I'm sorry this chapter is so short! I'm really busy at the moment, transferring from one college to the other and moving out of state…But I love this story, and I'm so grateful for all the wonderful reviews! I promise I'll keep going!

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Persephone woke to a quiet knocking on her door. Alarmed, she reached for her dressing gown.

"Who's there?" she called.

"Danea, my Queen."

Relieved, Persephone sat back. "Come in, Danea!"

The door creaked open, and Danea's beaming face appeared from behind it. To Persephone's surprise, Danea bounded over to her and embraced her.

"I mustn't stay long, but I wanted to say how glad I am that you'll stay with us. The kingdom will be a positively joyous place for your presence here. And Hades won't be sad any longer."

Persephone was at a loss for words. Her presence had never been particularly important before.

"I…thank you, Danea."

Danea left then, smiling even more broadly.

Danea wove her way through the dark passages, humming to herself and carrying an armload of parchment and fabric. Preoccupied, she managed to entirely walk into Hades.

Danea let out a surprised exclamation as scrolls flew. Hades had blended in so completely with the darkness (as he tended to) that she hadn't even seen him.

"I'm so sorry, my Lord Hades!" Mortified, she scrambled for the dropped paper.

Hades summoned some light into the hallway, and the gloom lifted.

"Don't worry, Danea!" Hades chuckled, and helped her scoop up some of the dropped rolls. When everything had been retrieved and was back in either Danea's or Hades' arms, Hades spoke again.

"Can I walk with you for a moment, Danea?"

Danea nodded, smiling again, her cheeks still flushed from embarrassment. "Of course, my Lord."

They set out towards Danea's destination, Hades' records room.

The Dark Lord absolutely towered above her, and looked quite fearsome in comparison. Still, the two chatted amicably.

"Have you seen Lady Persephone today, Danea?"

"Yes, My Lord. I just left her bedroom shortly ago."
"How is she?"

"She has slept. I spoke with her only briefly, but she seemed…peaceful."

Hades nodded. "That's very good. I'm glad she's rested."

Hades sighed deeply. "Is there anything that…she wants? Something to read, perhaps? Is she warm enough?"

Danea considered. "Something to read would be wonderful, I'm sure she'd enjoy that. And I think she is warm enough." Danea paused, gathering her thoughts. "My Lord, forgive my boldness, but the thing that is most troubling to her is that she does not know your true character."

Hades nodded. "If I come to speak to her, will she see me?"

Danea bit her lip.

"You can try, my Lord. All we can do is try."