Persephone sat upon the side of her bed, waiting for the knock. She felt slightly relieved, she would finally enjoy the company of someone, a meal at a standing table, sitting properly in a chair, having a rational conversation with an interlocutor. So many days in her chamber had made her a little neurotic, so much time to think was not good for her young brain. She had never been a fan of the "and if" questions, but with so many hours at her disposal, she couldn't fight them back. She thought of running away when she had the opportunity, tricking Hades into freeing herself… But she had never played that game, and she was an amateur. Or maybe that was only a dream. She had no answers at all. A month of loneliness made her fragile; she needed someone to talk, to carry her. Her body and mind were paralyzed. Nothing helped her make a determination, until the Goddess realized that if she did not move a piece, no one else would do it for her. She felt a small excitement inside her, as if something new was flourishing, a new sensation that would help her reaching the surface of what she felt was her slow death, her delicate descent into her own hells.

Dozens of dresses were waiting to be tried on; long, short, vaporous, delicate. There was a whole assortment of dresses for all kind of tastes. Touching and analysing them with her soft hands, Persephone took them and put them on her frame, traversing her figure imagining how they would look like on her. If the dresses had been selected by the host himself, the young Goddess could not deny that his taste was exquisite, or that, with even more merit, he had gotten the taste of the Goddess of flowers quite right. Although they all were quite aesthetic, a spectacular dress stood out from the multitude of fabrics and prints. To Persephone's surprise, the dress fitted her as if it was purposely made for her figure.

She studied her appearance in the crystalline glasses, turning her head from side to side, watching herself as her golden hair fell down before her spine. Her reflection smiled back at her, as she ran her finger through her smooth curly hair.

Persephone wore a white silken striped dress, revealing the Goddess's collarbone, tightening her narrow waist. Whispering silver hiding amongst the white, the fabrics of her arms were disguised as transparent wings, with a simple movement the transparent fabrics flew along with the movement of the Goddess. It accentuated her slender neck and her shoulders. It was long and asymmetrical, with an elegant tail at the back, but short at the front, leaving her legs visible; high and golden sandals guarding her feet.

She felt a burn of a blush colouring her cheeks only imagining Hades' face; she was absolutely sure that he will be so pleased; that dress suited her. Only one detail was missing: her flower wreath. Opening her hands, palms facing up, Persephone closed her eyes and breathed softly. Suddenly, a faint wind blew into the chamber, gently blowing the Goddess's dress. Golden waves appeared over her hands, entering and intertwining between her fingers, climbing into her arms. Moving her hands and fingers as if she was moulding a clay ball, Persephone joined her energy with both hands. Gradually, the golden ball collapsed, creating a shining rain transformed into a beautiful flower crown. Delighted with her new accessory, she sat carefully on the wooden chair next to the window, drawing the long fabrics of her dress to the site.

She jumped to her feet as she heard steps echoing from the corridor, and stood as the knock came, moving to open de door. Suddenly, she realized how nervous she really was. There was no more time left, no more excuses; the time to face her new reality had come, and now she was alone, she would be able to make her own decisions… Finally. She opened the door to greet her escort. Hades wore a simple black tunic and grey boots very similar to hers, thus relaxing his appearance, less imposing and more accessible. Sporting a shy smile on his face, his eyes were shining with the same force as whenever he looked at her. She could tell he was astonished; his eyes changed the moment she saw her. She needed no accessories; the simple perfection of her face and the beauty of her smile filled all his senses.

"My Queen." He said while offering his arm to escort her. Answering with a small smile, Persephone allowed him to guide her taking his arm as a chill ran through her spine.

They went downstairs with safe steps, and instead of going where it looked like there were more rooms, they went out through the huge doors of Hades' Palace. Once outside, Persephone asked him in surprise. "Where are you taking me, my lord?"

"I am aware you are an outdoor Goddess, so we will have dinner there together." He announced without looking at her. Persephone drew a sincere smile, greeted by his words.

Crossing an elevated grey tile bridge, the two came to a secluded, small garden with an incredible charm. It was adorned with plenty of steel blue flowers, lit by two candle chandeliers floating in the air. Next to the flowers, a small table was standing, with two places, face to face. Persephone left Hades' arm to step forward and admire that place. There was no need for a starry sky or a light wind, flowers always gave to the Goddess confidence and strength, and that place was ideal. The aroma of cinnamon and saffron permeated the strangely warm atmosphere. "This is..." She said as she turned on herself, opening her arms as if she wanted to take it all in stride. "...perfect."

