ABDUCTION WITHOUT RANSOM
Waking up in the softest, bounciest, most comfortable, I-wanna-have-breakfast-on-it-everyday bed is still shitty when you have a terrible headache! (That is what our heroine thinks)
She opened her eyes slowly, blinking several times, adjusting to the dim interior of her surroundings. Feeling cool air brush the upper part of her body, she came to realise that she was naked. Stark naked. And this bed was definitely not hers, no matter how much she would want it to be. Silken black sheets barely covered her modesty.
Uh. Where am I? Sitting upright so suddenly as her hand fluttered to the side of her head, eager to massage her throbbing temples. Argh. Fucking hell! Did Hera push me off Mount Olympus or something?! She vigorously rubbed her skull, messing up her hair in the process.
"I should greet you properly, now, that you've gain consciousness. Welcome to my home Persephone."
Shit! Hearing that unmistakable rich baritone of a voice, she quickly yanked the sheets that bunched around her waist up to her neck (hello, rule 21: Never give anyone a free show of your body!) A man revealed himself from the shadows at the far corner of the room, appearing like magic (No kidding he always does that). He was tall and muscular and as he neared she could make out his short dark hair, fine eyebrows, long nose, thin lips and super intense dark eyes. He was wearing this long black robe-like substance, with a hoodie bunched behind his neck. He still bloody looked the same. Handsome. Proud. Rough. Dangerous. Egoistical. (Ok, that she was sure).
"Hades!" She sounded calm, which should be considered impossible when there's a dangerous panther on the loose and you are fully naked, lying in his bed with no memory whatsoever of what would or would not have happened. She raised her voice "What the fuck's all this?!"
Fates, this woman! She was born to curse! He stepped closer "Fulfilling my promise. I am going to make you my wife."
"And you fucking kidnapped me for that?!" She mockingly state "You can kiss that promise of yours good bye. I'm about to be declared a virgin goddess." A sense of pride arose in her heart (excuse me, one has to go through shits to have Zeus declare them a virgin honour).
He came closer and stood straight at the foot of the bed, his tall frame looking down at her. "Not if I interfere first." With his infamous cruel smirk, he looked hot yet scary.
"Don't you dare, Hades." She warned as his eyes traced the contours of her curvy body and her hands gripped the sheet tighter. "Dammit! Just return me safely and I assure you no one will ever know about this. I swear! Cross my heart!" She drew an 'X' over her left breast but he shook his head. "I'm serious…you have my word. If Demeter finds out she'll have your head!"
"She won't. You and I both know that. You were supposed to be living in isolation for five months. A necessary sacrifice made by every anticipated virgin goddess. No contacts from anyone including your good-for-nothing mother. Besides, why would I ever go through the trouble of bringing you here just to return you back safely?"
How stupid of me to think he wouldn't know about that ass-backwards rule! "Hades, our relationship is over. I dumped you. Be a man and deal with it."
"Our relationship is never over! And I'm no mere man."
"Relationship. Over. Deal it like a god then." Suddenly conscious of her current state, she had to ask "And where the hell are my clothes?" Fear gripped her heart, when he averted his gaze at the question. Don't panic. "Oh Gods, what have you done to me?" She couldn't mask the tremble in her voice.
"I took off your clothes when I laid you on the bed. They were soiled and wet. " And why is she acting like that? It is not like I've never seen her naked!
OK I'm panicking! Why isn't he answering me? She was waiting for him to continue but he'd stayed quiet. "Hades, I asked what have you done to me!?"
He lifted an eyebrow and folded his arms "I do not fancy doing certain things to an unconscious woman when I know she couldn't respond nor enjoy to the feel of me on…and inside her." Before she could let out a sigh of relief, he added "Yet, I'm sure I wouldn't like to be deprived of that pleasure for much longer."
"What do you mean by that?" He shrugged. "You will not touch me Hades!" He smiled mockingly and climbed on the bed.
"Never say no to me Persephone. You know my ego can never take it." He reached to caress her cheek edging closer. She was forced to move a little further and at the same time making sure the damned sheets was still covering her body.
"Hades, stay back! Don't come any closer." He inched, closing the gap and his hands splayed on either side of the bed; trapping her.
