Her mother didn't say anything as they made their way around the stables and Persephone was working up the courage to ask her mother if she might go back and speak with Zeus. She had meant it when she'd said that Hades wouldn't have to give up his throne. Her mother would be horrified if she knew why she needed to speak with her father. She'd never let her go back.
As they rounded the corner and passed Hades' chariot an idea struck her. She hated the thought of angering her mother further but seeing no other way, Persephone took the chance.
"Oh dear! Mother, I am sorry but it seems I left my favorite hair pin you gave me back in our room."
Demeter turned, and heaved a sigh, "Are you sure child?"
"Yes mother. I am sorry. It won't take but a minute for me to run back for it, I promise."
"There is no need. I will tell the maid to send it."
"But mother it is my favorite and I would be ever so sad should something happen. Please mother?"
Her mother glowered at her and Persephone barely managed to stand her ground. Finally she sighed, "Hurry up then. If you are not back in five minutes I'm coming after you and your punishment will be worse than it already is."
Persephone winced and dipped a curtsy, "Thank you mother. I won't be long, I promise."
Turning, she bolted back through the palace. She already knew what she was going to say to her father, she just needed to hurry before her mother came looking.
Racing through the halls, she made it to the entrance of the throne room with plenty of time to spare. Taking a moment, she collected herself and then nodded for the guard to announce her presence.
The doors opened and taking one last breath to steady her nerves, Persephone walked into the throne room.
Her father was sitting on his golden throne with his wife Hera next to him, cradling their babe to her chest as he fed. Zeus smiled and beckoned her forward, booming out, "Persephone! My daughter. Come forward."
She was aware of eyes upon her as she glided forward. Hera was glowering at her in unconcealed disgust. Persephone ignored her. It wasn't her fault Zeus and her mother had coupled, so why Hera insisted on hating her, she'd never know. Reaching the base of the throne, Persephone curtsied, "Father, My Queen. I came to congratulate you on the birth of your son."
Zeus beamed, "How thoughtful of you my dear."
Hera dipped her head and said through gritted teeth, "Thank you."
"I have come with a gift for my brother." She heard Hera hiss in anger but ignored her and continued, "If I may father?"
Zeus beckoned her forward, "Of course! Of course!"
Aware of everyone's eyes on her, she stepped forward. Turning her thoughts inward, Persephone focused her whole being on creating a flower; but not just any flower, a powerful flower. A flower that when ingested would protect the person from harm.
For you Hades and your kindness.
Reaching for her goddess power, she molded the flower she held in her mind. When she opened her eyes, she had to hide her surprise. The flower was in her hands. She'd done it! The crowd around her murmured they're delight as she took a moment to ensure the flower held the power she'd intended it to have. A soft breath of relief escaped her lips as the flower did in deed hold the protection spell.
Looking up, she was glad to find both Zeus and Hera looking on in pleased surprise.
"This flower, once given in a tea to your son, will give him protection from unexpected dangers."
Zeus beamed as he reached out to accept the gift. Everyone in the room cheered as Persephone gently handed it over and watched as Zeus handed it to Hera, who cradled it in her hand. The goddess looked up at her, for once a genuine smile on her lips, "Thank you child."
She dipped another curtsy for the goddess and turned her attention to her father who said, "Come my dear. This is a wonderful gift, and you did not accept anything for your coming of age. Is there still nothing you would ask of me?"
Persephone took a breath and replied, "There is something father."
The room grew silent as Zeus beckoned for her to continue, "Ask anything of me my dear and I will grant it."
She had to suppress a smile at his bold statement. It couldn't have been more perfect if she'd planned it.
"Thank you father." Reaching up to unclip the necklace of rainbow crystal from around her neck she continued, "I would ask that you accept this gift from me, in exchange for your word that you will not ask your brother Hades for his throne anymore." The silence in the room was deafening as everyone waited to see how Zeus would react. But Persephone didn't give him a chance, she continued, "I am so very excited to have a new little brother; but my happiness was greatly dimmed upon hearing the possible war between you and your own brother. The thought of you and the other gods fighting and possibly dying fills me with more grief than I can bear. So I come offering what little I have in the hopes that it will please you enough to forgive your brother Hades and make peace."
There was a collection of 'awhhhs' throughout the throne room and even Zeus's face had softened at her declaration. She'd even managed to shed a few tears during her speech and she couldn't have been more proud of herself.
Finally Zeus stood and approached her. "You're kindness and gentleness has touched my heart. I will accept your gift and I give you my word that I will no longer demand Hades' throne."
Persephone smiled adoringly up at him and said, "You are truly the King of the Gods, wise and generous. Thank you father."
A loud cheer went up from the crowd as Zeus took the necklace from her palm and gently patted her head, "You're welcome child."
They began chanting his name as he turned and held up his hands to settle everyone, though it was clear he loved the attention.
"Now now. There is plenty of time left! Come my friends, let us continue to feast! Bring out more wine!"
The crowd cheered even more loudly and everyone went about mingling as the servants brought more wine.
Turning back to her, her father grinned, "Come my dear. I am certain your mother has never given you an opportunity to try wine has she?"
"No father she has not. And as much as I would enjoy staying and eating with you I'm afraid I must go. My garden at home has been too long without me and I fear the plants will start dying if I don't return soon."
Zeus smiled and patted her head again, "Well off you go then. Make sure you send more strawberries. You know how much I love your strawberries."
"Of course father. As soon as I get home." She reached up on her tippy toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. As she turned, she was acutely aware of his eyes roving her body as she left. She had to suppress the shudder that wanted to creep down her spine. Her mother had made her fully aware of her father's reputation, Persephone being his daughter would mean nothing to him; an idea that was fully enforced by the way he had just looked at her.
She made her exit through the doors and sighed in relief when she couldn't feel his eyes on her anymore. Rushing back down the halls of the palace, she made her way back to the stables, pretty sure she'd taken more than five minutes. Her mother would be furious.
Demeter was pacing when she rushed up.
"I'm so sorry mother! It had fallen down behind the bed and I was frantically searching for it." Patting her head where she'd tucked the pin before coming into view, she gave her mother an apologetic smiled.
Demeter shook her head and huffed, "Well come then. It is way past the time we were supposed to be home. I am going to have to work late because of you."
Persephone sobered quickly as she whispered, "I'm truly sorry mother."
Her mother turned and stomped towards the bridge to Earth. Demeter was one of the few goddess's who lived on Earth instead of Olympus. She knew that she'd be confined to their house for several weeks for today but she didn't care. She could have sung her happiness to the world. Lord Hades would keep his throne that meant so much to him and while she was sad she had had to give up her necklace, she knew she'd do it all over again.