Themis and Zeus: I want a divorce... Who: Themis and Zeus What: Zeus tells Themis he desires a divorce Where: Themis' chambers Rating: T
A bell chimed, echoing through the vast halls of Mount Olympus, as Zeus walked toward Themis' chambers. The servants bowed to him, one opening the large door as he entered, looking to his wife expectantly.
"Themis, I have something to tell you," he said, the tone of his voice beginning warm, but cooling with his next words. "I'll come bluntly to the point. There are things that weigh down my conscience, and have forced me to give up your bed and board once and for all." He averted his brilliant blue eyes for a moment, finding it difficult to meet hers, and he only hesitated for a moment.
"I am asking you to consent to annulling our marriage, and from henceforth, it is my pleasure that you call yourself my beloved sister. Should you accept, I would settle upon you a handsome annuity, as well as various manors and temples. You would be free, thereafter, to marry whom you choose." It was a moment before he could raise his eyes to meet hers once more.
"I swear to you, all will be done for the best," he said, in the most passionate voice he could muster.
Themis felt sick as he spoke, as his her stomach turned to ice as he spoke. Nothing could have prepared her for his words, no vision, no warning. And despite herself she felt tears spring to her eyes and her legs go week, and with no hand maidens or the strong hand of the kind she fell to her knees, her golden skirts fluttering around her. Themis gasped for air, fingers numbly pulling at the front hem of her corset at a weak attempt to let her get more air.
He was divorcing her. Her heart asked with pain. This was not the man she loved. The man she loved would never do something so callous. “Do you not love me anymore.” the words where out of her mouth before she had even known she was speaking. She clamped a hand over her mouth and looked up at him. But looking into his eyes was to painful and she quickly looked away.
“I...I'm so sorry,” she was somehow able to get out over her heaving breath, and the pain in her chest “I never meant to displease you...” and somehow mid-sentence she found a bit of strength to hold onto and she looked up into his eyes “Please, Your Majesty, please do not do this, we have time, I can have sons for you. I just need more of a chance.” she pleaded.
Zeus sighed. "It is not about love, Themis. Do you not see? Love is... secondary in such matters," he said. Watching her was painful, the expressions clearly evident causing him much discomfort.
"Themis, let's do all gently, for old times' sake. I have no wish to harm you, and your words have moved me deeply. I must be free to have a son." He shook his head. "We cannot have sons--I have seen it myself. I must be free to have a son elsewhere." He was silent for a long moment before speaking again, trying not to lose his patience.
"Agree to annul the marriage, and give up all rights. You could go abroad, or stay here; you will be well cared for," he promised.
Themis desperately wanted to know how he had seen anything, where he had seen it. She had seen no such things and it was her who had visions of the future, not him. “Please,” she begged against her better judgment “Your Majesty, please do not do this...” her voice sounding broken. But on look at him and she knew her answer.
And part of her realized what he was offering her, and through the pain she could see how much he must have cared for her to be giving her such an offering. She bowed her head low, for she did not want to let him see her cry anymore. “If Your Majesty is sure, if this is what you truly desire... Then I... I...” She almost could not say it, but she took a deep breath and despite everything found the voice to continue. “I have always been Your Majesty's humble servant, and I will always do as you request of me.” she dared to look up at him again “Even if it tears my heart out.”
Relief washed over him as he realized she was accepting his offer. The colder part of Zeus, the one that had started to surface the instant he had realized that he could be challenged for his power, that his position was no sure and destined thing, reasoned that this made things easier, would facilitate the dissolution of their marriage, rather than some long, drawn out struggle for power. This power he would not again share equally. There would be no more co-regnant queens of the skies.
But even the colder aspect of Zeus' multifaceted personality appreciated Themis' acceptance of his terms. "I thank you, my lady," he said. "All will be done for the best, I promise," he tried to assure her. He nodded, then started to back out of the room.
Themis said nothing as he left, and in fact she did not move for a long time after he left. It was not until one of her hand maidens came in to inquire about something that Themis moved “No, no... “ she shooed the woman away gently. Before collecting herself, and the meager scraps of dignity she had left, and retired to her room for one last night.