Well! Since I made you all wait so long for me, I made an extra long chapter for you. Dry those tears for a time to see some of this! Sadly it won't last very long.

Thank you all for your support! For all the reviews, favorites, and followers!

I love to see every new one!

Chapter Eleven

To Heal What Was Broken

Thanatos

Thanatos stood, always ready, always early, waiting in the throne room, his hands grasping tightly to the list of people they would be judging today. "Lord Hades," he greeted stiffly, bowing his head lightly. "I see our new Lady has not decided to join you in court." He pursed his lips, eyebrows rising. "Pity." Persephone was everything he hated… and more. Not only did she sob at every little thing, no. She also fought. She was stubborn, and Thanatos was already starting to see the little Goddess as a pain more than anything else. Hecate was already losing his patience and interest. And that was not good for Persephone. But was that not similar to the topic he now wished to address his lord about? Hair pale like sun-bleached wheat, lashes touching hollow cheeks to forever cover the gray sight beneath. Frail, weak... and stupid.

Turning towards the throne as Hades sat, Thanatos's gaze sharpened, brushing aside more malicious thoughts for something he wanted. "I have something I must speak to you about." His red sandals clicked as he neared a bit closer. "It is everyone's best interest." That was always how the God of Death started out his pleas. As if everyone in the Underworld would benefit. "If you worked to appeal the Law of Trades."

Law of Trades: soul for soul. All night, after the 'wedding', Thanatos could not get the picture of the mortal from his head whose face had rested upon the pool and whose plight brought him the same aggravation as this new Queen of the underworld. It had been driving him crazy. Not cruel, only stupid in naivety. That was certainly not worth Tartarus for a man with the arrogance and pride of Zeus and Poseidon combined.

"Perhaps at the next council meaning? I feel it an unjust law, Highness, and completely and utterly unfair. It bends the rules of good and evil far too much." Though, it was willing. Both parties always had to be willing. Thanatos knew it brought up questions such as 'shouldn't people be able to decide for themselves' and the likes… yet, he wanted to force the mortal to accept her place in the fields of Asphodel, or perhaps Elysium. He had not read too far into her record. Only gazed upon her every now and again. It wasn't as if it were serious… no, Thanatos certainly did not care for the girl. Certainly, certainly not.

Hades

Hades was unimpressed. His black eyes bore into the face of the minor god before his lips twitched, beginning to curl up in a humorless, mocking smile. His head tilted back and lashes lowered so his eyes were half closed, laughter bubbling up in his breast to his throat. Not a moment later his laughter echoed through the hall, his hand clenched in a fist against his thigh, the other covering his eyes as he was over-taken by mirth. "Unjust, Thanatos?" he demanded, breath rushing past his lips as his shoulder shook. He did not find this funny in any way, shape, or form. His head shook some as his hand lowered, black eyes focusing on that god who had once been a pale little boy who was loathe to raise his voice and speak. Now his lips were still pulled into that twisted smirk, an expression alien on his face, this force of his reaction surprising. He was touchy, agitated. He did not want to talk about these things. "Unjust, yes, much is unjust as you would say it - but it is the mortals themselves who chose where they go. By the actions of their lives to live for the gods or against them. For evil or good... and that determines where they spend their eternity. I merely read their lives and send them to where they have chosen to go." He leaned forward some, his finger tapping his knee as those dark eyes grew a fraction darker. "Same for that law you dislike and say is unjust. I disagree, it is no different than what we do here. Instead, they voice their decision rather than showing it in their actions. It is of their own free will to take another's place. It would not be accepted if they were unwilling, now is it? Both parties must be fully accepting of this choice to where they will spend eternity."

He leaned back, his head supported by his fist. He seemed to calm down if even a bit, breathing deepening as if to calm a sudden flash of passion. "But why do you speak of this now? I reject your request. Unless you give me a good reason to rethink it. Perhaps there is a certain trade that does not please you?" His eyes leveled on him again, unreadable, smile gone to be replaced by a grim expression. "Never have I seen a mortal meet your unforgiving gaze, Thanatos. Is this your reason for questioning my authority or do you merely wish to slight me for your disagreement over my marriage?

Thanatos

Thanatos girted his teeth, unused to receiving anything but complete and utter respect when giving his opinion. Unless Hades was having an enraging day. And yet this day had only just began, and already, Thanatos was mocked. "Unjust," he repeated crisply. "As you hand too much responsibility to such stupid creatures." His fingers gritted into his wrists. He wanted to say 'such as your new lust interest'. But Thanatos, if nothing, was incredibly focused on self-preservation. His position as Hades' second in charge was ever important to the running of the realm. And to him, himself. And to insult his Lord in such a way… it would lead to good for no one. If he were to insult, he would do so veiled. It seemed he had already done annoyed the God of the Underworld, at Hades' howling laughter. "You are far too paranoid," Thanatos spat. This was not about Persephone. Perhaps… slightly. He wanted to weasel one mortal from Tartarus's grip. To abolish a law though… it was a bit excessive. "Lord," he corrected. "I have no reason to slight you for your choice of wife."

One word was spoken so clearly in the God's eyes though. Yet. Persephone annoyed him. Persephone worried him. And Thanatos, if anything, put his Kingdom first. Offing a brat did not weight heavy on his mind. The annoying thought of so why does the mortal was quickly shaken away. "I only say this is unjust, as, some mortals… are worthy of Elysium. And they do these stupid trades for… chivalry? Love? Unimportant aspects that will cause them nothing but pain." He gave a poignant look towards his King. "As their betters, is it not our jobs to guide them in the correct direction?"

It was clear though the normally calm God was starting to get agitated. "There are many trades that do not please me." Of course there was a specific one in his mind… but he would not embarrass himself to say so. "There are many things in general that do not please me, but I tend to let most of them… metaphorically speaking 'slide under the rug'. Or sink into locked chambers." Another sharp jab towards the young Goddess. He snapped open his roll, gazing upon the first name, forcing his red eyes from the black gaze. "I heed you do not forget whom you reject, though, Highness. And for how very little I ask of you." And for how very much I do for you. Thanatos licked his teeth. "Shall we call in the first group?"

Hades

Hades sighed and brushed his hand over his face wearily. "No," he said at last. "I apologize. I am... merely tense." He truly thought he was in the wrong to wish to apologize. But, he looked at the red-eyed god with his expression unwavering, now serious. "I shall take your request to mind, Thanatos. I do doubt that it shall be abolished, but I will make sure that it is fully... just. Bring to me what would please you to have changed within it, if it were not to be abolished. I need a good argument or I would have no reason to change it but leave it as it is. This is your chance so use it wisely. You have always had my trust, and as my advisor, I will accept that now."

He turned his head some and rubbed at his chin, eyes absent. "And I only ask you give my wife some time. You may have been a witness at my wedding but I am nearly certain it is because I am your king. Do not doubt my judgment. You, the god of peaceful death." he leaned forward some. "Long have the mortals and my fellows known me as unmoving, the just but firm hand that rules the procession of the dead, passive, and of fury when my hand is questioned." He gave a self mocking smile, fingers drumming against the arm of his throne. "You have seen her in her weakness, but I need her hand upon mine, to stay it when necessary, the one who is mercy against myself." He waved his hand some before him, eyes closing. "In time, understand. I am not beyond passing passions and fancies. When you find your own one to love, you will understand." He knew the god would very likely take offense to his words of finding someone to love, but he knew, in time, he would. He wasn't of stone, certainly not, and he knew him better than anyone else. He didn't even have to speak for him to know what he was thinking.

Still, he was very aware of his jabs towards his new wife. They were very justified so he did not act upon them. Rather, if he directly insulted her or said something untrue, then he would act. He still loved the woman, but everything he said was true. "Yes, we must guide them as their betters. But you also do not understand... the power love has." He made a face, thinking about Aphrodite. "And why it would drive people to do strange things." He looked directly at Thanatos, lifting a brow to imply the god very well may have been acting on such impulses for bringing it up suddenly. He didn't mention it or had any proof of it, but he had a desire to get under his skin as well. An adolescent thing, not uncommon in their youth.

"Now, bring them in. We have much to do today." His head dipped forward some though his back was straight, hands curling around the arms of his throne. But, when they began to appear, his head lifted and that familiar blank mask covered his features. That wasn't fully an act, it was a he felt over them - hardly a father, perhaps a bit of the chastising father or the one who gives reward... but also the judge, who takes what they have and lays upon them judgment.

Thanatos

"It is no concern," Thanatos brushed off the apology, though feeling less slighted after it. He nodded though at the generosity Hades bestowed upon him. "I will work on this and format a parchment for it later tonight. You should have my official plea by 'morrow." Though he did pause at the idea of giving Persephone more time.

"I find your ruling fine now, Highness." His eyes never moved from the scroll he held though. He was not about to show any of his intentions. "But if you insist she will help… and not harm… then I trust your good judgment as well. I only ask that you think clearly of what you have done – that girl is an Earth Goddess. We are below her domain of… expertise." He doubted the child was an expert at anything. "I find it hard… to think of her as anything other than overly sympathetic." The God of Death paused though at the comment of finding someone to love. His face hardened and he glanced up. "I would never want to fall in love or have a 'beloved'. I would be a fool not to acknowledge how terribly my twin shared in his hand at love. It is something I can never afford to have. I find it a waste. Of. Time." Those last few words clicked from his lips.

Ushering his hand though, Thanatos worked not to let himself be bothered, going so far as to take his cloth to bind around his eyes. He had the scroll of the day memorized anyhow. Though it was not bright, he could always claim it brighter than the day before. "The first group is all from a small town just outside of Crete. There was a tsunami a few days ago and they were flooded out." He paused, clearing his throat. "Apphia Kleiniou." The old woman stood forward, her eyes wide, hands shaking.

