He hated himself, more than hated himself. If he could have an out of body experience he would inflict serious pain onto himself. He arrived in a simple dark hallway in the underworld, a shudder running down his body at the sudden change in temperature. The hot, thick air of the training room was a complete contrast to the freezing dark corridors. He braced himself against the wall, head tipped back as he took a deep breath. His simple white shirt was damp with sweat, clinging to his skin as he began to cool down. He felt the way he always did after a good session, his muscles were relaxed, and his heart pounded against his ribs as a warm feeling filled his chest. It would fade soon, he knew that. Training couldn't occupy him for long – he kept his mind busy to forget. But she was always there. He didn't know how he would survive her sentence here. He'd removed himself from her presence on Olympus for a good reason. Now the darker part of his soul was stirring again. She drove him to near insanity, with her face that gave nothing away. Did she still feel it? Did she see how hard it was for him? Of course she didn't…she hated him now.

Footsteps came fast down the corridor as Hades straightened up; Aurelia had towels piled high in her grey arms.

"My Lord," She bowed awkwardly, eyes wide at the sight of him in such a strange state.

"Aurelia…could you make sure Persephone is ready and safely escorted to the dining room please?" He wasn't really asking, but she nodded genuinely, a small smile on her face.

"Of course my lord, I've heard only great things about the Lady." She grinned, bowing once more before scurrying off down the dark passage way. He exhaled sharply, deciding the more time he spent around Persephone – the better he would feel and realise he made the right decision. He was always a terrible liar.

Finger tips dust down her arms leaving goose bumps in their wake. Soft, light kisses dust her temple as her heart flutters wildly in her chest. She takes in a deep breath, taking in the cool air from the open window. The kisses end at her cheek before swooping to her neck, becoming far more passionate as he nips and sucks her sensitive skin. She gasps, her eyes opening as she pulls away and spins to see him.

"You're distracting me from practice," Is her half hearted and breathless warning. He grins against her skin in response.

"You're terrible anyway." She moves to swat his arm, but he captures her hands in his, pinning them to her side as he swoops forward and claims her neck once more.

"You could never be terrible." He whispers against her skin, an apology that brings a small smile to her lips. He'd always apologise…use to, things were much more permanent now. With that thought the laughter and warmth faded.

She came back to reality and back to her senses. She was brushing her hair in front of one of the vast mirrors that occupied the guest room. It was all she could do to keep herself away from the comfortable bed and keep her mind off sleep.

She didn't know how long it had been, he had said within the hour. She didn't know what to expect for an underworld dinner or where to go or who would be there. But she ignored all that, keeping with the polite and goddess side of herself, she decided to dress anyway. Before she left Olympus her mother had picked out her day dress. It was brown, boring and was part of the get Hades to despise you act. It itched and Persephone was certain she could make him despise her with flesh on show as well as without…mainly because she hated him…and he must not have been any fonder of her.

With the help of Artemis she had smuggled a few things into her trunks, respectable gowns fit for a goddess. Persephone already had a hard enough time convincing people she was one, it was her birth right and she would dress like it if she wanted to. If she was being completely honest she craved her hunting leathers, her scuffed black boots and corseted armour Artemis had made her. But she was used to missing things… it seemed with Zeus' mood she would have to get used to living without. She pulled out a simple deep blue cotton dress from one of her trunks and put it on, braiding her hair in a sensible fashion before sitting on the comfortable bed to lace her sandals up. Then she waited. And waited.

She must have sat there for at least 30 minutes. The fire had been healthy before she began perusing the room, unpacking a few essentials, combining her hair, reminiscing about Hades and dressing. Now it was dying a death in the hearth. She let out a long breath she didn't realise she had been holding. She needed to get out of the room. It was reminding her to much of a certain God that had brought her here. Dark, slightly gloomy but at the same time unbelievably beautiful. It drew her in, making her feel safe, the warm fire and thick velvets that coated everything. She knew though, just like him it would change. The soft mattress beneath her would likely turn to nails the moment she got comfortable – when she really needed its comfort. The sudden knock at the door threw her back into reality. She stumbled to her feet and made it swiftly across the room. The door was heavy as she pulled it aside and was met with a very strange looking young woman. Her hair was silver, her eyes were silver and her skin was the oddest colour grey.

"My lady, Lord Hades has sent me to collect you for dinner." She nodded respectfully as Persephone was still taking in the woman's features. There was a long pause as Aurelia shuffled awkwardly in the doorway. Persephone quickly came to her senses, flashing her most convincing smile as she stepped out of the room.

"Lead the way." She half chimed, ignoring the sickening feeling in her stomach. She just knew this was going to go horribly wrong.

