Demo felt the hair on his neck rise, and a shiver raced down
his spine. With an effort he announced, "There is insufficient
space in the throne room for all you fair ladies. So we propose
to have a beauty contest, the winner to set beside Zeus and
guide him in matters of the heart. Cupid has volunteered to be
the judge."
They seemed little interested. Rather, they watched Demo's
every move with strangely glistening eyes. At his direction they
paraded across the throne room.
Cupid made notes, assigned points for various and sundry
qualities, and finally arrived at a conclusion. He brought his
notepad to Demo, stood quietly beside the throne, cherubic in
appearance. That alone should have forewarned Demo.
It was a tie! All the contestants had attained identical scores!
Demo's eyes opened wide, and he quivered. This was unexpected!
He hesitatingly announced the result, readied himself for the
angry outburst he expected.
There were a few yawns. Some of the ladies engaged in quiet
gossip. All continued to regard him with interest.
There was no outburst.
"Who cares." A comment came from the back of the room.
"Sit beside Zeus! I'd much rather keep company with a charming
boy." The lady stared meaningfully at Demo.
"Hardly!" Another beauty stood up. "He is certainly mine!"
In moments the room was filled with rancorous voices, angry and
loud. Turmoil followed, and the crowd quickly moved to the outer
court, accompanied by pummeling and hair pulling.
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