She scrambled back till her head hit the bed post. "What are you afraid of Persephone?" His head cocked to the side. "This?" It seems that the bare millimetre of space she put between them was not enough to stop him from pulling back her head with one strong calloused hand, to nuzzle the flesh at the base of her neck. She put her palm on his shoulder originally planning to push him back but ended whimpering at his touch. She liked what he what doing to her (She'd officially broke Rule 8: Immunity to the pleasures of the flesh!). She found it hard to resist him. Heck, she didn't even bother trying. Then, he trailed his tongue back to her mouth and kissed her full lips. He forced her lips to part open and delved his tongue to mate with hers, teasing and nipping her lips. Unashamedly, she responded using the very skills he thought her.
She didn't fight him. She couldn't. She felt as though her sanity was drowning in the current of his kiss. She was lost-forgetting the oath she took to preserve her virtue for the remaining five months of her regular life. Grabbing her waist as he pulled her roughly against his body, he let one hand strip away the sheets that covered her modesty. Fates, she's so beautiful. His eyes scrutinised over her curvaceous frame, eyes feasting hungrily on her perfect, smooth breasts, her nipples fully aroused begging for the release only his mouth could offer. Personally he'd missed the feel of the tender flesh himself. He was about to descend his mouth to suckle on one straining bud wanting to worship her exquisite perfection…
Persephone shot out her hand and pushed his chest hard, halting his progress. "NO! This will not do. It cannot happen." Finally, she'd found her senses!
"Stop fighting me, Persephone! You've agreed to become my wife. Don't back out on your word."
"Yes. Yes, I did. But that was when I thought you were sincere! " I thought you loved me… "Later on, I understood that you only lusted after me."
"Who the hell told you that? You know I was serious about us!"
"Yea…you're sooo fucking serious about us that you had actually kept a mistress down here to satisfy your sexual needs while you were out there aboveground dating me, faking every word, every promise just so I would let you take me for a wife! But you were cheating on me! You toyed with me!" Great! Now, tears were forming at the back of her eyes. She blinked hard to prevent her tears from falling, not willing to let Hades see her weakness.
"Persephone" He began "I admit I was my fault that I couldn't just dismiss my mistress out of the Underworld without proper compensation." What's so terrible with keeping a mistress anyway? Her daddy has millions and I've only a couple… "My words and promises are not to be taken lightly, Persephone. I meant every word."
Compensation? Is he kidding me? He'd kept his mistress all the while he dated me and he's using this 'compensation' bullshit as his reason? What do I look like? An idiot?!
She turned her head away refusing to meet his gaze. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she wrenched from his gentle touch "You know what just…Get lost Hades! I don't want to see you anymore! Rot in hell for all I care!" And right now she's fucking rotting in hell with him!
Hades let out a huff. The best thing to do when a woman is having a bitch-fit: walk away. "You're obviously upset. You need time. I'll leave you for now." He got off the bed and crossed to the door. "You'll find some clothes in that room. Everything in it is yours."
"I demand you send me back. There's no use in me being here."
Hades walked out without as much as turning back to look at her. He closed the door and she heard a 'click' sound. Wait! He didn't just lock me in…did he? She bolted out of bed and ran to test the elegant knob. Shit! It's locked. That bastard! She pounded on the door. "HADES! HADES LET ME OUT!" She banged the door with her fist. "DON'T YOU DARE FUCK WITH ME HADES! OPEN THIS DAMN DOOR NOW! LET ME OUTTTT!"She screamed pulling at the knob. "LET ME OUT YOU BASTARD!" She kicked the door hoping that the heavy timber would give way to her kicks. "FUCK YOU HADES! I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THIS!"
~HP~HP~HP~
Hades walked along the hallway leading to his workroom, he noticed the servants who were in the corridor polishing the furniture, candle stands and ornaments that decorated the otherwise empty walls quickly darted their eyes from the direction where he came. Some of them scurried away while others remained cleaning with their heads bowed low. None dared to look him in the eye but he saw the blush that crept many of their faces. Great! This is exactly what I need right now- to have my servants witness her insolence. Usually, he would be greeted with respect by his servants many who would have bowed saying 'Good day, My Lord' and some would simply offer him a quiet smile…but right now, none of them dared to even tilt their head to him. Truthfully, they were shocked at the audacity of young goddess who was restlessly screaming curses and insults at the Lord of the Underworld. She was in his domain but she couldn't give damn about the niceties.