With his head a little low, Hades stared at her enchanted, his eyes fixed on Persephone's movements. Captured as she was by that environment, Persephone did not realize she was being observed until she stopped and looked slightly to her escort. She almost felt embarrassed, her childish ways often made the others feel awkward, so she quickly stopped and smoothed her dress. Hades couldn't help but genuinely smile to her, and moving his arm, he invited her to sit down.

"Where may I sit?" She asked, looking at the table, called by the smell. Fruit, vegetables, roasted meat, bread, wine… It was the best-looking meal she had ever seen in awhile. "Wherever you please, Persephone. I am the King of the Underworld as you are its Queen. This realm is ours." He said, approaching the table too. "It's yours."

Pleased with the answer, she turned to walk to a seat, placing her hands in her lap. Her green eyes followed him as he sat too, a mixture of sensations buzzing through her guts. She was terribly nervous, until Hades started. He took the bottle of the table, filing her glass with wine. Persephone gave a light nod, accepting the drink and holding it briefly beneath her nose.

The dinner seemed set to flow smoothly, they talked about the Underworld, about the Earth, the humanity, literature, history, almost about everything besides the details of their current situation. It was a touchy subject, after all, and they both seemed to avoided it. They were very like-minded in many ways although they had different opinions about them. Hades was a silent God, but he was joyous to answer all the questions she asked. Persephone enjoyed his company, she wanted something real, and, trying leaving aside the surrealist situation, captor and captive, that was the first real thing she felt for a long time. Almost romantic.

The Goddess of Spring began looking to Hades with different eyes. It was so easy to relax in his presence; the young Goddess was beginning to know him. She came to realize that she had built a wrong mental image of the dark God. During her isolated month, she would wake up many nights screaming, wondering what might happen to her, living under the same roof as Hades, but all her fears faded as the days went by and nothing happened.

Persephone had enjoyed a magnificent meal with a very interesting company. With her stomach blithely full, she lifted her glass of wine from the table and brought it to those carmine lips of hers, glancing at Hades; her mouth filling with a sweet red taste. Blue eyes were looking at those lips, they had never looked so inviting at that moment; slightly wet from wine were tempting him to moisten them even more. But he did not yield to the temptation, and quickly rose, stepping to stand beside her and kneeling, catching her both hands with his.

"Persephone. Give me an opportunity to prove you what I can show you, what I can give you." His eyes shining, his voice almost quivering. Persephone's hands trembled as she caressed Hades' hands delicately, making a sincere smile appear on the dark God's face.

His smile was a bit tentative and she realized that he was nervous. That only added to his attractiveness as far as she was concerned. The supposed merciless, vicious and impetuous King of the Death was nothing but gentle and attentive, even vulnerable. Something about that smile gave her pause, disarming her entirely. "Give me time." She answered; her shining eyes filling him with a curious warmth. He lifted his head, resting his head on the Goddess' lap. Only few seconds after, Hades looked at her again, raising his face a little and, already touching her hands, he clinched her lips delicately as she shifted against him. He sighed hesitantly into her mouth, uncaring that she felt unresponsive against him. Hades felt her lips part slightly against his and he pulled away but kept her close, clenching his jaw and keeping his eyes closed, readying himself for her rejection, but she tilted her head to latch back onto him with eyes closed.

They both opened their eyes at once, accompanying it with a sincere smile. With a gentle scroll, Hades rose to his feet, holding hands still with his wife, helping her to rose as well. "I will see you tomorrow." She said, offering him another beautiful smile. Hades' eyes locked with hers and he released her hands, feeling an unusual tug in his stomach. Persephone walked away like the gentle wind she was, turning her back on Hades, unable to hide her excitement, his sweet taste on her lips.


A week had passed since they shared their first meal together. Persephone had not stayed far from Hades, sharing amount of moments walking around the palace and its grounds. She was growing to admire that calm landscape, she was fascinated by the river Styx, the scintillant stones placed all over the realm, the difficult task to which Hades was subjected.

Sometimes when she was alone, she liked to spy on him, watching him in his space, in his element. He was a silent and introspective God, she could see how strict and fair was with his duty, his presence while doing his job was factual and imposing, even a bit dangerous. Although, when Hades was with her, his cool manners vanished. He was kind and calm, indulging her with whatever she wanted, keen to do whatever to make her comfortable. How could it be possible that a regular Goddess like her had that effect on a King God? She knew that he wanted her, even cherish her; she perceived how his harsh features softened every time she was by his side, fascinating her to no end. Maybe Hades could see in her what the other couldn't. HER, in all her dimensions. Since she knew him, he gave her space and he never intended to force her in any way, despite stealing her a lot of kisses- a habit that she secretly adored it.

