Chapter Nine

Zeus returned to the mountain of the gods a week later, oblivious to all that had happened in his absence. His visit to the human realm had been truly excellent, he thought to himself as he swaggered into the palace. True to Demeter's suspicions, he had found some very pretty young women to spend his time with, though whether they were pregnant or not, he had not stayed to find out. Were it not for his love of power, Zeus was sure that he would forsake his duties as a god and live permanently down on earth, drinking and whoring and gambling; but he did love his power, and, besides, he had far too much pride to just up and leave without punishing those who had defied him first. Speaking of, where was that wife of his?

Setting off through the palace, he eventually found Demeter in the hall, sat delicately in the throne next to his own, looking for all the world the loving queen, looking down upon the usual mass of friends and admirers.

"Demeter, my love," he bellowed, ignoring those from the mass who tried to call out greetings to the king as he passed by them. "I have returned from the human realm, leaving many satisfied women behind me," this last was said quieter, and with a wink, directed towards Eros, who grinned roguishly back at him.

"Welcome back, my King, I trust you had a most profitable trip?" Demeter stood from her throne as she replied, refusing to give him the chance of towering over her.

"Why yes, darling, it was," when he reached her, he swept his arms around her, kissing her roughly, in an obvious display of ownership, though most of those watching mistook it for love. Even gods sometimes choose to see what they want to see, rather than face the truth. "How was your time here, without me?" he asked, straightening up again, flashy her one of the smug grins he seemed to specialise in.

"It was... enlightening," Demeter answered vaguely, extricating herself from his arms, and retaking her seat, indicating with her hand that Zeus should follow her example. "In fact, there was something I wish to talk to you about, when you can spare a minute or two," Demeter had no plans to waste any more time on pleasantries, wanting to be sure that her plan would work.

"I can always spare a minute for you," Zeus spoke absently, his attention taken by the pretty girl serving him grapes, "no time better than the present, what is it?" he wrenched his eyes away from the girl and onto his wife.

"When you were courting me, I don't suppose you remember promising me something, in a bid to get me to marry you?"

"No, I don't recall," Zeus frowned slightly, unable to see where his wife was heading with this line of thought.

"A shame, I suppose I shall have to explain to you in just a minute. However, before I do that, I would just like to let you know that I am officially accepting your offer," Demeter's smirk was spread wide across her face, looking for all the world like a cat who had just caught a mouse. Zeus was worried now, anything that could make the woman this happy could not be good for him.

"I dare say you'll get round to telling me exactly what you are prattling on about eventually, will you?" he answered casually, unwilling to let on that she had rattled him.

"Oh, it's nothing that should bother you, really. It's just that you offered me the honour of being protector of marriages, of course at the time I declined your offer, but you were generous enough to tell me that the offer was there, if I ever wanted it. I have decided to accept, and so I must thank you deeply."

Zeus desperately searched his memories, finding, to his despair, that yes, he had offered her the position, and that yes, she was correct that he had left the offer standing, should she ever wish to change her mind. Resigning himself to losing the battle, he sighed.

"Fine, you win. Release the wench from my brother, although you'll still have to abide by his laws if she is to leave. To be frank, the entire thing bores me, and I would much rather spend my time punishing you for your disobedience," he finished this with a nasty smirk and a wink, before turning to the serving girl, whispering something in her ear, and then getting up and leading her from the room. As she was leaving, the girl shot a guilty glance back at Demeter, before her attention was stolen back by Zeus.

Back in her seat, Demeter was too pleased by the victory to be anything more than slightly embarrassed by her husband's display with the serving girl, and she left immediately, intent on letting her daughter know the news straight away. Reaching her chamber, she fetched the small bird she used for delivering messages, and sat at the table, hurriedly scribbling a note. Shoving the folded note into the bird's claws, she threw the thing from the window.

The goddess watched as the bird plummeted for a few seconds, before it got over the shock of being so suddenly thrust into the open air and, extending its wings, it flew swiftly away, straight towards the cave entrance to the underworld.

Demeter stared at the empty sky for several more minutes, trance like, not quite believing that her plan had gone so well, that Zeus had given up so easily. All she had to worry about now, was whether or not Persephone had continued to heed her warning not to eat any of the food. From her appearance last time they met, Demeter felt that it was safe to say that she had followed the rule up until then at least, the only way this plan could fail was if something had changed in the last week.

She shook her head, what could have changed? She was wasting time, standing and staring, when she should be preparing to travel, to meet her daughter as she exited the underworld for the last time. Hurrying now, she found a long, green travelling cloak and threw it around her shoulders, pulling her hair from the knot on top of her head, choosing instead to braid it down her back. She tugged the hood of the cloak over her head, obscuring her face and hurried from the chamber. Staying quiet, and walking close to the walls, she made it out of the palace without meeting anyone; it would be better if Zeus did not know of her departure, for although he had allowed her to win, she was sure that he would not let her see her daughter again, if he had the chance.

And so, hidden, she left the confines of the palace, travelling by foot and hoof for many hours through forests and meadows to reach the empty clearing. Settling herself down among the trees, she waited, her gaze fixed upon the cave entrance, watching for the return of her daughter.