So it may be a week or two before I am able to update this story because I will be busy. If anything, I will only be able to update on the weekends.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Persephone's P.O.V.

Hades kept eye contact with me and began speaking as though to a startled animal, "Why you? Well let's see...if I had chosen a mortal, you know your father would have to judge her before letting her become immortal. Zeus has never allowed that and I doubt he ever would. I suppose I could find a way around that but all souls once they have crossed the Styx are drawn to the River Lethe so that they can forget everything making them cling to the world above. Of all the maidens in the world, you are one of the strongest and most compassionate. When we first met you did not treat me as the rest of the gods do. You knew that the one thing that I ask of everyone is respect, not fear and that is how you treated me. You will make a great wife. You are able to speak your mind and still be empathetic. You have patience that most lack anymore, myself included Lastly, as you pointed out, there is no sunlight down here. You have a golden radiance around you, that reminds me of sunlight. I am not the only god to think so either, even your father agrees with me on this. Is that reason enough? Or do you need more?"

I had a small smile on my face as he spoke. Very few people in my life had ever given me compliments on my personality because most only cared about outer appearances. I knew my voice would be shaky but I spoke despite this. "Those are all nice reasons but what about my mother? She will be heartbroken when she finds out I am gone! My father...well, what does he even think about you wanting to marry me? Surely, he doesn't consent...I mean, I may be strong but I am not ready for any of this."

Hades loosened his grip on my hands and repositioned our hands so that he was able to run his thumb over the back of my hand repeatedly. "I will not argue that your mother will be heartbroken because she will be – every mother is when they see their daughters marry. She will gradually become used to it. Zeus gave me his consent for our marriage because I knew your mother would turn me away like she did your other suitors. You are ready for this, just have confidence in yourself. Would it help any if I were to remind you that I want you to be my Queen? By becoming my consort, you will gain so much power. I cannot do not even know where to start with on how much power you will have." He gave an ornery grin and I jerked my hands out of his grip and turned my back to him.

I crossed my arms and began to walk away from him. "Zeus would never allow this. He would have asked for my consent first. Power means nothing to me but happiness does." I stopped walking and began to subconsciously inspect the room. I shivered taking in the rather large bed that had a mild green blanket over it and matching pillows.

I heard him sigh and take a step towards me. "Kore believe what you will of your father but I am not lying to you about his consent," he paused and spoke again softly, "If happiness is what matters to you then know this I would gladly give you the world if it meant your happiness."

"Then if that is true-"

"No Kore, I cannot allow you to leave here just yet. You will get to visit your mother and the world above again soon enough."

An awkward pause passed between us before I heard him walk away and close the door. I was sure Hades had locked the door and so I for a few moments I was able to relax and inspect the room more closely. The bed was in the center. How I had overlooked seeing it upon first entering the room, I had no idea. I saw that along the Eastern wall there was a rather large window that did not look like it would open. I also noticed that there was a variety of unknown plants in front of the window. I made a mental note that I would have to ask my mother about them and the thought made me feel anger towards Hades.

'How Zeus could even agree to such a marriage? No one would ever sentence their immortal child to a life in the Underworld!' I started to pace the room, no longer caring to inspect it.

I had a feeling there had to have been a bribe somewhere. I had no idea what Hades could bribe his brother with but I knew the bribe would have to be something unique. Such as, not letting the monsters out of Tartarus or building up an army of the dead to take over Olympus. The second idea made me feel more stressed. 'What if Hades was wanting me to be a part of that?' I couldn't help but ask myself that question and began to shake out of fear. It was common knowledge that Hades envied his brother and was always seeking to add subjects to his realm. I would be just as equally responsible and hated and have no way of stopping Hades even if I was his wife.

As I thought about what Hades was planning, I heard an odd noise behind me. I quickly turned around and saw my father standing in front of the door. I would have been comforted by his presence if I had not seen the frustration and worry on his face. My earlier feeling of anger at him disappeared for a moment and I ran to him. When I reached him, he gave me a brief hug and I was able to calm down a little.