This was going to be a very long day.

Persephone

"Persephone," Hecate tucked a strand of loose red hair behind the child's ear. "I know you are awake."

It had not been very long since the Lord of the Dead had left them alone in the room. To determine that the young goddess was awake had not been very difficult either. For how long she had been awake was not entirely certain but she could hazard a guess to the fact she had heard Hades' parting words as well as her own. But she lay there, pretending to sleep. That would not remain for long. There was much to do that day than having the child wallowing in her own misfortune for the day. Getting her out of bed may be more of a hassel than it was worth. But now as a queen she had duties.

The Goddess opened her eyes, before lowering them. "Yes," she whispered. She wasn't wrong, in the least. The girl was awake though not eager to be. She took a breath.

"How long have you been awake?" Hecate's voice had changed from smooth and sultry, to soft and patient.

"Awhile."

"Ah. Are you ready to get up now?"

Persephone frowned, giving a sharp shake of the head. The Goddess of Witchcraft sighed. It was going to be one of those days. "I am going to have to insist you do." Pulling from the bed, Hecate stood, brushing off her toga. "It is already far too late and while today is not necessarily busy, there are a few things I'd like to get done."

The young girl turned over. "Well, go do it. I will stay here."

"I mean it." Hecate's voice grew firm.

"I don't care!" The Goddess suddenly snapped, sitting up in bed. "You are not my Mother, and I will stay right here if I wish it!"

Hecate paused for only a moment, before leaning over the sheets. There was a sharpness in her gaze. A sudden coldness, foreboding, of what would happen if there was continuous argument over the fact that Hecate was not related by blood. "No. But I am much older than your mother." Silence. The Goddess of Witchcraft leaned down to scoop Persephone's chin between her forefinger and thumb. She narrowed her eyes, but softened, seeing the trembling of the already frightened child. "I am not here to be cruel to you, Persephone."

Persephone had already looked away though. Hecate clucked her tongue, bringing the red-head's focus back. "I am here to help you. But you must trust me. And heed me." She moved her hand to stroke the smooth skin on the little Goddess's face. "You are my Queen, but I am your caretaker as well. I will guide you, advise you, teach you, and punish you as well for these little fits, until I," and Hades, but she would not mention his name as of yet, "find you suitable to rule over me."

She leaned in to kiss Persephone's cheek warmly. "It is not a bad thing though. Perhaps you may grow fond of me along the way?"

Persephone swallowed, biting at her lip. "…I …I see…"

"And you most certainly never have to think of me as your mother," Hecate continued. "Think of me more as… an aunt of sorts. Yes?" She released the girl's cheek to extend her hand. Persephone hesitantly grasped it, and was pulled from the bed. Hecate then picked the white dress from the floor, stretching it out. "Step in?"

Persephone flushed. "I… I know how to dress myself… I really am not… a child."

The Goddess of Witchcraft smiled, raising her brows. "The opposite," she crooned gently. "But no, you are a Queen. And that is below you."

"I do not see how…"

"You will over time."

Persephone conceded, stepping into the sun dress, letting Hecate pull it up and zip up her back. Persephone was exceedingly uncomfortable. And also in a great deal of pain, the ache between her thighs forcing her to walk with legs apart. She did not like that she was still being looked after. She did not like that she was being forced to move. She wished she could mourn for the pitiful shatters that were her life alone. But nay, she was yet again being forced into something she did not want to do. And still, even as a now married woman, the little Goddess felt ever the chastised child, certainly with the newfound knowledge she could no longer throw her own clothes over her head.

She sniffled once, not bothering to take Hecate's hand again, instead choosing to walk (hobble) beside her, giving another glance to the room, Hades' room. Again, it was beautiful, and formal. She felt she had been the first person to sleep there, the bed was so crisp, so clean, so soft and new. The color scheme was red and gold and black, but really, although she had not explored the other components of the apartment, saw nothing save for the wardrobe, the bed, the dresser, and a few pieces of art scattered here and there, looking more to impress guests than to actually be pleasing.

"Do not fret," Persephone turned to Hecate, eyes wide. "Your rooms are much more… casual." The Goddess of Witchcraft smiled so nicely for her, Persephone felt for a moment guilty she could not return it. But she physically could not. For if she tried to smile, the girl feared instead she would weep. Her dreams, thank Fates, were empty. No nightmares. No sweetness either. Just black. And then she had felt that hand upon her when she woke, and… had allowed it. Now, fully awake, Persephone tried to convince herself she had only allowed it as she had no other choice… but it sounded like a lie. Hades, like Hecate had spoken for herself, was not… trying to be cruel? Was it just in his nature then? To destroy? To… to take the affection of a woman such as she… and smother it out? Persephone felt her eyes tear up and she wiped at them quickly. She couldn't think of him either. Just like she couldn't think of her Mama.

"Here we are," Hecate announced, a few dozen yards from Hades' rooms. "Your apartments. Would you like to see before we take a bath? There are a few girls very eager to meet you."

She shrugged. Why bother saying 'no' anymore? Someone else would just force it to a yes. Hecate took the handles and pulled the double doors open. Persephone was even taken aback, her eyes wide. There was no black anywhere. No. This was… this was lovely purples and silvers. The paints were so elegant, the etchings in the walls vines. She stepped in, feet sinking into a silver carpet, and Persephone wiggled her toes. It was nicer than anything she had seen! There were a few deep purple lounges, and all the paintings were of scenery and landscapes. She stepped in further, to the master bedroom of the apartments. Again, taken aback, Persephone gasped, staring at the bed (smaller than in Hades' room, but far bigger than the one back home). It was so plush and pretty, adorned in so many pillows! She wished to jump upon it! Her vanity stood proudly there, bursting with different jewelry and tiaras. Her dressers still remained closed, but the oak was very fine and rich.

"We will need to fit you for clothes and shoes, but do not worry. They will be ready very, very soon. In the meantime, we will just use makeshift togas. The fabric will still be the same. I have a pair of shoes as well that will fit." Hecate's voice though sounded so far off. Persephone could hardly pay attention.

"This is… for me?" The Goddess asked, stepping further inside, This time, a warm laughter filled the room, Hecate running her fingers through the girl's hair.

"Well, yes! This is all yours! In there," she nodded to the left, "your library." And then she nodded to the right. "And in there, your bath chamber. These are your rooms now, Persephone."

"Oh." Persephone was so curious, wanting to discover every bit, that even the need to sleep and mourn eluded her.

"But there is something else." Hecate leaned down to whisper into Persephone's ear. "Girls!" She raised her head to call out, three young maidens padding in from the library. The three girls bowed their heads. "How do you do, Highness?" one asked.

Persephone gazed at them. "You are… mortals."

"…In a sense," Hecate interjected quickly. "This is Doris, Sarra, and Priska. They will be your main attendants, though there are many others in the palace who work to keep things tidy. These girls have gone through… special circumstances to be here. Doris is afraid of judgment, Sarra's mother is very ill, and Priska's family did not bury her with a gold coin. Two of these girls have made deals to be servants in the palace half the day, and the other half, return as different people to sort through unfinished business. For Doris, this means wandering the Earth to appreciate all she will miss while Sarra works at night to keep anonymously supplying her mother with medicine. Priska, on the other hand, works all day, hoping that her coin fare will be alleviated if she is a faithful and good attendant. Priska and Doris are sixteen, while Sarra is seventeen. They will be the ones to deal most intimately with your affairs. They will be… your companions." Hecate nodded towards the girls. "Is there anything you'd like to say to the Lady Persephone, girls?" She paused. "And afterwards, draw our Queen a bath, will you?" Two of the girls smiled again and bestowed their thanks on Persephone for allowing them this position, to which Persephone flushed and shook her head. She certainly did not deserve their thanks!

Doris, though, watched her queen, the one she would serve. She couldn't have been much older than she was! Still a child and hardly looked like a queen... just one who wasn't in that different a position as she was. Though, she knew, she most definitely was greatly different than her. The poor woman, she could see just how she moved that she was in pain. She blushed some as the other girls bowed, feeling embarrassed. But, she gasped when the other two left to do as they were told. She bobbed her head and smiled at Persephone.

"Yes, thank you," she said, her cheeks somewhat flushed as she smiled at her. "I... I don't know what would happen to me if I were not here."

Persephone swallowed. "Please don't thank me! I did not… pick you out. But… I am very glad to meet you." She tried for a smile but it was shaky. "I am sure nothing bad would happen to you either way though… I… I am trying to say you seem very… good." The little Goddess didn't understand how the judgment system worked.

Doris clasped her hands tightly together, giving a just as unsteady smile, uncertain. She quickly bobbed into a bow again and then glanced at where the girls were preparing the bath. That meant she had to do something else. She moved forward some and knelt down at her side, head tilted back. "Is there anything you need, my lady? Even if you wish me to go." She gave her a shy smile, feeling a bit more comfortable now. She wasn't as terrifying as she thought she would be... for a queen of the dead.

"Well..." Persephone turned towards Hecate, hearing the older woman clear her throat.

"I have a few things to attend to. I will leave the girls to you." The Goddess of Witchcraft touched Persephone's shoulder. "I will be back later. I'll have someone bring you lunch, yes?" And Hecate swished from the room, her very body changing to that of a younger woman even as the door closed. Persephone blinked before turning back to the one called Doris.

"I… um… I wouldn't want you to do anything you didn't want to do…" Persephone flushed in response. "I'd… like to learn more about you though, yes? You could tell me about your life? Why… why you fear judgment so badly?"

But Sarra came to lead Persephone into the washroom, and Persephone beckoned Doris to follow. "Have you… done this before?" The Goddess of Flowers asked quietly.

