A/N: Hi guys, trying my hand at some Greek Mythology.
Please R&R
Their wedding night was as romantic and intimate as a maid rushing a stain off a table, clean and tactful.
When it was over Persephone lay alone on her back, watching her husband's retreating frame, as the door opens a cold chill runs into the room blowing her sheets colder than they already are. Persephone shivers, is this an omen that will predict the rest of their marriage.
She lay in contemplation of the events that unfolded that brought her to this present place as newly crowned Queen of the Underworld.
2 Days Ago:
Persephone stood in the meadow as she watched her father Zeus speak with her mother.
Somehow, even though she was only some 10 feet away she couldn't hear anything they were saying, Zeus had been able to place some type of shield around them and Persephone could not hear anything.
Only watch their heated arm movements and the exchange.
After some time her mother held a solemn look on her face and the shield was lifted and a light breeze blew through the meadow and time began to move once again.
Her father Zeus gave her a forehead kiss goodbye and disappeared.
Her mother said nothing just demanded Persephone ready herself for dinner.
The table was set as usual and the servant nymphs placed dinner on the table.
"Persephone, do you still want to know what your name means?"
Persephone nodded her head. It had been a question she had often asked her mother, but Demeter would just say it was a name picked by the Fates.
"You were named by the fates. I tried to call you Kore for a while, but none of the other gods would allow it. Our family takes the fates very seriously"
"Why would you want to call me Kore?"
"This is hard, so darling you must forgive me if I begin to cry" Demeter started, knowing that once this revelation was revealed, it would sent into motion a fate she had been fighting for her daughter since she was in her womb.
Persephone nodded, suddenly very nervous, what a strange day this had turned out to be.
"Sometime after the War of the Titans, when Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon had split the earth into three kingdoms, and imprisoned the Titans in all three of their kingdoms, the Fates came to Hades and foretold to him that because of his bravery and honor he would have a Queen one day, and she would be his equal and share in his kingdom."
Persephone listened intently to her mother's words. Even though this was news to her, somehow she felt as if she knew where this story was going, and how it ended.
"When I carried you in my womb, the Fates came to me. They told me that I was to have a daughter and she would be called the bringer of death, and be given to Hades upon her 21st Birthday as a Bride and Queen."
Persephone shivered at the news, unsure if it was of fear or complete and total intrigue.
"Uncle Hades?" Persephone said confused.
She'd only seen her uncle on a few mandatory family occasions. During that time she'd observed him to be quiet and stoic, like the soldiers she'd read in books. She remembers Artemis telling her once that some gods were only meant to be warriors and the weight of a crown sometimes crushed them, made them only want to stay in their own heads, where the war was still going on.
On the even fewer occasions where their paths had crossed, Hades had been polite, but not necessarily friendly to Persephone.
Once on her way from picking a rose in Hera's garden she had turned a corner and almost ran into him.
"Sorry Uncle Hades" she'd said quickly and moved out of the way
"Persephone" Hades had nodded quietly and kept moving towards the throne room.
Persephone would sometimes think of him, wondering how lonely he must be, with no queen, companion, and a kingdom bathed in darkness.
"Yes, your Uncle Hades" Demeter said. She breathed a deep breath.
"Tomorrow is your 21st birthday, and Zeus wants the Fates prophecy fulfilled. He wants to see his daughter a Queen, and our beloved big brother have a companion. Hades protected all of us during the war, and Zeus feels guilt for our brother's loneliness" Demeter said.
She paused waiting on Persephone to say something, or scream, or cry…
"The prophecy fulfilled? Meaning I am too marry Uncle Hades?"
Demeter nodded.
"After he is your husband you must only call him Hades." Demeter said quietly.
Persephone was unsure of what emotion she was feeling.
She'd woken up this morning a little flower goddess and now she was told that she would wake up tomorrow betrothed to the King of the Underworld.