"I'm glad to see you are not too angry at me for my consent. I have a feeling though that you would have liked for me to consult you first?" asked my father looking down at me. I could only nod my head for a moment.

"You could have at least talked to mother first too...or even Hera, she would have at least asked for my consent. Does Hera even know of this?" Talking about Hera always made my father uneasy but I wanted and needed to try anything to avoid a marriage to Hades.

"No is the answer you would like to hear but unfortunately, Hera does know of this. She did not agree at first but Hades is very persuasive sometimes. He did make some good points when he talked to me. Although he did not mention how he planned to get you here, that was never discussed and I am sorry that it was a rather rash way of doing so. Anyways, he needs some ounce of happiness in his life. Having a kind, bright, and strong wife would do him some good. You have been here for about three hours and I have a feeling you are ready to leave. How do you think Hades feels being here all the time? Have you even listened to a word he has said?" My father's stern voice discouraged me from arguing.

I sighed and looked down at the floor, which was surprisingly made of a light colored wood. "I never even considered how he might feel," I paused to take in a deep, shaky, breath, "I will marry him but I won't like it and I'm not doing it just because you talked me into to it. I am going to marry him because he does need some happiness. Although I wish he could find it with someone else." After I had said this, I suddenly felt my hopes of escape vanish. It was like saying that had caused all hope to abandon me.

My father smiled and let out a small laugh. "I'm glad I didn't have to guilt you into this. It would have been horrible to do such a thing." I knew my father was being sarcastic but I was used to it. When your father is the god of gods, you don't argue with him unless you want an end to your life or to spend the rest of it in misery. There were very few gods that could argue with him and do it successfully but I knew I was not one of them and so did not even allow myself to think about doing so.

I tried to smile and pretend to be happy as I looked back up at him. We both jumped when the door opened and Hades walked into the room. He looked a little relieved when he saw my smile.

"Zeus, Persephone are you two done speaking?" asked Hades. I took a deep breath and tried to remember what my father had said. 'If Hera has agreed to this then surely it will be a good marriage…and Hades did say that he would lay the world at my feet if it would make me happy, this could work.' I took a deep breath before speaking, "Yes we are Hades, in fact we were about to try and find you."

"You could not have timed that any better brother! She had just agreed to marry you willingly when you walked in. You will have to teach me how to have such convenient timing," he laughed and Hades rolled his eyes, "Now I do believe that you will not need me for a few hours so if you would not mind, I need to return to Olympus. Hera is in an uproar about one of my sons…"

"Of course brother. I will send for you when the wedding is about to begin." Hades looked slightly annoyed with his brother and I could not blame him. Hera was always angry because of one of Zeus's affairs and it was quickly becoming a daily occurrence. It was annoying for everyone to watch because the results were always the same and we had all begun to hope that maybe one day Zeus would stop or Hera would quit caring.

After giving me one last hug, my father disappeared in a cloud of gold smoke. I knew that he had only been able to travel to the edge of the River Styx and would have to rely on Charon to get him back to the mortal world.

"Kore, would you like to follow me to the gardens? There is a fire ready for your part of the wedding preparations." He smiled and extended his hand out to me. I kept my forced smile as I walked over to him and accepted his hand. "Thank you Hades." We walked out of the room and headed to the gardens in complete silence. I assumed that he was quiet because he knew how big of a step it was for the bride to complete this step.

After a few minutes we reached the gardens and I gasped. I saw such a variety of plants that I almost felt like I was back at home.

"I will be back in an hour but if you should need me for any reason, there are guards around that will be able to find me." I only nodded my head at his words because I was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

I walked to the fire pit that had a small box next to it. I knew that the box held some of my most precious childhood memories. As I sat down in front of the fire, I began my prayer to Artemis. I felt that it was strange that even though I was also a goddess and had cried out to Artemis for help, I still was obliged to pray to her before my wedding.