Friska gave a slight laugh. "Oh, yes, Lady. Sarra was a servant in the temple of Hera, so she mostly worked with sacrifices and cleaning. I though was the lady-in-waiting to the elder Princess of Crete. Before I died, there was rumor of the queen being pregnant again… I would have eventually served that child if it were a girl. Oh, it doesn't matter much!" Sarra nodded at Doris. "But we have not yet heard Doris's story." Quick as a whip and before Persephone could blink, her dress was pulled from her body, leaving her bare, the aftermath of last night very clear to everyone. Wrists and forearms were horribly brused, thighs as well covered in black and blue marks and dried blood. Love bites scattered her back and Persephone turned a shade of red she didn't think she could.

The girls fell silent and there was this horrible static in the air before Sarra finally coaxed Persephone into the hot water. They always had access to it – the Underworld was filled with hot and cool springs. "Lady?" Friska's voice was much softer. "Would you lift a foot to be pumiced? And Sarra will start soaping your hair? Doris, gently, gently take a cloth to wash at her shoulders, hmm?" Friska shot Doris a look, further emphasizing the word 'gently'. Persephone hesitantly lifted her leg, unable to look any of them in the eye after what they had seen.

Doris nodded her head at the command and picked up a wash cloth. She went around her side and began to gently rub circles into her shoulder and back, a delicate hand over the bruises. She looked at her in concern. "I should make you an ointment or see if I can find anything. It will help soothe the pain. And prevent infection." Speaking of in the delicate area where Hades had stolen her virginity. It would be awkward, certainly, but would help with the pain. "My... sister had been raped when I was still living... I had to aid her." She winced. "N-Not that I am implying you were... certainly not... j-just that... when you go through your first time... it certainly hurts..." She forced and awkward smile that disappeared quickly, pulling the cloth back a bit. "It will make you feel better, I promise."

"Don't… worry about… ointment." Persephone whispered in response to Doris, her eyes wet. She couldn't imagine someone rubbing oil onto such a tender area – the idea made her ache all over. "I will be… just great! Thank you though." A gasp left her but she quickly dipped her head under the water, coming up, calmed, re-allowing Doris to soap her shoulders, though Sarra had to restart with her hair. "But I am… I am sorry… I don't understand the word 'rape'?" She wasn't emotionally ready for any of this. This was all so new and strange and she didn't like all these new people in her area, so to speak. Persephone had been raised in almost complete solidarity… and now, everyone talked at her… and she was starting to realize how shy she was in groups.

She liked one-on-one conversations… or at least she used to. Friska faltered on her foot scrubbing, blinking profusely. "It… it means to be forced into a sexual encounter, Highness."

"Oh." Persephone's voice was outrageously high, her teeth chattering. She could see it all again. Dragged from the door, forced onto the bed, thighs shoved apart… "What an ugly word for such an ugly thing…" Her face looked horrible now, as if any second, she would be crushed under the weight of her trauma. Scrunched up, so much so that a simple dip beneath the water could not heal her.

"Well," Sarra said, clearing her throat, her fingers gently massaging the queen's head. She knew. It was so apparent. "I was married. And my loss of virginity was very painful." Her eyes were bright and she spoke clearly and sharply, trying to give reason to the new Queen to feel more comfortable – as if her situation was a complete natural thing. "He was very passionate and my legs were bruised and that is all there is to it. We should speak no more of it and talk of other things." It was so evident the relief that flowed from Persephone that she even let out a little laugh. She was so glad for a topic change.

Sarra hummed in approval, winding her fingers with soap, before taking a golden pail, filling it with bath water, and spilling it over the Queen's head. "You are very beautiful, Queen. Your hair is lovely,"

"That… is very sweet and… thank you," Persephone chewed her lower lip. Friska nodded in agreement, already working on the other foot. They would be as soft as the girl could make them – this was a lifetime of playing and roughing up the skin, though. One pumice session would not do. "You are…all…. very beautiful as well," the Goddess tried to say, wiggling her toes.

"Stand?" Friska asked, and Persephone did so, albeit a bit shaky. "Doris, you take the back, and Sarra will take the front. I will go grab a few towels?" Sarra nodded in agreement, taking another cloth to wet and soap it before tenderly washing the front of Persephone, trying to make this quick and painless, working in time to Doris. "Could you… spread your thighs, Lady?" Persephone breathed shakily but did so, Sarra making even quicker work, only wiping off the blood stains. "There." Friska entered just in time with a large, silver towel. Persephone was wrapped quickly, her hair as well.

"Highness?" Friska asked. Persephone turned to her. "How old are you?"

The Goddess lowered her eyes. "Fifteen. Sixteen in… in two days…"

Friska blinked. "So young to be married to a man of thousands of years! Is that just terri-"

Sarra once more took charge, eyeing Friska, giving a sharp cluck of her tongue. Now was not the time when their monarch was in such a fragile state. "A very happy early birthday then," Sarra amended. "Friska, let us go and get the Queen a robe. Now," she said sharply, taking the other girl by the hand to chastise her in private.

Persephone stared at Doris, now alone. "Am I… I am so sorry!" The girl blubbered. "Am… I making everyone terribly….uncomfortable?" She closed her eyes tightly. "I… I didn't want to wake up today! I am not… in a good place… please do not think I am… always this odd!"

"My queen, no!" Doris cooed, going to her and taking her hands. "Nothing is your fault, do not blame yourself! We are only afraid for you. We fear saying something that will hurt you. My queen, you are so delicate, your heart aches and we can all see it. We only wish to make things better for you, as much as we possibly can. So we try, too, not to speak of things that will only make things worse for you." She gave her hands a light squeeze. "And you certainly are not odd... I understand, I know what it is like to try and cope in a place you have gone to... against your will at that."

Her face softened and she lightly gave her hand another squeeze. "You are so good and kind, I can see it. Let that be your shield, to cope with who you now are. Whatever he has done to you, do not hate your husband. It will only make your life miserable. Maybe... maybe you may even come to care for him? Love him?" She shifted some, realizing she was probably being a bit of a hypocrite. She should take her own words to heart. So as she says, not as she does, huh?

"Please, let us help you in whatever way we can. That is why we are here. Don't shut yourself down, alright? Smile at least. That us a good start." She lifted her hand and patted her cheek a bit shyly at first. "Try things slowly, try and open up to your husband. Perhaps he will open up to you. He cannot be all bad, can he? He can't... be evil with no kindness. Otherwise we would all go to Tartarus!" She suddenly gave a shy smile that was meant to be sly to cheer her up. "Perhaps he is just an idiot. My sister was such a beautiful woman. So many men fell over themselves for her attention! The wisest and strongest men would become bumbling idiots in her presence! Perhaps he didn't know what he was supposed to do like they did, because he is so taken with you." She suddenly turned scarlet. "Ah-h... I went over my boundaries. I am so sorry. Pardon me, my lady..."

Persephone was shaking as Doris took her hands. She knew very little about mortals but they seemed so similar to her. As if they understood her. Her fingers trembled in the girl's hands and she nodded. "T-thank y-you…" She sputtered, unable to feel insulted that this creature beneath her was trying to advise her. It was… good advice, Persephone knew deep in her heart. And she, though taught by her mother, simply could not see how a mortal was below her worth.

Though, thinking through the words from Doris, Persephone did not see how could she ever return from this. If this was to be everything to her, she would certainly need to start… trying… But, why bother? Why bother forcing happiness in a place of such unhappiness? How could she look the man who… who she now knew raped her and forced marriage upon her in the eye?

"It's hard!" She instead gasped, shaking her head. Persephone might have been the same age as these girls, and yes, they were similar, which was Hades and Hecate's plan, but she was not nearly as mature as any were. Not even Friska. She had been raised to forever be a child, while they were working people in their societies, who interacted with others their entire lives. And children complain when things are rough. Fixing it by herself? Trying to force herself into interactions with someone she trusted and in return had broken her heart? Impossible.

"You don't understand – you don't know… you… c-can't. How could I ever open like I used to?" But still, the girl threw her arms around the handmaiden, finding her a source of comfort, the warmth of the Earth Goddess pouring into the hug as Persephone buried her wet face into the other girl's shoulder blade. They were… moderately the same height. "How can I smile, how can I speak to him?! I am my Mama's daughter – that's all I was and all I want! I want to be no one's bride!"
Sniffling, Persephone pulled away, yet grabbed at Doris's hands, squeezing whenever her own palms were squeezed, narrowed her brows. "I think he is all bad. Just to me though. I think he is all evil – my personal demon," And now, the Goddess was just being a brat. "And I will not forgive him!" She paused though at the girl's scarlet face, shaking her head. "But no! No… please… be my friend… for I need someone, I need…"

Doris was at a loss of how to deal with her queen's distress. She acted far less maturely than she would have acted in this situation. Instead, she appeared to be throwing a tantrum. Not the most honorable thing but she couldn't mention it. She didn't have the will to chastise her. How could she? She could only advise her queen, not force her into anything. Instead, all she could do was try and comfort her distress. She gasped when she was embraced but she moved her arms around her none-the-less and rested her head against hers. "My queen... but you do not have that choice. We can all want something, all wish for what we have lost, but we cannot have it! I want to be living, I want my mama, my papa... my big sister. I want to be where there is sun again and the grass underneath my bare feet. But I cannot, I cannot find love, have a man love me, because I am dead. I can never have that. You should be glad, glad you have something every mortal girl in existence wants... and probably the gods too. Love, you know? To have someone love you as a man loves a woman... it is the best thing in the world. If you... if you allow..."

"Doris." Persephone turned quickly, eyes widening as Hecate appeared from the sitting room, a bit startled that once more, her charge was already in tears. Hecate's gaze was disapproving, promising further punishment to the servant if she was not heeded. In her hand she held a hot bowl.

