Cupid's Wager

by Courage Knight

  The guests chuckled quietly. Mars shook himself out of his stupor, and escorted his bride back to the platform where Tom, Sally, and the justice of the peace awaited.

  Madam Justice said some words that were undoubtedly quite wise and good counsel, but Mars heard nary a thing. His gaze stayed on Larissa. His heart beat wildly, like it did the night before a battle. His hands felt damp, and if this whole thing wasn't over soon, he wasn't entirely certain he wouldn't faint himself.

  Then Larissa spoke her vows. Her voice was sure and strong. It carried well, so that all present could hear. She promised to love him forever, to be faithful and kind, and that night would not fall with discord between them. Then Mars repeated his promise to her that he had first spoken in the garden in her village.

  "Thou art all I shall ever want, my dear one. For thee I would give up my immortality. I want to lie with thee and fill thee with my seed, and fatten thee with my babes. I want a half dozen at least, more if thou art willing. They will be mortal, like thee, but I shall cherish every moment with them. And when age takes thee from me, I shall ne'er lie with a mortal woman again. On this thou hast my most solemn promise."

  The guests were silent, waiting for him to slip the ring upon her finger and kiss the bride. That was all that was left of this ceremony. But Larissa pulled her hand away before he could complete the ritual. Anger coursed through his veins! If she were to spurn him, the least she could do was do it in private, not here, not now, in front of all their guests and family!

  "Your vows are lovely, Mars. But they need to be updated," she whispered. "Your mother said she will give me the gift of immortality. So, you see, I'm not going to age and die. Do you still want me?"

  "What?" His voice was loud, and the guests chuckled, perhaps wondering if they would have their first lover's spat while still at the altar.

  "I'm going to be immortal. Juno said she would wait until after the ceremony, as it might make me lightheaded and nauseous for a few days."

  "She can't!"

  "Why not! Aren't I good enough for you!"

  Their voices were both loud now, and the guests were no longer chuckling. Instead, no one seemed to be breathing. Cupid, as best man, was giving him hand signals to save the argument for a more private moment and get on with the wedding, but Mars paid him no heed.

  "Of course, you're good enough for me. I love you, darling. Have I not oft proclaimed as much? But immortality cannot be given to mortals. Only those who are of immortal descent, a half-godling, can drink the potion and survive. To a full mortal it is as poison!"

  "Well, your mother said she'd do it. Maybe I'm not good enough for her, if she's already planning to kill me!"

  Jupiter stormed down the aisle and pulled the two apart like a pair of bickering toddlers. Juno hurried after him, protecting Larissa, ere he tried to knock some sense into her fragile head with his godlike strength. Mars was not as fortunate. His head reeled back from the blow, his ears ringing and dizziness nearly toppled him.

  "Idiot," Jupiter bellowed.

  "I see where you get your temper from," Larissa said, trying to pull away from Juno in a foolish effort to protect her husband.

  "Children, stop this at once," Juno commanded.

  And then, all was silent.

  Juno glared at the guests, her son and grandson, even her husband. Then she placed Larissa's hand in Mars's.

  "I should not have to explain myself to you, Ares," she scolded. "But as you are a little dimwitted, I shall speak very slowly. Larissa, my child. Your earthly mother, the woman who cared for you, loved you and raised you, was your mother in spirit and soul. But another was your mother in body. Mars, she is indeed the seed of the union between a god and a mortal, so my gift is genuine. Now, finish this ceremony without making a further spectacle of yourselves!"

  Larissa's head was reeling. Her mom wasn't her mom? Was she adopted? Fostered? Oh god! Could that explain a few things? She had loved her mom, but she did not respect her. The woman let her husband abuse her, and she did nothing to protect herself or her little girl. But then, she would have known that Larissa was not even her child. Why hadn't she told her?

  And her father - was he her father? Was he the mortal part of the union? He had cheated on his wife... oh! If he weren't dead in his grave, she'd like to put him there! How could he! But she had loved him. And her mother. Both of them. It hadn't been much of a childhood, but they had done their best by her. But Juno was right. There was time enough to sort that all out later.