I prayed that she would show kindness towards me and still protect me despite the fact I would shortly no longer be a virgin. I prayed that if I were to have any children, she would offer her assistance and keep them close to her heart. As I continued my prayer, I slowly reached into the box and placed one object from my childhood into the fire one at a time. Tears began to escape my eyes once again as I finished my prayer to Artemis and began praying to Hera.

An hour passed and Hades returned but did not say a word knowing that it would bring bad luck to interrupt my required ritual. Once I finished all of the proper prayers, I threw dirt on the fire and stood up once it was out. When I faced my groom again, I smiled and saw him physically relax.

"Let me show you back to your room so that you may change." Before he could even offer me his arm, I took it. I suddenly wanted to hurry everything and I strangely anxious about what the next hour would bring.

"I give you this girl, that she may bring children into the world within the bond of wedlock." I cringed as I heard my father speak without any emotion. When he pulled me forward, I couldn't help but close my eyes knowing that my marriage would be official in only a few seconds now.

"I accept her." When I heard Hades speak so calmly, I opened my eyes and studied him. I barely took notice of my father holding out three golden coins.

"I agree to provide a dowry of three golden coins with her." I barely heard my father speak the final words because I began to once again feel nervous. I knew that the coins were only a part of tradition and my father could give a larger dowry but considering Hades was just as equally wealthy, there wasn't much of a point to this part besides respect.

Hades was oddly quiet for a moment as though he was considering calling off the wedding. There was still time for him to do so but finally he spoke the last words, "I accept that too. Thank you." He then grabbed my other wrist and I took two steps towards him. I felt my arms turn icy and he looked concerned. "It is only nerves; I promise that I am fine otherwise." I was barely able to whisper the words because of my nerves being so on edge. He smiled and began to lead us to the banquet table.

"As I promised earlier, I will do what I can to make you happy. I don't want you to forget this." I knew Hades was trying to comfort me but it did not work. I smiled a little though and nodded my head; it was all I could manage at the moment. The three of us sat down at the same time and my Zeus looked at the food for a moment, unsure of it.

"Don't worry; I had one of your cooks from Olympus make the food. I knew you would not eat the food of the dead." He only nodded his head and started to eat. I followed a moment after choosing the lamb that had been heavily seasoned with garlic. I silently hoped that the stench of garlic would be so bad that he would not even have the slightest want to be around me. The meal continued in silence because we each knew that any conversation that started would be awkward and there really wasn't much to discuss.

When we had all finished, Zeus stood up and bowed his head in the direction of Hades and I. "I wish you two the best of luck and hope you find happiness with each other. I have to go now and I will see you both at the Summer Solstice celebration. Until then, Kore would you please try and be positive." Despite having given me away in marriage not long ago, he still spoke to me in a firm voice that only a parent possesses.

"I will be sure to do so father. After all, I agreed to this didn't I?" I smiled or at least attempted to as I stood up and bowed my head towards my father.

"Thank you brother. Charon will be waiting for you at the Styx's edge." Hades stood up as well and bowed his head towards his younger brother. No more exchanges were made and I watched as my father slowly left the dining hall. Once the doors to the hall had been closed, I looked at my new husband and felt as though I would faint from being so nervous. Hades laughed as though he knew why I was so nervous and moved his lips close to my ear and spoke almost seductively, "Don't worry my precious Kore, I will not take anything from you that you are not willing to give." I could not help but shiver and I had no idea of why. My shiver had not gone unnoticed by my husband because he chuckled softly and I felt myself blush fiercely. I stepped away from him and looked down, not wanting him to see me blushing at a topic married couples should be able to discuss with ease.

"Could I please just go back to my room?" I realized to late how my question had sounded to him when he laughed. "I did not mean it that way! I just…I just want to go and lay down so that I can get a good nights' sleep!"

"If that is what you would like Kore, then I will gladly show you to your room." Hades sounded oddly distant as he said this and I looked up. When I did I saw that a small group of servants had entered the dining hall and were waiting for his commands. His face looked almost cold as he spoke to them, "Take your time in cleaning this, there is no rush. Have breakfast ready at the usual time but have it delivered to the Queen's room."