"Leave," she said quietly. "You have done quite enough for the afternoon." Doris' eyes went wide and she quickly bobbed her head in agreement. She gave a faint smile to Persephone, nodding her head in agreement to her earlier question, and left. She did not want to try that goddess' wrath. She was very old and very powerful. She was a mere mortal trying to avoid judgment. She gave a start, however, as she left the room, collapsing in on herself. Her breath stopped in her chest and if she was living she swore she would have died from startled fright. She fell into a deep, shaky bow and backed away before quickly fleeing. Hades ignored her, instead with his back pressed to the wall beside the door and arms crossed over his chest. Doris' hands shook, a strange twist in her chest.

Pursing her lips, Hecate took Persephone's hand. The doors slammed closed once the maiden was out, leaving the Goddess of Witchcraft alone with the new queen. "Why do you weep?" she asked softly, leading the child to the bed, sitting next to her. "It is terribly disheartening."

"I weep because I hate it here. I want… to leave." Persephone wiped her eyes. "And you sent off my friend!"

Hecate shook her head. "She obviously was not helping."

"Yes, she was!" Persephone snapped. "Why does everyone try to tell me how wrong I am here? And why do you all pretend this is normal? I was kidnapped and I was raped!"

Even Hecate was uncomfortable, turning her head from the word. "Do not say that again," she couldn't even imagine Hades' face if he heard that word from such lips he loved so.

"Why not?!" Persephone asked, her voice growing higher. "It is true, isn't it?"

No response.

"Isn't it?!"

"I brought you a light lunch." The black haired woman said instead. "Here." Hecate slowly turned back, holding the soup for the girl. She was trying to change the subject. "It will make you feel better. I added a few things – your bruises will fade by morning if you down the whole bowl. Do this for me?" Persephone took the bowl, glaring at it for just a moment… and then threw it to the ground, the liquid spilling everywhere into the carpet. Hecate's eyes widened, before narrowing, and she promptly slapped Persephone hard across the face. Persephone gasped. She hadn't expected that certainly! The girl let out a low wail, holding at her face. "That was for being rude. I will send someone to clean this up later, and at that time, I will bring in your clothes and shoes. You are confined to this room, and this room only." At the mere sentence, all the doors closed to the library and washroom. "I will come collect you for dinner this evening. Whether you attend or not is completely up to you, but, I would suggest it greatly, Highness."

Primly, Hecate stood, and left, closing the door to the sitting room as well, leaving Persephone alone to throw herself under the covers, petulant, and unhappy. Hecate had given the Goddess more time to weep… and more time to be embarrassed at her own childish actions.

Hades

He knew it was a bad idea, going there when she was so distressed. He could not help himself, however. There was a slight break that he had before the next group came in. The first had gone through pretty quickly. They were neither evil nor exceptionally good that lot. The whole bunch of them. None deserved Tartarus though he had to admit he was eager to throw some in anyway. But, he knew it was best not to take out his anger in ways that would be eternally permanent. But, coming here should have eased his mind rather than darkening the trouble that was heavy in his mind. He could hear it all from outside, and when Doris had exited, she could too - thus knowing every single word they said had reached his ears. Her blush was still red too. He, though, was not thinking about the maidservant.

But, each of Persephone's words stabbed deep into his heart. He was her personal demon, evil, she would not forgive him. His eyes were dull and distant. When Doris had appeared, though, there was that expression of profound suffering that he felt to his core. It would change, he knew... he knew it would. He had eternity to make things better with her. It would only take time. If he let her go now, he knew she would never return to him on her own free will, she would forever hate him, that enmity that would not heal though it may, with time, go dull. But certainly never love him. If he had not taken her, their love would never have come to be. At least, not her for him. He would never be able to see her again, not with Demeter watching over her daughter with the eye of a hawk. What else could he have done but this? That was meant to be comfort, but it worked little to be just that. Maybe the Fates had damned his love. His precious one, who threw a tantrum just on the other side of the door, crying and very clearly pronouncing her hatred of him, her refusing to ever forgive him.

Then that word tumbled from her mouth that made him winced. He shook his head, hand lifting to cover his face so only his mouth was visible. It was clenched tightly, some of his white teeth showing beneath the lips curled in an expression of suffering. Rape. Where had she learned such a word? But to hear it from her lips, that she knew that is what had happened to her. To hear it brought their situation to a whole new reality. He had raped her, yes he had raped her... the one he loved. He had hurt her so deeply it drew her virgin blood. No, he had stopped after he had done that, did not go further to beat in the insult, but did she know what sex was? No. He tried to explain, but she said that was not for her. When he did this to her, would she not think that was all it was? Not as it was meant to be... an expression of love and desire, to please the one you love and feel their desire to make yourself happy? It was a union of two that was what it should be. But when could he ever express that to her? Show her what it meant to make love? With her words now, it could take... take a very long time. Gods could hold very long grudges.

He heard the crash and he lifted his head quickly. The bowl had dropped to the ground. Then the slap, Hecate's hand against Persephone's cheek. Guilt filled him then anger, and not just at Hecate. But, he controlled himself, chest rising and falling with some effort. Then, Hecate was gone from the room, beside him. She probably hadn't know he was there. He didn't move, his eyes gazing at the ceiling, his back no longer against the wall. He looked for all the world he had just gotten there though he had been there for some time. "Now, is not the best time," he said at last. He refused to show weakness in front of Hecate. He turned away. "I hope to see her at dinner." He hoped! He doubted it, though. If she was given the choice, she likely would never come, rather remaining in her room to weep.

Persephone

Persephone lay in the new, ridiculously soft bed, for hours, just staring at the ceiling of the room. She had tried the door handles long ago, but knew in her heart that it was to no avail. She was ashamed of her actions, honestly, staring at the broken bowl upon the floor. But more ashamed of what she had said to Doris. Like a young girl who was forced to sit in the corner, Persephone, therefore, had been forced to think of her actions. They were… mean, she thought. And she hated that she was mean. Hades… the very name still made her close her eyes, yet she forced herself to stop in the self pity. Hades had been good to her those few days. He had other intentions, yes, but he had honestly spent very precious time to entertain her. He had even gifted her something that Persephone otherwise would never have known the likes of. He had told her of all the wonderful things she was too. Never insulted her. Never looked down upon her… had never even laughed at her, when the girl was sure she sounded so stupid. Persephone sighed shakily, but jerked up in bed when the doors creaked open. Hecate looked tired, but merely held out the cloth and a beautiful pin.

"I assume you'll say no, but allow me to leave this…"

"I am sorry," Persephone jumped up, her eyes wide. "I am sorry for throwing the bowl. I really am. Please forgive me."

The Goddess of Witchcraft was taken aback. "I…"

"You must, won't you? Forgive me?" Persephone pleaded once more.

"Of course, Lady," The smallest of smiles touched Hecate's face. "But as I was saying, I will leave the dress here so that tomorrow you can…"

"And I want to go to dinner." Hecate dropped the dress and pin to the floor, blinking. She hastily picked it up, brushing off her shock.

"Good, but really, Highness, you must stop interrupting." Though that small smile grew just a hint wider.

"I am sorry! Again." Persephone swallowed. Did she actually want to see Hades and go to dinner? No. But, she had thought of Doris's words as well… And although she knew (incorrectly) Hades hadn't heard her, she wanted to selfishly make herself feel better by attempting to reach out; though, Persephone assumed it would only end in complete disaster. Would he try to… again? It made her nervous… but honestly, that night… when he had just slept, holding her hand… did that not give her enough proof he would bring her no more harm? She shoved the thought from her mind.

"Come – I will help you dress tonight." Hecate guided Persephone towards the vanity, removing the towel with a sharp yank, setting it aside. "Face me,"
Persephone did so, and Hecate draped the long, plum colored silk against her skin, pinning the sides with diamond encrusted pieces. The shoulder broche though, was shaped as a black rose. "Sit." She guided the young girl into the chair, quietly taking a thick brush, and coming through the now-dried strands of red. It went through smoothly, Persephone noted, her eyes closing, lulled by the motion. "A married woman," Hecate said, "May keep her hair down in her home. If she has guests though, or is traveling, her hair is always up – especially if that married woman is a Queen. Some of the more risqué women test it with half-up half-down styles. Queen Amphitrite plays this game a bit too often for anyone's taste. Queen Hera never does. This is for future reference, my lady, which is why we can keep it down for now."

Persephone nodded, gazing at herself in the mirror. She looked… tired. And… a bit worn. Thinner. She hadn't eaten in… almost two days. The girl quickly looked away, not noticing how lovely the toga sank against the creaminess of her skin, or how red her hair shone in the light. She thought herself ugly this day – perhaps her words were so ugly, the morphed her own opinion of herself. Hecate turned the chair, and was on her knees – something she had not yet done before, placing the black sandals upon Persephone's small feet, lacing them up to the ankle.

"Thank you," Persephone mumbled and Hecate looked up to throw a rare wink. Standing once more, dusting herself off, Hecate took Persephone's hand.

"Shall we?" Persephone nodded. She followed Hecate, though did not look at the halls they passed. Persephone was not ready to fall in love with their beauty, or fall in fear with their ominous, unlived in aura. She could not see this as her home. So she was naturally startled when they had stopped at an intimate single room. "The King rarely uses his grand dining hall – only when there are large gatherings of his more important deities, or, an Olympian party is forced to reside here. This is a more intimate setting. I assume he thinks he shall dine alone… or that I, myself, may join him."

The little Goddess, for all her reasoning, could not understand the pang of jealousy that shot through her. She merely nodded.

"You may go in whenever. I will see you tomorrow, then, Highness?" Hecate smiled but Persephone felt a jolt of panic.

