'He's beautiful' 'The stories say he's terrifyingly cruel' 'No one ever comes back.' 'Hades is a greedy greedy cruel king' 'How could someone who looks so sad be cruel?'
Those were the first thoughts Persephone had when she first saw him, seated upon his throne of stone. Cold, blue eyes barely glanced in her direction, but the harsh glare he sent in her direction spoke volumes about how he felt about the duo standing before him. She thanked the stars that her face was hidden behind her veil.
Zeus' warm hand on her back was the only thing that kept her from fleeing the dark throne room, blue flames flickering and offering just enough light to make out the features of the man seated on the obsidian throne. Angular cheekbones, sharp features, Grey skin that bled into claws as black as the very throne he sat upon. His long, straight hair nearly blended in with his throne, the twisting black shapes that circled the expanse of a Grey chest and stomach, stopped only by the long black robes he wore. His left claw gripped his bident as he leaned forward, a single ebony brow arched in confusion over the strikingly blue eye-he only trait shared between brothers, though Zeus' were often filled with jovial laughter, the man before them had cold, calculating eyes.
"What is the meaning of this, brother?" The question, though spoken in a calm, soft voice, echoed around the stone room, the walls almost groaning in response to their master.
Keeping his hand firmly planted on the small of her back, Zeus took a few steps forward. "This is your bride, dear brother." He stated, voice dripping with honey and just a hint of laughter
Almost immediately, the already cool room dropped in temperature, Zeus' and Persephone's breath leaving them in white clouds. Tensing, she could feel invisible eyes boring into her as if the very room was suddenly tuning its attention towards her. Keeping her hands clasped in front of her, the Spring Goddess prayed that they would stop shaking. Leveling her chin, she couldn't help but jump when the King of the Dead's eyes met hers and had to stifle a whimper at the rage and malice that they held. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she lowered her eyes immediately, focusing instead on the plush rug under her bare feet.
Hades tightened the grip on his bident, finally rising to stand above them. The eldest of the gods was already nearly two heads taller than the King of the Gods, but with him standing before his elevated throne, he towered over his guests, pinning them both with an icy stare. Zeus stood tall and proud, not one to flinch when dealing with his elder brother's turbulent moods.
The small woman beside him, however, could do little other than tremble before the eldest God.
She was small, her figure swallowed by her bridal gown, her face hidden from him behind the thin, ceremonial veil. The dim lighting of his throne room made it nearly impossible to see her features, but even in the darkness, he could see the shaking of her bare shoulders, and for the briefest of moments, green eyes met his, filled with curiosity, awe, and fear. Clenching his teeth, he fought the brief, bitter feeling that welled up in his chest. She was right to fear him; the man she was being pawned off to was a monster.
"Brother." Zeus continued, his own lightning bolt-shaped spear resting loosely in his free hand. "You've spent for too long raking alone. Refusing help even from your kin. Refusing my own offers to assist you. It's time you had a queen."
Hades barely fought the scoff that bubbled in his throat. Of course, he turned away the "help" Zeus had sent him; his brother's sons weren't fit to judge, and nearly cost him what little order he had managed to make in this place where Chaos roamed free.
Raising a claw, he shot Zeus a glare. "Enough, brother." Hades' voice was low. A warning not to press the matter further. "Zeus, you know I have the utmost respect for you and your work, and I would expect the same from you. I have no interest in your...offering." a sneer marred his face, making Persephone's stomach twist.
"Hades..." Zeus' voice strained, sympathy oozing from his words. "The choice is no longer up to you alone. The others agree. It is time to take a wife." His fierce blue eyes softened just a little. "Hera is worried about you."
It was a dirty trick, he knew, to use Hades' soft spot for his Queen, their unlikely friendship was often discussed amongst the gossip, but Zeus knew how deeply his brother cared for her. Letting out a tired sigh, Hades sat back on his throne, holding his face in one of his clawed hands, the other idly shifting his bident.
"This is cruel, even for you, Zeus."
Clenching her fingers together, till her knuckles turned white, Persephone bit her tongue. She didn't want to be in this position any more than Hades did, but she had secretly hoped that whomever she was to be wed to would have at least been kind. 'Just my luck,' she thought bitterly. 'Not even ten minutes in and my hopes are already being crushed.'
After a long pause, The King of the Underworld straightened on his throne.
"Fine. I will...try. But anymore meddling from you and I'll feed you to the hounds." The threat alone made Persephone's blood run cold. "Now. Introduce me to my bride." His voice dripped with irritation
Persephone willed the trembling in her knees away as Zeus removed his hand from her back, firmly taking her trembling hand in his. Reaching to grip her gown, she lifted it enough to prevent it from dragging behind her and let him guide her closer to the throne, and closer to the man who obviously didn't want her.