He sat on a red velvet chase within his study. It faced the large, dark marble fireplace. Flames appeared at his command, low and flickering in the hearth as he felt all the tension leaving his body. The fire comforted him in a way no one but he would understand. There was a one lit that night.
The golden light from the flames made her skin glow. She sat on his lap, skirt bunched up to expose her to mid thigh. He ran his hands up and down the smooth flesh of her legs. She had moaned against his lips, pulled back and kissed his neck. One of his hands had fisted in her hair, cinnamon curls wrapping round his fingers as she continued to torture his neck. His chest was bare, her hands lightly scratching it as she moved closer to him. He could feel the thrumming of her heart through her thin flesh, taste her emotions in the air as a wave of her desire washed over him. His heart came alive in his chest as his flesh burned where she touched him.
"How long until the brat gets here?" The voice pulled him out of his thoughts so abruptly he had to remember where he was. He looked around slowly, cursing himself for letting his memory get the better of him. Almost letting himself settle back down when he remembered his distraction. He turned to find Hecate watching him. She leant against the wall to his left, arms folded as an amused smile claimed her face.
"She's a goddess and deserves your respect. And she'll be here this evening." Hades replied coldly, turning back to the fire as he slumped in his seat, he really needed to get some sleep. He gave up hoping she would go away, Hecate was persistent to say the least.
"Half Goddess, it hardly counts." She snorted under her breath. Hades ignored her, but hearing her move around out of his line of sight was unsettling. Suddenly she was behind him, a light hand on his shoulder as she leant over the chase to whisper into his ear.
"You look bored my lord." Her long black hair brushed against his cheek and he sat forward, hands braced on his knees.
"Not now Hecate." Was his simple response, he was too tired to be angry – even the demon part of him was far too exhausted to rise up and convince him to do something stupid.
"Yes, that nymph last night probably tired you out." She snapped, removing herself quickly from behind him. He bit his lip to conceal his poor attempt at laughter. Spreading rumours about his own sex life was pathetic…it was even more pathetic that he actually couldn't lie with a woman, his mind, heart and other critical part of his anatomy were not interested. Not unless she had russet curls, the saddest brown eyes he had even seen and an attitude like a double edged sword. It was like she'd pierced his skin, embedded herself and driven him insane.
"I'm busy anyway; Achlys needs to speak with me." Hecate sneered defensively, making Hades turn to see her flip her hair, amusement in his eyes as he watched the anger in her expression.
"Give him a kiss from me." He smiled angelically, making her curl her lips into a snarl as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Don't come looking for favours Hades." She gritted out; steel eyes glaring before she stuck up her chin and span to exit the room – swaying her hips as she went. She was nearing the large oak doors when Hades laughed, he was about to turn back to the fire, letting his memories torture him some more when he saw Thanatos enter the room. The ancient God's expression was as carefree as always; silver eyes warm in contrast to his sisters.
"Everything alright?" He enquired, hands folded behind his back as he tipped his head ever so slightly in question. Hecate snorted as she walked past him, promptly slamming the door. He watched it shudder for a moment longer before his attention focused on Hades, both eyebrows raised.
"Turing down Hecate – are you ill?" He smiled, slowly moving closer in his usually graceful manor.
"Not now Thanatos." Hades sighed in response, looking at the fire and gritting his teeth. He had no idea why he lowered himself to Hecate – then a name ran through his mind and he remembered exactly why. He'd die if he didn't.
"Where's your wine, your usually on it by now." Thanatos continued his questioning, taking the seat next to his friend as Hades turned to glare.
"I said not now." He repeated, there was no harshness in his voice. He just didn't feel like being reminded of what a waste of a God he was, or had turned into over the last few months.