"Wait! Is he going to… do you mean…" She was already trembling and the Goddess felt a bit of pity, cupping the girl's cheek.

"Hush. If I know our King, little one, the most he will do tonight is escort you back to your own rooms. He is not a cruel man. And he wishes to be nothing but good to you." Hecate recalled Hades not striking her when impersonating Persephone. Something that even surprised her. "You will be more than safe." Hecate hesitated, not knowing everything that went through Hades' mind. But still, she said those words that Persephone needed to hear: "I swear it."

Persephone nodded and waited until Hecate had disappeared, before slowly opening the door. The room was still large for someone like Persephone as she gave it a quick glance. The table as well, though it was only built for six. She stared at her feet, before looking upward, combing her hair back with her fingers. Her gaze set upon the one man already seated, her eyes barely touching his, before looking elsewhere. "H-hello," she said quietly, closing the door ever so hesitantly. "I… I hope…" This sounded nothing like her voice. She was so terribly nervous… anxious. "I hope you do not mind me coming…" She didn't move though, sealed to the door, her hand upon the handle. She was afraid perhaps being here was wrong – maybe he wanted very well to eat alone! Or with Hecate. Maybe he was mad at her for last night. Maybe this had been a mistake.

Hades

Hades was in the room before her, pacing restlessly which was something he rarely did. There was food on the table but he hadn't touched it. It was likely he would not have eaten if she wasn't there. It wasn't uncommon for him to go an extended period without any food or sleep - and he needed it the most out of any of the other gods. That was another reason for his lack of substance unlike his past self. At last he sat down, head resting wearily on his fist that was at his chin. However, when she came into the room, he paused and lifted his head quickly. Slowly, his eyes widened a fraction. Persephone. Stunning, so terribly beautiful as she was. He wanted to take her up into his arms and wipe that expression away. But that would only cause the opposite affect. Instead, his grim face broke into a smile and he stood, moving around the table to reach her.

"I invited you," he disagreed. "Of course I do not mind. I prefer it." He took her hand, still cool, almost colder now, in the depths of his realm. He kissed her palm rather than the back of her hand, eyes closing. "I am glad you came." He paused. If only he could apologize, but... but he could not at the same time. How could he apologize when it wasn't to be accepted? No... not yet.

Instead, he led her to her seat and helped her to sit. Then, he moved to his own seat and sat. He cleared his throat and glanced off to the side some then back at her. "You look lovely," he said awkwardly, not entirely certain how else to continue. He blinked then extended his hand to indicate what was before them. "Please eat. I did not know what it is.. you like, so I guessed, and had a selection..." He paused, decided to stop talking, and instead took a quick bite. Before he knew just what to say around her, now he was felt like a foolish youth trying to woo his lady. In a way, he was, yet very much not so. As Doris had said, he was... in ways an idiot. He had no idea what he was doing, and afraid he would do something that would ruin his slim chances. She had chosen to come... that was massive stepping block already. And it was only the night before he had... raped her.

Persephone

Persephone flushed deeply but did not make to pull away as Hades came to her, her hand within his, lips upon her palm. She did stiffen some though, staring at his chest rather than his eyes, her own fluttering deeply within her chest. The way he smiled though, just at her presence… Persephone didn't think anyone before had smiled like that.

"…Then… it is very good," she mumbled, allowing him to help her into her seat. Something else she found very odd. Could she not sit down alone? It was… alright though to be treated so specially. Gazing up at her new husband for just a moment, only to hear him call her lovely, Persephone's head immediately shot right back down, her eyes wide. That was certainly very nice. But a lie. She felt awful about herself. Unhappy and achy. "No… not… tonight." She disagreed, biting her lower lip. He was possibly lying to her, to comfort her. That seemed the most logical reasoning for his words.

Persephone fiddled with her hands for a few moments before nodding, looking at the selection. There was a bowl of chic-pees: something she often ate at home. Next to it was a deep dish of moussaka, a loaf of honeyed bread. All these she was familiar with. What she did not know was the fish and cheese dish, or the roasted lamb that lay in the middle. "I've…never had meat before," she said, blinking. Her gaze fell upon something though, something she had only tried a dozen times, but were honestly, her very favorite sort of egg.

"Those… those are Egyptian Goose Eggs!" Persephone pointed adamantly, finally, a smiling break through as she looked up, grinning wide. "I love those!" They were hard to come by, expensive, and something Demeter only served when Athena came (as they were also her favorite). Persephone reached across to pluck not one, not two, but three, placing them on her plate. Before she ate, she looked towards the two pitchers sitting next to her. One was filled with water, the other, a much richer, redder liquid.

"What…what is that?" She asked. Her voice was still shy, but really, this was… almost exciting? If you could ignore the horrid tension she was feeling… yet, the initial panic had long left when Hades had moved from her. All these new things right then and there for her to try and sample? Well, she normally did not have such variety. And of course, the eggs… those were very, very good. Waiting for his answer, Persephone took her knife and tapped at the shell, cracking it off to reveal the hardboiled food beneath. She cut that in half, before biting into it, a pleased little smile on her face.

"Could we have these again?" She asked as she started on her second egg, absorbed in her own meal. So much so that she didn't notice that she had once more agreed to dine with him.

Hades

Hades opened his mouth with a slight frown. "You do not give yourself credit, dear one. If anything, I do not lie." He paused when he said that, deciding that was probably one of the worst possible things he could say. He swallowed and looked away for a moment, hoping that didn't just destroy the entire mood of the evening. But, when she grew suddenly preoccupied with the food, he felt pleasure in knowing he had done something right. Surely she wouldn't have been exposed to such things and now she could taste at her will. He had been a bit worried she would be a bit shy to - if she even showed up - but she seemed absolutely delighted. Especially with those eggs.

He began to laugh, something light but brought a light to his dark eyes. "I am glad you like it," he said, resting the end of his fork against his plate before he watched her enjoy her food. So many eggs. She really liked those, didn't she? Well, that was a dish he was glad he had. She had looked over everything else more or less respectfully but for the first time delight was on her face. She looked so lovely, so beautiful with a smile on her face. It eased away her troubles and lightened his own heart. If only it would remain there rather than being a rare, sweet instance.

"Wine," he told her simply. "A drink made of grapes... though not drunk in access. It will only cause one light-headedness and unable to control themselves. But, it is good and rich, I think you will like it. It makes your limbs and stomach warm. Just have a little, however, if you wish to try it." He lifted his own glass and placed it to his lips, lashes lowering a fraction over his eyes. "Yes, we can. Whatever you wish to eat, do not fear to ask for it. If you love those eggs so much, I will ensure that they are there whenever you wish for them." He nodded solemnly and set his glass down. He took another bite of the mutton, his opposite hand lightly tapping against his knee.

"Is there anything I can do to make things better for you?" he asked, not looking at her directly. "Anything, I will do my best to accommodate it. I do not... want you to be uncomfortable or unhappy. The maidservants please you, don't they? I also hope... Hecate isn't unkind to you." He frowned some, brows pulling together. This was... an extremely awkward conversation.

Persephone

Persephone had stiffened suddenly, her face paling at the comment of Hades not lying. A shot of the evening before crawled into her head and she closed her eyes, blocking it out all-together, instead, focusing on the food. "Oh," The girl murmured simply in response to the drink in question, her face a bit giddier at the laugh – she… she liked Hades' laugh. Had before, still did, most likely would always, for it was so genuine, whether or not she was hesitant to be in his presence.

Taking the pitcher, a little nervously, she glanced upward once more to make sure it was alright, before pouring herself a small glass. Too small, really, but she was nervous. She didn't want to lose control over herself! That sounded silly… the idea of being warmer though… that was nice thought. She found herself very cold down here. She wished there could be more fireplaces. Though, Persephone was glad at the idea of having eggs with every meal, she thought, before taking a long gulp of the wine, finding a fire heat in her throat, then belly. The girl gasped, letting out a soft giggle at the sensation. "Oh, I like this! It is very good!" she declared. Persephone would perhaps try the meat next. Yes, that sounded fine. Her hand had gone to cut herself a slab, though she immediately lowered it before reaching. Her mother hadn't let her eat meat. Perhaps she shouldn't?

It didn't matter though. Her appetite was lost on the next few questions. Why would he ask that? It seemed very painful to ask, and more painful to consider the answers. Would he truly do as she wished him to?

"You… know I would be happier… if I could… could…" go home? Didn't he see that answer, almost as soon as his question left his mouth? Though, Persephone was unsure of whether she wanted that or not anymore. To face the rejection of her mother once finding out what had happened to her? To have such pure love revoked from her? Where would she go then? What would become of her? The girl took her napkin, tearing it in her fingers, her eyes watering only slightly. She couldn't ask for that. She'd be happier if he turned back time. Turned back all he had done.

"I want a fireplace. More of them, please. It's cold," She said simply, though her lips trembled, obviously thinking of other things. "And yes… everyone is good. Everyone is kind." Persephone wiped her hand under her nose. She knew they all meant to do their best, and even Hecate meant well… "T-thank you." But Persephone had shut down once more, obviously finished with her very light dinner and the conversation all together. Her thoughts went to her mother – did the Harvest Goddess know what had happened to her? Did her Mama miss her as Persephone missed?

Taking the crumbled napkin, Persephone blew her nose, shaking lightly now.

Hades

Hades chuckled some into his drink as she exclaimed how much she liked this new wine she had had never had in her life. Certainly Demeter would never have wanted her daughter to drink it. "Aye, that it is. That is why so many drink it in excess. The feeling of weightlessness seems to be very enjoyable to them." He lifted his finger and tapped it beneath his eye on his cheek bone. "But only have one or two cups, no more. If you are chilly, I can get you something warm to drink. Perhaps warm milk?" He set his glass down when she seemed to lose some of her earlier life. His words had surely sucked the life out of the room, figuratively speaking, of course. He dipped his head some and sighed when she began to say those words but cut herself off. He knew what she was going to say. "Your mother loves you dearly," he said at last, fork resting against his plate. His face was distant. "I do not believe my sister would reject you because..." He went still, cutting himself off. His face was pale before he shook his head and swallowed.

