IV
Demeter had just come back from the nearby temple for Morning Prayer with the mortals when she found Persephone inside, sitting by the windowsill with a cup of hot tea in her hands.
"Good morning Kore." Persephone turned her head away from the window and gave a sleepy smile to her mother.
"Morning mother." She replied, Demeter could still hear fatigue in her voice and her face still looked tired.
"You're awfully tired today. We missed you at temple. The mortals were wondering where you were."
"Oh Mother I'm sorry I didn't wake up earlier. I was just so tired from last night." She explained with a small yawn escaping from her lips.
It was routine for Demeter and Persephone to wake up an hour or two after dawn. Demeter would fix breakfast while Persephone would feel their horses' breakfast in their stable just behind the cottage and tend to her garden. After they finished getting ready and eating they would walk to the nearby temple and attend prayer with the mortals. Usually Demeter would stay longer afterwards while Persephone would walk back home or head towards the river and play with the Nymphs. Only as of recent did Demeter finally allow for her daughter to walk back home with an escort.
"That's all right Kore." Demeter said, "You had quite a night."
"I don't want to go to Olympus anytime soon Mother." she said just after yawning once more causing Demeter to smile.
"Neither do I child."
That stupid Eros.
Hades's daydreaming and constant thinking of Persephone were all because of him. Now, it all made sense. These past few days were different for him because he had been feeling an emotion that he hadn't truly felt before.
Love- or rather fondness as he liked to remind himself.
He was infatuated with her. He would doze off during the day thinking about her tanned skin, gorgeous auburn locks, and that beautiful smile she displayed that would show her lone dimple which made him smirk. One thing that made him ponder over her even more was her wilting. He loved how flustered she looked when she wilted. However when he thought about her beautiful green eyes he would snap out of his gaze because they reminded him of Demeter's eyes.
Yuck.
While he cared for his sister, the last thing he wanted to think about was his sister in that sense. He could put up with many unorthodox, Godly behavior, but thinking about Demeter in an almost- sensual sense was beyond him. He was not Zeus, nor was he like Kronos.
He shuddered once again causing him to fall off of throne when his mental picture of Persephone sitting next to him in the throne room changed to Demeter when he thought of her eyes once more.
Persephone spent much of her day inside. She didn't feel like going out into the meadow today. She knew that Althea would find out what happened at the party last night and she knew, that she would know, that she did in fact attend the dinner. Althea was a dear friend and so were the other nymphs. But, today was just one of those days where she wanted to stay indoors, and that's what she did. Her mind wandered over to the party. She didn't attend many of them but she knew that this one ended in chaos.
One thing she could never understand properly was why the Gods were so obsessed with Dionysus spiked wine.
"Kore!" Demeter called.
Persephone turned towards her mother. She had spent most of the day curled up inside, sitting by the windowsill and watching her garden through the window. Persephone had her own garden that she had started together with her mother when she was younger. Ever since then she'd been tending to it the garden had gotten bigger and blossomed into something Persephone adored.
"Yes mother?" She replied. Demeter walked towards her and placed the back of her hand on her forehead causing Persephone to furrow her brows and push her hand back. "Mother, what are doing?"
"Are you feeling well Kore?" She asked.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" She questioned. Demeter sighed.
"I don't know. You just don't seem to be feeling yourself today." She said.
"Wh-what do you mean feeling myself? I'm fine." relied Persephone.
"Oh," Demeter passively waved her hand, "Its just an expression Kore." She said.
"Mother," Demeter replied by humming, "Is Dionysus spiked wine also an expression?"
The following days after that were not so different from her usual routine. Hermes had come by a few times to check in and see how Persephone was doing anytime he was given break, and when he didn't see Demeter within the radius of the cottage. She did admit, he went through great lengths to ensure that she was okay. That was what she liked about it him. However, Demeter was still not able to forget what happened between the two of them. Persephone herself did know what to think, she even asked Althea for advice.
"See, this issue goes past the kiss Persephone," Althea said as she sat behind Persephone braiding her long auburn hair, "He stared at your breasts. Its very rude and its vile." She explained.