"Touchy. When's the last time you looked in a mirror – or is this a rugged look your going for." He just didn't know when to give up, but Hades quickly forgave the God of the dead, his smile bringing out one on Hades' own lips. He wouldn't rise to his taunting, but he was glad Thanatos was here to drag him out of his own mind once in awhile. There was a silence, Hades looked down at the pile of records at his feet, pulling a few pieces into his lap as Thanatos rose like a ghost from his seat and began to wander the room. Knowing Hades wouldn't say anymore on his own.
"When does our guest arrive?"He cleared his throat, picking up objects, inspecting them before placing them back down again.
"Soon." Hades sighed, lifting his eyes to follow his movements as Thanatos made a sound halfway between a laugh and a sigh.
"Are you going to give me his name this time or storm off again? If you are, I'd like to stress that it did take me two hours to find you in this maze of a palace." He stated clearly, spinning around as his face was expressionless, waiting for Hades' reply. It was met with nothing but coldness. He had to bring up the problem, Hades thought. There was a pause in which the Lord of the underworld composed himself and tried to untwist the records from his now clenched hands.
"It's not a God – she's a goddess… or half if you want to be specific. Lady Persephone." Hades stated carefully, his voice bored as he returned his gaze to the fire.
"Demeter's mortal child?" Hades held up a hand at his friend's words, eyes meeting again.
"Half mortal." He stated firmly, Thanatos raised his eyebrow at the correction but didn't have time to think about it. The dark lord was already on his feet, looking like he was about to leave the room.
"Dangerous business sending her down here, Zeus must not be thinking straight." He thought he had contained Hades' thoughts, he knew his friend would flee again but at the question the god froze at the door before turning slowly.
"He's thinking perfectly straight. The danger is an added bonus to having her out of his sight." Thanatos was instantly confused, what trouble could a half mortal cause to have people wishing her dead? And what in earth had she done to upset Hades? Thanatos didn't believe he'd ever seen Hades like this.
"What did she do?" He stated carefully, Hades didn't meet his eyes; he stared down at the floor with nothing but anger and coldness in his expression.
"She was born." The words were so bitter, gritted out like it was the last worst thing that could happen on the earth. This wasn't like Hades…he didn't hate people so quickly. Not people he didn't know. He got on well with Demeter. Then it all made sense. This was one of Zeus' games.
"Yes, he never did take rejection well." Thanatos stated slowly, sighing as sympathy filled him for Demeter's situation. Zeus had wanted her, he had said no and now she was alone – having taken out her mortal lover – and now removing her child. He glanced up to see Hades expression had softened; his eyes were far away – looking ancient as he at the fire from across the room.
The door swung open with such force it crashed against the white stone wall, splinters flying everywhere. Persephone jumped up from where she was sitting on the bed, her hairbrush flying out of her hand. Her mother stormed in, fists clenched as her face was burning red. She lunged for the glass vase that sat on Persephone's dresser and flung it across the room. It shattered against the wall sending glass everywhere.
"Did that help?" Artemis asked, walking past Persephone as she plucked the hairbrush of the floor and placed it on the dresser. She span gracefully, leaning back against it, studying Demeter as she turned and slammed the bedroom door, making the whole room vibrate. There was a long silence, she stood for a moment, staring at the glass shards on the floor as she tried to control her breathing.
"No." she finally gritted out, clenching her fists before straitening up and turning to her daughter – whose eyes were still wide in shock. Persephone didn't know what to do, all words died on her tongue. Her mother had been to see Zeus again after yesterday's decision, whatever she had planned to bargain obviously didn't work. The hurt in Demeter's eyes was so strong Persephone could feel her heart cracking under the pressure. She quickly composed herself, shaking her head and stepping forward.
"Mother, really it will be fine." She half stuttered, plastering on her most reassuring smile as Artemis nodded in agreement. Demeter wasn't over her fury yet; the meadow outside Persephone's bedroom was half covered in darkness, even though a few minutes ago it had been midday.
"It will not. Be. Fine." She bit back, eyes hard and cold as Persephone sighed, she thought it best to let her mother get this off her chest.