Covered by a beautiful porch with paired columns, adorned with a varied assortment of dried flowers, the two rulers of the Underworld shared a moment of stillness outside the palace after their respective days. Hades sat in one of the golden armchairs beside one of the porch posts, absorbed by his thoughts, while his young wife was lying on a stone bench playing lazily with some stones between her fingers.

"I have been thinking…" Persephone began, interrupting Hades' thoughts. "Can I go see Cerberus? I only saw him once and he fascinated me. I would love to see him again, and touch him."

"Of course, you can." The dark God replied to her. "You can go wherever you want. You are the Queen."

"Yes, yes…" She said quietly, looking up to catch eye contact. "But I was hoping that you might accompany me… He is not simply a giant dog. He has three heads, after all." She ended with an expectant smile.

He studied the look of her eyes, and with a simple smile he nodded. "Alright. Shall we go?" Persephone's lips split into a big smile as she stood, eager to go.

Both of them paused as their destination came into sight. It was dark, much darker than she remembered. Her green eyes missed the sunlight, the warm embrace of its rays but, still, her eyes scanned the place, becoming accustomed to that darkness.

"Cerberus!" A soften voice came from behind her. "Come here, boy."

A dull rumbling approach from afar, making Persephone steep aback while she felt her heart was about to come out of her chest. Suddenly, six crimson eyes appeared; a hot, suffocating breath flooding the entire space, making the Goddess feel a little dizzy. Barking, the three-headed dog made his appearance, showing his numerous teeth, assuming an edgy posture before the tensed Goddess. "Calm down, boy." Hades voice confident and rich, a low rumble from his throat.

Persephone shivered, looking back at Hades, looking for what to do. "You are a Queen, Persephone. Don't be afraid. He won't touch you." He said, without making a single move to stop the dog. His expression was calm, almost detached.

Her crystalline green eyes flickered, facing now the dreadful dog; her jaw tensing, a careful swallowing of emotion overwhelmed her. "I... I can't!" She stammered, cursing herself to put her in that situation.

"You are a powerful Goddess, trust in you." Hades' voice echoing in her brain. "You are much more than you appear." Despite Persephone's fear, the uncertainty in her eyes vanished with those words. No one ever spoke of her like that, with such encouragement and faith, not comforting her when she was distressed.

She filled herself with courage and stretched out her arm to Cerberus, with a permanent "easy boy" passing her lips. Surprisingly, the different faces of the dog calmed down and the three heads bowed for the Goddess, inviting her to caress them. Raising her arm, a jubilantly laugh came out of her mouth, as she looked with sweet eyes at Hades; arms crossed, his habitual small smile shining in compass with his bright blue eyes, filled with pride looking at his joyous wife.

After a few moments petting and playing with her new canine friend, she smoothed her dress and picked up some strands of her glowing hair behind her ears. With quick, sure steps, Persephone made a leap before embracing her husband, her eyes closed with joy. "Thank you." She whispered as she rested her head on his shoulder. Hades rested motionless; the affectionate response Persephone was giving to him caught him unready.

With her arms folded around his neck, Persephone withdrew her head to see his face. They were so close, their noses almost touching, breathing each other's breath, their eyes linked. Persephone was carried away by what she was feeling at the time, closing the small gap between them and pressing her lips to his, standing on toes to allow the extra height. Hades quickly saw the invitation and responded her, wasting no time, the feeling of her soft flesh under his finger as they slid up her spine.

It was the first time he didn't have to step in, he didn't yield the situation. This time she wanted him, for the very first time, her fresh mouth demanding him. Hades' chest rumbled, all his senses were activated, as if Persephone's lips had opened an already forgotten coffer, lowering the walls that he so tirelessly built for himself. His wife's desire encouraged him to go further, captivated for her embrace but afraid to make one move wrong. "Hades…" She whispered breathlessly, closing her eyes inviting him to continue, as she continued kissing him, his mouth brushing against hers. Her delicate fingers moved over his black curls, dishevelling his immaculate hair, while Hades' tongue passed between her lips exploring her. Pushing herself against his hard frame, they slowly broke the kiss, with their foreheads touching, a complicity look was exchanged between them, both of them drawing a genuine smile.

"You are always welcomed, my Queen."


Notes:

Thanks so much to everyone who read, and even more who review! It's very encouraging :)

Hope you like this last chapter. Be safe, my lovely followers!