He offered me his arm once again and I took it feeling strangely comfortable with it. We walked out of the hall in silence. The walk to my room was the longest walk I have ever taken. Well, the second longest the first you will find out about later. As we walked, I tried to memorize the way from the dining hall and my room.

Once we had reached my room again, I felt a sudden awkwardness that caused me to not let go of my husbands' arm. He of course, noticed this right away and I blushed slightly. I silently vowed that he would pay for every moment that he made me blush, it was the one thing I absolutely hated to do since I did not have much control over it. I also thought about how easy it would be for me to escape and see my mother one last time. What kind of daughter completely disappears, gets married, and then doesn't even tell her own mother?

"Is there something wrong Kore?"

"You are going to leave me alone? In here?" I paused as I saw him nod his head and whispered, "I don't want to be in here by myself...I know that I am safe and all but still...I have felt lonely for most of the day...and well..." Hades interrupted me with a laugh, a true laugh. If a goddess could have a heart attack believe me, I would have had one. Yes, Hades had laughed before but those laughs had not sounded so real.

"Are you asking me to stay with you? After hating me for most of the day, you want me to stay with you?" I nodded my head and he continued to laugh. I silently fumed but I knew that would ruin my plan. I looked down to keep myself from glaring. "Please?" I hoped the fact that I had sounded so shy about asking would help and it did. Hades finally stopped his laughter and smiled at me, "Of course my dear! All you had to do was ask. I hope you do not hold any anger at me for laughing at you. It was just the idea that after all the events of the day...that does not matter. I only ask that you do me one favor."

My head snapped up at the word 'favor'. I had silently been hoping I would not have to do anything tonight. The thought made me shiver a little but I reminded myself of his earlier promise. I was not willing to give him anything tonight and so therefore, he was not going to take anything.

"It depends upon the favor." I tried to appear calm but I knew I looked a bit worried.

"All I ask for is a kiss." The way he had said this small sentence made me blush. I felt embarrassment that I had expected him to request something much more than a kiss. My small blush deepened and I knew it spread. It was simple enough and I could not see any harm in it. Besides, since I was now his wife it was a part of my job to give him some happiness and if a simple kiss could do that then it was fair enough. I nodded my head knowing I would only choke out my answer. I had to advert my gaze and suddenly found the top of the door very interesting until Hades stepped in front of me. I then turned my gaze to the side. Kissing was something husbands and wives shared all the time, I knew that...but this felt almost out of place. I had no idea of what I was supposed to do exactly and I had been silently hoping that Hades would be the instigator and start the kiss.

He slowly took hold of my chin and turned my face towards his and he slowly wrapped his other arm around my waist. We stood like that a few seconds longer before he barely whispered, "As I said earlier, I will not take anything from you that you are not willing to give. I know that I would be taking your first kiss and as much as I would like that to happen now, I do not want you to feel forced to allow it. If you really want me to stay with you in your room tonight, I will gladly forget about asking this favor of you."

I bit my lower lip and contemplated my options. I knew I would never have the courage to try and have an affair so he would be my first and last kiss. I also knew that it was bound to happen eventually and that there was no harm in a simple kiss. I nervously raised my arms and looped them around his neck before I leaned in and kissed him softly. It only lasted a few seconds and when I pulled back he laughed a little bit and asked, "And how was that for a first kiss?"

"Okay, I guess." I shrugged my shoulders as I replied, believing I had been right about it being a simple meaningless kiss.

"Only okay? Well then…" For a second he almost looked wounded but the look was quickly replaced with an ornery one. He repositioned his arms so the he was able to hold my face and then he kissed me. It was not like the first kiss, not at all. It actually meant something. It showed me just how much Hades truly wanted me. When I tried to pull away he put more into the kiss before allowing it to end. I suddenly felt light headed and had to rest my head on his shoulder. Once again for at least the hundredth time that night, I blushed.

"And how was that Kore?" I didn't have to look up to know that he had a smirk on his face. My thoughts raced as I tried to find the words to express exactly what I had thought of the kiss.

