"You've been awfully quite my Lord." I whispered. The dinner table like the rest was made from solid black marble, the benches were cushioned with a deep burgandy plush, but it was uncomfortable sitting with no chatter. Usually mother kept conversation alive, so much I couldn't get a word in, but it was noise.
He had been playing with a piece of steak most of the time, hazarding side glances my way. It was unnerving, and I felt uncomfortable for the first time since I'd been down here.
"I'm not used to having company at dinner." he admitted gruffly. I pulled another grape out of the bowl closest to me. "Is that what you like?"
"I'm sorry?" I asked popping it into my mouth.
"Do you like to eat grapes? I noticed you've not touched your wine, ambrosia, or much other than that apple." I smiled, he was watching me rather closely.
"I've never actually had wine, and am somewhat reluctant to drink alone my first time." He looked up at me then, one dark brow arching. "You haven't actually put a thing in your mouth my Lord."
"Hades." He reached for his goblet and took a sip, his eyes never leaving me. I returned the gesture taking a sip of my own. "Why have you never tasted wine? It flows freely at all the celebrations."
I plucked another grape, running a finger across its smooth skin. "Mother has never allowed me to drink, usually its water from my little pond."
He nodded, "Then I will have you some available tommorrow."
I folded my hands under the table, my appetite had deserted me. There should be no reason for him to know I liked food, it was my one true failing, the reason I held so much weight. I laughed softly and he turned to me again. "Why is it that I have all this fruit and ambrosia and you have only your plate?"
Did he just blush? I barely caught it, but it looked like his cheeks had turned a faint pink. "You cannot eat my food."
I jerked, he'd brought me down here and refused his food? Was this why they'd called him a monster.
He cleared his throat, "Food from the underworld is what some would call...'tainted'." He shrugged, "If you were to eat it, then you would not be able to travel between the worlds even with me."
I grinned, "Why would you do that? Is the food so superb down here that you wish to keep it to yourself?"
He smiled at my mild teasing, but his voice was serious. "I did not do that. It was Zeus who made that rule, and it must be followed." He seemed to relax, "Maybe you could give me a list of things you would like? It would make planning meals so much easier."
"Of course." I plucked a few more grapes laying them on my plate, rolling them in my mouth one at a time. "So what do we do tonight?" My nights had always been planned, I was told what to wear, when to go to sleep, when to get up.
"Whatever you would like Persephone." He scooted closer. "What would you like to do?" He was the first to ever ask me that, and my mind was a complete blank. I felt sheepish, he'd brought me here to live as I wished and I had no idea what to even do.
"Where's your bedroom?" I recalled my question from earlier, was his room as grand as my own? Or was I staying in his room?
He drew back, he seemed to hesitate over his words "I'd planned on sleeping in the guest quarters."
"So I'm in your room?" He nodded. "Then let's have a sleep over." His eyes were wide, his mouth actually dropped. I could count his pearly whites, if I had mind too. I laughed, "Nothing personal, just two people lying in bed. We can talk and you can sleep in your own bed. I mean, mother would come to mine on some nights. She'd tell me she was lonely and discuss her next days work with me. She said I was a welcome stress relief."
"Whatever you want." he smiled, but I could swear his body trembled.