For once in his immortal life, Zeus was speechless. He glanced over at Poseidon, who looked just as shocked as he felt. If he hadn't known any better, he would have been sure their older brother was joking. "Let me get this straight. You, my brother Hades, wishes to marry?"
Hades narrowed his eyes. "What part of this is difficult to understand?"
Poseidon intervened, "I think what Zeus is trying to ask is 'Who are you and what have you done with Hades?'"
Hades raised his voice. "This isn't a laughing matter, Poseidon! Why are you even here? This is strictly between me and Zeus!" He turned back to his youngest brother. "You're the girl's father. It's only right that I ask you first."
"I don't know, Hades," said Zeus, "You're asking me to condemn my daughter to an eternal life in the Underworld."
"You condemned me to an immortal life in the Underworld and you don't seem to be losing any sleep over it."
"Ouch," said Poseidon.
"Are you still here?" snapped Hades. Don't you have some sea cucumber somewhere that needs inspecting?"
"What, and miss this juicy little conversation? My big brother is looking for a wife! This is the most interesting news I've heard since Pandora opened her jar."
"Shut up, Poseidon," said Zeus. The sea god shrugged and disappeared, leaving behind an ocean breeze.
"Zeus, this really is a reasonable request," continued Hades, "you have a wife, mistresses, and more. You carry off ladies one day and forget all about them the next. I merely want one woman as my wife and queen."
Zeus gaped at his brother. Hades was lonely? Since when did Hades care for the company of others? Even before the three brothers divided their territory, Hades had been the loner, the black sheep of his family. He kept his distance and his siblings preferred it that way. Only Hestia seemed to have formed a truly warm relationship with him. Hades' eyes bored into Zeus earnestly. Finally, the sky god sighed. "Very well. If it is Persephone you want, I suppose I can't stop you. But don't let Demeter know. She'll be much less willing than I am.
"Thank you, brother," replied Hades. And with that, the king of the Underworld melted away into shadows.
Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, favorited, or subscribed to my story. You guys are awesome!