  Larissa gazed at her husband - for she had spoken her vows, and though the Justice had not yet pronounced them wed, she knew in her heart that they were already united in marriage. She gave Mars a tug towards the alter.

  He followed like an obedient child. Larissa smiled. It was probably the last time he would ever follow her anywhere. He could be so very pigheaded! Nerves twittered low in her belly. She considered an eternity with him, an eternity of spankings for infractions both real and imagined. But it was worth it. She would put up with everything - all-powerful in-laws, the ex-lover with a vicious streak, a grown stepson who was nearer her age than her husband, all of it was as nothing. She took her husband's hand in hers, and repeated her vows.

  Mars slipped the ring on her finger then. "I don't have anything prepared to say," he whispered quietly.

  "I don't need eloquence. I need truth. Just tell me why you're here."

  He straightened then, his shoulders squared and his expression turned solemn. His voice grew, firm and steady as he spoke from the heart. "I love you. I love only you. You are my reason for being, the breath in my lungs, the blood in my veins. You are my passion, my contentment, my joy, and my heartache. Only with you do I want to live, to argue, to kiss and make up, over and over again. Larissa, my dear one, will you be my bride?" Mars lifted her veil then.

  Larissa nodded. The Justice quickly pronounced them man and wife bare seconds before their lips met. The guests then stood and applauded heartily, many of them making catcalls and whistles. Some of the women dabbed at their eyes, including Sally.

  Larissa threw her arms around Mars's neck and returned his kiss with equal passion. And then Cupid interrupted, tugging them apart to remind them that they were not alone.

  Sheepishly, Mars stepped back and invited the guests to the reception.

  Mars was a perfect dancer. Larissa was surprised, but then dancing was not so very different from fighting - both required concentration, balance, and a good understanding of one's partner/opponent.

  "May I have this dance," her new stepson asked.

  Larissa smiled at Cupid, and let him take her in his arms for a waltz. "I guess I should be thanking you," she said.

  A blush shaded his smooth cheek.

  "Without your interference, I wouldn't be here, would I? Tell me, do you hit mortals often with your arrows?"

  Cupid stammered in coherently. Larissa laughed, giving his hand a squeeze. "It's okay, you know. And I don't expect you to start calling me "mom", either. Larissa would be fine."

  He stared at her then with a look of shock, as though he hadn't realized that she was going to be his stepmother. It was odd, for although he had been around for just over two thousand years, he did seem younger than Larissa. But there was something oddly familiar about him. His nose perhaps, or the shape and color of his eyes. They were nothing like his father's. He must have inherited something from Venus - except! Oh, god. Then Larissa knew! She pulled away from him, stopping in the middle of the waltz.

  "My stepson is my half-brother," she stated. "Talk about a mixed-up family tree."

  Cupid started at her, confused. Then slowly, understanding dawned. He nodded, gulping nervously. "I didn't know," he whispered.

  "I know."

  "My mother has always had a lover or two. I learned to ignore her centuries ago. But it would explain why your father turned to drink. Being with a goddess is like a narcotic. When Venus left him, he wouldn't have been able to cope very well."

  "Do
esn't matter. He had an affair while married to my mom. He got what he deserved."

  "Still. I could understand if you did not wish me to be a part of your family. I will stay away..."

  "Nonsense. You and I are not to blame for our parents' decisions. You will always be welcomed at our home. And I hope you will be a good influence on your new little half-sister."

  Cupid's smile was deep and genuine, warming her right down to her toes. "I would be honored," he said sincerely.

  Mars cut in then, impatient to be with his wife again. He was very possessive. He endured the dancing ritual, permitting every male guest to half a waltz with her, but he always cut in before the finish.

  Larissa's feet grew tired. Her face was tired from holding a pleasant smile. Her hands were tired. She urged her new husband to fetch her something to drink while she rested a spell. She covered a yawn with her hand, but was not entirely successful at hiding it.

  "Ah-ah - it's too early for that," Sally said, giggling girlishly. "There's still the wedding night ahead."

