Hi everyone! Sorry this update is so late! I had writersblock but I moved through it. Next chapter should be up Sunday or next Monday. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!

"Persephone," a silky voice purred in my ear. Warm breath tickled my ear, sending shivers down my neck all the way to my spine. "It's time to wake up, my love."

I groaned as I felt fingers playfully nudging my ribs. Blindly, I flailed an arm trying to swat away the hand. Instead of retreating, the hand prodded my side more relentlessly.

"Five more minutes," I mumbled into the pillows. I pulled the covers over my head to emphasize my point.

"You have to wake up sooner or later," he replied in amusement, peeling back the blankets.

A burst of light blinded me, and my eyes blinked sleepily to find Hades bending over me, his lips hovering inches from mine. A crooked grin twisted his lips and his eyes sparked with enjoyment. My heartbeat accelerated when he leaned his forehead against mine as his lips brushed against mine. Electricity hummed through my veins. I tried to form an articulate thought, but the kiss short-circuited my brain, clouding my mind of all coherent thoughts.

"Mmm," I slurred unintelligently when he pulled away.

"Good morning to you, too," he teased, his grin widening. "That woke you up." A smug note of self-satisfaction crept into his tone, and his lips quirked into a smirk.

I rolled my eyes in mock annoyance at his male ego despite the smile creeping onto my lips "Only because you took me by surprise."

"You seemed to enjoy it," he quipped, nudging my side playfully.

My cheeks reddened as my face flooded with warmth. I ducked my head, suddenly interested by the embroidery along the hem of the blankets. Laughter bubbled in Hades' throat, and against my will, my lips parted into a small smile. I came to realize his laughter was one of things I loved most about him. Melodic, silvery, light-hearted, it took some of the darkness out of his eyes.

Hades cupped my chin in his hands. "You are so cute when you are embarrassed," he stated.

"No I am not," I grumbled. "And besides, it's too early in the morning to be cute. I probably have a bad case of bedhead. You should know, I am really not a morning person."

Hades did not reply; instead he twined a loose strand of my hair around his finger. "You slept through breakfast. I did not want to wake you-after the restless night you had-but I have to hold court soon and I want to make sure you eat. Since I will have to leave soon, I wanted to have breakfast with you."

I tried to hold back the sigh of disappointment forcing its way to my lips. I knew Hades was King of the Underworld with many duties, but the only time I got to see him was in the evenings at dinner. Though I was a goddess, an eternity with him still didn't seem enough. I needed more time with Hades, to understand him better, but he would be too busy.

"When do you have to leave?"

Hades sighed, the smile fading as easily as it had appeared. I could see the weariness settling on his face and weighing in his eyes. "I will have to leave right after you finish eating."

I nodded unhappily, and he reached for my hand. Interlacing my fingers through his, Hades stroked my palm in a comforting pattern. A moment later, he withdrew his hand.

A pang of disappointment stabbed at my heart. But at the same time, the wheels in my mind started turning, devising a way Hades could always be at my side.

"Persephone?" Hades questioned, eyeing me warily. "What are you thinking? I know that look in your eyes. You're scheming something."

I tried to blink innocently. "Well I was just thinking that maybe I could help you with you duties. You could show me everything you do?"

Hades sighed, his eyebrows slanting downwards as his lips scrunched into a frown.

"No, Persephone," he answered gently but firmly. "You're not ready yet. There are things you should not have to see. Some of the spirits are malicious and will go after an easy target. The spirits of Tartarus are already tormenting you in your sleep. First, you have to adapt to the Underworld, which includes its inhabitants, before you will be ready to share my responsibilities."

I nodded and turned my back to him, hurt and angry that he considered me an "easy target".

"You know, Hades, I am not weak," I whispered.

"Of course not," he agreed, bringing his fingers to cradle my chin in his hands. "I never said that, and I am sorry if I implied it. But you have spent very little time in the Underworld, and there are things you've yet to learn. I will try to protect you as long as I can, but there is too much darkness in my realm for me to control it all."

"I am not a child," I refuted, resisting his touch and tilting my chin stubbornly. "You don't have to feel the need to protect me from everything. Hades, you brought me here for a reason Part of that purpose was out of love, but I am certain it is because I have a role to fulfill here. As your equal."

