In Zeus's throne room, everyone gathered to see what his decision would be. Zeus didn't appear overly arrogant today, more the stern father. Hera, even, looked less comfortable than usual, watching the arguments. Apollo stood to the side, flinching when Hades power trembled through the room from his frustration. Aphrodite stood behind Zeus, but she was flinching with each screech mother made.
I stood back, silent, waiting for judgement. Finally, Zeus had enough, raising his hand commanding silence.
"Come here child." he motioned me to the floor before the throne. I went to my knees, bowing my head, praying for my love's strength. He grabbed my chin directing me to look at him. "You've caused much trouble."
"Yes, my lord." I said quickly. He nodded, we both knew.
"Do you love him?" Hera turned in shock, but quickly looked away.
"More than my own life, my lord." I admitted.
"And your mother?"
"I love her as well, my lord." I took a deep breath as he studied me.
"I'm at a loss little one. Your mother has caused quite a stir, and if I were to hand you force you to stay here, I believe my brother would cause just as much." I nodded. He looked from me to Hades, who stood silently brooding behind me.
"You may come visit her here, I will not allow Demeter to deny you that." I couldn't look at Hades, because I knew I was heartbroken. He would see it all over my face. I heard his boots against the cold green tile as he walked across the hall to leave, knowing it was useless to argue.
"Hades!" It was little more than a whisper and I turned to him. He stopped, but didn't turn toward me, his black cape fluttered with the breeze. "Hades, my love." I whispered again stepping away from the other gods toward him. He turned to me and I felt horrible, he looked so dejected, so mournful, so pitiful. I closed my eyes, taking another step, wishing, praying.
Then the heaven's opened and my hand carresed a soft surface. I pulled my hand from beneath my robe, watching him. My eyes never left his as I took a bite. I knew in my heart what it was, my powers were finally emerging and I had what I needed. I swallowed softly and he grinned rushing to my side. Pulling me against him, devouring my lips.
"Nooo!" Demeter screamed, jerking my hand into hers, pulling the sweet beautiful fruit into her hand. "How could you?" I watched as she slumped to the floor in tears, as the world outside went grey, ice falling from the sky. She dropped the pomegranate, the fruit of the underworld, and it rolled to Zeus's feet.
Hera smiled softly, quickly bowing her head. Zeus went red, jumping from his throne to come at me in his fury. Aphrodite ducked behind the chair in fear of her own punishment yet to come. Apollo, stood confused as always.
Zeus raised his hand to slap me, when Hades jerked me behind him. "You made the rule, brother." he gritted out.
Zeus roared in anger, but dropped his hand. "One damn bite! One!"
Demeter grasped the bottom of his robe, "I can't continue without her." I looked in pity at my mother, and found it hard to have sympathy. She had to realize I was growing up, that I wanted to start my own family, I wanted this man as my husband.
Zeus paced the floor for a while, none of us moving in fear of unleashing his barely contained temper. I wrapped my arms around Hades, who held my hand tightly within his own.
Zeus went to his window, turning his back on all of us. I heard him sigh, "Well, here's what we are going to do." he paused before turning to watch Hades. "You'll marry her." Hades nodded. "She'll spend six, six months. No more no less, in the Underworld." He looked to Demeter, "And six months here at Olympus, no more no less." Since Zeus's face was still red, tinged with purple neither argued. "This will go on until she starts to..." he looked to Hera. "Until she gets in the family way, by then I assume she'll be able to go back and forth at will?" Hades nodded and Zeus turned his back to resume his throne. "I will hear no more on the subject. Demeter, you either step up or I will find a way to replace you no matter what I have to do!" Demeter nodded, quickly drying her tears. "Marry them Hera, then Hades keep her six months, because if I see her before then I'd likely strangle her pretty neck!"
Hades turned to me, love shining in his eyes. "Marry me?"
"Yes!" I threw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck, my legs around his hips and kissing him all over. His laughter was heard throughout Olympus sending chills through all the dieties. I shivered in wicked delight.
"That's the most beautiful thing I've heard all day." I whispered into his ear.
He nipped my ear, whispering huskily, "I preferred that little gasp, when I ran my tongue ove-" I nipped his lips with my teeth in warning.
Hera stood to the side, grinning, "Brother dear, I've never seen you tease before."
He turned, returning her smile, "I'm deliriously happy, Hera."
She shifted her smile to me, "I assume you'll keep him that way."
I looked at him and solemnly vowed, "Forever and ever."
"Forever and ever." he whispered before kissing me again.
