A/N: Many thanks for your reviews! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. This chapter has Persephone's take on everything, and what she decides to do about it. It may not be what you're expecting. There isn't as much fluff in this chapter.
As a side note, does anyone know how the change the title of a document in the doc manager on this website? I mislabeled this chapter by accident, and I don't know how to correct it...
Chapter 11: Morning Chores
Persephone woke in her own bed as usual, even though her last recollection from last night was of Lord Hades holding her. She didn't have an urgent need to get up, so she lingered for a time. She hugged her pillow to her, grinning at the memories of yesterday. There was Cerberus and Phlegethon, Asphodel and the judging of the dead. And most of all, Lord Hades. Her face warmed at the thought of him. Once she began thinking of him, hundreds of images came to mind. Him smiling at her, holding her. The way he called her name twice yesterday, forgetting to be formal. His searing warmth behind her as Phlegethon surged under them. The distant pain in his eyes when she touched his scar. His shadow, never far from her. Her cheeks began to ache with how wide she was smiling.
It didn't take her long to realize she liked him. She might even love him, if she allowed herself to explore her feelings. As far as she'd seen, what wasn't to love about him? He was a powerful yet sensible god. He was the richest, the least understood, and most responsible one as well.
Unlike the other gods, who had gone from empty flattery to force when they tried to take her, Lord Hades had been a perfect gentleman. There were times when she wished he was a little less circumspect. She'd been disgusted by the touch of the other gods, but his touch was both comforting and alluring. He could be stern and implacable, but neither his animals nor his advisors flinched from him. It was obvious he never raised his hand to them.
She knew she was very young, and had limited experience. What did she really know of love? How could she be sure her feelings were genuine, and not a form of hero worship that would fade in time? In the beginning, she'd been in awe of him. As she drew closer to him, she began to see him as a man instead of a distant god. Everything she saw made her admire him more.
His exactness in carrying out his duties. His care for his subjects. His strict code of morality that still allowed for mercy. His clear-spoken intelligence. The way he listened to her opinion, instead of dismissing her. The way he was quick to defend her from the least insecurity. His insistence that she feel safe in his home. The way he made her feel safe. The look on his face when she'd leapt to his shadow's defense.
In her heart, this didn't feel like a passing fancy, like a flower that bloomed in the morning and wilted by the afternoon. This felt like the steady growing of an oak that would span millennia. The more she learned of him, the more she wanted to know. Each new aspect that she discovered of him deepened the roots in her heart, and made her yearn for the light of his approval.
She was afraid to speak up on several accounts. The first was that she didn't know how he would react. She was afraid he would see her as a gangly girl-child when she expressed her feelings, and not take her seriously. How could she prove that her feelings were real and not the fevered imagination of youth?
She also doubted what she had to offer him. He was one of the oldest, most powerful gods. She was a mere goddess of spring, barely more than a nymph. What right did she have to seek his attention? A god of his status could have any lover he chose, so why would he pick someone as insignificant as her?
She hadn't seen other women pursuing Lord Hades, but she was sure there must be some. She imagined them older, stronger, and more beautiful than her. How could she hope to compete with them? What could make her stand out from the other women throwing themselves at him? How did she show that she loved him as a man, and not as a god of power?
He did not take lovers or have trysts by the dozen like the other gods. He was faithful to his future companion even before he chose one. With everything he did to rule his realm, he deserved a partner who would be as honorable to him. She longed to prove herself worthy of his regard, that her fidelity was as great as his. What would possibly set her apart from the other unseen women?
She only had to think of Lord Hades tending his kingdom to know the answer. What better way to show her admiration, and that it was real, than to love was he loved? She hadn't seen other woman in the Underworld, but she wasn't so arrogant as to believe she was the only one he invited here. If she wanted to encourage a man—and she did—she would be with him as often as she could. That no other women ventured to the Underworld told her than none of the others cared about it.
Even on their short acquaintance, she realized that Lord Hades and the Underworld were irreparably bound. The same vitality flowed through both, so that it was impossible to tell if the power came from the god or the realm. As far as she saw it, it was pure conceit to desire one and ignore the other. Nor was Lord Hades the kind of man to forsake duty for pleasure; his joy was derived from caring for those around him. She wanted to give that joy back to him, to help instead of always being dependent on him. She knew she cared for him as a man, but the real test was to see if she cared just as much for his kingdom.
She got out of bed, forming a plan in her mind. As much as she loved spending time with Lord Hades, she needed to learn more about the Underworld itself. Lady Hecate and Lord Thanatos seemed like good people to start with. They could teach her about the Underworld, and she would see it from a different perspective. They were important to Lord Hades, somewhere in that vague realm between trusted advisors and friends. Though technically subordinate to the god of the dead, neither one was afraid to speak their minds to him. If she wanted to stay here, she would need to earn their respect as well.