He stepped into his workroom and found Hecate sitting on the chair opposite his desk.
Hecate quickly got up and bowed "My Lord, I'm sorry for not announcing my arrival and I beg you forgive my boldness in interfering with your business but I couldn't resist travelling here the instant young Thanathos informed me that you carried a pretty girl into you chambers! Oh, my Lord…why did you bring that girl here? She's Zeus' child isn't she?"
He reached out for an ink tipped feather on his desk and scribbled something on a piece of paper before handing it to her. There's no way he could say it out loud for he'd never thought he might ever do such a thing…
Hecate could hardly believe her eyes when she read the given note. If there's one thing anyone should know about Hades is that he's the type of god who enjoys endless sex without strings! (Certainly, she didn't know that sex with Hades involves chains and cuffs!) "But my Lord, this is madness! She is an intended virgin goddess."
Hades moved pass her to stand at the balcony that over looked the river Styx, several feet below. He saw the aimless souls swimming along with flow of current. Some desperate souls were fruitlessly trying to grab at Charon's oar as he steered the boat towards the other side of the riverbank to carry the newly deceased for their judgement. "She has no intention of becoming a virgin goddess, Hecate. She agreed to it because she was mad at me." She wouldn't have let me kissed her if she was adamant to be one.
"Whatever the reasons is my Lord, she has taken an oath to live in chastity. She was sworn in front of all the gods up in Olympus."
"Precisely, the reason I need you to cooperate with me, Hecate. We don't have much time. Use all the servants if you need. I have already made an audience with Zeus today. He annulled her vows and told me to act fast before Demeter realises that something's up. They only thing left is to make her acknowledge the fact that she wants to marry me." Acknowledge the fact that she's in love with me!
Hecate narrowed her eyes at her King's words "Acknowledge the fact that she wants to marry you? Pardon me my Lord, but I would have sworn that the obscene insults I heard when I stepped into the castle were hers. How are you going to talk sense into her? She's extremely furious." Hecate recalled a verbal abuse that went along the lines of cutting off Hades' balls.
His mind conjured up the image of her on his bed, her soft delicate features and dazed hazel brown eyes. She was naked and as furious as a kitten. But then when he kissed her she had melted into his arms, begging for the rest of him and suddenly stopped him from continuing his wonderful exploration on her body. Why? I know it had nothing to do with that virginal promise…she couldn't possibly be sulking over the mistress issue considering that I'd offered her to be my bride.
His jaw hardened "I'm giving her some time to think. Hopefully when she's not planning on stabbing me with a butter knife, I'll try to fix things with her. And Hecate, I want you to spend time with her, help her adjust to everything and most importantly, keep an eye on her. Don't let her innocent persona fool you. She might look sweet but in the inside she's as cunning as I am."
"I'll keep that in mind." Hecate smiled at that confession and bowed again before heading to the door.
"One more thing Hecate, make sure she doesn't consume any food from the Underworld. Order the servants to prepare her meals using the food from above."
"Very well, my Lord." Hecate nodded before retreating.
~HP~HP~HP~
Persephone gave up on the door some time ago. She was done crying, telling herself that she'd benefit nothing from drying up her tears. She wore a blue tunic which she chose from the luxurious room that happened to have supplies of everything she needed and lay still on the bed looking straight up at the high ceiling that seemed to curve, forming a dome with a delicate looking chandelier in the centre. The ceiling was adorned with thousands of gems stones of different colours to create an overall beautiful intricate design. She had wondered how the magnificent room would look when the servants lit up the candles on the chandelier, producing colourful shades as the gems give off their blush. Neither the fascinating thought nor the cheery, sparkling facets of the gem stones could do anything to improve her mood.
She tried to remember how Hades had gotten her here. It was obvious that he'd abducted her. She remembered clearly that she was outside her isolation cottage to get some fresh air. She remembered walking to the forest. Most importantly, she remembered Hades. She saw him in the woods. He had been leaning against a tree not moving a muscle as he watched her approach him. Hades had been very nice to her, making small conversations, enquiring after her health and all. She had asked him how he knew of her being here; he had smirked and told her that he always made it his business to know everything regarding her. She had backed off. Immediately, demanding him to leave. Seeing that her request was falling on deaf ears, she had turned to return to her cottage but then, she felt a hand grabbing the area below her breasts. She had trashed around finding way to escape, she tried to elbow his torso but ended up hurting herself since he wore that damned armour. He cursed at the defiance; he pulled out a black cloth definitely soaked in Narcissus' essence and pressed in against her mouth and nostrils. She tried not to inhale but couldn't stop her desperate need to breathe air…
The next thing she knew, she'd woken up in the Underworld! Ta-da! No! No ta-da! There's nothing good in having a murderous headache and being stripped off clothing by him.She felt goose bumps on her arms as she imagined him regarding her body intently while she was unconscious.
