention back to her.

“Great oracle,” Cydippe said. “We have come with a request of the great Goddess, may She smile upon us.”

“Yes?” the oracle said, looking at Cydippe with admiration. 

“Would it be possible to request an audience with the Goddess?” Cydippe said carefully.

“Whatever for?” the oracle frowned. “Whatever it is you would like to say to the Goddess, She can hear your prayers.”

“What if we wanted to have more of a conversation with Her?” Aglaura said, hoping she was joining in at the right moment. 

“Why would you need to talk to the Goddess?” the oracle said, looking confused. 

“It would seem that there is a misunderstanding between our dear sister and the Goddess,” Cydippe said.

“There is no misunderstanding,” the oracle said, looking sternly at Psyche. 

“Do you acknowledge that Psyche married Eros, God of Desire, and son of the Goddess Aphrodite?” Aglaura said.

The oracle looked coolly at her.

“That is what she claims,” the oracle said. “It is my opinion, however, that the princess thinks too highly of herself and has likely woven such a story about marrying a god simply to save her shattered reputation.”

And that’s when their whole plan fell apart.  

“Psyche would never!” Cydippe said, horrified. 

“We have seen His palace ourselves,” Aglaura said, trying to remain calm. “What our sister says is true.” 

“In that case,” the oracle said, totally unmoved, “it would seem that He has found her unworthy and has cast her out. What more is there to discuss?” 

Aglaura frowned. 

“We believe He still loves her,” Cydippe said. “We must speak with the Goddess.” 

“It’s out of the question,” the oracle said, with finality. “If either of you would like to make a private request of the Goddess, I would be happy to pass along a message.”

Psyche looked at the oracle. The oracle looked at Psyche and held her gaze. 

There was no changing the oracle’s mind. 

The oracle would defend her Mistress to the end. 

Psyche touched her sisters’ arms. 

“It’s okay,” Psyche said gently. 

Aglaura and Cydippe looked at each other with exasperation. They couldn’t believe the oracle was refusing to consider Psyche’s request! Clearly this woman didn’t know her place, didn’t remember all of the tokens and offerings they had given to the Goddess.

Still, they were at a loss as to what they should do next. 

The sisters all looked at each other. 

Psyche gave a weak smile.

“I told you,” she said quietly.

Her sisters weren’t ready to give up just yet. 

“I cannot believe you would disrespect the princess like this,“ Aglaura said, turning again to the oracle.

The oracle looked at her, bored. 

“This is Eros’s wife and she has every right — “ Cydippe said, joining in, trying to get the oracle to budge.

Watching her sisters fight for her was heartening, but Psyche knew her sins were too great to grant her any consideration.  

It was over.

“Dear sisters,” Psyche said, interrupting. “Clearly we are wasting the oracle’s time. We should go.” 

Her sisters stood their ground a moment more, trying to decide what to do. 

They’d never had anyone deny their request so flatly before.

Psyche gave a graceful bow and turned to leave. 

“Giving up so easily?” an attendant called after her.

Psyche froze.

“Who said that?” the oracle fumed, turning to see who among her attendants had spoken out of turn.

Slowly, Psyche turned as an attendant stepped forward.

“I did,” he said.

He was a very young man, likely ill-trained.

“Step back!” the oracle said. “How dare you address the princesses thus!”

Psyche approached him.

It couldn’t be, she thought to herself.

Psyche smiled slightly. 

“Wouldn’t you say it is an impossible request, asking the Goddess to consider meeting with me?” Psyche said, speaking to the attendant and ignoring the oracle.

“I wouldn’t say it’s completely impossible, but it’s likely futile,” he said indifferently. 

“Is there a way back?” Psyche asked, almost pleading.

The attendant put his hands behind his back and thought for a moment. 

“It’s hard to say,” he said. “Perhaps you are on the right track, asking for an audience with the Goddess. She will likely make you prove yourself. 

“It’s not going to be easy.”

“This is preposterous!” the oracle cried. 

Aglaura and Cydippe silenced her.

The attendant looked directly at Psyche.

“Are you really the wife of Eros, God of Desire?” he asked.

Psyche faltered for the slightest moment. She was almost positive that she was, at that very moment, standing face to face with her husband, disguised as one of his mother’s temple attendants. 

He wasn’t just asking her whether she was his wife. He wanted her to prove that she was ready to come back to him. 

Was she?

“I am,” she said.  

“Are you sure?” he said.

“Yes,” she said. 

“We shall see,” the attendant said, breaking her gaze.

“When it is time, the Goddess will send word to the palace,” the attendant announced to the group with authority as he turned away. “May it be as the Goddess wills.” 

They all watched speechless as the defiant attendant casually retreated into the depths of the temple.

Cydippe and Aglaura looked at Psyche, confused.

“What just happened?” Aglaura said.

“That,” Psyche said, looking at them, “was Eros. 

“Apparently, there is a way back.”

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