How long has it been my lovelies? Too long. With the virus shutting everything down and now working from home, my life has completely turned upside down. But I do want to finish this story. And the first step starts with positing this chapter.

Enjoy!

BPOV

I stayed within the room for hours. I refused to leave for the midday meal. Too afraid to face ...him. However, my stomach began to rumble to the point of pain. I had debated with myself to remain in the room. I would not have to see him nor would I feel embarrassment. However, I have spent too much time here. Locked away in this room I have no one to converse with. If I keep myself hold away in solitude, how can I ever make more friends? How much longer will my sanity last?

After much deliberation, I called for my maidens to prepare a bath and a new dress for the evening meal. As I sat in the large communal bath, I realized that I would have had to leave the room eventually. although the dress did dry fairly quickly, some debris from the dirt of the garden was sticking to my skin. I started to feel bad as I thought about how the girls were to clean up the dirt from the room floor. In embarrassment, I submerged myself into the water. Foolishly thinking I could hide.

Surprisingly, Laia was gifted in the art of hair. After seeing my heated face from the bathwater, she offered to do my hair. She was able to pull and twist my dark tresses into a lovely braided up-do. What I didn't notice prior was how some of the flowers from the garden fell from the bouquets and were stored in the crevices of my dress. She was able to snag a few flowers and place them around my head in a beautiful manner. I know she was shocked to receive a hug from me but I had no other way of showing my gratitude. I could hear Tula's snort in the corner as Laia's face grew red as she shied away from my embrace. However, I did not miss the smile in the corner of her mouth.

A sudden knock on the door caused me to fly from Laia's body. My heart pounded in my chest as I felt my face warm. My breath was stuck in my chest as Tula reached for the door. My heart was hammering out of my chest...I didn't know if I could face him yet! I stretched out my hand as if to stop the maiden but it was too late.

"Good evening!"

I released the breath that was frozen in my chest.

"Good evening Alice," I responded. I felt my chest relax and something else. I did not want to dwell on it any longer and just have a bite to eat. "Let us go and eat," I said Stepping towards the door, my stomach was so close to making its presence known.

"Wait" I stopped mid-step as Alice dropped to her knees and bowed her head. "I must apologize for my behavior!"

"Alice, I-"

"Hades is my superior and his word is the law. He brought you here to be his wife, which means I am to respect you as I do him. I did not respect you. For that, I must apologize to you. I will take whatever punishment you see fit."

"A..Alice. There is n-"

"I must. I have dishonored you. Which in turn dishonored Hades." She responded. I truly looked upon her then. Her eyes downcast and kneeling upon both knees. Her lavender gown would surely become stained and wrinkled if she remained in that position. Some tendrils from her hair becoming loose and started to fall upon her face.

"Please Alice arise. Your dress will surely become dusty." I beg not liking her on her knees before me. The position was common among slaves and handmaidens. Not the upper class such as Alice.

"I care not. I deserve some sort of punishment for my treatment of you. I must repent for my sin." Alice spoke with such conviction.

I could feel the honesty radiating from her, like a body aroma but not an unpleasant one. I could see then there was no swaying her. But I do not want her to be flogged or whipped. I know of other servants and slaves who had suffered such punishments and worse from my mom and other houses. But I do not want to do that. Tears and pain do not cause me happiness or satisfaction. I did not know what to do at that moment.

"I forgive you of your sin, Alice. What you did may have dishonored Hades but I will forgive you." I tried to speak without my voice quivering. I know not the words to speak in this type of situation. "Please arise and know that your honor is restored." I motioned with my hands for her to stand as I stepped closer to her. She remained within that kneeling position for a few seconds longer before rising. However, her eyes evaded mine.

"What...what of my punishment." She shyly responded with a small swallow.

I had dreaded this questions. It is obvious she is fearful of punishment and is expecting one. I have never given one out before. Usually, my mother did. I preferred a gentle approach to disciplining wrongdoings. Then like Zeus himself struck me, I had an idea.

"Tell me, Alice. How long have you known Hades?" I asked, curious about her answer.

"I have known him for many years." Her gaze still avoiding mine.

"Then it is settled." My voice gaining the confidence I lacked. "Your punishment will be to spend three days by my side."

"Pardon?" She finally looked at me with confusion contorting her face.

"I have decided that your punishment is to be by my side for three days. It is clear to me that your loyalty and report with Hades was one that grew over time. I wish to do the same with you. But to create a bond we must get to know one another. Although three days may not be enough time to establish a strong bond, I do hope that it will at least start a foundation." I replied as I smiled at her. Her loyalty to Hades once frustrated me but I now respect her for it. Although she was angry for my behavior she met have had a change of heart after how Hades approached her regarding her attitude. Her apology was not insincere or deceitful. "I feel that somehow, you and I could be good friends. But for that friendship to blossom, there must be some type of foundation." My smile growing wider after feeling the truth in my own words.

I could her eyes shift from confusion and fear to ...relief? With a slight nod of her head, she returned my smile. I could feel the tension and uncertainty leave the room in that moment.

"Now, let us eat." I proclaimed as I took her hand to lead her out of the room.

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