Her knees shook as Hades guided her through the many dark rooms and passages that made up his palace.
"You'll stay here for three months. A trial, if you will. We'll prepare a guest room for you. If after that time we find that you can't handle the tasks required of the Queen you'll be sent back to Olympus." he explained, voice just formal enough to hide his disinterest.
The veil was to be kept over her face until the ceremony the following night. The residents of Olympus and the Underworld wouldn't join them until the larger wedding in three months. She felt a small sense of comfort, knowing that this imposing man couldn't see her face.
Keeping her fists clenched at her sides, Persephone nearly ran into the brooding king's back, unaware that he had stopped. Glancing down at her, cold blue eyes pierced through her, shaking her already frazzled nerves. Moving his left arm to point to the door at his right, he gripped his bident in his hand, causing her to flinch away. Clenching his teeth, he tried to pretend he wasn't bothered, lowering his arm once more.
"This room will be your temporary quarters. Your room should be prepared in time for tomorrow's..celebration." he sneered, tongue clicking in irritation at the words. "Should you require assistance, ring the bell at your bedside. Meals can be taken at your convenience."
Hades took a step back, allowing the small woman to make her way into her room, watching as she slowly explored the dimly lit room. Her small hands gently ran over everything, fingers trailing across tables and mirrors, brushes and ornate carvings in the marbled walls. Jewels encrusted in the pillars of her bed reflected what little light the glowing magic that coursed through the walls offered.
"It's not much," his voice caused the room to rumble, even with how softly he spoke, and it was enough to make her jump. "But I do hope it's comfortable enough for tonight. I'm sure the comforts on Olympus were much more.."
"If I may be so bold, sir." Blue eyes widened as a clear voice interrupted him. "This room is more than suitable. Considering I came on such short notice, it's far better than I had hoped for." the veiled woman faced him, her head tipped up, giving him an almost smug tilt.
Unable to fight the small smirk, he offered the goddess a small bow of his head. "Well then, I do hope our hospitality continues to please you. Until dinner, then."
Persephone felt herself relax as he exited, finally able to lift her veil and explore the guest room. She had heard rumors of the dimness of Hades' kingdom, the nymphs from home warning her of the dangers that came from the cold, cave-like realm. She couldn't help the smug glee she felt, running her hands over the still pulsing walls, the magic here enough to prove her sisters wrong.
Hades may have been a cold ruler, but his realm was alive with magic and light, in its own charming way. She recalled nearly tripping up the steps into the King of the Underworld's palace as she tried to look at everything around them. Crystals of every color grew out of the walls of the cave-like walls around them, illuminating paths and towns, and markets. Shades of all varieties worked and laughed and played.
'That alone proves some of the rumors wrong' she told herself, sitting on the soft mattress. 'And if Hades isn't a cruel ruler, maybe he won't be an unkind husband. He probably just wanted to live in peace. What if he doesn't even want a wife..?' shaking her head, she lays back on her bed, nuzzling into the pillows, and relaxes. Leaving those thoughts for tomorrow and simply enjoying her first night in her new home, Persephone drifted into a dreamless sleep.
On the other side of the palace, Hades scanned over papers and scrolls, nervously sorting through the papers on his desk. His office had a roaring blue fire in a simple fireplace, the wall scones dancing in time with the god's breath. Sinking into his chair, he reached into his bottom drawer, pulling out a single ooble, rubbing his thumb over the face of the coin. He felt the magic surge in the coin, sending a small pulse to its twin at the entrance of his kingdom. If anyone could help gather his thoughts, it was Charon, the owner of the matching coin.
Charon arrived in a matter of minutes, not one to waste time when he was called. When he entered the office, the comforting smell of incense smoke filled the room, going unnoticed by the king before him. Black claws tapped against the dark marble desk as the boatman's eyes watched Hades from behind his funeral mask. The boatman watched his master try to busy himself, putting off whatever he had called Charon for. Tapping his own oar against the marble floor, the walls groaned in response as Hades' eyes finally found him.
"Charon. Thank you for coming. Listen, I know you are usually busy with your duties, but what the hell were you thinking?" his king hissed, narrowing his eyes at the boatman.
Taking his usual seat across from Hades' desk, the ancient god rolled his own eyes and crossed one leg over the other. "I think about many things, my King." at Hades' groan, the boatman chuckled. "Are you referring to the Spring Sapling? She seemed harmless enough, and she paid the fee. Who am I to turn her away?"
"You made her pay the-?!" cradling his head in his hands, the King of the Underworld sank into his seat. "Yes, Persephone, the Goddess of Spring." For a moment, when Hades lifted his head, his eyes were cloudy and dark. "Were you at least cordial with her? She is to be your queen you know." the room seemed to sigh at the King's words.
Charon's head lifted, glowing eyes pinning the man before him, his mask hiding any expression he may have had. "You're going to make that woman your queen?" his voice was low, disapproval dripping from the boatman.
Sighing, Hades lowered his hands, folding them across his lap as he turned his chair, looking up at the painting behind his desk, the eyes of his family constantly looking down upon him. "It is no longer my choice, old friend."