"They were covered—"
"He still looked! That doesn't excuse anything!"
"He apologized at the party. . ." She trailed off.
"Men don't apologize. They're useless, the only thing they're useful for is sex." She ranted. Persephone frowned and her mouth hung in confusion causing her to turn around.
"Sex?" Althea's eyes widened.
"Y-you don't know what sex is?" She herself was confused, "Your mother hasn't told you?"
"No. Why, is it important?" Althea sighed.
"Oh dear Persephone, listen to me young one. I am about to change your world."
Hades had tried to occupy himself as much as he possibly could to avoid any thoughts relating to Persephone- and Demeter (ugh). It was harder than he thought. If he wasn't thinking about Persephone, than he was doodling —very poorly— a lot of drawings that resembled the wilting Goddess he encountered.
Ever since his niece and nephews explained (miserably) the fiasco that included him and an arrow, Hestia and Eros hadn't stopped pestering him about it. He was thankful to the Fates that Apollo didn't try to get anymore involved with this, that boy gave Hades severe migraines.
He did care for his nephew, but he was so incredibly dense at times which made Hades wonder how anyone could put up with him for extended periods of time. He was hopeful that he boy would smarten up as he got older. Luckily for him, Apollo was a looker (as were all the gods) which helped him out in so many ways.
So far he had told neither of them what he was feeling. As far as Eros knew, he had assumed the effects of his arrow simply hadn't worked on Hades. He estimated that it was because he was such a powerful God, the effects just passed right through him, which was why Eros spent day and night cooped up perfecting the magic in his arrows. He thought about testing it out on Lord Hades, or any powerful God for that matter but he had to talk himself out of it every single time. He knew that Zeus and Poseidon would be more merciful than Hades but their wives would trample him over and throw him off of Olympus if he found out what he had done.
Hades had thought about coming clean with his sister and asking for her daughters hand marriage. Ah, marriage. He barely knew the girl and he was already thinking about the two of them being married, her living in the Underworld bringing some light into his realm, ruling beside him . . .
He couldn't take it anymore. He had decided to act upon this.
"Thanatos!" Hades called. Thanatos appeared almost instantly at his call.
"Yes, Lord Hades?" Hades straightened out his robes as he stood.
" I am leaving to attend to some business. May I ask of you to help the others judge the souls?"
"Of course my Lord? But, where are you going?" He asked. Hades composed his face to look blank and unreadable.
"Out."
"So, all that, just to feel good?" Persephone questioned just as Althea finished explaining to her what sex was about.
"Ah, you just won't get it. You're mother wants you to remain chaste." She said with a shrug. Persephone's eyes winded.
"So, are you not?" She asked.
"No." She replied simply with a smile. Persephone shrugged.
"Maybe I'm just too young to understand."
"You're not too young. You're too innocent." She said truthfully causing Persephone to cross her arms in a huff, waiting for Althea to finish with her braid.
He sat in his dark chariot and started thinking. He left the Underworld and was aboveground by a cave along the outskirts of the city of Athens. He told himself he had two options.
He could talk with Demeter about her daughter rationally— as rationally as she would allow— to ask for Persephone's hand. Or, he could weave his way out from talking anything out with Demeter, and go to Zeus and Hera himself.
The latter option sounded better. He figured if he went about this lawfully no one would get hurt in any form. However one huge issue boggled his mind.
What if Persephone didn't like him back? Love didn't matter at this point, but he needed some form of comfort or ease to know that Persephone wouldn't despise him for eternity. As long as they got along he figured they would be fine. Besides, she'd have to consent to the marriage herself, not Demeter.
Maybe he should have told Eros about who he gazed at first. He could work his magic with his arrows on Persephone. And, he was far too young to actually embarrass Hades (not that anyone did, but there was still a possibility). However, Apollo and him were together very often and he figured word would slip from his mouth, or Apollo would get to him causing him to spill Hades secret.
He had decided on going to Hera and Zeus. Surely they could talk Demeter and they could all settle this out diplomatically. He pulled the reigns of the chariot and headed towards Olympus.
