Zeus waves his handmaidens away and retires early for the night in an unexpected gesture. Those watching whisper, “Perhaps, Aphrodite’s words will be proven true for it already seems that Zeus is seeking to make amends with Hera.”

Zeus retires to his private chambers and stares out over sleeping Mount Olympus and sighs. A seductive voice whispers into his ear, “What is it, my lover?”

Zeus reflexively turns around to engulf the gorgeous goddess in a slim fitting dark dress, Nox in his arms. “We shouldn’t be doing this right now,” Zeus warningly said.

Nox laughs causing her silky black tresses to sway seductively over her bare shoulders. “Oh, is that all?” Nox playfully said as she slipped out of Zeus’s arms and slid onto the bed. Nox playfully points her sandaled toes at Zeus causing the dress to slide that much further to reveal her silky-smooth thighs.

Zeus lustfully gulps and force himself to look away. “With the Champions Court so near, we cannot be seen together,” Zeus argued.

Nox leans back onto the soft pillows and says, “We aren’t being seen, we are merely frolicking in the sheets.”

Zeus remains silent and firmly changes the subject, “Why have you come?”

“Can I not visit you?” Nox playfully said.

“No, not when the faction’s rule is at stake,” Zeus coolly stated.

Nox sighs and says, “You men, always thinking about politics when there is a perfectly willing woman in your bed waiting for you. What is it that you want to know?”

“I received your letter this evening. But what I don’t understand is why would you willingly give us, Eris? Just what are you scheming?” Zeus pointedly inquired.

Nox lazily yawns and replies, “Eris. Hmm, how shall I put it? She is like a wild dog with rabies who bites at everyone including the hand that feeds it.”

Zeus narrows his eyes and says, “And exactly what has she done?”

“She’s thrown off our plans, of course, and for that, she must die,” Nox frankly stated. “But the Chaos faction cannot be seen as divided and as such we cannot directly be rid of her.”

“And if we set this plan in motion, what is it that you want?” Zeus further inquired.

“I’ve been quite busy as of late and haven’t had time to choose a champion. As I am part of the Chaos faction it will be no heartache to take her champion for myself,” Nox murmured.

Zeus furrows his brows in thought. The request was simple and even doable. With neither of them being implicated, but that was exactly the problem. The deal was much too sweet to be said and done. “What aren’t you telling me?” Zeus thought to himself.

“Say I consider it, Eris is still my granddaughter,” Zeus curtly said.

“But what is death to a god?” Nox countered. “Yes, she will die, but in an eon or two, the cosmos will reform her soul and she will be reborn once more.”

“Hmm, and how shall it be done?” Zeus truthfully inquired.

“Like always, you know the rules,” Nox said with a bored smile. “So, will you do it?”

“Perhaps, but I need more than just your reassurances. I want something more,” Zeus further bargained.

“And what is that?” Nox quietly inquired with narrowed eyes.

“I want the trident of Poseidon returned,” Zeus countered.

“No, that item was fairly won in a wager,” Nox retorted.

“True, but I gain nothing out of this bargain but risks, while you take all the gains. Do not take me for a fool, Nox, you wouldn’t Eris’s champion if there wasn’t something special about that girl,” Zeus coldly said.

Nox thoughtfully purses her lips and says, “Say, that the trident can be returned, how soon can it be done?”

“Within three days,” Zeus steadfastly answered.

“Very well, I shall negotiate the return of the trident, but upon my return, I expect to see it done,” Nox truthfully said as her eyes gleam.

“Excellent,” Zeus said in agreement.

“Shall we seal the deal with a kiss?” Nox breathlessly said as she climbed onto her knees.

Zeus bends down to gently peck her lips, but Nox cleverly opens them and slips her tongue into his. Zeus lets out a groan, but before he knows it, his hands are sliding all over Nox’s body. And just like that, the bargain was sealed with their bodies.