The door closed behind her with a bang and she was faced with a very large and intimidating dining room. The table almost ran the length of the room, but only one end was set for dinner. Persephone made her way slowly towards it, taking in the huge chandelier that hung high above. The dining room was nothing like her room; it was darker, made completely of black marble. The walls in each corner were covered by shelves of books as there was a scattering of high backed chairs near the enormous fire which stood in the middle of one of the longer walls. She gravitated towards it, a large mirror hung above the hearth, reflecting the dark scene of the room. She found herself in front of it, reaching up; she let her fingers run across the glass as she admired the craftsman ship. It was surrounded by wood that had been carved to look like vines – all reaching out towards the glass. She was tracing what seemed to be a thorn when she noticed there was another person in the reflection. He was sitting in one of the high backed chairs behind her, with an almost amused look on his face.

"Gods above Hades you scared me!" She cried, spinning around as a hand flew to her chest to keep her heart from flying out. He just sat there for another moment before unfolding himself, standing tall as a smile spread across his lips for only a moment. She remembered that smile. It's the one he wore when he used to creep up on her with gifts while she monotonously tried to learn the harp. She cast away the memory, shaking her head as she cleared her throat.

"I was…" she began, cheeks reddening as she fumbled for an explanation.

"Admiring the furnishings?" He commented simply and she looked up to find him still smiling. He was looking right at her, his silver eyes holding her own. She wondered if he could see it there. How her fingers itched and her pulse thrummed in her ears as she resisted moving closer. She stood there, frozen in thought. Admiring the fact that he was wearing all black, right down to his ridding boots – and it made him all the more forbidden.

"Persephone! There you are!" The voice jolted her back into reality as she span around, wide eyed to see Hestia had suddenly appeared in the room. A bright smile upon her face as her silver hair was hanging around her in tight ringlets. She wore of lavender dress that made her eyes all the more noticeable. Persephone felt awfully underdressed as she moved gracefully across the room to stand before her.

"Oh don't you look wonderful" Hestia grinned, tipping her head as Persephone blushed furiously.

"Thank you…you look lovely Hestia." She blurted out awkwardly, Persephone wasn't a girly girl – she was used to complimenting the Amazon's sword technique.

"Brother." She nodded respectfully to Hades who was still behind Persephone. She turned then to see him, his face unreadable as he kept his gaze on his sister.

"Hestia." He replied with a soft smile, there was movement as the only door in and out of the room swung open, a tall lean man walked in. His hair was a dusty shade of brown as his eyes were the same penetrating silver as Hecate's.

"Don't leave me out." He grinned at the small gathering by the fire and Persephone suddenly wondered how many people were coming for dinner. There was only so much attention she could take.

"Persephone…" Hestia began, gesturing to the new arrival as he approached.

"This is Lord Thanatos." she announced, a smile on her face as she gestured towards the very calm looking God.

"My Lady." He bowed respectfully, his expression never changing as Persephone couldn't help but notice the way Hestia was looking up at him.

"And Hecate I'm sure you had the pleasure of meeting." His words removed Hestia's smile as Persephone suddenly lost all enthusiasm for dinner. She turned to see that in fact the Goddess had already entered the room and taken a seat at the table. Completely ignoring the gathering.

"I take it mothers not joining us?" Hestia stated quickly, annoyance clear in her voice as she kept her eyes off Hecate.

"No, she has…business to attend to." Hades replied, gesturing quickly to where Persephone was supposed to sit. She shot him a glare but it just caught the back of his head as she quickly sat down – calming her annoyance. She sat next to Hecate and on her other side was Hades at the head of the table.

"Not surprised, she's starved herself all week – it's about time she got a good feed." Hecate continued, flapping out her napkin as she laid it gently on her lap – one perfect eyebrow arched as she looked over the table.

"Let's just hope she doesn't get too into it and kill the poor bastard…we won't hear the end of it." She chuckled to herself – Persephone went scarlet. Sexual activity would never be mentioned at the table on Olympus…it wasn't spoken of in public.

"A change of subject is in order I believe." Hestia cleared her throat, her cheeks bright red also as Persephone just looked down at her dinner plate. She pretended to show no interest, so no one at the table felt the need to explain something she already knew so well. She knew Hades mother was a demon that feeds off energy to survive, energy created from certain sexual activities. Her only son feeds off the same energy…she couldn't help throw a glance at him with the direction of her thoughts. Unluckily for her he was already watching her.

"Zeus has sent me certain rules for you to abide by," he began, clearing his throat as he reached for his wine and a piece of bread. Persephone took the time to quickly select some bread, cheese and olives before he put her in such a bad mood she didn't feel like eating.

"How am I not surprised?" She muttered to herself, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked at him. Putting on her best bored expression – the quicker this was over the better.