Hades regarded me with amusement. "Persephone, you have always been my equal. And you do have a role here, my consort and my queen. Though, both will take time."

"Oh," I murmured, my cheeks blazing. "So…I am your wife?" He tried to hide it, but I noticed his shoulders tightening as he winced, like my uncertainty physically pained him.

"Do not worry," Hades assured, but there was an underlying tone of displeasure. "You will not have to be either until you are prepared. Both will take time, but I have nothing but an eternity." His voice became determined as a fire ignited in his eyes, and I watched the silver flames of ambition dancing in his eyes.

I nodded, closing my eyes, trying to battle all the conflicting emotions storming inside of me. I hated seeing the pain I caused him when I did not return his feelings, but Hades wanted all of my heart. I knew I already had his, but I didn't want it, not until I could give mine freely. We both knew I had fatal feelings for him. It was definitely more than a friendship, and despite the short period of time we had known each other, I felt safer with him than I had with anyone else in my life.

Though Hades was trying to be patient, I could see the eagerness burning in his eyes. How long would it be before he tired of waiting for me to reciprocate his feelings? What if he couldn't wait? Or worse, he decided I was not worthy? The thought caused my heart to falter, and my chest constricted until I felt like it was caving in. I gasped, gulping.

"Persephone?" Hades whispered, his smooth voice washing over me like water, instantly calming me.

"Look at me," he commanded softly but firmly. "You know I love you with all of my heart and soul. But don't think that I am trying to force you to feel something you are not ready. I know things seem to be moving quickly, but we are not in a rush. I will wait as long as I need, Persephone. I have already waited an infinity for you, and I can and will do it again."

Those his words meant to console me, they weighed me down with guilt. when I stared into his eyes, they were a dark gray, almost black, like too pools of endless sorrow and shadows. He offered me a melancholic smile that made my heart twist painfully.

"Hades, I want to love-"

"Shh," he chastised gently. "Don't say anything you think I want to hear if you only mean to comfort me with a lie. All I want to hear is the truth."

"I'm sorry."

Giving my hand a squeeze, he answered, "You have nothing to be sorry for. Everything that has happened to us was my because of my selfish decisions. I am the one who should be sorry." His voice was raspy, thick with self-hatred and shame.

I wanted to say something, but I was unsure of what to say. Hades still felt like a familiar stranger, and I knew I was Persephone, but I might as well had amnesia. The only thing barricading us was the fact that I had no recollection or memory of our past. It was my fault.

When I opened my mouth to speak, a knock on the door jarred the silence. I flinched, startled, as the door flew open and a shade stepped into the room. I felt the color drain from my face as I noticed how the ghost's body shimmered translucently. Approaching the bed, the shade ignored me and dutifully stared at Hades, awaiting orders. I noticed how the shade hovered a few inches above the ground.

Helpless, I looked at Hades. Absently, he stroked my hand pacifyingly. My gaze met his, and I noticed the color of his eyes changed again. They were a gentle but vibrant hazel, and they gleamed unnaturally bright. When I looked closer, I could have sworn they shined with tears. After staring at him for another moment, I was sure, and I felt my eyes filling with tears. Blinking rapidly, I willed them not to fall.

"Persephone, I have to go now," he announced, standing from the bed. "Will you do me a favor?"

"Anything," I replied.

Avoiding my gaze, he ordered, "Eat." He pointed to the nightstand where a tray of food sat.

"Alright."

Turning to face me, Hades planted a quick kiss on my lips. He pulled away a second away, leaving me wanting more.

"If you need anything, ring the bell, and a servant will attend to you. You are free to explore my realm, but have a servant go with you. I don't want you wandering off alone. I promise when I have time, I will give you an official tour personally."

"That would be nice," I said, sending him an encouraging smile.

He gave me a forced smile. "I will see you at dinner."

Without waiting for a response, Hades turned on his heel, and the shade followed him, trailing closely behind. Seeing Hades leave made me want to say so many unspoken things between us, and all my conflicting emotions overflowed in my heart, threatening to drown it. When I mustered he courage to talk, Hades slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Heart sinking at being alone, I whispered, "See you at dinner."