Chapter 8
Down in the Underworld three months passed without fail. Persephone and Hades walked through their garden shyly, each consumed in their own thoughts.
Persephone couldn't help but be a little nervous. She knew why Hades had asked her to come here today. He was, finally, going to ask her to marry him once and for all, only this time she was planning on saying yes. So ambling towards the pomegranate tree he had planted for her, Persephone waited anxiously for him to approach the subject.
Hades couldn't resist being a little bit more than nervous. His last attempt had gone horribly wrong, ending with Persephone declaring her hatred for him. That was the reason why he was taking his time walking through their garden. He was afraid that she would reject him again even though for the past three months they had spent nearly every single moment of consciousness together, eagerly learning things about each other. It was this irrational fear that had Hades reluctant to approach the subject because he loved the time he spent with Persephone far too much for it only to be temporary. He loved Persephone not just for what she looked like, and for the amazing power and control she was able to easily produce, but for the magnificent Goddess that she was. Within a short amount of time Persephone had managed to weasel her way straight into his buried heart so that it was physically painful to be away from her, and to even think that she did not feel the same hurt so much that Hades truly believed without her he would slowly but surely fade into nothing. Glancing over at the beautiful perfection beside him, Hades' heart clenched. "If she hadn't learned to love him by now then surely she never would," he thought mournfully.
Persephone glanced over at Hades as they neared her tree, her tree because not long after her first visit in the garden Hades had swiftly declared it was hers for the taking, her heart bursting into a full out sprint as her breathing became uneven. He was already testing her patience by waiting this long to ask, making her a little more than put out by the wait. Didn't he see that she loved him with all her heart and always would? Yes, she'll admit that she hated him when they first met but that was months ago when she was struggling to adjust to the peaceful life the residents adopted here. Back then every day it was a challenge for her to relax, an obstacle for her to sleep. But now, Persephone was accustomed to the passive living of the Underworld, and had even come to like it. It was nice to wake up every day and not have to worry if she would ever live to see another or to sit and read a book without having to constantly look over her shoulder to see if she would be attacked. Some days she had woken up thinking it was all a dream, only to be relieved when she discovered it wasn't; that the relaxing, and slow nature of Hades' realm wasn't just her imagination but was in fact real. Hades had helped her adjust, was still helping her adjust actually. In fact, Hades was the only reason she had. Waking up to him every day had managed to relax Persephone in a way she never thought possible. She calmed even further after she confessed her feelings for Hades and he confessed his for her. In fact over the past three months she had become so comfortable with Hades that now they shared a bed. Thinking back to that first night Persephone couldn't help but laugh.
"Persephone, are you sure what to do," Hades inquired nervously. At first when he had heard Persephone's request he was ecstatic because his queen was finally ready to accept him. But now that he was standing beside his bed that now seemed all of a sudden far too small for the two of them he was unsure. Looking back up at Persephone, he was once again rendered breathless. She was wearing a black silk slip that in his mind was far to revealing for his only far too weak control.
"Yes, Hades, I'm sure I want to do this," Persephone replied for the hundredth time in the past five minutes. When she had first suggested they share a bed she more than a little apprehensive but now that she was standing in the room looking down at the bed she was eager. Eager to see exactly how long Hades blasted rigid control would last. When she was perusing her closet for something to wear to bed she had purposely chosen the most revealing piece of clothing she had just to see what his reaction would be. And sure enough the second she walked into the room, Hades literally froze where he stood while his eyes blazed with a hunger that made Persephone shiver deliciously. Blushing, she began to preen and ducked to hide her amusement.
Looking over at Hades, Persephone eagerly took in the sculpted muscles of his exposed chest as Hades had decided to sleep shirtless, and his silk clad thighs. Glancing back up at his face, she saw him cock an eyebrow at her rather obvious assessment. Shrugging unabashedly, Persephone then dove onto his bed before purposely stretching teasingly, causing Hades to gasp. Smiling she turned onto her side in order to snuggle against his pillow before sighing tiredly.
Sighing heavily, Hades cursed softly under his breath at his breaking control he stiffly climbed into the bed beside Persephone. Making sure that there was sufficient space between himself and her, Hades laid on his back willing sleep to present itself.
