Hades gave Persephone a grand tour of the entire castle, though they did not venture in every corridor or room, he never denied her the times she asked to see inside one. The tour ended in the throne room. It was more majestic than Persephone had dreamed and more beautiful than she had pictured. The room had higher ceilings than any other. The same velvet, crimson curtains hung about the windows and walls. The throne itself had a high back and looked to be made of petrified wood covered in a dark, shining metal. Persephone walked towards the throne, looking back over her shoulder to ask permission.

"Feel free to examine and enjoy anything here." Hades could not deny this woman if he tried.

With that Persephone lifted her dress a little and walked up the deep steps to the throne itself. It was beautiful, the wood tangled over itself to make the most magnificent piece Persephone had ever seen. She took one last look at Hades to make sure she was not overstepping her boundaries before seating herself on his throne. Persephone sat; her feet didn't touch the floor, but she still managed to look regal. Her head was held high and she looked fit to rule any world. Hades marveled at the young woman he would happily pledge himself to, and he wondered what could be going through her mind.

"I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me today." Persephone spoke from atop her lord's throne.

"I can't thank you enough for gracing me with your presence." Hades walked towards the throne and extended a hand to Persephone. "Would you like me to escort you back to the surface?"

Another sting in Hades chest. He didn't want her to go, he knew she would be missed if she were gone for too long, but he wanted to be selfish and have her stay. Even for just a moment longer.

"I probably should be getting back." Persephone said., her eyes cast down, looking as disappointed as Hades felt.

Persephone took Hades' hand and followed him down the stairs and to the long corridor that led to the entrance of his castle.

"If it wouldn't inconvenience you too much, I would like to come back and visit with you again. I really enjoyed my time here. It's very beautiful and I would like to spend more time here…with you." Persephone seemed to glow as she smiled and spoke with a deep blush across her cheeks.

"You are always welcome in my kingdom, my lady. You can call on me any time you need me, Persephone." Hades had stopped walking and turned the young woman towards him. It was the first time he had spoken her name aloud and it flowed from his lips like honey. Persephone was taken aback by his openness and intensity. She felt overwhelmed and a shiver went up her spine when he spoke her name.

"Do you truly mean that?" She stared up at Hades searching his eyes for any sign of deception.

"I do, Persephone. If I can ever help you I will, nothing would stop me from being there for you." Hades pulled Persephone closer and tipped her chin up. She instinctively stood on her tippy toes to help close the distance between them. Hades buried his hand in her hair and kissed her lips gently. A small moan of pleasure escaped Persephone and it took every bit of will power Hades had to not take her right then and there.

Hades released her before he was no longer able to control his more primal instincts and did his best to regain his composure and take the woman back to her home.

The ride was too short; it was but an instant before they were above ground in the sunlight again. Hades stepped off the chariot, then easily lifted Persephone and placed her on solid ground next to him.

"Until next time, dearest Persephone." Hades kissed her hand before remounting the chariot to return to his domain.

Persephone watched as he disappeared. She knelt and touched the earth where it had been previously cracked. "Until next time, my King." She stood tall and walked back to her home, daydreaming of the most wonderful day she'd ever experienced in her life.

"Hello, daughter, did you have a peaceful afternoon?" Demeter was waiting for her beloved daughter with food on the table.

"Yes, mother, the nymphs said my baking is improving greatly!" She wanted to gush about the magical afternoon she had with the most amazing man she'd ever met, but she knew her mother would disapprove. It did little to sour her mood though, nothing could sour the mood she was in. She felt as if she were floating high above Mount Olympus.

Hades walked to his bedroom, smiling unconsciously. He thought of how he wanted to know everything about the Goddess of Spring. He had never felt a fire within him like this before. He found himself looking forward to something. He couldn't remember the last time anything excited him or caught his attentions like Persephone had. He knew he would love this woman. It hit him then.

"Persephone will be Queen of the Underworld." Hades spoke aloud. The idea of falling in love and making her his queen filled him with hope and joy. Feelings he hadn't experienced in centuries.