"He has no right to do this!" She screamed, stepping away from Persephone as her eyes scanned the room for something else to throw. She looked her age when she acted like this, Persephone could see from the look on Artemis' face that she was agreeing. Demeter looked like Persephone s older, more beautiful sister on a good day.
"She did try to attempt treason." Artemis chipped in; only to receive a look so cold from Demeter she made the decision to exit the conversation.
"Sorry." She muttered, looking down as Persephone sighed and moved to stand before her mother.
"It's only until he bores and picks something else to tease." She reasoned, tipping her head as Demeter tried to avoid the soft smile her daughter was giving her.
"You're a brave girl." She stated quickly, looking down and grasping Persephone hand in her own before looking up again. Her wintergreen eyes were swimming with tears as she looked like she hadn't slept in a decade.
"I'll be back before you know it." Persephone whispered, stepping closer and smiling, although she was filling up at the sight of her mother breaking down in this way. She was always the level headed one. Now she knew there was no way out of her punishment, Zeus wanted something and he always got it.
"Hera's not happy about it all; she's in our corner on this. I'm sure she can twist his punishment – eventually." Her voice was so full of conviction it made Persephone genuinely laugh. Her mother always was the fighter.
"Just be yourself." Demeter continued, releasing Persephone's hand as she pulled her daughter to her chest. Smoothing her hand over her copper curls as she rubbed her back.
"He'll hate it, you'll be back before the weeks out." Persephone nodded against her mother's shoulder, holding her tightly as she decided to finally be brave for Demeter's sake. Being herself had led her heart through a thorn bush of a maze, and it was still healing from the scratches. Being in Hades realm had been her dream once, but he'd chosen to end it. Thinking of her stay in the underworld chilled her to the bone. It seemed she wasn't over her torturing yet – she had to endure close contact with Hades for however long Zeus chose. She honestly didn't know if she would survive it. But she'd never let her mother see the fear in her heart.
She'd told her mother to stay with the nymphs; a second goodbye would be far too painful to endure. She hated lying. She had gone from her very plain, simple room on Olympus to an empty boring corridor in only a few minutes. Apparently she was to wait here until someone came for her. She played with the velvet sleeve of her travelling cloak as she looked up and down the endless hallway. She hadn't bothered to do anything extravagant with her hair; she had just braided it and pulled up the cloaks hood to hide her laziness. It was a simple shade of purple but it was the fanciest thing she had – and Artemis had argued she should go for the vain look. Hades hated vain Goddesses… it would have worked if he didn't already know her better than her own skin. Persephone sighed, arms wrapping around herself as she leant her head against the wall in self pity. She planned on staying there for a few hours when somebody cleared their throat. She span to find a small woman standing by her side – an angelic smile upon her face. Her hair was bright silver, her eyes a confusing shade of purple – but she was extraordinarily beautiful. Persephone was gawking like a moron when she outstretched her hand.
"Persephone?" The woman enquired her voice so soft and musical Persephone instantly identified her as a Goddess. Persephone bowed her head respectfully, taking the woman's as looked like she'd almost burst with excitement.
"I'm Hestia…your mother must have mentioned me." She chimed, pulling Persephone closer by the hand, kissing both of her cheeks quickly before releasing her hand and grinning. Hestia? She could be, She looked younger than Persephone's 20 mortal years – yet there Hades' younger sister stood. Although they looked nothing alike. Hades was dark and pensive; this woman looked like the embodiment of happiness with a beautiful face stuck on top.
"You have grown into a fine woman." She continued, eyes running over Persephone as she let out a sigh of relief.