But before he could curse the Fates again for his uncomfortable predicament, Persephone filled the space between them. Stunned Hades watched as Persephone wrapped her arms around his right and gently rests her head against his shoulder. Sighing, she quickly fell back asleep. Soon after Hades melted against her soft form, wrapping right arm around her waist and pressing her against his side, grabbing her other hand into his own, and resting his head against her own.
"Persephone?"
"Hum…"
"Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"For the thousandth time Hades, yes I'm okay with this."
"Even after what Zeus did to you."
Giving up on trying to get any sleep until his questions were answer, Persephone sat up and straddled his lap grabbing his face in between both of her hands before answering his question. "Hades, what Zeus did to me happened eleven years ago. I got over it. Okay, now go to sleep," she replied seriously.
Lifting himself up onto his elbows, Hades asked, "Just like that?"
"I never said it was easy. But I did it. And want to know why? It was because of you. Because of this place. Just being here away from people like my mother and Zeus has helped phenomenally. Now I can move on with my life. I can go do the things I want to do now without having to worry about what they would do. Or for that matter worry about them at all. I can live my life now, and I have you to thank for that. So thank you. And stop worrying about how us sleeping next to each other is going to affect me because I can guarantee that it's not going to be in the way you expected."
Gasping, Hades moved his hand to clasp the back of her neck and pull her down towards his lips. Quickly taking advantage of Persephone's surprised gasp to lock their lips together, both of their tongues fighting for dominance. Moaning, Persephone wrapped her arms around his neck as Hades pulled her securely against his body before rolling to hover over her.
A few long minutes later, they broke apart to breathe in much needed air. Turning over onto to lay on his back, Hades moved to allow Persephone to comfortable snuggle into his side.
"Good night, love," he whispered as he rubbed his lips against her forehead before falling into a dreamless sleep.
From that day forward they either slept side by side or in each other's arms. As things progressed between them Persephone found herself being more open and relaxed around Hades. They kissed more, hugged more, and lately there wasn't a single moment when they weren't touching. Whether it be an arm around her waist, or a hand in hers, or even a full out embrace, Hades always made it a point to retained some form of contact with her. Even now he had her hand securely clasped within his. A sudden and not altogether unwelcomed thought raced across Persephone's mind bringing with it pictures of Hades touching her elsewhere, a shiver of pleasure tickled her nerves making her shudder in longing. Feeling this, Hades cocked an eyebrow, and glanced at her quizzically. However, before he could say anything, a blush stole Persephone's cheeks and she hastily severed their eye contact. Oh yes, Persephone was definitely ready to move on despite all of the reasons she knew she shouldn't. If only he would hurry up and let her.
While thinking to herself, Persephone soon realized they had reached their destination. Awkwardly, Hades stood in front of her, his hand still locked with hers, unsure of what to do next. So to save him from having to decide, Persephone launched herself at him. Jumping into his arms, she tangled her arms around his neck and kissed him. Ever since their first, they had slowly but surely become more confident in the other's affection, and soon after their kissing increased not only in number but in intensity as well. Slowly she locked her lips with his, and he responded immediately wrapping his arms around her pressing her closer to his chest, fastening his lips with hers enthusiastically. This was one past time that had become more common between the two of them and both enjoyed it profusely. After a long moment passed they broke apart reluctantly, both breathing heavily and smiling broadly.
"So are you going to ask me willingly or am I going to have to force it out of you," Persephone teased smiling against his lips, arms still tightly wrapped around him.
"Oh, I think you're going to have to force it out of me," Hades whispered back, squeezing her closer to his chest.
"Fine by me."
Locking her lips back with Hades', Persephone plastered herself against his front before pressing forward, causing them to fall backwards and land with Persephone on top of Hades. Wasting no time, she straddled his hips as she trailed her lips up and down his throat.
Breathing heavily, Hades couldn't believe that with just the mere brush of her lips, his little Persephone was stirring feeling within him he had never thought he would ever have felt.
Hearing Hades' uneven breathing, Persephone smiled against his throat before gently nipping his Adam's apple. "Ask me," Persephone whispered.
Hades moaned as he felt the seductive scrap of her teeth against his jugular, tightening his hold around her waist, pressing her closer to him. Enveloped within her scent as he was Hades could hardly think anymore let alone form a coherent sentence.
