Apart
Six months together, six months apart was the deal, and for Hades the winter months never seemed to last as long as they should. All too soon, it was time for Persephone to go back up top, and Hades was left in his cold, dark kingdom as if he'd never had a queen at all.
Their time apart had never been easy on him, but this particular year grated on him more than most. Maybe it was how happy his wife had seemed as she left, eager to bring the mortals her bounty of spring. Maybe it was the quick kiss and wave she gave him before stepping onto the train, as if to comfort him over the summer months.
Whatever the reason, idle hands were the devil's playthings, so the saying went. And with nothing to do but work, apart from his wife and queen, Hades considered projects to keep his mind busy. As he considered what she was leaving him for, he allowed himself a rare smile.
Perhaps she'd be willing to spend less time apart if Hadestown was more like the world above.