"So glad you could join us." Was her final word as she suddenly linked Persephone's arm and began to guide her down the plain white corridor. Persephone was just about to enquire as to where they were going on Olympus when there was a flash. Both her ears popped as her feet seemed to leave the ground, hitting them again seconds later. Persephone's hands snapped up to her eyes to protect them from the bright light as she stumbled backwards into a wall. She gasped in shock, pulling her hands away from her face as a cold draught ran past her. She wasn't in the boring hallway anymore.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't realise you hadn't travelled our way before!" Hestia cried, suddenly standing before Persephone as she held her hands, eyes wide and looking for forgiveness.
"It's alright…" Persephone coughed weakly with a smile. She needed to get to her chamber before she threw up. Her heart was thrumming so fast it was a miracle she hadn't fainted. She let Hestia pull her away from the wall as they started walking again – Persephone tried to not trip over her own feet as she admired her surroundings. They were walking down a narrow corridor made completely of black marble with silver flecks embedded into the stone. Exquisitely carved lamps hung from the ceiling as the light reflected perfectly off the silver within the stone.
"Don't worry, it's not as bad as it looks…I promise." The goddess chuckled from her side, giving her arm a gentle squeeze, Persephone found herself letting out a nervous laugh. If the halls looked like this…she could imagine what the rest of the underground palace was like.
"Everyone is extremely excited…it's been years since we've had a guest." Hestia continued as they turned a corner, and then another, and another – it was like a maze. Persephone found herself looking over her shoulder as she tried to remember the way.
"Your rooms just down here." She almost sang as she released Persephone's arm and moved to skip ahead. She looked over her shoulder to smile encouragingly at Persephone. Persephone's mouth opened to shout a warning but Hestia had already collided with a taller shape that was coming down the hallway. Persephone moved quickly to catch up with Hestia as the Goddess steadied herself against the wall. She looked like she was about to laugh, apologise and walk on….but then she figure stepped into the light of one of the lamps. She was tall, stick thin and had a face that looked like Aphrodite had carved it herself. Although her red full lips were set in a frown as she glared down at Hestia.
"Hecate." Hestia said stiffly, bowing her head in respect but Hecate didn't move to repeat the gesture of respect. Her steel eyes holding no emotion as she flicked her long black hair over one shoulder.
"Why, it's my favourite problem." Hecate glared, her arms folded over her very full and noticeable chest, well it was half hanging out of her silver gown. She stared the small goddess down with such hatred Persephone felt the need to step in.
"Why don't you go and cause some suffering…it's all your good at." Hestia snapped, the venom in her voice shocking Persephone as she waited for Hecate's reaction. But she didn't really react. A cruel smile lit her lips as she tipped her head towards Persephone.
"Who's the girl?" It wasn't a serious question, she sounded like any answer Hestia gave would just amuse her.
"Persephone." Hestia replied calmly, it was the word girl that had Persephone responding before she could help herself.
"Woman actually, I thought that was obvious." Persephone interpreted, giving Hecate a cold look before folding her arms.
"Woman indeed, there's far less Goddess in you than I imagined." Hecate laughed, her eyes running over Persephone with contained amusement.
"But what does one expect when pure blood is mixed with the primal gunk of humans" She finished, glaring as she gave Persephone a look of pure disgust. That did it.
"There's enough Goddess in me for you to watch your tongue, trust me on that." Hestia was the one who gasped, spinning around to stare in shock at Persephone who stood with her arms folded over her chest, glaring at Hecate. She didn't care if she was being impolite; this goddess had no right to criticise something she knew nothing about. Their eyes locked, Persephone held her own as she glared at Hecate – the goddess seemed to become only more irritated by Persephone not backing down. Persephone could feel black clouding her vision but she fought it off, keeping her calm as she could feel the tension become thicker and thicker between their two forms.
"Hecate!" His voice snapped the tension like it had never existed; Persephone spun towards the sound, eyes wide as his face was a mask of pure rage. Hades stood by his sisters side, moving quickly to stand before Hecate – Persephone quickly backed away from him. Her cheeks burning scarlet. Hestia was already at her side, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Leave." Hades barked, his face flushing red as he continued to glare at Hecate. Persephone heard the woman grit her teeth as she pulled away slowly before flipping her hair and disappearing in a flash of silver. Hades kept his back to them for a moment longer before he turned, having calmed himself down. He wore and expression of complete boredom – avoiding Persephone's face. She noticed he was completely informal, wearing simple black linen pants and a white shirt – his hair push back as it was still wet.