Upon receiving no answer, Persephone slowly trailed her lips up his throat nipping him just underneath the jaw. Hades groaned as she quickly licked his skin then continued up kissing him on the cheek, moving slowly over to kiss his eyelids, then down the length of his nose. Then, finally, Persephone lightly brushed her lips against his, moving just out of reach as he tried to capture her mouth in his.
"Ask me," Persephone whispered against his lips.
Swallowing loudly, Hades drew in a shuddering breath keeping his eyes closed. "Will you marry me," Hades inquired unevenly.
Upon hearing him breathlessly succumb to her request, Persephone filled with pleasure. Swiftly kissing him on the lips, she wantonly uttered, "No. Ask me again."
Groaning, Hades was more than happy to oblige. Rolling over so that he was pressed gently yet firmly against her, Hades fiercely captured her mouth in his. Persephone moaned as Hades nipped the skin just beneath her jaw before returning to her lips. Kissing her until her breathing was unsteady, and her lips were swollen. "Marry me," Hades growled in between kisses.
Breathing unsteadily, Persephone couldn't contain the moan that vibrated through her lips. Gods, she loved him. And, she loved everything he did to her. With just one look, Hades had managed to effectively obliterate all of her fears, and apprehension as well as all of the memories Zeus had instilled within her mind for the past eleven years, rendering her breathless. Looking into Hades' eyes, Persephone eagerly and unflinchingly surrendered to his ministrations with a trembling yet unwavering, "Yes."
Hades smiled after hearing his queen utter the one word he so desired to hear before swiftly descending upon her lips, kissing Persephone like he never had before. Unlike their first, this kiss was burning and consuming. It was not gentle and it was not asking. This kiss demanded for both to participate and forced them to respond. Hades captured her lips in his and he held on, their tongues battling for dominance. A few long moments later they broke apart reluctantly to untangle themselves, pulling each other up into a standing position. Then after a few more lingering kisses, Hades kneeled in front of Persephone and slipped her ring onto her finger where it would stay forever.
Not long after that fateful day in their garden, Hades and Persephone's wedding day arrived bringing with it a future Persephone had never anticipated she would ever have.
Persephone was beyond nervous as the wedding day approached faster than she had ever expected. Never before had she ever considered marriage as an option open to her, and long before she met Hades she had accepted that. Persephone had long since become accustomed to the reality that she would never find love with someone meaningful and would instead have to care and protect her mother until the end of her days, which she honestly thought would have come sooner rather than later, and no doubt by Zeus' hand. But now here she was. In the Underworld about to marry its King and she couldn't help but be frightened.
Silently, Persephone got dressed and ready for her wedding. A wedding which it would seem Hades had planned for a while, but she didn't mind. In fact, she was kind of glad that he took charge because, frankly, if had been left up to her there wouldn't even be a wedding. Instead in its place she and Hades simply would have had a quiet and small ceremony with just the two of them exchanging vows of love and devotion. Not a full blown out event the entire Underworld would attend. But what could she do, Hades was excited, and to her that was all that mattered.
Just then a knock announced it was time for Persephone to make her grand entrance. So summoning up her courage, Persephone made her way to the throne room where the ceremony was taking place. Once she was just outside of the room, Persephone took a deep breath praying that she wouldn't make a fool of herself in front of all the guests. A moment later Persephone walked into the room, and her eyes widened. Everywhere she looked there were flowers; everything from a pink tulip to a blue orchid, to her favorite, the narcissus, which coincidentally was also the flower of Hades, strung all around the room. Walking forward Persephone scanned the room in awe until she finally met Hades' eyes, a smile consuming her face.
"Gods, he's absolutely breathtaking in his traditional robes," she mused thinking that there was no way this amazing man could ever belong to her. Persephone quickly cast the thought aside as she took a breath, held her head high, and smiled at her king as she walked towards him.
Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, Hades held his hand out to her which Persephone eagerly placed hers into before he zealously pulled her up beside him, a broad smile plastered upon his face. After sharing a brief kiss they turned to face Charon, who was ministering the ceremony, and who had also started to speak but Persephone barely even heard the words he uttered. In her mind the ceremony passed by in a blur. Only when Hades spoke did she come to as he recited his vows perfectly before turning to listen to her utter hers.