When he arrived on Mount Olympus Hades couldn't see Zeus or Hera anywhere. He thought for a moment that they were alone together. . .
But, after so many years that was after of the question. They didn't despise each other, but they wouldn't be sleeping together in their kind of martial situation. Not that Hades himself knew anything of married life but he assumed that was it.
"Zeus? Brother!" He called.
"May I help you Lord Hades?" He turned to find one of servants in Zeus's abode.
"I'm here to see Zeus." He replied.
"Oh, Lord Zeus is in his garden. Follow me," He lead Hades to the garden outback.
The garden was truly beautiful, better than the fields and gardens he had in the Underworld. He knew it was because of the fact that the sun actually helped with the growth of the plants. In the Underworld the plants did not grow as extravagantly but artificial light was better than nothing.
"Brother!" Zeus said greeting Hades with open arms, "What brings you to Olympus?" Hades cleared his throat and ran a hand through his messy wavy locks.
"Err—Brother, is there anyplace we can talk in private?" He said gruffly. Zeus looked surprised.
"Oh, alright then. You're here on business. Follow me.'
They walked through the marble, spacious halls of Olympus until they reached Zeus's office. His office looked much more open and spacious. Hades knew it had to do with the white walls and pillars. The windows actually showcased clear blue skies and white puffs of clouds. It was neat and tidy whereas Hades's office had parchment, scrolls and other notes scattered around. Not to mention, his office was much more darker.
"What is it Hades?" He asked as he locked the doors to the den, "Wine? Don't worry its not spiked" He gestured towards his collection.
"I'm fine thanks." He muttered as he watched Zeus shrug and pour himself a glass of pink wine.
"Its fine. No one will be able to hear us." He ensured. Hades sighed and covered his face with his hands.
"I need to ask you for a big favour brother. You and Hera."
"Why do you need Hera?" He asked.
"Err— lemme get to that. You see I need your help." He started slowly. Damn, maybe he should have asked for some wine to loosen his tongue.
"Go on Hades." Zeus encouraged.
"I wish to marry" He blurted out causing Zeus to smile out of surprise.
"Why brother! That is great news. Finally, the Underworld shall have a Queen." He beamed, "Tell me, who is the lucky lady?" Zeus questioned as he sipped his wine looking as if he didn't really care who his bride-to-be was. He just assumed it was some Nymph from the Underworld who had finally slipped himm a love potion. Hades chuckled nervously and ran a hand through his locks,
"Err- Persephone." He muttered. Zeus unconsciously dropped his glass of wine and stared at his brother with wide eyes.
"You wish to marry her? My daughter? Hades believe it or not but my children mean everything to me and Persephone is no exception."
"Yes, I understand."
"Why?" He asked. Hades bit his lip and shrugged, he didn't want to share the real reason why.
"It has come to my attention that I need a queen. I wish for Persephone to be the queen of the Underworld." he lied—partially. Zeus remained quite momentarily and faced his brother looking for a hint of emotion to showcase what he could possibly mean by that. It was a waste because Hades was a master at hiding his feelings and true intentions.
"Hades- she could never adjust to the Underworld. She is the Goddess of Spring. Nature, flowers, light and life runs through her blood." Hades remained silent unsure of what to tell him.
"She may be open to such a change. She seems to be optimistic enough." He tried to reason.
"Not a change so drastic brother." He said shaking his head.
"Brother please, if I could just talk with her." Silence flooded the room and it lasted for much longer than Hades would have liked. He eyed his brother closely looking for bodied emotions. All Hades could sense was confusion and other conflicting emotions
"What I don't understand Hades, is why you have come to me to ask for permission. You would have been the last God to come to my approval for anything." Hades nodded.
"Well, you'[re not wrong. But, I can't talk to Demeter about this. She'd be so furious even I wouldn't know what to do with her."
"What makes you think you need to talk to anyone about this?" Questioned Zeus while raising his golden brow.