"Yes, fireplaces would be good. I will put it to thought and make sure that it is done." He paused. "You are welcome. But you should thank Hecate more than I. Most of my time has been spent... before the souls of the dead."

Pushing back from the table, he stood and moved around it to where she was. She probably did not want his comfort but he went to her anyway, crouching down at the side of her chair. His hand lifted and caressed her cheek, turning her head towards him. He bent closer and kissed her cheek, not saying a single word. When he straightened, he rested his hand against the back of her chair. "Come, let us get you somewhere warm. You need some rest." He thought about that, wishing he could sleep with her... not in a sexual sense, just purely remaining in the same bed, holding her in his arms as she fell to sleep. What a thought that was! But he was already pushing his boundaries. "Have a good night and sleep well." He shifted, turning to call for someone to escort the queen back to her room.

Persephone

Persephone shook her head, biting her lower lip. Her mother loved Kore. Not what she had become – how could Demeter? She had raised Persephone with that… that binding law. That no exceptions rule. The girl sniffed again, looking towards Hades as he came to her, her head giving a simple shake of the head – she didn't want his comfort. Not when he had cursed her to this. He came anyway, and she couldn't say she adamantly denied him… without any idea why, she did not jerk away. Persephone closed her eyes as a hand came to rest upon her cheek, her breathe shuddering though, the true sign of her apprehension. Opening her eyes to gaze upon him, there was a deep-rooted fear, yet a conflicting desire to have him care of her that shined clearly in the blues. Persephone was an open book. She didn't hide her feelings, no – maybe she would hide words, but never her emotions. Stiff as board as he kissed her cheek, Persephone, again, she accepted it, but did not actively participate by leaning closer. She merely swallowed, breathing shallowly from her mouth.

His kiss left a cool fluttering feeling against her skin.

"Y-yes," Persephone murmured as she was released. She stood as well. "I will tell Hecate, but… I am not… very tired though." And she wasn't. Her mind was far too active to sleep now. But why tell him that? Did she want to speak more to him? It was too hard for her handle. Persephone didn't like these conflicting emotions – she knew she should hate, but really, all she could do was fear. Perhaps even adamantly cry her distaste for the man, such as this afternoon… it wasn't true though. It was a lie, brought on by pain.

He was going through the door's opposite side though, and Persephone lowered her head, her hand raising in a pitiful attempt of a goodbye. "Goodnight," She said quietly. What were they? What did she feel for him, her now husband? Certainly he was not evil, and she had been… overly mean… but he had not been good to do what he did. And still, Persephone fund herself acting far less cold then she should have towards him.

"Wait!" She suddenly called, her lips pressed tightly together, her cheeks flushing. Persephone looked down. "I… don't understand… what we are doing." She gazed back up at Hades, her teeth clenched. "You pretend things are fine, and I can't seem to hate you as much as I wish I could." She was obviously embarrassed, her words coming out quickly, trying to throw them all off her chest. "Is this a… a game?! Am I losing? Because I don't understand… anything!" The girl covered her mouth at her outburst, closing her eyes. The regret of her words hitting her full forth.

She tried to continue, though these questions barely made it above a whisper. "I barely know anything about you… and you me… and… you are so powerful, and I am… not. So please explain what this is and what… what the point is. Please?" She frowned deeply.

Hades

Hades stopped when she spoke, calling for him to wait. He turned his head, hand lowering from the door he had meant to go through. It closed but did not click to show that it had locked. Rather, he faced her fully, moving to the table and placing his hand against it. He did not move closer to her, recognizing how uncomfortable she had been with him trying to comfort her. Instead, he listened to her words respectfully, face unreadable. His face was so unreadable as she spoke but, before she covered her mouth, he winced, head turning away some. I can't seem to hate you as much as I wish I could. She probably knew it was a bad thing to say, but not how much it stung to hear that. As much. She did hate him, she hated him, certainly, and she wished she could hate him so much more. That gentle nature of hers would not allow her to be so... so... he didn't even know a word for it. So cruel?

Her last words were whispered, barely coming out as her eyes were closed. His own eyes were closed, his head turned away from her. His shoulders sagged and he took a breath. Though she had disliked his close proximity before, he could think of nothing else. She was hurting, and it was his own fault. His... selfishness that she was there where she hated to be. Wishing for her mama but afraid Demeter would no longer accept her. She didn't say it, but he knew her thoughts without having to touch her mind. Terrified, in a place she didn't belong. Oh, he loved her so much, he couldn't think of eternity without her at his side, not that he had found her, his other half. But was it as two magnets that repelled each other rather than connected?

He moved to her side, gently turning the chair and crouching, then kneeling, in front of her. He so lowered himself below her, though she most likely would not recognize the significance of such a gesture. He took her hands between his, clutching to them so they rested within that simple embrace. "Persephone," he said, his black eyes searching her face. "I would not play a game with you, not like this. Do you think me so cruel I would do this for amusement? How could I, when it not only hurts you but myself as well? I take no pleasure in that. Persephone, my dear one, you only lose what you do not gain. Do you not hate me... you fear me and that I do not blame you for. I have not once lied to you, withheld all the truth, but never lied to you. I do not plan to, I have no reason to." He lowered his eyes some then looked up at her again.

"Why did your mother keep you confined within her valley? To never allow you to leave without her permission, to... lord over you? She loved you, Persephone. All of that because she loved you. Am I...?" he paused, hands loosening around hers. "Please... please hold gently what you have in your care. I can give you so many riches, but it means little. All I wish... all I want... is for you to care and cherish what I place in your hands alone. Now, your hands are so tight in their anger, squeezing it to nearly bursting. It is no one's fault but my own. But if I were to leave you, leave you with your mother and forget all that I desired, what I placed in your possession would have withered and died, neglected and you would never have known you ever had it." His lips parted some more then closed again, instead twisting it in a sad smile.

"Please, at least shatter it if you must. But do not allow it to wither away, slow to die. I know you can no longer cherish it. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He suddenly was startled, choked up by tears he had not shed... when had he cried? Ever? He shook his head and stood, hands sliding from hers. "My heart is yours," he whispered. "To do with as you wish." He turned away and left the room, the door closing behind him. He couldn't be in there, not then. He knew she would reject him. He did not want to deal with that now... whether she finds kindness to shatter his heart gently, or recoiled from him... he did not want to know. Instead, he stopped, hand covering his face. The wet tears did not fall, but he felt the twisting in his gut, the burning of his eyes. He loved her, so truly. But had the Fates destined him to do nothing but hurt those he loved?

Persephone

Persephone stared wide eyed as Hades came to her, his face a terrible mask of pain. She felt her heart tremor in her chest, thumping like a doe's, unsure of how she would suffer for making him ache inwardly. She was surprised that instead of yelling at her, at forcing the blame upon her, instead, the Great Lord of the Underworld got to his knees, gently turning her chair. So surprised, the young one gasped, chewing on her inner cheek as her hands were taken. They were shaking in his large ones. It seemed he knew not how to comfort her without touch… and it seemed she always let him. She had not told him no in the times he had touched her since last evening. She licked at her lips anxiously, her eyes glued to his, for they were relentless in their meaningful gaze.

His words were so full of agony. How when she hurt, he hurt. She could feel her heart welling with empathy for Hades. Empathy she was not sure he deserved… but yet, how could someone so sincere not deserve the utmost kindness? Was she… harsh in her anger? Was it justified, she knew not. He was wrong though in one aspect. She did not hate him. She didn't like him, resented him, but didn't… didn't quite hate. She just only wished she could. Hate was too strong of a word. After last night, Persephone had never wanted to see him again… and yet, if she had hated him, when he had slept with his hand covering hers, she would have screamed and thrashed… instead, she just… slightly moved. And at dinner. If she had hated him.. she wouldn't have even come.

No… Persephone couldn't think him so cruel… it didn't seem to bring him any pleasure. Didn't seem to bring him any ounce of joy to do this to her. He lost when she lost. "H-Hades…" She whispered, wanting to argue against him, but she couldn't find the words that would work without absolving him completely. But what if she wanted that…? Persephone wasn't meant to be a punisher. She wasn't mean to make others suffer… it was hard for her to even think that way. "My mother kept me confined… for my own good…" The girl finally spoke her first sentence, but, it quickly died off, whatever argument she had to make. She didn't understand what Hades meant at all. What did she have in her care? What was she hurting? What that he treasured so terribly was she squeezing?

And then… his eyes burned. Persephone felt something in her stomach clench painfully, lips parting in response to the wetness building up, the tears… she didn't think Hades could cry… Oh Gods… what did he mean his heart? She couldn't… didn't want him to be in so much pain… Her hands reached to take his face, a natural response… just for him… but he was gone. How… how could she, a minor Goddess, hold his heart? What did that signify? She was hurting by hurting herself…

Burying her face in her hands, unable to move to catch him, she didn't notice another person entering until she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Mistress?" Persephone jerked up, her jaw shaking. She needed to know what Hades meant… she needed… needed not to… to crush this heart… something she didn't know what to do with… And she knew someone who would know how to help. "Friska… Oh Friska… is Doris near? Please, tell me she is!" Friska nodded. "But she will be leaving soon to go back to Earth with Sarra. They will be back in the morning though!"

"I need to see her now," Persephone swallowed. "Please."

Friska bit her lip and nodded. "I'll take you to our room, if you'd like, Lady."