"I was showing Persephone to her room…" Hestia began but her confidence seemed to vanish with Hades' presence. She was tense, like she was apologising for something.
"I'll take it from here." He responded calmly, giving his sister a warm smile but Persephone could have sworn she heard the goddess sigh. She bowed respectfully, threw a sideways smile at Persephone before walking down the dark corridor. Persephone watched her figure vanish and the sound of her footfalls fade away. There was a long silence before Hades cleared his throat, ice shot through her veins as she realised she was alone with him. This was bad.
"Your sister is quite charming…too bad manners didn't brush off on you." Persephone smiled calmly, not letting the awkwardness she felt about the situation known to him. He seemed to study her for a moment, cold eyes holding her own before he shrugged.
"Too bad your mother's level head didn't find its way onto your shoulders." Was his simple reply, a cruel smile lighting his lips.
"It's been minutes and you're already picking fights" He continued, his tone anything but polite. She raised her eyebrows, pushing back the hood of her cloak as his gaze stayed focused on her face.
"You never, test a demon. Especially unarmed and untrained." He stated it like he was warning a small child, that's what set Persephone off.
"Unless your memory deceives you, I've handled demons before – "She began, fists clenched as he simply stared at her, folding his arms.
"Not like her." He snapped, eyes hard as they bore into her. She cleared her throat, tipped her chin up in defiance and met his eyes.
"They claim a pound of flesh and now she's after mine… I'm trembling." Her lips curled slightly as she shrugged and waited for his reaction – he laughed. She wasn't expecting that.
"Except Hecate goes for the heart – you'll find living difficult after that." He smiled, coming closer and she forgot just how big he was in that moment. He surrounded her completely. Something warm fluttered in her chest but she shook it off.
"It's useless anyway, whether in her hand or my chest makes no difference." She said it slowly; the truth clear in her words as he stopped his movements, the words burned something inside him – his heart contracted painfully as she cleared her throat.
"Now, I assume you eat down here so I'd like to gage myself before dinner – if you don't mind." She stated calmly, gesturing for him to carry on with the tour. He studied her for a moment longer before swiftly turning and continuing in guiding her to her chamber. He walked fast, staying ahead of her and she thanked the titans for that small mercy. She was too busy keeping her eyes off Hades' broad back when he stopped suddenly and she almost collided with him. Almost. She moved as far away as the narrow corridor would allow, noticing he had stopped outside a very large, very old oak door that was almost embedded into the stone wall. He opened the door easily enough, stepping inside and gesturing her in. She kept her composure; the expression on her face showed boredom, her heart on the other hand was somersaulting in her chest. Any nervousness she was experiencing quickly faded away.
"I hope it's pleasant enough for your stay." She didn't really hear Hades over the sound of her jaw hitting the floor. The room was huge, perfectly square in shape as its main feature was the enormous fireplace that claimed half the wall opposite the bed. The bed itself looked like it could sleep 4 people at least. It had a high back head bored made of dark rich wood that made the red silks and velvets the room was furnished with stand out. A huge chandelier hung high up in the centre of the room, light hitting every surface. She stood there dumbfounded as he quickly made for the door again. She shook her head, spinning to the sound of him opening the door.
"You'll be escorted to dinner by Aurelia, Hestia's shade. She'll be along within the hour." He bowed his head respectfully before simply leaving the room. She just stood in the massive room as it seemed to grow bigger with every breath she took.
Sorry for the delay…I've lost all concept of time recently. Anyway, thank you for reading… and for the lovely comments
Ivy xxxxx