She went down to breakfast, finally starting to learn her way around the palace without a guide. Lord Thanatos was already in the parlor, industriously reading a scroll. He did not look up at her when she came in. She was content to be ignored by him. She was still leery of him, even if Lord Hades trusted him. Eventually she would need to make her peace with the god of death, but she really hoped she could start with Lady Hecate. Thankfully, the goddess of witchcraft came in a few seconds later.
Persephone went to Lady Hecate and curtsied, greeting her by name.
The older goddess looked amused. "Yes?" she asked without offering a curtsy back. Persephone took that to mean Lady Hecate didn't believe she deserved it. It made her more nervous to address the goddess of witchcraft.
"I was wondering if I might have a word have a word with you," she asked anxiously.
"Well? Is something not to your liking?" Lady Hecate asked briskly.
"No, everything has been wonderful," she said quickly. Especially Lord Hades, she thought to herself, and smiled. "I was wondering if I could come with you after breakfast?"
Her question drew more interest than it was worth. Lady Hecate paused, and Lord Thanatos looked at her over the top of his scroll. She bit her lip nervously.
"What, have you tired of our lord so quickly?" Lady Hecate asked sardonically.
"No, not at all!" she exclaimed, "I love being with Lord Hades."
Both of the advisors raised their eyebrows. She flushed, realizing how that sounded.
"I mean, I don't want to monopolize all his time," she corrected herself. "I want to see more of the Underworld, and get to know you as well."
Lady Hecate gave her a thoughtful look, but Lord Thanatos spoke up for the first time.
"Hades may be able to take as much time as he wishes to ferry you around, but Hecate and I have work to do," he said sharply.
She raised her chin, feeling the sting of his words. "I'm not afraid of work," she declared firmly. "I'll do whatever you tell me, and I'll learn quickly." She couldn't ask for a better opportunity. This was her chance to prove she was not some simpering female trying to take advantage of them. If she worked hard, not only would she learn more of the Underworld, but she might earn their respect as well. She kept her eyes on Lady Hecate. If she couldn't convince the gentler goddess first, she'd have no luck with the sterner god. Lady Hecate and Lord Thanatos exchanged one of those looks that often frustrated Lord Hades. After a moment, both gave a small nod. Lady Hecate turned back to Persephone, while Lord Thanatos returned to his scroll, a secretive smile on his face.
"Alright," the elder goddess said briskly. "I'll take you on as a trial. You'll come with me after breakfast, and I'll put you through your paces."
Persephone nodded, pleased by the arrangement. Lady Hecate was treating her like a new servant, and that was what she wanted. She didn't want any preferential treatment. She was determined to prove her own merit.
There was no more conversation until Lord Hades arrived. As usual, he was several minutes later than everyone else. Enough time passed that she started to worry for him, but he came at last. Her heart leapt in joy with his presence. His appearance was slightly disheveled; had he not slept well? Her dreams had all been very pleasant memories of the day she'd spent in his arms, but what had plagued him? She wished she could have been there to comfort his nightmares.
She went to him, gave him a hug, and kissed his cheek. It was terribly informal, but she loved the way he always jumped slightly, as if he wasn't used to affection. She inhaled his age and shadow scent, thinking that it reminded her of mystery and excitement.
"Lord Hades," she greeted warmly.
"Lady Persephone," he replied, a little breathless. There was a troubled look in his bright silver eyes. She took his hand, reveling in the feel of his skin. His fingers didn't close around hers. She tilted her head with both curiosity and confusion. If they had been alone, she would have asked him what was wrong, but she felt shy in front of company. She didn't know Lady Hecate or Lord Thanatos well enough to tell if they approved of her pursuit of their king.
Lord Hades studied her face for a long time. His expression was so strange, a mix of sadness and longing. She wanted to lift his sadness and fulfill his longing. If he gave a single encouraging word, she would have put herself in his power completely.
See me! she thought fiercely, boldly meeting his eyes. See that I care for you. Give me a chance!
Instead he tightened his lips into a thin line and turned away from her. His hand fell from hers, having never grasped her fingers.
"Shall we break fast?" he asked curtly as he led the way to the dining hall. Always before he had escorted her in, but now he walked alone, leaving her to flounder. She was stunned and hurt. She could feel Lady Hecate and Lord Thanatos staring at her, no doubt wondering what she had done to deserve such treatment. So was she.
Persephone couldn't move, could barely breathe. Her eyes burned with tears. There was an agony of pressure in her heart. What had she done wrong? Yesterday was the best day of her life. Everything seemed so hopeful and encouraging. Lord Hades had been sweet and gentle. Every instance he'd touched her flashed through her mind. When he held her after the judging was over, when he picked her up in the kennels, lifted her to Phlegethon's back, pulled her tight against them as they charged through the fields, caught her when she almost fell, carried her to his study… He hadn't turned from her then. What had changed during the night? Did he realize how she felt about him, but felt nothing in return? Was this his response, to cut her out of his life without a word of warning? How could he be so cruel?