"Thank you," Persephone breathed, following after her maid.

The rooms the girls were in were in a complete different section of the palace, Persephone still was unable to watch the halls, to find her own way. They were headed to the servants' quarters. Once there, Persephone could tell they had arrived. The halls were bustling with other people, those who had made deals like the three girls, as well as a few minor deities and rarely, very rarely, a nymph or two. None recognized Persephone though – she had not been presented as Queen yet. They merely shrugged the girl off, smiling or waving to Friska every now and again. The new Queen felt uncomfortable – she had been raised in solitude… she was only glad no one paid her any mind.

"There are our rooms," Friska nodded at an old door. The girl opened it and Persephone entered behind her. Sarra and Doris had been changing clothes. "Doris, do you have a few moments before you go to speak to the Lady? She wanted to speak with you." It was one large room with three beds and two large dressers. A desk, and not much else. It was clean, and nice, but… plain and simple. Much like the room Persephone grew up in. Though it didn't even have the flowers Persephone so liked. She wondered if that bothered the girls… and if there was anything Persephone could do to make it more… homey.

"D-do you mind?" Persephone asked. "I'll be quick!"

Doris

Doris turned, her back turned somewhat towards her. She wasn't entirely clothed so she quickly pulled up the rest of her clothing and tightened the rope about her waist. "My lady, of course! I do not mind at all." She moved towards her, feet bare. She took her hand and led her through the door and to another room, one that was empty at that time so they could speak in private. She sat on the bed and allowed Persephone to sit beside her. In a way, she did not feel as if it was a queen and her maid servant, but two young women. That thought was far from her mind but it was very true - Persephone was not yet a queen in her heart, only in title and marriage to the king. Doris could never possibly dream to become anything like her queen, except in that common ground they shared. Both a similar age, a sort of understanding between the two of them.

"What is wrong?" she asked in concern. "Did something happen? You are so pale! She looked her over quickly, anxiously. "Certainly the king did nothing to you?" If he did, she could do nothing but try and comfort her, heal the wounds as best she could. But no more. She had no idea what it could possibly be. She only went to dinner, correct? Did Hades want more? She had no idea.

Persephone

Persephone grasped Doris's hand, following. She hoped this girl would help her… she needed her to. For if Persephone continued not to understand Hades… the child feared she might break him… have him hurt forever. It didn't make sense for her to fear for his well-being as she currently did. But nothing made sense anymore to Persephone - it was all strange, and she decided she needed to focus on her emotions that she did feel. Not things she was expected to in the situation. Sitting down upon a bed, testing it, she determined it was made almost the same as the one she kept in her old room. Persephone fiddled with her hands.

The concern in Doris's eyes were so touching. It made it easier to speak her mind, Persephone thought. It did not seem the maid wanted to judge her at all. Shaking her head adamantly, Persephone quickly sputtered out, "No, no… he was fine… it was… I just…" Persephone eyes, and she lowered them... before forcing herself to bring them back up. It wasn't a conversation to have to her lap, no! It was a conversation she needed to have with someone who had more life experience. "I don't… I think I've hurt him. And badly!" She flushed. "I don't… I don't know what he means Doris… He was… so… distraught." Persephone chose not to mention his moment of weakness, not to mention the unshed tears, though she had been tempted, had even been about to… nay, it felt private. It felt beyond her handmaiden's privy. It still made guilt curl in her cut. "Doris… Doris, he told me… I held his heart…"

The child crossed her ankles, grasping at her cheeks with her hand, as if deeply confused. She shook her head again, hands curling into fists to lightly bang on her temples. "I… don't know what he means…" Persephone lowered her hands weakly, closing her eyes. "I am so sorry to keep you from… from your return to Earth… but do you know…" She took a deep breath, clearing her rambling thoughts, eyes hooding with her lashes. "Do you know what It means when a man gives you his heart?"

Doris

Doris listened with wide eyes, her brows lifted in surprise of what was being spoken to her. However, her lips curled into a gentle expression and she blushed. "Oh!" she gasped, clutching Persephone's hand. "That is... that is, oh, my queen, something so difficult to understand!" She looked incredibly pleased, though. Finding it terribly romantic. She couldn't help being a romantic. She almost wanted to be there to see it happen. She shook her head some and patted her hand. "No, do not worry. I am here to serve you aren't I? And yes, yes I know what that means. Oh, I wish that someone would say thatto me!" She stopped herself then looked her in the eyes, hoping to calm her fears. "My queen, when he speaks of the heart, he does not mean what is in our breast, beating and filling our body with blood... No, this heart he speaks of is in our spirit, something symbolic to represent a... an abstract reality that seeks to explain our emotions, how we react to them. You see, our emotional selves are built in our spiritual heart. Certainly you understand emotion and how important it is to everything we do. Without emotion... what are we then? Have you ever been so happy that your heart was pounding in your chest or so sad that it felt as if your chest was so tight it hurt to breathe? Our heart, the one borne from our spirit, is... not the one in our chest but it is called a "heart" because we feel so much emotion there in our breast. Emotion in its extremes as well as in its soft moments."

She paused, hoping she wasn't throwing this way over her head. Especially since she didn't even understand the saying of giving another one's heart. Her face grew kind. "This is why it is hard to explain. To give someone your heart means you entrust them with this intimate part of your soul. When someone is so influential to you that your actions could cause them emotional suffering or emotional joy. To be so connected to them that you... that you trust that they won't touch upon this naked sensitivity and hurt them. The same, is as if you break that heart. My queen, when you break someone's heart..." She took a breath. "When someone gives you their heart, they are removing the barriers that surround them. Things... the way they act, react. How they hide within themselves to not allow people to see what is truly there. Then, they take those away, that soft flesh underneath. But only for you, you alone to see not that strong face meant for the world to see, but the one beneath it all who they are. When they are that sensitive, you can easily hurt them. To break their heart is to destroy that emotional self, to take it apart! When they can feel nothing... cannot find happiness but only suffering. Where they can no longer trust anyone, hurt by the one the care for so dearly. Sometimes a heart can heal... that depends on how badly they were hurt, or how much they exposed themselves to you." She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "It means... it means that he loves you. The heart is the source of the most powerful of all emotions... and the birth of emotions. Love. When he says he gives you his heart, that means he loves you so much that he would open himself to you, give to you the power to either love who he is to the depths of his heart, or crush it and leave him broken."

She let that sink in before continuing. "The heart is a symbol for love. When the heart stands for itself but also love. When you speak of it as a thing, you can better explain how you feel. How it can be broken and made better. To cherish them or to hurt them. I am so sorry... I do not truly understand your situation. But that is what it means, it can mean little more. To give your heart is not the same as a familial relationship. A mother and child can give each other their hearts because they have the same heart already. Siblings share that as well. But for one of the opposite gender you wish to spend your entire life with, you give them your entire self. Your differences, how you are the same."

Persephone

Persephone listened quietly, cheeks red, feeling inadequate as Doris seemed to know exactly what she was talking about… and Persephone simply… simply had no idea. And she, Persephone, was supposed to be the one who was married! But why would Doris want someone to say such a thing to her? The young Goddess frowned – she felt a very sorry excuse for a woman. For not understanding. No, but, she knew that Hades did not mean what lay in his chest. She only knew this because her mother tended to call Persephone 'her heart'. She had doubted though Hades had meant it in the same way. Still, the girl did not interrupt, only listened carefully, if not a bit abashedly. It seemed strange though… to keep all of your emotion in one place. Your spirit. The concept did make sense though. Persephone felt all her joy though her heart. And only recently, her pain.

Before Hades, Persephone hadn't felt that heart-racing joy. She had been happy, certainly... almost all the time! But never to an extent of bliss. She didn't even think now she had truly reached that state… though…the closet she had come was when she had spent time in the fields with her now Husband. Yes, though, Persephone knew the sadness Doris mentioned. The heart-wrenching guilt, and crushing upon a chest. A heavy heart. Her rape had left her tattered and torn. That had easily been the worst moment in her life.

Hades simply seemed to throw her entire world off balance. Persephone used to be a simple creature. There was nothing substantially done that broke her or lifted her to the heavens. There was only… a sort of… dull existence. There was a routine, and there were patterns… and the only person and the only thing Persephone could really love before was Demeter. She said she loved Athena, and Artemis, and Aphrodite… but… she didn't – couldn't, really. Persephone was too vain and silly, and they simply weren't around very often. Her mother though, her mother was her entire world. Her moods depended on her mother's. Her entertainment depended on her mother's willingness to play. Her survival depended on her mother's infinite love for her. And now, it was different. But that didn't answer the question of what it meant to own someone's heart. Persephone did not understand… she was not Hades' only thing. She was not his provider, his ability to survive. She was not his only source of entertainment. She was not his mood setter.

His soul though… Hades… Hades trusted Persephone with his soul? The girl lightly shook her head, her lips trembling. How could she hold that? The girl was having trouble grasping the difference between mother and daughter and husband and wife… it was such a different sort of love… something she hadn't even tried till now to learn. Hades though… oh Hades… he was allowing her… he was actually giving her the option to crush his soul. To crush his… will to be. To… to damage him in the worst way possible. Persephone couldn't imagine feeling that horrible guilt and pounding against your chest for your whole life. For your sleeping and waking hours. She had only started to feel that pain. And to force someone to live through it… over and over… never ending?

"He… loves me." Persephone breathed. Love. Real love. That was what it meant. Something clicked in the girl's head. Something she wasn't sure would have if she hadn't come to Doris. Was there… was there an equality in this? Persephone held power… a terrible power over the Lord of the Underworld, when in reality, she thought she held none. And yet, she had given him nothing in return. In fact, she was abusing the power given to her. Hades was right. She was… squeezing that heart. Squeezing it with her anger and spite… when Hades wasn't a villain at all. He only wanted… wanted her to love him that same way. To give him equal power so they could be… one with another.