  A blush colored Larissa's cheeks. "I'm so glad you could come," she said awkwardly.

  "I wouldn't miss this! You silly goose! I still can't believe it - you caught such a rich, and powerful husband! Wow! I'm so happy for you!"

  Sally's ebullience was a bit more than Larissa could handle, given her state of near exhaustion. She just smiled and nodded, and hoped her good friend wouldn't notice.

  "That was so nice of Marco to pay for our plane tickets. I really wouldn't have wanted to miss this! And Tom closed the diner for the day. Not just because his two best waitresses were gone, but he had to be here, too. You know he thinks of you like a daughter."

  Mars returned, with glasses of ambrosia for both Larissa and Sally. "I hope you will visit us often," he said, knowing that her finances would prevent her from doing so. "And will we be invited to your wedding soon?"

  Sally giggled again. "Oh, yes! I'm sure of it. He hasn't actually asked me yet, but I just know he will. Well, don't let me keep you!" She gave Larissa a hug, then disappeared into the crowd.

  Larissa yawned again. She leaned into her husband. "Can we go now?"

  "Hm. I suppose. There is the matter of your spanking to attend to."

  "Huh? What spanking! No, Mars! It's our wedding day!" Larissa was wide awake now.

  "Three times you refused me. First, when you fled on the bus. Then when I asked you again on the bus, and finally, at the alter when you took your hand from mine, before I could slip the ring on your finger. I'm not accustomed to repeating myself!"

  "Well, get accustomed to it! I want to hear you say you love me again."

  "I love you," he said simply, kissing her forehead. He kissed her neck, and repeated it again. "I love you. I will say it oft, for I still canst barely believe it."

  Larissa snuggled close, wishing they were alone.

  He lifted her in his arms, turned a full circle, and then they were no longer at the reception, but in a bedroom. It was dimly lit, so Larissa could see very little, but enough to know it was not hers. The light came from an oil lantern, and a quiet fire burned at the hearth. The air had a pleasant odor of wood smoke and pine. "Where are we?"

  "My villa. Our villa," he corrected. He set her down, holding her a moment until she got her balance. Then he crossed to a small table where a wine bottle and two glasses were waiting. He held the bottle as one would a small treasure, and offered it to her. She took it, studying the label. It was a picture of a fat baby Cupid, his arrow pointed at the company name and logo - "Olympia. Wine fit for the gods." She smiled, wondering how her stepson felt about the picture.

  Mars took the bottle back and opened it, then poured an amount into each glass. "I have not made wine for many years. But I thought, perhaps, if you were willing, that we might reopen the winery."

  "I don't know a thing about wines. But I have an eternity to learn," she said eagerly. She waited to watch Mars first. He did not take a small sip, hold it in his mouth, swirl it around, sniff the wine, or do any of the other affected mannerisms of the pseudo rich and famous. He simply drank the wine, his pleasure clearly expressed on his face. Larissa relaxed and took a sip as well.

  It was not too sweet, not too dry. It was dark and rich and flavorful. Larissa felt it right down to her toes. She set the glass down, as she didn't need it to make her any more sleepy.

  Mars took her hands in his, folding them tenderly to his chest. "I bless the day you cursed my son's holiday," he said.

  "I what?"

  "Back in your diner, a few days ago. You said how much you hated Valentine's Day. 'Twas the first time I laid eyes on you. 'Twill be a day much remembered."

  "Not for me," she said. "I think I have a new favorite holiday. Valentine's Day."

  "Oh?"

  "Yes," she said dreamily. "And every Valentine's Day, I shall expect flowers and a box of chocolates from you."

  "And what do I get?"

  She grinned wickedly, as she guided her husband to the edge of the bed. He sat, and she laid herself over his knees. "I suppose, you could spank me," she said teasingly, "if you couldn't think of anything better to do to celebrate."

  "Wench!" he bellowed, landing a solid blow to her bottom. Then he shifted her to the bed and stretched out beside her. He placed a kiss where moments before his hand had struck. "I could think of a few things," he growled playfully.

  "Oh, husband! Happy Valentine's Day!"

  The End

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  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.