"You won't be able to deny it. You'll see what that pervert bastard is doing to my little daughter!"
Zeus sighed while Hermes rolled his eyes... Since they decided to go down into the Underworld, Demeter continually ranted about Hades' evil doings.
They actually arrived at the gates and the three-headed dog, but from there on, they had to simply walk. The gods could not use their power to travel here. Even Hades used his chariot in his kingdom. This just added to Zeus' irritation.
"Can't you fly with your wings here?" the King of the gods snapped at Hermes.
"Oh, I could. But when I was here not long ago, I irritated the Rich One too much with my flying around. He said he will set on me Cerberus next time I flutter again. So I'd rather not risk it."
Zeus sighed, again. He knew he shouldn't have gotten up from his bed.
"Do you really know where are we?" asked Demeter.
They were in the palace and it was like they walked in a labyrinth. Hermes said he knew where are Persephone's chambers, where she would likely to be. But it looked like they were lost.
"Of course I know. We just go down here and turn left and we are there."
And true to his words, they arrived in front of a beautifully decorated door. They entered carefully. You never know what waits you in the Underworld.
Zeus knew, there was a reason why his brother was called the Rich One, but the room left him gaping. A large four-poster bed occupied the center of the large chamber. The stonewalls were decorated with carvings and velvet drapes. The desk, the chairs and the wardrobe were made of mahagony with silver ornament. The whole design was completed by waste amounts of gemstones. The chamber was illuminated by soft, yet warm light from the marble fireplace.
"Where is Kore?" asked Demeter. Even she was impressed by the room, but she would never admit it.
"Perhaps in the throne room with her husband," replied Zeus.
"Nah, they would be in the garden. Hades set up some kind of judge system for the incoming souls, so he could spend more time with Persephone when she is with him."
Demeter just snorted.
"So, off we go to the garden."
Demeter looked around critically. True, she had to admit, it was a beautiful garden, but it was dark. The shadows seemed to dominate it mostly, but only at first sight. Tall and thin trees prevailed the place. In the dark grass, little ebony, scarlet, blue and purple flowers had grown. Soft light illuminated the garden. There weren't any birds or animals, but there wasn't silence. You could hear the gentle breeze playing with the branches and the gurgling sound of the little stream.
They didn't have to wander around too much until they found the couple. But they were in a position, only Hermes expected.
Hades was lying on his back, while his wife was resting half on top of him. The god was playing with her hair, while Persephone was watching some flowers.
Zeus inwardly gaped at the scene before him, but mostly at his brother.. Not only he was not moody and grumpy, like usual, but he was relaxed and looked rather happy. Not that he minded. Oh, not at all. A happy Hades was so much better than a grumpy one. Well, he had to admit, even a grumpy one was better than Poseidon is his best days.
Demeter just stood with narrowing eyes.
"I simply love the flowers here," declared Persephone. "Not those overly bright and nearly disgusting ones the nymphs adore so much. I always hated them. Besides, I realized I can make black roses up in mother's clearing. I haven't tried it, but imagine my mother's shock when she would see some black flowers in the middle of the colorful meadow."
Hades looked concerned at his wife and pulled her closer to comfort her. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes.
"It is like I'm caged there. Before, mother let me wander off even on my own, but now, she is watching my every step like a hawk," said the goddess sadly. "I hoped that she would get used to our marriage, but no, she is becoming more and more overprotective. Sometimes I feel like I just want to scream and run away."
At this, Demeter frowned. Did her daughter really feel like this? She wanted to go to her child and take her back home and explain her everything, forgetting she can not be sensed, when Hades started speaking.
"She just wants the best for you. She thinks that you are unhappy here and blames herself. So she now does her best to protect you. By the gods, if I wasn't sure nothing can harm you here, I would lock you up in our room and make Cerberus guard the door. I love you too much to lose you. And your mother feels the same. Well… perhaps not the same, but protectiveness certainly. I don't think half the time she spends with you she wants to carry you to bed and do things with you no maiden should know," he joked.
"Hey!" Persephone smacked his arm while giggling. At this, he started to tickle her, which caused them to rolling around on the ground. That soon ended in a sweet kiss and they returned to their previous position.
"So, what was that about the bed and maiden?" the goddess asked suggestively.
Hades just smirked and kissed her passionately. Then he promptly lifted her up and headed to their room.