Zeus sauntered through the golden hallways of Mount Olympus. He had been informed several moments prior by an attendant that his brother had decided to pay him a visit. He pushed open the wooden double doors leading to the throne room.
Hades, dark lord of the Underworld rose from his seat. His dark countenance was at odds with not only the room but also the opulence of Olympus itself.
"Brother," he greeted Zeus simply.
Zeus turned to the tables on which the wine jugs rested. He filled two golden goblets and extended one to Hades.
"Drink with me, brother."
Hades accepted it but did not drink.
"I suppose you may have wondered why I have ventured to the Upper Worlds," he began as Zeus indulged his thirst deeply. "I have some news I would like to share with you."
"Oh?" Zeus paused and raised his eyebrow.
"Brother, I intend to marry."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Zeus, genuinely surprised. "And who is your bride to be?"
"Well, that is what I came here intending to discuss with you. I became rather fond of the Lady Persephone and would like to make her my wife."
"Persephone?"
"She would be my queen; she would want for nothing," Hades explained.
"Demeter would never allow it…" Zeus began. This sudden proclamation had caught Zeus unawares; however, it was not such an impossible notion to entertain.
Hades' lips curved into a crooked smile? "You subordinate your will to the will of her mother?" he challenged.
"Certainly not!" Zeus denounced. "But it does serve to complicate things if her mother is unwilling."
"Then we are in agreement then that it is a favorable union?" Hades countered swiftly.
Zeus paused for a moment. "Frankly I hadn't realized you had any interest in her. I had intended to see her joined to perhaps Hermes or Apollo?"
Hades barked a laugh. "Be serious, brother," Hades scoffed. "They would discard her the moment they found the next beautiful, willing nymph or human. Hardly a promising union."
"Fair point," Zeus conceded. "Well have her then, if you will. But I cannot assist you with this. You must approach her yourself and I cannot offer you Hermes' aid in transporting her," Zeus qualified.
"I am sure he will be sorely disappointed in your decision."
"And for good measure," Zeus added, "do keep this from Demeter. She will not take kindly to this."
Hades bowed his head slightly, "As you wish, brother."
Author's note: A short chapter today(sorry!) because I am exceptionally tired but I wanted to return back to this world. Also, Zeus and Hades interactions are not nearly as important to the story as other things so hopefully that's ok :P