He wanted to own her heart.

Persephone closed her eyes, clutching at her chest. Perhaps he didn't even need that! Perhaps he only wished for her to pretend. Not even give him her soul, but to merely tend and nurture his own heart? Or at least break his swiftly so that he didn't have to cling to the hope of love.

Persephone felt silent tears trickle past her lashes and she opened her eyes. "I've been killing him." His gentle smile and the way he held her hand. The light in his eyes that showed whenever she danced about him, showing him all of her... of her stupid little knick-knacks. The way he laughed at the things she said... even if they weren't particularly funny.

Could she ever love him though? Could Persephone forgive something Hades had done… and love him? To move past this… terrible moment of their lives and embrace what he had given her and try to return it? One day maybe succeed? Or… or should she tell him no? That this marriage… this eternity, would be forever affectionless. That she couldn't forgive him, and that she didn't want his heart? The break might be swift enough… that he could love again someday… maybe. Could she even give that kind of love to someone though? Was she even… even mature enough to? It made sense she and her mother shared a heart, the same heart, but could she give hers to someone else? Could she want nothing but Hades happiness… and want to bare all of her feels, right or wrong to him? Hades had been correct though… if this hadn't happened, she would have never loved him. Not ever. She wouldn't have understood what he meant, and would have rejected him without thought if he had suggested honestly his intentions.

"T-thank you, Doris," Persephone said quietly, standing. "Please, enjoy your evening on Earth… I have… I have to think for a while…" She moved from the room, and padded down the hallway to Friska, peeking her head out of her and Sarra's quarters. "I am ready to go back now," Persephone nodded quietly. She couldn't talk this through with Doris at the moment… no… she couldn't really talk to anyone. Her head was reeling and she was afraid ifs he couldn't concentrate, the grasp of the concept would be lost on her once more.

Doris

Doris leaned back, hoping she had gotten everything right and explained it in such a way that Persephone could understand. She never thought that her queen was an idiot. Rather, she did not have as much experience as the rest of them. For what reason, she had no idea, but guessed it had to do with her upbringing. Whatever that was. But, as she spoke and watched her, she realized that she was taking an understanding to it very well. It was sinking in, those eyes serious. Her lip began to tremble, head shaking as if in denial of what she was saying. Of course it would hurt her. Just earlier, she was speaking of how he was an evil man and how she would never forgive him. Such conflict, knowing that he had said these words to her... and now what he meant being explained to her. What could possibly be going on her head? Persephone... was such a good woman. So kind and gentle, but also conflicted and afraid because of the one who had spoken those words to her. Was she starting to see what he did through her own eyes? She must understand suffering now, if she did not before. She would see, at least in a little way, how he was suffering himself. It was strange, she thought. Those two. She wished now, truly did, that things would be better, heal during their immortal lives. Perhaps it would, hopefully it would. Both of them would have to change... that was what usually happened. Needed to happened.

Then, she said those fateful words. Doris slowly nodded her head, hands clasped in her lap. Yes, that was what it meant, ultimately. The simple way to put it. She saw the understanding flourish in her eyes, reality hitting the spot. But what would she do with that knowledge now that she had it? Her hand moved to clutch at her chest and Doris shifted but drew back, allowing her space and quiet to think it over. She was still her queen, though she had treated her almost as an equal moments before. And she deserved it anyway, even if she were to be of lesser power than she was. She did not even respond to her words of killing him. It seemed... a statement, not a question. She did not agree or disagree, just watched those tears began to fall. She felt a stirring in her heart of her own. This young woman before her, she was not terrible, not a single part of her. She had such love and compassion in her, though at times her emotions were misplaced, and she had no idea how to deal with what happened to her, inadvertently causing pain. But when she did, she could see that regret... unless it was regret in having hurt someone she truly cared for. She had no way of knowing what was in her mind. Only hoping that it was good.

"You are welcome," she told her, bowing her head. "And thank you. I hope I helped you well. I shall always be at your..." she stopped herself from saying "disposal". "I shall be there when you need me, do the best I can with what I know." She bowed some and smiled. "I shall see you tomorrow. Sleep well." With that, she left, knowing her destination was high above the realm she now walked upon. Perhaps aiding her queen... would allow her to come to grips with her own reality.

Hades

Hades sat on his throne, eyes closed and lips set in an unreadable expression. His eyes slowly opened but his gaze was distant, not seeing a single thing that was before him. This expression he always had when a mortal knelt before him. Before him lay the life of the deceased mortal, now cowering before him, terrified for what judgment would be brought upon them. His face went grim and the soul looked about ready to collapse in fright. This one was too young to die, appearing before him before his time. That never happened unless the gods interfered in the lives of mortals. He tapped his finger against the edge of his throne. He could certainly not send him back. He was so young, hardly over the age of three. But the child had frozen to death in his bed before an open window so he would not grow hot in the night. Instead, he froze. He was young and not very healthy in the first place, but now he was dead before his time, because a god, or goddess, interfered.

He sighed and rubbed his thumb over his lips, eyes focused upwards. For a child who died, they rarely could have done ANYTHING to deserve damnation. But, they were also too young to do any good. Most children all went to the same place: neither the best, nor the worst. But it always irritated him when a soul like this came before him. They really had to stop, his relatives, interfering. But to have frozen to death? Such a thing was horribly odd and it gave him a feeling his gut that made him anxious. Demeter controlled the earth, certainly. Perhaps it was Apollo who did not, or could not, bring his chariot across the sky. But, still, it would not have brought about such a chill. Could it really be Demeter? He feared it might be... she would do something. He would be a fool to think she would do nothing... nothing to bring her daughter back to herself. He sent the soul before him away to where they belonged and sank back as that was the last one. For now. Death was nearly constant... life less certain, but still nearly as often so as to keep the balance.

He rested his hand against his face, eyes closed and face weary. What would happen if Demeter did something to force Zeus' hand? He did not want to think of such a thing. He wished to see his bride, speak to her, at least be with her to calm his anxiety but that would probably make it worse. He... hadn't seen her since two, almost three, days ago. She needed time alone, and she did not approach him either. Hopefully she was progressing, though, and growing more comfortable with her situation. He hoped she would come to desire to remain with him until real conflict arose with Demeter, but that did not seem likely now. He would just have to hope Zeus would keep his word to him. No matter... the cost.

Zeus

It had been a long, glorious three days. Zeus had found a new toy. A good rare woman, one difficult to find. She was a rarity, a woman with self-will and determination, certainly pride and loyalty. Her love was gone abroad, upon the seas or in distant lands and left her be. The hero in his own right, Amphitryon. But she was loyal to him alone. Even for one such as he should would not bend, that cunning minx with a playful eye who took joy in teasing him. It had been simple to convince of her he was truly her betrothed though that doubt was always in her eyes. But she did not protest, she eagerly allowed him free reign of her person. Even when he could no longer hide who he truly was, revealing to her his glory as king of the gods. She was strong, though not as much as he. But his time with her for three days and three nights was glorious. His lust was sated, his body thrumming with pleasure. He could smell the spice of her scent in his nose, her warm body laying beside his. And that last night, he had finally slept with her.

His anger had curbed for the most part. He found himself less aggressive, less temperamental, thanks to the woman… though, it hadn't been easy on her. Certainly not. She was covered in bruises – bite marks and nail diggings – sometimes he had gripped too firmly… though nothing was broken… save for the bed that now rested only on the floor, no frame to hold it up anymore. All in all, this sexual encounter was one of mutual satisfaction. And she would find her life much fairer, much easier… though not so easy as to notify Hera of his new found interest's abode.

Yes, he slept peacefully now. And when he returned home, he would lavish his Queen in anything and everything she desired – certainly she would desire much. She was with babe. Cravings were very natural, and Hera had the most peculiar ones.

The God of the Heavens woke with a start though, his body being shaken lightly. Perhaps she was trying hard, but she would have trouble moving him. "Dear heart… it is much too early," The Golden God gave her an indulgent smile, one blue eye opening to gaze upon her, his fingers immediately sliding upward to stroke one of her breasts, pushing her long brown hair away from the nipple. She was trying to wake him, her voice soft as she spoke, a slender finger indicating the source of her attention, a question on this swollen lips. What is that?

"Hmm… what is what, sweet pet?" He lazily glanced towards the window, his hand suddenly stopping in its gentle motion, his nostrils flaring. The grip upon her soft breast was now painful, his fingers digging into the skin. He growled, before tearing away from her chest, shoving her to the side to stand. In all his nudity, the God stormed to the window, his heart pounding in his chest. He had seen this before. Had seen it for ten years, actually – nonstop. It was an ugly thing, a cold thing, and a dead thing that was terribly disheartening. The human population had almost died off completely during this time – the time the Earth died. The was all during the war

"It is snow," he spat. The world was covered in it after Mother Gaia descended into the Earth, abandoning all during the battle. There was no produce, no warmth. The sky, the ground, the sea had grown cold. It… it was only through the ability of the sovereign Earth Goddess such a thing could happen.

"Damn her!" Zeus threw his fist into the wall, a hole immediately forming through, all the way to the outside of the shack. He was shaking. "Damn her to rot in Tartarus!" Zeus grabbed his ripped toga from the floor, throwing it on hastily, tying it. "I have to leave," he snapped. "You will hear from me soon." The God moved to the door, opening and slamming it so hard, it creaked from its hinges. Alcmene watched the god leave with her hand folding the breast he had roughly handled. Her brown eyes darkened, brows pulling down into a frown before she exhaled and pulled the covers up to ward off the chill. It was decidedly colder without him lying in the bed.

And now it goes down hill...