"You did commit an offence against his kingdom and as punishment you are to be educated her in the etiquette of the Gods…if you like." He began; gesturing with his hands like them having a normal conversation was a day to day occurrence. It seemed like he was a better performer than she remembered.

"That's ridiculous." Persephone sighed, not letting anger have her as she knew that would only entertain Hades – and then she would get mad. Having one of their ex-almost- but-not-quite-lover disputes at the dinner table would not help. She snatched up her wine and began to drink, giving her lips something else to do than argue – but Hestia continued for her anyway.

"This is ludicrous, trapping you like an animal – he should be ashamed and so should you – bowing to such a tyrant." She snapped, her fists coming to rest on the table as she tipped her chin ever so slightly in defiance.

"Hestia." Hades sighed, dropping his head into one of his hands as she let out a sharp breath of annoyance. She didn't have time to finish her rant because Hecate had better ideas. There was a clatter of silver as Persephone glanced across the table to see Thanatos scrambling to save the salad as he'd somehow managed to knock the silver serving dish.

"Thanatos, you know…if you kept your eyes on your meal and off Hestia you'd make a lot more mess." Hecate had only just finished when Persephone gasped, forgetting that she was drinking wine. The liquid burned her lungs as she began to cough.

"Excuse me!" Thanatos' jaw almost hit the table, body tensing as he stared at Hecate in obvious shock.

"Come on brother I'm not blind you've been doing it for the past century! It's rather annoying." Hecate sighed, arms folded across herself as she leant back in her chair. Persephone continued to choke as she only just realised Hades was patting her on the back at the same time Hestia was thrusting a glass of water right under her nose. Persephone took it and drank slowly – trying to calm her erratic heart as she turned to see Hades, he quickly dropped his hand from her back. She quickly picked up her butter knife and tried to continue with dinner – the table had other ideas.

"I mean…she's not that impressive." The Goddess continued, sipping her wine as Hestia released a gasp.

"Says the Goddess who has to take her clothes off to make an impression!" Persephone was shocked by the amount if venom in Hestia's calm voice as her butter knife slid from her fingers. There was an awkward silence, Thanatos and Hestia glaring at Hecate, who was still calmly taking a sip of her wine. Hades had his head buried in his hands as Persephone could hear him muttering something to himself.

"Hades doesn't seem to mind." Was Hecate's simple, delayed response. Persephone shook off the sting of the words. Hades could sleep with whoever he so desired, it wasn't anything to do with her. Her shaking hand wrapped around her goblet as she began to calmly drink, refusing to look to her right where she would meet nothing but Hades gaze.
"Nor half the Gods in the realm. Apparently!" Anger was clear in Hestia's expression as she refused to look at Thanatos. Hecate was snarling now as she slammed her own goblet down onto the table, wine spilling out onto the white table cloth like blood.

"Says the timid little virgin over here – who gave you a backbone?" Hecate spat with such anger, Persephone couldn't help gawping, her meal now forgotten.

"I'll rip yours out if you don't close that trap you call a mouth." Was Hestia's reply, narrowing her eyes as she breathed heavily as her fists clenched upon the table.

"I'd love to see you try." She snarled in response, both women now locked in a death stare as Thanatos looked more than a little confused.

"Ah, it seems I didn't miss anything." A calm voice suddenly interrupted as everyone's attention turned quickly from the Hecate-Hestia stand off to the doorway.

"Erebos…what are you doing here?" Hades voice broke the silence, the sharpness of his tone startling Persephone ever so slightly as she turned to see his face. His gaze was directly on Erebos, his face drawn into a tight mask of controlled rage.

"I've come to speak with Hecate…" The God began, a cruel smile on his lips before his eyes drifted over the table, zeroing in on Persephone. He was tall and thick like he was built of pure muscle. He had raven hair and matching eyes, his face marked with several scars. Persephone could tell from across the room that he was dangerous. He held her gaze, moving closer as he was soon standing besides Hades, one arm leaning across the back of his chair as he peered down at her.

"I'm sorry I don't believe we have met." He grinned, his teeth strangely sharp like a wild cats. Persephone looked up at him in slight confusion as he turned to Hades with a charming smile.

"Hades…manners?" He asked, his voice polite but Hades still gritted his teeth, still glaring at the man that was now towering over his chair.

"Lord Erebos…this is the Lady Persephone." He was hesitant, his whole body tense as he refused to look at Persephone.

"Demeter's daughter?" Erebos enquired, his manners seeming false as he outstretched a pale hand. After years of nagging by her mother, and hours of etiquette training by Artemis, Persephone took his hand against her better judgement.

"My, it seems the rumours leave out your best asset my lady." He continued to speak, his grip on her hand tighter than it needed to be. She could practically feel Hades' gaze on her face.