"Well I can't just take her." He muttered, "I want this to be official. You and Hera are the only ones who can officiate anything, really- if you think about it." Zeus fell quiet once again, tormenting Hades to no end.
He definitely did need that wine.
"Alright Hades," He began causing Hades to raise his brow in surprise, "This is fine on my behalf. But, Persephone must consent." He stressed, " Now, I know Demeter won't agree. If you can get Persephone to consent then I have no problem permitting the marriage." Hades lips twitched into a sly smile.
"Thank you brother."
"Hades, you must take great care of her." he warned hos brother darkly, "And you must obedient of her choosing. "I'll talk to Hera." he added.
"I will brother, and thank you."
"Oh, and a word of advice," Zeus said quickly as he poured himself another glass of wine. This time it was white, "Kidnapping her doesn't sound like such a bad idea." Hades rolled his eyes.
What an idiot. That was the difference between the two brothers. Zeus was stupid and he was rational. Or so he thought.
Hades returned to the Underworld and was in pleasant mood and it showcased on the small smile that tugged on his lips. Hecate and Thanatos watched with confused gazes as he walked straight into his office without greeting either of them, or returning to judge the souls.
"Do you think he's sick?" Hecate whispered to Thanatos who shrugged a reply.
"Nah, maybe a nymph threw herself at him?" He suggest causing Hecate to raise a brow, "What? He's not lacking in the sexual department." He muttered.
"Maybe not him. But you sure are." She smirked. Thanatos clenched his jaw and glared at Hecate.
"That was uncalled for." He muttered before walking away from Hecate who had a small smile of her face.
Persephone had an unusual day. She couldn't understand the reasoning behind anyone wanting to have sex. She wanted to ask her Mother more about it, but judging by the fact that Althea said herself it made someone unchaste she decided against it. The last thing she wanted was for her mother to freak out, which in turn would result in zero contact between her and the nymphs. Persephone didn't want to risk that.
She had changed into a light white nightgown that kept her cool during the hot summer nights. Her hair was damp because she had taken a nice bath to clean herself off from her long day spent outside. She walked towards the kitchen and made herself a cup of chamomile tea to help her fall asleep. She liked drinking a cup of tea before bed because she found that he soothed her down nicely and would often drink lemon or herb tea if she wanted a change.
"Kore? Why are you still up?" Demeter asked when her daughter walked into the kitchen.
"I just wanted to make some tea, is that alright mother?" She asked. Demeter sighed and shook her head with a small smile.
"Of course, but child I want you in bed soon." She added sternly.
"I will mother."
Persephone quickly made her tea and took the cup to her room and decided to drink it there. She placed her tea on her night stand, opened up the small window above her bed, and pushed the covers away. She pulled the covers over herself and lay her back against the head board. She lay back while sipping her.
She hadn't felt this relaxed in days.
She dreamed of a place she had never seen before. The walls around her were of a dark mahogany and the tiles beneath her were made of black obsidian, so shiny that she could see her reflection in it perfectly. The halls were lit by many candles that were placed upon a train of golden chandeliers with crystals that reflected in every direction. What she loved the most were the long mirrors mounted on the walls of the corridors creating beautiful reflections around her, which in turn, helped illuminate the dark- yet elegant hallway she was in.
Persephone didn't move. In fact she decided to sit herself down and just stare at herself through the obsidian tiles while the mirrors on each side of her reflected her actions. What attracted her was the fact that she for once, was not dressed in white— rather in something dark which she couldn't make out herself. Other than that it was a nice change. Her long dark hair was braided in a detailed plait that hung off of her left shoulder. What stood out the most was the elegant crown that was placed on her head. However the closer she looked she noted that she looked neither happy nor sad.
"Persephone." She recognized that low masculine voice call from ahead.
The more she stared at herself she could hear the footsteps of someone approaching her nearby. She wasn't sure who it was until she saw two legs right in front of her. She looked up to find a a man with creamy white skin that contrasted against the dark halls around him and his dark robes underneath his thick fur cape. His wavy locks fell just above his shoulders and were left untamed. His dark eyes bore into her and his structured face made him look stern. However, there was a smile tugged at his lips.