She'd always been curious about her Uncle Hades, but now the thought of being his queen and wife sent some fear into her spirit. She knew nothing of being a wife, and even less of her Uncle Hades and how to be a good wife and Queen to him.
Behind that fear was a spark of curiosity. Marriage, leaving the mortal land, losing her maidenhood, all things that had crossed Persephone's mind before, but never did she think they were possible.
"When?" Persephone only said to her mother.
Demeter knew what she meant.
"Zeus is not a patient god. He wants the binding ceremony to take place after your birthday dinner. The whole family will be there so…" Demeter stopped speaking as she held back sobs, choking on her unspoken words.
"Mother?" Persephone said placing her hand on Demeter's shoulder.
"When I first learned that I carried you, I imagined you living a life of complete happiness, never having to worry about the pain and agony that comes with physical, and emotional relationships. Your love would be pure. Marriage can bring happiness, but it can also bring anger and jealousy. I don't know what kind of husband Hades will be, but I still fear for your heart"
Meanwhile in the Underworld.
Zeus walks carefully through the grand hall of the Underworld. He steps inside the throne room and finds his big brother there, dressed in his full armor sitting upon his throne.
If Zeus did not know Hades so well, he would be afraid of him. He looks as intimidating as their father Kronos, as he sits mighty and proud upon his throne, his face a stoic gaze upon those whom he judges upon their death day.
"Brother, you have come to visit me" Hades says adjusting himself on his throne.
"Hades, I have come with news. I was reminded that tomorrow is my daughter Persephone's 21st birthday"
Hades quirks his eyebrow, he is aware of what Zeus has come to say, and he knows that Zeus knows his answer already
"It begins the prophecy the Fates laid upon you so long ago. That your future Queen would be Persephone"
"Zeus! I have told you once before, and I have told the Fates so many times before, I have no desire for a wife or a companion"
"Hades, don't be stubborn. You need a Queen, and Persephone is perfect. Her kindness and radiance will balance you out and make this kingdom whole."
"I refuse" Hades said, standing and walking down the steps of his throne.
"Brother…the Fates" Zeus tried to argue
"I don't care what the sisters have said" Hades barked
"You will marry her tomorrow night in Olympus!" Zeus shouted to his brother's retreating figure
Hades roughly pushed open the doors of his private quarters, and ran his hands through his dark locs looking into his mirror. He remembered the day the Fates told him of their prophecy, he ignored it, especially with their promise that his apparent future queen had yet to be born.
Then when news of the baby Demeter carried got to him, he felt a tingling sensation in his spine, as if he knew the baby would be a daughter, and her name would be Persephone, the bringer of death.
Despite his sibling's concerns, Hades had never wanted for a companion. Besides his guard dog and his servants for the dead, and friend Thanatos, and cousin Hecate. Hades enjoyed his reclusiveness.
He had felt useful as his warrior fighting his father and imprisoning the Titans. But now as a king he felt useless, his duty was to be the final judge of mortal souls, having to know every part of the mortals lives, Hades found that to be taxing.
He enjoyed his quiet nights and peaceful mornings He was a god so there was no need for an heir, he was his own legacy. From what he observed of his niece she was treated every much of a princess and sheltered from the pain and suffering that some mortals and even gods may face.
He didn't believe Persephone was anything more than a pretty face and she would add nothing but a burden to the Underworld.
Hades sighed. Was he really going to go against the fates? He could not fight them and his brother. He had hoped that Demeter would stop this, but according to Zeus she had agreed as well.
Hades turned towards his door when he heard a knock.
"Go away Zeus" he barked.
The door burst open.
"No Zeus here" Hecate said lightly, coming into the room. She was followed by 2 Nymphs Hades recognized as his personal tailors for his armor and other special occasion clothing.
"What's this?"
"Zeus told us of your wedding. We're all very excited that our king will be marrying and our kingdom will have a queen. We must ready your clothes" Hecate said with a sly smile on her face.
She had been one of the main proponents of Hades taking a bride during his earlier time as king, when she heard of the prophecy she was the first to congratulate him.