"W…what would that be?" She stuttered, not sure what to do. The God before her was dangerous – she knew that – but Hades wouldn't…she dropped that thought as soon as it came up. This God wasn't Poseidon and Hades wasn't concerned for her safety anymore. He'd had his fun – she was on her own now.

"Your beauty..." He grinned; flashing sharp pointed teeth before he leant down and kissed the back of her hand. Persephone immediately ran cold, pulling her hand away slowly as he continued to watch her – always smiling. She smiled and looked away – mainly to annoy Hades.

"Erebos…you wished to speak with me?" Hecate ground out, his attention remained on Persephone for another moment before he pulled away, turning swiftly towards the Goddess. Persephone released a breath she didn't realise she was holding.

"Yes…It doesn't matter anymore. Something else has caught my attention." He smiled, not looking at Persephone but by the sound of Hades gritting his teeth to her right….she knew it couldn't be good.

"Bit rude to hold a private dinner with a new guest is it not brother?" He continued, turning back to Hades who looked like he was ready to commit murder.

"You'd scare her away." He half snarled in response, Persephone throwing him a look of confusion.

"Not likely, she has a soul of steal – you always were blind to the obvious." Erebos laughed, throwing a wink in Persephone's direction as her eyes went wide.

"Erebos stop drooling I'm trying to eat." Hecate snapped quickly, fists clenched on the table as he turned to look at the Goddess. Persephone kept her gaze firmly on the table cloth, cheeks burning.

"I will have my lords word that we will all equally get to celebrate out new guest together… some won't be happy with the deceit of it all." He stated calmly, pushing away from Hades chair as he began to slowly walk towards the door.

"You have my word…but when I say, not when you decide. I'll see you around Erebos." Hades half spat, watching the God with more hatred in his eyes than Persephone had ever seen.

"My Lord." Erebos bowed mockingly, giving an evil smirk before turning and leaving the room. Persephone heard Hades exhale loudly, but she didn't look at him. Hecate was smashing something at the other end of the table and cursing. Persephone looked up to find Thanatos watching her; he looked like he was thinking – eyes running between Hades and herself. She instantly needed to leave the room.

"Well, if you'll excuse me…it's been a long day." She cleared her throat, rising slowly as she dusted down her skirts. She stepped away from the table as Hestia made a sound of protest. Persephone was about to open her mouth when Hades cut in.

"I'll escort you back to your chambers." He stood, dropping his napkin onto the table before coming to stand near her.

"I'm sure….could…" She began, looking around for Aurelia but there was no sign of the woman. Anyone would do really, anyone but him.

"It's quite alright." Hades replied, something in his voice catching Persephone's attention. Fine, he could walk her back to her stupid room but she would not speak to the man. She nodded, biding the table a goodnight before spinning quickly and walking towards the door. She decided to out walk Hades but that was impossible – he stayed at her side the whole time. She gritted her teeth and looked around at the walls and floor as they left the main hall. She would not speak to him.

They were halfway down the corridor when he cleared his throat and tried to make conversation.

"I apologise for dinner, they're not used to having guests." He stated simply, finding something very interesting in the floor as he kept his eyes down.

"I expected no less from you." She replied quickly and coldly. Effectively trying to kill all further attempts as conversation he might make. Call her a bitch but a man has no right to show affection then walk all over someone and leave them a mess on their own bedroom floor. Her anger was quite justified and he knew it. He sighed in annoyance, glancing at her quickly as she refused to meet his gaze. His eyes focused on her arms as she had them wrapped around herself, she couldn't help it. The hallway was freezing.

"You'll find it cold in the halls at night; you should have worn a cloak." He sighed, his tone bored like she was some kind of idiot.

"If I needed it I would be wearing it." She snapped back, dropping her hands from around herself and tilting her chin up in defiance. She made a mental note to never wear a cloak in his presence.

"You will meet me tomorrow morning for breakfast in the great hall, Aurelia will guide you. We still have the rules to run over." He brushed his shirt down casually, not looking at her as he basically ordered her around.

"I'm a big girl, I can walk myself." Persephone replied coldly, stopping outside her door and resting her hand on the handle. Something seemed to amuse him about her words, he didn't look at her but she could see his smile clearly.

"Aurelia will collect you. Goodnight." He bowed quickly, his face a tight, unreadable mask as he span and disappeared from sight, leaving Persephone standing in the dark as always. It was only then that she realised she hadn't eaten anything. Good job she lost her appetite.

Sorry for the late post. Work deadlines and family dramas…sorry. Hope you like it. P.s thanks to all the reviewers… you know who you are. Means a lot! Please keep reading and reviewing, a story is nothing without its readers :)

Love Ivy