Author's Note: After this, entries are going to become sporadic. I'll try to add another one by the end of this weekend, but… I dunno. Alright, to the chapter! Please read and review!

-HolleringHawk65

Chapter VII Hyenna

I dressed quickly, excited by this new found affection with Hades. I simply pulled out a dress from the wardrobe and went into the bathroom. I switched out of the mint green dress from last night and put on this new one.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My hair had fallen out of its braid while I slept, so I put it up again. I slipped back into the golden sandals and walked back out to Hades.

He was sitting in the overstuffed chair, his face in his hands. I saw the muscles in his back moving up and down slowly, showing me he was half asleep. I silently came closer. I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my lips to his neck.

A sound came from his mouth that was half a mumble and half a moan. I smiled and hugged him again.

My stomach grumbled as he looked up at me. I smiled at him. "Can we go have breakfast now?" I asked him.

He brought me onto my lap, and I put my head on his shoulder, taking in the scent of his soap. It was hard to describe, but it was completely like him; dark, but sweet and completely masculine.

I kissed his neck, tasting whatever it was. He groaned, holding me closer to him.

"Hyenna, I thought you wanted to have breakfast." He told me, his voice breathy.

"You're the one who distracted me." I responded, but let him pick me up.

"Well, no more of that." He told me, smiling. He set me on my feet, but his left arm was still around my waist. I leaned against him as we walked down the black stone stairs.

He looked down at me when we were at the foot of the stairs. He pressed his lips against the top of my head. "Do you realize how much beauty you bring to this home?" He asked me.

I looked up into his grey eyes. "Have you realized what you've done for me yet?" I responded, and then kissed his lips. He had saved my life and provided me a home. I owed him anything he wanted.

We walked into the dining room, and my stomach grumbled again. Food was laid out as if it was a god's feast day. Had I missed one without knowing it?

I sat where I had last night, with Hades pushing my chair in again for me. I had to think that he was the kindest man I'd ever know.

We ate the breakfast I assumed Gardner had made. I was surprised not to Cerberus. I was about to ask Hades where he was when we heard raised voices.

"Master will not be pleased!" I heard Gardner say.

"My brother will have to live with that!" It was a woman's voice.

I looked at Hades to see him frowning. He got up just as a beautiful woman came into view.

She had long platinum hair and her blue dress was beautiful, albeit slightly wet. She had on a gold crown and gold sandals. Her skin was beautiful neutral—not too pale, not too tan. Her eyes were multicolored—varying shades of light blue, light grey, some near white, and a very light green.

"Dear eldest brother!" She exclaimed, smiling, and walked towards Hades with open arms.

He walked forward and she gave him a hug. "Good morning, Hera. What brings about your lovely visit?" He asked.

She laughed. "I suppose I couldn't just say I wanted to visit my brother, could I? At dinner last night, Apollo mentioned your lovely new friend. I presume this is she?"

I stood up, almost shaking. This was Hera Juno, the Queen of the Heavens and wife to Zeus, King of the World! I curtsied, probably incorrectly, but the thought was there.

She laughed again. "Child, you need not be so. Tell me, what is your name?" She asked.

"My name is Hyenna, Lady Hera." I could feel my cheeks heat up as she tilted my head up, gazing into my eyes.

Smiling, she spoke again. "It is such a beautiful name. Tell me, what does it mean?" She asked.

I glanced at Hades. I don't know why, but I thought that he would throw me a lifeline. I had no idea what my name meant. I didn't even know if that was my name.

"I'm not sure, my lady." I admitted.

"Ah, that's too bad, but it's still a beautiful name." She told me, still smiling. She turned around to face her brother.

"Thank you, my lady." I was still so embarrassed that I could barely get the words out. Was I calling her the wrong thing? Should it be my Queen or Your Grace or-

"You are certainly welcome, little Hyenna." She said, breaking my train of thought.

Hades came closer to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. An instant calming effect came upon me.

"Lovely sister, what do you want?" He asked her.

"As you might remember, today is Athena's feast day." Hera looked over Hades's body so close to mine, looking rather distracted. "Zeus is throwing her a grand celebration and I'd hoped I could convince you three to come."

I did a calculation in my head. Hades=1, myself=1 (but could I really leave the Underworld?), Gardner=1 (but he really couldn't leave.) Then there was Cerberus… though why would Hera want him at an Olympian party?

"Three?" Hades asked, his arm tightening around me. Not uncomfortably, but protectively.

"Why, silly, that shouldn't be much of a question! You, Hyenna and Cerberus, should really come!" She said, clapping her hands together.

Hades relaxed. The motion seemed to suggest he thought she meant other people, but who else would she be talking about?

"What do you think, Hyenna?" His voice was soft. "Do you feel up to it?" He asked me.

I nodded, looking up to him. "It does sound like fun. I'll go if you do." I told him, smiling.

He looked as if he was about to kiss me as his head bent down slightly. Before he could, Hera cleared her throat.

"Hades, why don't I help get Hyenna ready, and you should go convince Cerberus, right? He doesn't seem like the type to just get up and go to a god's feast." Hera explained.

My heart raced. I didn't want him to leave me alone. I was about to suggest that we just all go together, because wouldn't more be more persuasive? Then I remembered that Cerberus didn't like me and Hera would probably be a stranger to him. Oh, well…

Hades reluctantly let me go. "Be nice to her, alright?" His words were directed to Hera, but I figured they could apply to me as well.

He kissed me, making a bit of a show of it. I was fine with that as his tongue opened my mouth and he pulled me closer. As he let go of me, I felt like I couldn't breathe for a moment. I smiled as he did.

"See you later, lover." He whispered into my ear.

I blushed more than I ever had before, watching him walk away.

Hera looked at the table after Hades left. "Well, that was easier than I thought it would be." She admitted.

I frowned, looking at Hera. "What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"My brother, he usually doesn't just accept invitations like that. I'm glad that he seems to be lightening up, even just a bit." Hera said as she picked up a goblet filled with Ambrosia. She sipped it daintily before setting it back down.

"Hyenna, do you like it here?" She asked, clasping her hands in front of her dress.

"I love it here." I told her. "I love this place." I said. How it was the perfect balance of dark and light, hard and soft edges, beautiful and plain.

Hera nodded. "And my brother?" She asked me. "Do you love him?"

I looked at her, shocked that she'd asked the question. I opened my mouth, about to ask her why she'd ask me that. "Hera, I care about Hades as much I can. I love him more then I love anyone else." I explained. That was the complete and total truth. I love him and it has only been what, two days? Was it possible to love someone then?

My sister smiled. "Thank you. I needed the truth. Now, let's go get you ready for a celebration."