"So none of you are going to let me escape this" Hades winced as Hecate ran a brush through his hair.
"Don't pout. Persephone is a nice young lady" Hecate says as Hades is measured and fitted for his wedding attire.
Hades sighs knowing that his family would see to it that he didn't escape his fate.
"I will have the servants prepare her room. I assume you will need to ease into the idea of sharing yours" Hecate said as she helped the tailors measure cloth around his midsection.
Hades sighed again.
"I suppose I should bring her a gift" Hades said quietly.
Hecate nodded and smiled.
Persephone has a nervous shiver as she sits with her family and the guests for her birthday dinner being held on Olympus in Hera's garden.
The first course has been served and Hades had yet to arrive. Zeus was making a scowling face at Hades' empty chair, and Hera patted his shoulder.
"He will be here, stop worrying." Hera says. She knows that Hades is an honorable god and respects the fates and knows better than to try and run from them.
The entire dinner passes and the conversation amongst the guests is slow and nervous. Everyone knows of the prophecy now and is worried that Hades has not come to claim his bride.
Persephone begins to feel a slight embarrassment amongst her many emotions. Had the thought of marrying her sent Hades into hiding? Was she that much of an undesirable bride?
As the servants bring in her cake, Persephone poses a smile, and Demeter covers her worried face with one as well. She had agreed to follow the Fates prophecy, but now with Hades not showing, she worried what that meant for Persephone's future. Mortals and gods who didn't follow prophecies had a way of regretting it.
When the cake is placed in front of Persephone the guests sing in joy of the day of her birth. Demeter helps Persephone cut the cake and pass it around to the guests.
Suddenly the party goes quiet as Hades arrives.
"Brother, so kind of you to arrive… very late. You've kept your bride waiting" Zeus says smiling over at Persephone, who gives a nervous smile.
Hades nods towards Zeus and walks pasts his other family members and friends and presents Persephone with a square dark oak box, with a pink ribbon on top.
"Happy birthday Persephone" Hades says quietly.
Persephone reaches for the gift in his out stretched hand.
Their hands slide against each other at the exchange and a small spark flies between them, causing a small tingle to ride up both of their necks.
"Thank you" she says nervously.
Hades nods and takes a glass of wine from a passing servant.
The guests stare at the gift in Persephone's hand in anticipation of what her future husband and king could have gifted her with.
Persephone unties the ribbons and opens the box.
Sitting upon a small silk black pillow is a beautiful silver crown embellished with sparkling diamonds. The crown has been carefully crafted and sculpted perfect for Persephone's head.
"Since you are to be my queen" Hades said uncomfortably. His eyes drifted to Persephone's face. Her eyes lit up with the crown, she was pleased with the gift.
Others around her also smiled at the gesture, while Hades was the god of riches, and had often gifted his family with diamonds, rubies, and other jewels, Persephone's gift was obviously made just for her.
"Thank you…that's very kind of you" Persephone said nervously.
Demeter blinks at the crown, the reality of Persephone's situation sinking deeper into her heart.
Zeus claps his hand once. "Let us finish this birthday celebration and prepare for the engagement ceremony"
The rest of the gods nodded and continued to talk amongst themselves.
Persephone opened her mouth to speak to Hades but suddenly he turned around and was quickly following Zeus to the main hall.
Persephone felt her mother touch her shoulders.
"Come sweetheart, lets go thank everyone for your other gifts."
Hades caught up with Zeus and followed him into the main hall.
"Brother I assume you remember the oath you must take tonight" Zeus said as he climbed the steps and sat upon his throne.
"Zeus I am not going to argue with marrying Persephone. But I do want to know, why tonight?"
"What?" Zeus said
"The fates said when she turned 21, we would marry. We have a year for the wedding"
Zeus sighed
"Hades…"
But before Zeus could respond Hera entered.