A knocking sound was heard from the door. I use to love irony…but now not so. (It's crappy to know that someone out there is asking your permission to enter when you're the one who's locked in!).She grabbed a thick leather bound book by the side table wishing to throw it on the only possible person: Hades.
She gave her approval of entry and flung the book with much force. No! It was not Hades but a woman. Covering her face to avoid watching the woman take the hit, Persephone instantaneously muttered an apology regretting her action. Persephone peeked through her parted fingers, wondering why the woman hadn't screamed but ended up surprised to find the book floating on mid-air in middle of the room.
"Holy Zeus! How did you do that?"
The woman on the other side was attractive, tall, slim, pale-skinned and she had shiny black hair that fell to her waist. Was she Hades' mistress?
"No, I'm not. Hades is my king and I'm merely his subject." The woman replied picking up the book that was now, floating awkwardly.
Persephone sat up straight on the bed. "How did you know what I was thinking?"
"Well, that's part of my abilities. I am Hecate, Queen of the Witchcraft."
"Uhhh…I'm Persephone. Goddess of the Spring. Hades' prisoner."
The woman placed the book back to its original place. "Yes. I know who you are. Would you like to eat? I could get the servants to fix you something using the food from above." The woman continued to clear Persephone's doubts "We wouldn't serve you the food here because then you'll be doomed to spend for the rest of your immortal life in the Underworld if you partake in its produce."
"I thought that was what he wanted…having me stuck here forever! But don't bother I'm not hungry…so I guess Hades sent you here to spy on me?Making sure I wasn't climbing down the window?"
"He asked me to help you adjust to your new environment. And if you noticed, there are no windows in this room only that balcony which is built right above the Styx." She pointed at the extension beyond one of those full glass doors which was covered by a sheer black curtain. "So, if you are planning to climb down the balcony, I suggest you get ready to feel the excruciating pain those envious souls could inflict when they tear you apart." A sarcastic leer was in place.
Persephone sneered back. "I'll remember to brace myself for that if I find that I'd rather let the souls take me down."
"I leave it up to you to make the right choice. If you need anything, ring for the servants and they'll attend to you." She said pointing at a piece of long cloth hanging at the side of the bed. "If you seek my presence, tell the servants. They'll inform me immediately."
"I will." Persephone said as the woman walked towards the door.
Hecate turned. "I take it you like roses?" She asked quite unexpectedly. Persephone nodded. "Guess I'll throw some into the Styx for your sake if you do find the souls irresistible."
She is...not bad, but she works for Hades, so she is very bad. Persephone mused as Hecate exited. She heard the door being locked and let out a groan.
~HP~HP~HP~
Hades was busy reading a scroll when Hecate requested his audience. "So, how's she?"
"She's doing better than I expected, my Lord. She's different from the rest of them up there. She's strong willed, nothing like her mother. In cases such as this, I'm glad to have known sorcery." She saw Hades' sardonic lift of an eyebrow. "She threw a book just as I opened the door. Thinking it was you."
He laughed. "She's impulsive, I know. She's just crazily mixed up."
"Is she supposed to have dinner on her own?" Hecate never read Hades' thoughts. She considered it a terrible offence; an act of betrayal.
"No. She'll have dinner with you. I think it's best to let her eat in my chambers for now."
"My Lord, I'm not so sure. She doesn't favour me."
He sniffled "Hecate, she fucking hates me. I have no other choice but to send you."
Hecate thought it was best to just follow her King's reasoning. "As you wish, my Lord."
~HP~HP~HP~
Dinner was a terrible affair. Persephone didn't touch her food. There were more insults. Hecate had no idea how of all the goddesses, Persephone who could string sentences purely out of curse words was allowed to attain virginal status. The chamber was a mess! There was soft cotton, feathers all around the floor (clearly she had taken out her anger by tearing the pillows) and even pieces of broken glass. Hecate had the servants clean and replace some items. Persephone had even flung the plate of food when it was handed to her. It was safe to say that she was so far the worst guest Hecate has ever attended to.
