For the sake of her parents and the kingdom, Psyche had resigned herself to accept her fate at the hands of the evil monster and to be his bride. She grieved, when shivering from fear on the mountaintop, that she would never know true love. Yet, there was some tiny bit of faith deep within her that told her she was doing the right thing by accepting her punishment. A punishment that Aphrodite had demanded. Would she be able to find the trust she needed to survive? Sleep claimed Psyche and she slept like death had taken her.

During her deep slumber, Zephyr had done the bidding of Eros and carried Psyche to the sweet, peaceful meadow and left her there on the soft grass near a brook and under the shelter of trees. When Psyche awoke, the chill of fear and the unknown returned to her.. As she started up to see if the monster was coming, she was stunned by the beauty around her. Was she dreaming? Had the fates given her a taste of beauty and peace just one more time before evil claimed her? Or was this a cruel trick of the evil monster she must face -- a trick to make her think this beauty would compensate for the evil she must endure?

All around her was everything she had always loved about nature and beauty. Birds were in every tree, flitting around and singing sweetly to her. Fragrant blossoms of the trees floated gently down to caress her face and land in her lap. The brook beside her flowed gently over small rocks, bubbling forth its own song to sing with the birds. The grass was thick and soft as a kitten's fur. Butterflies flirted with her as they fluttered around her face then left to dance with the garden flowers. The fragrance in the air was heavenly.

Everything around her spoke of love. She could not believe it was real, and began exploring, touching, smelling, looking at it all -- listening to the music of birds and bubbling waters from the brook and fountains she found. Is it a dream? she kept asking herself. No, it was all real. Then through the branches of fragrant blossoms hanging over a path, she caught a glimpse of a beautiful castle. Tiny birds came and whispered in her ears, Go, you belong there. It is your home. She hurried through the gardens and stood in an open meadow. Before her was the most beautiful castle she had ever seen. It looked like it was made by love, for love.

Cautiously, she walked up to the golden doors of the castle and stood there, hesitant to go inside. The doors were open, so she entered timidly and looked around. Everything she had ever dreamed of for comfort was there. All was exquisite, lovely. It looked like each room she entered had been created especially for her. The entire castle made her feel welcome, and her fears were forgotten. She sensed peace and comfort.

She sat down on a couch and leaned against the cushions. Soft harp music began to play and made her feel relaxed. The voice of a man spoke to her, a voice filled with love that touched her heart, "It is all for you, my beloved wife." She looked around and saw no one, then asked, "Where are you?" Silence made her wonder if he had left. "I am away right now. I will come to you after dark and we will be together then. I cannot come to you when there is light." Psyche was puzzled. "Am I not to see the face of my husband? Can I not see you in the light?"

"You must trust me, beloved. Remember to always trust me," his voice faded then he was gone. She suddenly felt safe and knew that no harm would come to her. The fear of having to see the horrible looking beast was gone -- the sound of his deep soft voice made her feel loved.

Psyche inspected her new home and the gardens as she waited for night to come. When she was hungry or thirsty, food and drink appeared on a table near a couch. She saw no servants, but her every need and wish was fulfilled, like magic. When she felt tired and wanted to go to sleep, a warm bath of fragrant water with flower petals floating in it awaited in her chamber. After bathing, she put on the beautiful soft gown that lay on her bed, blew out the lantern and slipped under the covers. Psyche now knew she had to find trust if she was to ever know love.

He came to her when she was in between awake and asleep. Their love was so perfect and beautiful and she slept in his arms. She trusted him and felt no fear, only gentle love.
~ ~ ~ ~

Author's note: Please see "Psyche And Eros: Trust Betrayed" at the related link below for the fourth part of this great love story. Thank you.

Author Picks:
,