"You need a companion Hades. I know you believe you are meant to be alone, and happy to be alone, but the fates saw something else for you" Hera said touching his face and smiling at him.
Hades sighed.
"I don't know how to be a husband" Hades admits.
Hera and Zeus glance at each other.
"Dear brother there is no exact right or wrong way to be a husband. But you possess all the qualities that a good husband should be; honorable, protective, and kind" Hera says
"Don't worry so much Hades. Now let us prepare for this ceremony" Zeus said leaning against the arm of his throne
Servant nymphs helped Persephone get into her engagement dress.
Persephone ran her hand over the elaborate blue beading of the dress.
She couldn't help the smile that formed when her best friend Mela, a servant nymph came into the room with tools to style her hair.
"Look at you" Mela said hugging her.
Persephone and Mela had grown up together, Mela's parents worked for Demeter, and Mela became Persephone's friend and helper.
"I feel like a princess" Persephone whispered to Mela.
Persephone was nervous and excited at the prospect of marrying Hades, and moving to the Underworld. While she had traveled all over the mortal realm, and spent a lot of time in Olympus, and Atlantis, she had never been to the Underworld.
"No! Not a princess…" Mela said pulling Persephone's hair into a tight bun
"A queen" she finished as she added a diamond barrette to her hair.
Persephone looked at herself in the mirror, she'd never felt so beautiful.
She turned to Mela grasping her hands.
"You'll come with me please? I can't imagine being in this new place, and this new life without you" Persephone said
Mela smiled, "my parent's won't protest, and I'm sure your mother would feel better with you having a familiar face in the underworld."
Persephone smiled.
Hades walked into the garden and watched the nymphs as they decorated the wedding alter.
"I thought the day would never come, but you can always trust the Fates" came a familiar voice from behind him.
"Hello mother" Hades said sighing as he turned to look upon his mother Rhea, the only Titan not imprisoned or destroyed after the battle.
"Aidoneus, it is the night of your wedding, you should be happy, finally after a thousand years alone, you will have a bride" The beautiful Titaness pushed a loose strand of hair from Hade's face.
She'd always worried about her oldest son. So quiet, preferring his books and gems to that of the rest of his family or companions. Even for gods, being alone too much could cause one to go mad.
"I wish everyone would stop saying I am alone. I have Cerberus, Thanatos, and Hecate bothering me in the Underworld every day, not to mention Zeus and Poseidon's random drop ins. Honestly I'm never alone"
"Darling, there is a difference between being surrounded by people and having a companion. Someone to share the burden of your being with, someone to share your desires, and hopes with. Persephone will be that for you"
"I didn't need a companion"
"That's what you think!" Rhea said, giving his shoulder a mild slap and walking back towards palace to get ready for the ceremony.
Hades stands at the alter with Hera, as he looks out into the audience, he sees Demeter's expressionless face in the front row.
They make eye contact and Hades wants to look away, but Demeter holds his gaze.
She stands and walks towards him. When she has come face to face with him, Hades opens his mouth to say something, but Demeter holds up her hand silencing him.
"You will allow the nymphs to gather and bring her things to your palace tonight, but you will not take her until dawn."
Hades nods as Demeter continues to speak.
"She will be bringing her favorite servant nymph Mela, you will make proper accommodations for her."
Another nod from Hades
"This will not be my last night with my daughter. You will allow her to come visit me in the mortal realm, and her friends in Olympus whenever she pleases"
Another nod
Demeter hesitates at her last words, trying to hold back the tears. She has always known her brother to be a good and honorable god, but still she worried.
"You will…you will…take care of her…Aidoneus…she is all I have…you will…please"
Hades is frozen in place by his sister's display of emotions.
"Yes…yes of course Demeter" Hades says quietly.
Demeter nods and takes her seat as the bride's mother.
The ceremony starts and Hades watches Zeus walk Persephone down the trail of flowers to the alter.
Hades can not deny her beauty, in her beautiful blue dress, and upon her head is the crown he presented her with.
