Chapter 5
She watched him judge and became sad as he grew wearier and wearier with each soul. "Tartarus," followed by, "Asphodel," followed by, "Elysium," and the cycle would repeat itself over and over and over again. When he was done, she would crawl into his lap.
"Must you always be so harsh, my lord? That man –"
"I judge mortals by their actions and not their intentions." His voice carried an uncharacteristic edge. She put her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
"All I am saying, my lord, is to take both intentions and actions into consideration while judging culpability."
He narrowed his eyes at her, though she could tell it was in curiosity and not anger. He scratched his chin. Perhaps a man who killed to save his family deserved a chance to redeem himself, rather than eternal damnation in Tartarus. He nodded.
"I will consider your request, my lady." She kissed his cheek, and where her lips touched his face, he burned.
"Good. Now will you dance with me?" He smiled. He was always so beautiful to her when he smiled.
"I will do anything my lady wishes."
That night in the throne room they danced, and Persephone had never felt safer.