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ON THE WAY TO MOUNT Olympus, Psyche’s stomach roiled. Twice that morning she thought she was going to be sick. But by taking some deep breaths and staying really still, she was able to control her nausea. “I can’t believe how nervous I am at meeting your grandfather.”
“Well, Jupiter is the god of pretty much everything. He does have that effect on people.” Cupid laughed.
“That’s true.”
Cupid had told her the only person who could make her immortal was Jupiter, the father of his father Mars, so they were on their way to plead their case with him.
“Are you sure he’s going to go along with this?”
“I think so. I told him what Venus did, and he was angry. She really makes him furious with her selfishness, and he likes finding ways to get back at her. If he makes you immortal she’s not gonna like it, which in turn will make him very happy.”
Grateful her family didn’t engage in internal wars like that, Psyche let out a deep breath.
Things were definitely different in the world of the immortal gods. She was just beginning to realize how different.
When they arrived at Jupiter’s palace, Psyche couldn’t believe how gorgeous everything was. She had thought that Venus’ place was nice, but Jupiter’s dwelling was on another level of grandeur. Everything was colossal in size—the stone columns were as big as skyscrapers. The place glittered with diamonds. Beautiful music played in the background, and the delightful smell of orange blossoms wafted through the air.
And while she expected Jupiter to look like a grandfatherly old white-bearded man wearing a bunch of robes, he actually looked like a slightly older version of Cupid with attractive features and a hard body that sent the message you didn’t want to mess with him. He had those same sparkling blue eyes as her husband, and she liked him immediately.
“So, this is the lovely Psyche I’ve heard so much about,” Jupiter said, taking her hand in his and giving it a squeeze.
Psyche chewed her lip and her eyes darted to the surrounding heavens. “I’m not so sure that’s a good thing. I feel like I’ve been causing a lot of trouble lately.”
“Nonsense,” Jupiter said, enveloping Cupid in a bear hug. “You haven’t done anything. It is not your fault you were born looking the way you do. It’s just too bad his mother is so envious. One would think she would have more self-confidence than that, but with her everything’s a competition.”
“It is not fair to Psyche for my mother to take out her own insecurities on my wife. She tried to sell her into sex slavery.”
Jupiter shook his head. “I agree. She’s gone too far this time, which is why I’m willing to do something I rarely do.”
“What’s that?” Cupid asked.
“I’m going to make Psyche immortal,” Jupiter said.
Then he added, “If that’s what you want, child.”
He looked at her with those blazing blue eyes, and Psyche couldn’t help but nod her head. Everlasting life with her beloved husband Cupid? Nothing could be more perfect than that. “Yes, I would like that very much.”
“Well, it’s settled then.”
A spritely young woman dressed in yellow appeared out of thin air and handed Jupiter what looked like a champagne glass.
“Thank you, Miriam,” Jupiter said, and with a quick curtsy she disappeared just as quickly.
“Psyche, why don’t you take a seat?” He led them over to a table groaning with meats, cheeses, and fruits and pulled out a chair for her.
“Thank you,” she said, sitting down. Part of her expected to be nervous, but instead she was more excited than anything else. She considered asking if it would hurt, but it didn’t really make any difference. She’d go ahead with the plan even if it did hurt.
“What you will experience will be rather intense. Do not be alarmed. That is the eternal life force entering your body. There will be another force inside you, the death force, if you will, that will resist. But what’s in this ambrosia I’m going to give you to drink. It will be too strong and the life force will win over the death force. Do not be afraid. In the end, you will be bestowed with everlasting life.”
Psyche looked at Cupid who was smiling nervously. It was obvious he was concerned about her, but this had been his idea, and they were convinced it was going to work. As soon as this was over they would be together forever.
“I’m ready,” she said.
“Drink this and close your eyes.” Jupiter handed her the glass.
Psyche tasted the liquid nectar. It went down sweet and smooth. Then she closed her eyes.
First, she heard a soft buzzing sound and through her closed lids she saw a flash of white light. A warm sensation like the kind you get when sunbathing consumed her, and a strong vibration shook her body from her head down into her extremities.
Panicked, she clenched the arms of her chair as the opposing forces in her body fought for dominance. Determined to hang on and come out the other side victorious, she held on tighter and focused on her breathing until it finally stopped.
When everything stilled, she opened her eyes, and Cupid scooped her up into his arms. “It’s over. You’re a goddess now.”
Jupiter wiped his brow and it occurred to Psyche her transformation might have been somewhat taxing on him too. She had no idea what it meant to be a god or a goddess, and how these things worked, but she was about to find out.
“How do you feel?” Cupid asked.
She blinked a few times before answering. “Pretty much the same.”
“That’s to be expected. Cupid why don’t you take her for a nap and come back later to discuss her new powers.”
“Powers? I’m going to have powers?” Psyche asked, surprised.
Jupiter and Cupid laughed.
“That’s being a goddess, part of being immortal,” her husband explained.
After a luxurious nap in one of the most comfortable beds she’d ever slept in, Psyche and Cupid joined Jupiter and many of the other gods and goddesses for a huge feast to celebrate their marriage.
A lavish table was set with every kind of food Psyche could imagine and while she was very hungry she didn’t eat very much, as her appetite had been off recently.
The wine flowed and a good time was had by all. But by the end of the night Psyche couldn’t wait any longer so she found Jupiter and asked, “What powers will I have?”
“You, dear Psyche, are the goddess of the soul. You now have the power to see into people’s hearts. It is a power that can help you do much good in the world, and from what I observe going on down there, mortals can use all the help they can get.”
Psyche smiled, while Cupid puffed his chest with pride and joy.
“Thank you, Jupiter,” Cupid said as he embraced the hulking god.
“You’re welcome, son. Having Venus for a mother can’t be easy. I don’t like to intervene in my grandchildren’s lives, but sometimes it is necessary, and this was one of those times.”
“We’re very grateful,” Psyche said.
Jupiter put an arm around her. “Before you go, I have one more question.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“What are you going to name the baby?” he asked with a wink.