He'd made it after Hecate and the nymphs had gone to tailor his wedding garbs. He'd hand picked each gem and fashioned and shape the mold of the crown himself.
It had been a hard task that had taken over several hours but Hades had as always, enjoyed the work.
While he'd made many gifts for his family, never had he seen one of his creations adorn a member so beautifully. He wondered how it was possible that Persephone seemed to outshine the crown on top of her head.
When Zeus placed Persephone's hand in Hades, that familiar spark came again.
Persephone gave a polite smile but he could feel her nervousness, he was also nervous. Marriage was also new to him.
Hera began the ceremony and he thoughtlessly repeated his vows and so did Persephone. But it was obvious they both were in their own separate worlds, thinking about the changes to come for the both of them.
As Hera says the final words, Hades opts to place a chaste kiss on Persephone's cheek instead of her lips.
But for some reason, even the light peck on her cheek has her heart beating uncontrollably. Who would've thought that her uncle's touch could cause such a reaction from her.
After the ceremony, Hades follows tradition and leads Persephone into the beautifully decorated grand hall while the guests followed.
The music begins and he leads her into the traditional wedding waltz.
The guests watch them dance and eventually Hera and Zeus join them in dancing, followed by Demeter and Apollo and Poseidon with Amphitrite.
Hades and Persephone are both light on their feet, and even though they can not see it yet, they make a beautiful couple.
"You're a very good dancer" Persephone says nervously, attempting to make conversation with him. He was always so quiet and mysterious, and Persephone had always been curious about her uncle and now she would be granted the opportunity to get to know him….as his wife.
"Thank you" Hades said
He looked down upon his new little wife in his arms as he glided across the room and tried to continue the conversation out of politeness.
"I've attended enough of these ceremonies and parties to learn a thing or two" he added
Persephone smiled and nodded.
"Do you have parties in the Underworld?" She asked
"Yes…well Hecate has them, her and my mother are always wanting to celebrate something"
Persephone nodded as she listened to Hades discuss the Underworld and its inhabitants.
"Will I get a tour of the Underworld?" Persephone asked as the dance concluded and he walked her towards the center thrones, where they would sit and take their presents from friends and family.
"Yes of course…you are our new queen" came a voice behind them.
Persephone turned and smiled as Hecate walked towards them.
Hades released her hand, realizing he hadn't let it go since the wedding ceremony, as Persephone went to hug Hecate.
"Such a beautiful bride you made, befitting a true queen" Hecate said admiring her crown and nodding towards Hades.
"I helped the servants prepare everything for your arrival, we will make sure you are comfortable and well cared for" Hecate said
"Or Demeter will have our hearts as fertilizer for her plants" Hades said casually leaning back in his throne.
Hecate and Persephone both shot him a dirty look and Hades shivered a little. He'd rather fight a thousand battle than deal with any woman's wrath.
After accepting gifts from everyone, a strong wind blew into the hall, and everyone knew that important guests had arrived.
The three sisters appeared in the middle of the hall, all dressed in white.
"Greetings, King Aidoneus and Queen Persephone" the sisters said in unison.
Persephone nervously blinked, remembering her new title.
"Now that you have wed, the prophecy is complete, and if you two can uphold the test of future events…your union will be strongest in any realm or kingdom" the sisters said before disappearing once again.
Persephone took in a breath as she repeated the sister's words over and over in her head.
Hades sighed and drank more of his wine.
He was getting tired of those sisters.
Later that evening, Mela helped Persephone take down her hair.
"I'm nervous" Persephone says smoothing out the white silk gown she was wearing
"Of course you are"
"I just remember what you told me…about you and Luka…you said it…hurt"
"Not as bad as you think…a small bit of pain….then…it was good"
Persephone twittled with her fingers and both girls jumped when they heard a knock on the door.
The door opened and Demeter came in.
Mela hugged Persephone and left the room, leaving mother and daughter to talk.
"You look beautiful"
"Thank you mama"
Demeter swept some of Persephone's curls behind her ears.