Hecate watched Persephone throw temper-tantrums and was amazed and a little horrified at the being that was currently inhabiting her master's bedroom and was actually, from what she had heard from the travellers walking through the crossroads, supposed to be an innocent flower of the valley. Surely her master wasn't that despicable, was he? What made her act like this fiery beast? There must have been something going on between those two. For a powerful god such as him, to go to such lengths to capture her, and just for her to act this way, while she was supposed to be ecstatic at being attended by him; didn't fit right. I must find out what is going on..., maybe Morpheus can help me find out her secrets, Hecate mused, while thinking of ways to get to the bottom of this mystery. Persephone threw the ornamented dish at the mirror, which cracked under the pressure of the throw.
"Persephone, if you want nothing else, I'll go now." Hecate simply couldn't stand it! This goddess has gone too far. Hecate felt it was best she leave now. She had read her charge's thoughts. Confusion, rage, rebellion, hurt, disappointment filled the young girl's mind. Hecate knew Persephone revealed her aggressiveness in hope that Hades would be annoyed and finally succumb to let her go. Boy, how wrong she'd been!
"Yes. I do want something. I want to leave! Hades cannot keep me here!" That was Persephone's first non-swearing words ever since dinner.
"The servants will attend to you in the morning."
Persephone watched as Hecate retreated. Ichor boiling in her veins. She knew she'd been awfully rude throughout the hour and she couldn't give a damn because it wasn't her fault!
~HP~HP~HP~
Hecate locked the door and saw Hades stood leaning against the wall beside her. She felt bad. She had failed him - her King.
"Do you think I should end all of this tonight, Hecate?" He questioned, looking straight ahead at the painting hung on the wall opposite them.
Hades had stood outside the whole time Hecate had patiently served dinner to his 'Lady Hellhound', (the perfect nick name he thought of, while taking his bath). Ultimately, his Lady Hellhound had shown a terrible temper tonight. His servants were reluctant to enter the chambers; he'd played Physician Don't-Worry-You-Won't-Die-Just-Yet for the first time. Usually he wouldn't give a damn but it was his Persephone they're attending to. Tension occupied his servants every action, they'd took a deep breath before knocking on the door and they'd quickly exited the room leaving Hecate to vainly try taming the beast. A servant had even secretly removed the knife from her cutlery, thinking no one saw that misconduct but Hades' sharp eyes noticed the fear driven move.
Her brows drew together. "What do mean by that, my Lord?" She thought for a while. "You want to release her?"
He shook his head. "No. I don't intend to let her go." Hades looked uneasy as though he didn't know how to carry on.
"My Lord, what is it? What seems to be bothering you?" She prompted.
How am I going to say this…? Hades turned to her. "Should I take her by force and end this all tonight?"
"My Lord!" Hecate was in shock. Her hands were already on her chest, trying to digest his words. "My Lord, you mustn't! If you take her now, you'll be striping her off her dignity! She'll spend the rest of her immortal life hating you! We cannot risk that." She was surprised that Hades could think that way. It was just not like him. Rape was common amongst the gods but Hades was an exception.
"Then what should I do Hecate? She's stubborn! She's being so difficult. It is so hard to talk sense into her." He said pinching the bridge of his nose.
"My Lord, you must give her some time. She only came here yesterday, she's angry but eventually she'll calm down. And after that, you should spend some time with her and make her remember those times when the both of you were still a couple."
"Knowing her, I dare say she'd rather swim naked in a pool of blades than spend time with me. I only have five months Hecate." He grimaced at the time limit.
"Yes, I know but if you take her now and in this state, you'll take forever to fix things with that girl." Hecate prayed to the Fates, hoping that Hades would listen to her. She cared about him. He had been kind to her and he was a fair ruler. She couldn't have him destroy all that for the sake of a simple Spring goddess. He had far bigger responsibilities and he didn't need an extra headache.
Hades thought about what she had said. Hecate was right. He wasn't into rapes (unless they were meant for role-plays). The bottom line is that he wasn't like his siblings. At all. He wanted Persephone and he'll have her the right way!