Pluto settled himself on his obsidian and bone throne. A soldier brought Mercury in. Pluto sighed. He knew what was about to come.
"Pluto, I've come with a message."
"From who?"
"You know who."
"What does Ceres want?"
"I think you know."
"And if I don't?"
"She says she will kill everyone on earth, launch multiple attacks on you, and curse you so bad that, these are HER words, 'his descendants in ten eons will be cursed'."
Pluto was in turmoil. He had told his warriors where to find the Arias, and they were preparing for a battle. He couldn't afford Ceres attacking him and letting the Arias win. Besides, Proserpine would be safer away from here.
But he loved her. And he had the feeling she was thawing to him. But she wasn't safe. She had already gotten attacked once, and if he hadn't noticed she was missing, she would have died.
"Proserpine may leave. But it is up to her. If she wishes to leave, I will not stop her."
"Right, I'll take her with me."
"No. I know Ceres is waiting outside. Ceres can come in and take her daughter away. But only if Proserpine wants to leave."
"Why?"
"Ceres probably can't wait to see her daughter. Besides, it will give me a chance to say goodbye."
"Right. I'll go tell her."
Mercury ran out, rushing to get to Ceres with the news. Pluto sat on his throne, and, thinking nobody was around, sobbed quietly.