Lady Hecate and Lord Thanatos seemed to reach a conclusion. The goddess stepped toward Persephone, while the god stalked angrily after Lord Hades. Abruptly, she was furious. She didn't want their pity, or their interference. She wouldn't run away from Lord Hades, or let him run from her. If he didn't want her, then fine! She would not curl up and die just because her heart was crushed. She would show that she was strong without him!
With her head held high she pushed past Lady Hecate and strode into the dining room. She interrupted Lord Thanatos mid-shout, something about, What the Tartarus do you…
Lord Hades stood with his arms folded across his chest, deadly anger on his face. He looked at her for one heart-stopping moment. He was devastatingly handsome like this, and her heart swooped. She glared her defiance at him, and moved toward the table. She stood by Lady Hecate's usual chair, as far from him as possible. After a barely discernable pause, Lady Hecate took the seat next to Lord Hades. His shoulders stiffened, and then slumped.
Persephone started to grab her chair, but suddenly Lord Thanatos was there, pulling it out for her. She hid her flinch, forgetting that she would now be sitting next to him. No matter; she wasn't going to be afraid of Lord Hades, and she wouldn't be frightened of Lord Death either. She nodded coolly to him. There was something like amusement in his eyes. She didn't know how to interpret that.
They were seated and breakfast began. Despite her determination to be strong, it was hard not to show the pain clawing at her from inside. Lord Thanatos was unusually solicitous of her. At first she thought he was only being kind, but as the meal drew on, his manner became increasingly flirtatious. She supposed that was fine; if Lord Hades didn't want her, she was free to enjoy the attentions of another male.
Except she wasn't enjoying the attention. If Lord Hades acted like this, she would have loved every second. With Lord Thanatos, the most she could feel was slight pleasure that he was interested in her. She felt nothing for the god himself. She responded politely to him, but couldn't bring herself to encourage him. No matter, he didn't need encouragement. He leaned closer to her, his arm on the back of her chair, his other hand casually brushing against hers on the table.
She placed her hands on her lap. What little appetite she'd had was gone. Lord Thanatos was making her a little nervous. So far he was perfectly friendly, but he was taking over her space. It was perfectly obvious what he was doing. Lady Hecate was looking between them and Lord Hades with a worried expression on her face. As for Lord Hades… he gave no sign that he noticed anything. He ate even less than her. His knuckles on his utensils were white, and he glowered fiercely at his place. He didn't care at all that Lord Thanatos was making a claim on her.
And then Lord Thanatos crossed a line. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. At any other time, she would have been fine with it, and then politely but firmly tell him she was not interested. But with her confusion and hurt over Lord Hades, she was too insecure to defend herself. She had a sudden flash of the other gods when they tried to force her. She recoiled from Lord Thanatos with a squeak of fear. He started to pull back, but not fast enough.
Lord Hades lunged to his feet. The table rattled as if something huge passed under it. Lord Thanatos' chair flew backward and toppled over, taking the god with it. Lord Hades threw his napkin on the table.
"You will come with me," he snarled at his hapless advisor, tangled with his chair on the floor. The power in his voice flooded the room, making it an unbreakable command. He strode forward, grabbed the god of death by the arm, and half-marched, half-dragged him from the room.
Persephone and Lady Hecate let out identical sighs of relief when the door shut softly behind them. Somehow not slamming the door was more frightening. They exchanged looks.
"I suppose breakfast is over," Lady Hecate shrugged.
"Lord Hades won't… hurt him, will he?" she asked worriedly.
Lady Hecate snorted. "No more than he deserves," she said. "Thanatos knew the risk he was taking. Now, if you want to skip this morning, I understand."
Persephone raised her chin in defiance. "No, I said I'd work today, and I mean it."
Lady Hecate grinned. "You've got spunk, I'll give you that. You'll do nicely, I think. I hope you give him Tartarus for this later."
Persephone didn't understand, and said nothing. She rose with Lady Hecate to begin their day. She soon discovered that not only was the goddess of witchcraft the chatelaine of the palace, but the town around it as well. It seemed nothing happened but that Lady Hecate knew it. The older goddess strode rapidly down halls, checking on various parts of the palace to be sure tasks were carried out correctly. Persephone was introduced in a whirlwind fashion to cooks, cleaners, fixers, herbalists, groundskeepers, builders, weavers, maids and manservants, too many to name and remember.
She never realized how many people lived in and around the palace. There were scores upon scores of shades, all hurrying about their duties. With no need to rest or partake of sustenance, they worked for twenty hours a day, and had only one day off a month. Even though it seemed like an excessive demand on the spirits of the dead, Lady Hecate explained that each of them had signed a contract to work for one hundred years instead of going to their fates. Most of them had been bound for Tartarus, but were given the chance to serve instead. Others feared the loss of memory that came from going to Asphodel, and chose to serve to preserve their past lives for a while longer.