Persephone chose simple words to say and her vows were rather short when compared to Hades' momentous epic, but still her words were true and she meant them with all her heart. Then they kissed. A sweet and simple kiss, not one that satisfied Persephone in the least but still it was fulfilling in a at the moment kind of way. She was already planning on sedating the fire inside of her tonight, and she was not going to take no for an answer.
The reception passed by quickly. There were cheers, speeches, and dancing, but Persephone couldn't care less about it. She was far more anxious to get her husband to herself and soon. Thankfully, just when Persephone decided that she was going to have to banish the guests herself, Hades thanked them and bid them goodnight.
"Finally. If I had to wait one more minute for them to leave then I was just going to have to take my husband right here in front of them," Persephone thought blushingly.
Sighing, Hades muttered a relieved, "Finally" before turning towards his giggling bride. After taking in the sight of his blushing queen Hades wasted no time in wrapping his arms around her, gathering her up before stalking off to their bedroom. "Now it's just us," he sighed happy to finally have her to himself.
Giggling and kissing Hades, Persephone couldn't agree more. "Yes, it is."
While kissing his wife, Hades evaporated into their bedroom with her still locked in his arms. Breaking apart reluctantly, Hades walked over to the bed and sat down placing Persephone securely on his lap. Without a moment's hesitation, Persephone kissed him again and again and again. Hades smiled at his exuberant wife, moving a hand to caress her cheek. Moaning a little Persephone kissed him harder while teasing the skin on the back of her husband's neck with her fingernails. Hades groaned, before barely managing to pull away so he could press his forehead against hers.
"Persephone," Hades whispered huskily.
"Yes," Persephone replied wantonly moving in to nip him on the neck, her fingernails still teasing the skin on the back of Hades' neck.
After a difficult swallow, Hades barely managed to say, "Before we do this I need you to do something for me."
"What is it, love," she whispered against his neck, her lips brushing against his skin.
"I need you to eat the seeds of a pomegranate for me," he breathed unevenly but still managing to remain firm.
Pulling back Persephone raised a delicate eyebrow, and looking at Hades questioningly. "Now," she inquired confused as to why he wanted her to eat the pomegranate seeds right at this very moment when she was trying to seduce the pants off of him. "Why in the world is he thinking about those damned seeds now? Of all times?" she thought to herself frustrated that Hades was not kissing her like she was him.
"Yes, now," he uttered, finding it extremely difficult to maintain his stance as he beheld his beautiful wife. His beautiful wife, who at this moment was getting quite frustrated about the fact that he wasn't touching her the way he'd been wanting to ever since she arrived in the Underworld.
"Why?" Persephone understood perfectly exactly why he wanted her to eat the seeds. He wanted her to bind herself to him and his kingdom by consuming the pomegranate seeds with the knowledge that she would be unable to ever leave unless he decreed it. But despite this consequence Persephone had already decided long ago she was going to eat them. She wanted to spend her life beside him regardless of all the reasons she knew she shouldn't. In fact, she was going to eat them right after the wedding ceremony as a surprise for Hades, but her lust filled mind easily over rid this plan by continuously thrusting mental pictures of exactly what she was going to do to Hades the minute they were safe and secure in their bedroom.
"Because, love, if you eat these seeds then you will forever be tied to me and my kingdom. You won't be able to leave unless I say so. Once you eat these seeds then you will be bound here by love and by duty, just like me."
Sighing, Persephone shook her head while muttering, "You are trying my patience, husband. Where are these seeds?"
Happiness radiated through Hades' chest as he smiled and kissed his wantonly unsatisfied wife before pulling out a pomegranate from his pocket. Breaking it in half, Hades scooped up several seeds in his hand, holding them up for Persephone to see. "Right here, love."
Looking down at the seemingly harmless seeds in Hades hand for a moment, Persephone paused briefly before bending down to seductively suck the seeds out from between his fingers into her mouth. Glancing up at Hades as she licked the juice off of her lips, she saw him gasp in surprise as his eyes darkened with absolute pleasure. Smiling Persephone grasped the back of Hades' neck and quickly captured her lips with his fiercely. Moments later the two lovers fell back onto their bed and proceeded to thoroughly enjoy their wedding night.