"You will be a wonderful queen, and a great wife to Hades…because you are the most precious gift in all the realms" Demeter whispered as tears clouded her eyes.
Persephone hugged her mother.
"I will leave you now, to wait on your husband"
A few minutes later when Hades entered Persephone was nervously sitting at the edge of the bed.
Hades came to sit beside her.
"I can't promise you that this will not hurt or be uncomfortable for you. But I can tell you that I'm honestly sorry for any pain or discomfort, and that this is just the last part that must be done for you to truly be my wife and queen."
Persephone nodded, and moved to the center of the bed and slid under the covers.
Hades removed his shirt and shoes and followed her. Once there he helped her to remove her dress. She'd never been this exposed in front of a man before and she felt a nervous shiver crawl up her spine.
When her gown slid down to her legs she kicked it onto the floor.
Hades helped her to remove her cotton underwear and she watched nervously as he removed his pants.
When they were both exposed Hades balanced his weight on top of her, firmly taking her legs and opening them to him.
His hand lightly brushed her maidenhood and she let out a small gasp. She'd never been touched before, and besides some self exploration that had only ended in frustration she had never felt any sensation such as that light brush.
Hades brushes against her maidenhood again, this time letting one of his fingers lightly glide around her opening.
Persephone suddenly remembers the explicit details Mela had shared with her one day of her and Luka a servant nymph from Atlantis she would see, and their romps in the poppy fields where he would use his fingers to pleasure her.
She also remembers the passionate kisses Mela would tell her about, but it seems there will be no kisses or anything else tonight between her and Hades.
Hades maneuvers himself and places one of Persephone's knees against his thigh, as he slowly enters her.
At first the sensation is a small tingle, but it grows into pain as the full length of Hade's manhood enters her slowly. Persephone breaths hard as she attempts to take every painful inch of him.
When he is nestled inside her soft warmth, Hades finds it difficult to focus on the feeling of being inside her.
He thinks of her discomfort, he thinks of ….
Soft tears form in Persephone's eyes as Hades slowly moves in and out of her.
The feeling is suffocating and she thinks she will not survive this pain, but she tries to be strong and brave and hold in the gasps she wants to take.
She feels embarrassed at the thought of her crying like a little baby on her wedding night, because the consummation was too painful.
Hades is a soldier, and to him soldiers are given tasks they must complete. To Hades, consummating a marriage to make it true is a task.
He tries not to look into Persephone's eyes, and tries not to listen to the little gasps she makes. He knows if he does, he will not be able to complete this task.
Sometime passes and the pain begins to feel numb and Persephone can start to feel a small sensation of pleasure peak. It's barely there but she thinks if Hades maneuvors some she could feel it. But she is too paralyzed, too afraid, and too embarrassed to ask him such a thing.
So she lays quietly with her hands alternating from his shoulders to her sides.
A few thrusts later and Hades is able to complete his task and spills himself inside of her.
He finishes with a small grunt, and holds himself above her for a few moments before slowly pulling out of her.
Persephone feels relief, and also the aftermath of their consummation between her thighs and on the sheets below her.
When Hades rises to dress himself he sees the golden blood of her maidenhood covering the tip of his manhood.
Persephone notices and quickly looks away, knowing that her blood is also between her thighs and on the sheets.
Hades quickly rises and opens the door to leave.
He takes one last look at her as she sits up, letting the sheet cling to her figure.
"I will see you in the morning, and we will depart for my kingdom" he says roughly and leaves the room.
Persephone lets out a breath as Hades leaves. She tries to stretch but she is sore and knows she will be in pain for the next few days.
As Persephone is in the bath she hears the nymphs come in to collect their sheets.
She slides lower into the warm bath, out of embarrassment, knowing that they will present the sheets to Zeus, Hera, and Demeter as proof of consummation.
Zeus will declare their marriage valid and she will be the true wife of Hades and queen of the Underworld.