Every single ghost had passed through Lord Hades' judgement, and he was the one that chose to allow them to serve or to force them onward to their fates. He was respected but also feared among the shades, for none could forget that he had ultimate say over their future. There were no second chances given. Any infractions or attempts to escape were dealt with harshly and immediately, and Lord Hades was the one to carry out the punishment. Everyone feared the flames of Tartarus that he could call down upon them.
Even though Lord Hades had lost interest in her, she still learned a new side of him. He could be merciful to the souls of the dead, even those bound for Tartarus, but he was also implacable to those who betrayed him. It brought home to her that he was a just and serious king over his realm.
It was difficult to keep up with Lady Hecate as she performed her duties. Where there was a lack, the elder goddess was quick to jump in to help. Persephone didn't wait to be asked, but helped as much as she could. She was clumsy and sometimes more hindrance than help, but no one could fault her determination. If she could not win Lord Hades' regard, she could earn Lady Hecate's respect, and earn her own place in the Underworld. Maybe she could take on a similar contract to serve as the shades did.
Over the course of the morning, Persephone helped beat drapes, prepare food—Underworld fare grown for the workers—scrub the floors, and build a new door for a townhouse. It was tiring, backbreaking work. Her goddess vitality was no match for the unceasing muscles of the shades. She was stronger than the ghosts, but they never fatigued. Despite the hard work, she didn't complain. Not only was she striving to prove herself, but Lady Hecate was beside her in every task. The elder goddess neither faltered nor used her power to make the chores easier on herself. Persephone was determined not to fail at any task given her. Sometimes she suspect Lady Hecate was singling her out for the worst work, but she didn't mind. She would take everything that was given to her, and do the best she could.
After nearly three hours of solid work, her muscles felt like jelly, and she wished she'd eaten more for breakfast. She did not dare ask for a break or for food. The shades didn't need it, and in any case Lady Hecate never faltered either. They descended deep under the palace, to the washing pools. In one corner set apart from the others was a series of pools so hot they couldn't be touched. The steam was thick and made it hard to breathe. She felt as though the air might burn her lungs. This was where the laundry was done. Her nose and eyes burned with the essence of the harsh lye soap that rose from the bubbling pools.
She was set to stirring a vat of bed linens set in the floor while Lady Hecate checked her wards against the rock worms. The heat was starting to get to Persephone. Her head was swimming. Hot water constantly boiled over the lip of the pool, soaking her thin sandals. Her feet were quickly tender between the scalding water and the stinging soap. Her back and shoulders ached as she worked the long, heavy wooden handle around and around in the pool. She stared dully at Lady Hecate, willing for anything to distract her.
The goddess of witchcraft appeared to draw purplish-black power from the air, forming it into arcane runes. She sent them into the walls and floor, repeating it several times. Persephone wondered hazily what she was doing, and how it felt to work that kind of magic. Persephone's power as a goddess was limited to growing things, and it wasn't anything like the witchcraft the other goddess wielded.
"Would you like to learn?" Lady Hecate was suddenly standing in front of her. In her befuddled state, Persephone hadn't notice the other goddess move. Did she want to learn witchcraft? She knew humans sometimes did, but she had never shown a proclivity for magic.
She shook her head slowly. "I don't have magic," she said regretfully. Only once she said no did she realize how much she wanted to learn. It was a burning pressure inside her, urging her to take action.
Lady Hecate waved her hand dismissively. "You're a goddess. That's power enough for you to tap into, if you truly want it. Now answer me honestly: do you want to learn?"
Persephone nodded, then wavered as she lost her balance and almost fell into the pool of laundry. Lady Hecate frowned at her.
"All very well, but come away from there. You look ready to collapse. I don't think he'd forgive me if I got you killed."
"I'm not tired," she lied defiantly, but left the laundry willingly, choking on the lye fumes.
"Perhaps we'll leave the laundry to the non-breathing folks from now on," Lady Hecate cackled.
For the next hour, Persephone was drilled on the basics of witchcraft. She did her best, but admittedly it was difficult to focus and meditate while sifting grains: even while learning magic, her hands were not idle. At the end of the hour, her body was sore from the unaccustomed labor, and her mind ached from trying to reach for her power. She was desperately hungry, and clumsy with fatigue. Lady Hecate finally took pity on her.
"Go deliver this to the kitchen," the elder goddess handed her a basket of washcloths they had been folding, "And get yourself something to eat. Don't bother to come back, you've worked hard today and deserve a rest."
She felt she should make a protest at being ordered to rest; Lady Hecate was not taking a break. But she was so exhausted she could only nod and take the basket.