"It was…um, wow…wow…"I let out a small giggle, "it was wow. What about you?"

"Exactly as you said, wow." He kissed the top of my head. We stood there until I felt normal again, or at least as close to normal as I could. I pulled completely away from him and saw a look of disappointment cross his face. "I would like to get some sleep tonight." Although it was an innocent enough statement, I was silently curious as to what other things would be like with him if kissing him was that good.

"I will be right back then. There are bedclothes in the chest in front of your bed." I quickly moved to my door and went into my bedroom. I moved quickly to the wooden chest and pulled out the first nightgown I saw. It was silk and was colored a deep blue. After I had changed, I sat on the edge of my bed and waited So far, my plan was working, well for the most part. I had definitely not planned on sharing a meaningful kiss with my husband. As I thought through my plan a little more, I jumped as I heard the door open. Hades walked in and as much as I hated to admit it at the moment, he looked handsome. He was wearing black trousers and nothing else. I noticed for the first time since I had seen him that he had well defined muscles in his arms and chest. I quickly looked from his chest to his face and fought a blush.

"I didn't know which side of the bed you wanted. It doesn't matter to me...um, did you lose your shirt on the way over?" Okay, that was a childish question but I must remind you I was a young woman with no interaction with males at that time.

Hades earlier smile returned and walked towards the bed. "Males do not always have to wear shirts like women do. It is actually much more comfortable to sleep without one. The side you are on is actually my preferred side." I quickly stood up and walked around the bed and then pulled back the blankets and jumped in. I turned my back to him as I felt the blankets and mattress move. I closed my eyes tightly not wanting to talk or agree to any more 'favors' out of fear of what might happen if I agreed to anymore.

"Kore?" I wanted to ignore my husband and sleep but I let out a "Yes?" upon hearing him sound anxious. "Do you know why your mother kept you away from males of any kind?" This question caught my attention and I turned to face my husband. He looked in my eyes for a moment and spoke softly, "When you were born the Fates made a special visit to Mt. Olympus...your mother did not want to hear your fate but your father did. Very few gods know what the Fates predicted. I doubt your father knew how their prediction would come true until well...I fell in love with you." he paused seeing the many conflicting emotions cross my face, "Their prediction was well in summary that you would go from the light to the darkness because of a marriage. Two worlds would always be yours if you accepted your fate. You will bear two children and no more...Believe me, it was much more complex than that and like I said, it did not make sense until I fell in love with you."

I glared at Hades not wanting to believe him but soon let out a sigh. My emotions had been so out of control that day that I finally felt completely exhausted emotionally and physically. I closed my eyes and whispered, "Thank you for telling me...I just wish my mother or father would have told me about this. It would have made a big difference in my moods today. Now, if you don't mind I would like to get some sleep." With that, I turned my back once more to my husband. I felt a movement and then his arm around my waist. I felt some comfort from this small gesture, remembering our first kiss earlier.

I was almost asleep when I heard Hades ask me a question. I had to ask him to repeat it twice before I finally heard him, "I know your first impression of me was not good but do you think that perhaps...one day that it will change?" This small question made me remember the conversation I had shared with my father and I felt guilt. I tried to be very empathetic, "You are right, my first impression was that you were a terrible, heartless god, " I paused as I felt his body tense, "but I do think that over time my opinion will change and be positive. After all, that kiss earlier certainly helped me change my opinion a little."

"Then I will find ways to have you kiss me more often!" I laughed softly at his comment and rolled my eyes. I felt his relief at my words though and suddenly my guilt worsened. "Thank you Kore for trying." with that final sentence, I knew Hades had quickly fallen asleep. I waited for a short length of time, enough to make sure he really was asleep and would stay in that state for a while.

'Don't thank me just yet Hades.' I thought silently as I slowly escaped from the bed. I walked silently as I found my shoes at the foot of the bed. I made my way to the door and stopped. I held my breath as I put my hand on the doorknob and turned it. It turned. The door was unlocked just as I thought it would be. I felt excitement rush through me and I quickly but silently proceeded to make an escape attempt.