I paced the throne room before dinner. It seemed so cold now, so empty and I had only my beautiful little godess to thank. I wanted to stay at her side, to keep her warmth pressed to me, I wanted her heart to beat for me. It was too much! I was no mortal, I was not Zeus! I could not let this slip entangle my emotions like this.

I was already behind, the souls gathered in the courtyard were proof of that. She still had a choice, she could leave anytime. I was not evil, I would not force her. No, I wanted a willing companion, a willing confidante, and willing lover. I wanted her happy, I wanted her spoiled.

I'd already sent some boy to the dirt to procure fruits, and I'd brought ambrosia from Olympus with Dionysus' stash. I would not trap her, no. She was too good for tricks, for wooing. She should be worshipped by men and god alike. Her sweet nature, her beauty, her humility it was enough to outshine the others sitting so high on the thrones. If only we all had some. I grinned, it was easy to admire the things we could only dream of having ourselves.

She had kissed me. The thought was burned through my body, it was her personal brand. Her lips had touched mine, and my lips were lost with the new found sensation. She had instigated the kiss, such a simple thing, but in my mind so much more. She was attracted to me, which was not much surprise. Aphrodite, the queen of love herself, had thrown herself at me time and again. I was not one for sins of the flesh, but most were anymore. I couldn't help my mind from wandering, what if this was just a fling? A small escapade to little Persephone? Would she take her fill and then decide to return to the light? Of course, what fool wouldn't?

I groaned. There was also the fact she'd ask me to guide and teach her, to take her away. She trusted me, not many did, but she had willingly taken me into her arms and trusted me to keep her safe. My mind fought through the possiblities, but in the end my heart was already softened.

I had to protect myself, it would do no good to get caught up in my own despair if she decided to return. There was just this glimmer of hope that needled me, this tiny shred of me that ran throughout my blood, that she would decide to stay.

The boy returned, and I decided his fate was not so dire. I sent him above to be borne again far away from Minos' Labyrinth. He'd been rather young and a sacrifice afterall, it wasn't like it would change anything. I laughed, the fates probably cursed me for this, and it was a wickedly good day for it.

I went to the dining room, sitting it up so that her food surrounded her. She could pick whatever she desired, and I would have to pay attention. Yes, I couldn't let that melodious voice enchant me, because I had no clue what she prefered. To send someone after everything they could find was not an order I had any need to give again. To send someone with a particular list, I could handle. It was my way. I did not believe in generalizations, no it was black or white. You either done it or you didn't.

I smiled, calling my servants to arrange my dinner and let them know they're services were no longer required. Kance, a beautiful woman, once a whore, turned to me. Her head bowed, she asked quietly, "Will your Lady be needing a maid?"

I turned it over in my head a few times, "No. Good night." I didn't want them or anyone observing my sweet Persephone, it was unsettling, but I couldn't abide the thought of even a woman seeing her vunerable. I trusted my servants, though they were made up of mostly thieves and whores. I laughed, yes I trusted them. Their hearts were pure, they'd only survived, and I couldn't find it within myself to dismiss them to Tartarus for petty crimes. Although, I couldn't just send them to the fields either. No, I didn't want it tainted, I kept it for the pure and after some of the trials above had put them through they deserved at least that.

Swiftly, I made my way to my bedroom door. It would be hers for now, but one day. . . .perhaps.