He was smiling at her. Persephone herself didn't say anything even though she recognized the man, in fact she just looked at him mesmerized.
It was Lord Hades.
Persephone shot up from her dream and shivered when she felt the cool breeze of the night. She quickly closed her window and pulled her blanket over herself and wrapped herself in it nicely. She herself had no idea why she dreamed of Lord Hades, they hardly ever spoke one another, there was nothing special about him.
In fact, the only man she had ever really dreamed about was Dionysus, who was spiking the wine at all sorts of parties, so this was a new experience for her. She wasn't scared of the dream that just occurred, just confused as to why it did.
She hugged her pillow. She needed to hug something in order to fall asleep. When she was younger, Hephaestus had given her a golden stuffed toy which she cherished ever so much. In order for her to have fallen asleep she needed to have the stuffed toy with her or she would be up all night. Demeter was witness to that. Though Persephone had outgrew the toy years ago, she never outgrew the habit of holding something close to her.
Hades had asked Morpheus for some help regarding his conflicting feelings towards Persephone. Morpheus had agreed to visit her dreams to see and understand what her feelings for Hades were like though he had no idea why Hades would even care about what some young Goddess thought of him. He assumed it may have had to do with some silly rumour. He recalled years ago when Hades had asked him to inspect the dreams of one of the aggravating Nymphs, and learned that the lone Nymph was so infatuated with the Kind of the Underworld she wished to bed him. Thus the "tradition" of sneaking into his palace began. Nonetheless he did what he had to do, inspecting dreams came with his job. When he returned to Hades's office a few hours later he was content in knowing that Persephone didn't at all despise him by the looks of her dream.
"My Lord?" Morpheus questioned as he walked into Hades's office to find him still awake in the late hours of the night.
"Morpheus." Hades greeted as he gestured for the fellow God to come inside, "Is everything well?" He questioned raising his brow.
"Yes, it seems that way My Lord." Morpheus stated.
"What do you mean?"
"Well you see, it was clear from the dream that she doesn't despise you. . . "
"That's good." Hades muttered.
"I suppose my Lord."
"But she was not happy?"
"It appears so my Lord." He said. Hades sighed and stroked his goatee with his fingers.
"Alright, thank you Morpheus." He said.
"If I may, My Lord," Hades raised a brow, "Why has this become so important to you?" He asked. Hades cleared his throat.
"Not now, Morpheus. Please." Morpheus left leaving Hades alone to think.
Zeus had said that the marriage would be allowed if Persephone would constant to his proposal. All he needed to do was get some time alone with her just to talk. Just him and Persephone, he didn't want to get Demeter involved or furious if nothing would happen between the two of them.
He hadn't entirely ruled out the kidnapping plan, but he decided that if all else fails he could always go for that last resort.
He smirked once he realized how he could accomplish this.
It was a sunny afternoon as per usual and Persephone skipped through the meadow as she headed towards the river to meet with the Nymphs. After her dream she had made another cup of tea and fell asleep instantly and dreamed of nothing, which was nice for a change.
Her dress danced against her body and her auburn hair flew around in the wind. The day was nice and wasn't as hot as it usually was, but nonetheless she wanted to spend some time by the river to cool off.
However on her way she spotted a lone flower in the fields of the meadow. Curiously she stopped with her skipping and slowly walked towards a flower she had not yet seen before, which was odd since Persephone and her mother knew of every flower and plant.
The flower was stark white with a yellow and orange center. For some odd reason it made it think of herself, white and pure. Just how mother wanted. She smiled and took a whiff of the flower whose odour smelled sweet and fresh.
"Oh! Mother would love this!" She exclaimed as she pulled the flower from the root.
Suddenly she felt the ground beneath her split open. Persephone screamed as she felt herself fall deep into a pit of darkness. She cried as hard as she could but no one came for her.
She was alone.
Authors Note: I hope you enjoyed. Not as amusing as my previous chapters but I hope this was nice to read nonetheless. Thank you for all the views and reviews I appreciate them very much.