TW: This story will explore themes of generational trauma, abuse and toxicity in relationships, and mental health topics like anxiety. Please read at your own discretion.
"Demeter, this is unacceptable." His voice echoes through the room. They're sitting in his office, at the long, opulent desk. He shakes his head, looking at a computer screen then back to the women in front of him.
Her mother grimaces, trying to keep her voice steady. "Zeus, I know you're upset, but you have to know she didn't mean to do this…" Her mother tries to smile but it's strained.
Zeus looks at his screen again and frowns. "And you tried to cover it up, like it wouldn't get back to me?" He asks, pointing to documents strewn across his desk.
"What was I supposed to do?" Demeter asks through clenched teeth.
Zeus frowns, pushing the documents to the side. "You should have come to me," He states plainly.
She can hear her mother's anger seep through her polite tone. "What would that have done? You've never been fair to me. Why would I think you'd be impartial to Kore?" Demeter asks with a fragile smile.
The king sighs, putting his index finger to his temple, "That's ridiculous." Without making eye contact, he straightens his low buttoned floral shirt and dusts the sleeve of his white suit jacket to regain composure. His eyes meet Demeter's again, with a new intensity. "You know the rules; all Acts of Wrath must pass through me."
Demeter drops her smile. "What about Artemis and Apollo and the mortals they slaughtered?"
"Those are my children. They have no part in this matter," Zeus says, his tone beginning to echo Demeter's.
"Kore is a good girl, a good goddess. This was an accident," Demeter pleads. Her calm veneer is falling apart.
Zeus clears his throat, eyeing Kore and then back to her mother. "Well, accident or not, there must be a punishment."
"I'll do anything."
Demeter's pleas fall silent to Zeus' raised hand. "Not you, Demeter. Your daughter," He says pointing to the Persephone.
Demeter looks to her daughter, then back to the King of the Gods. "She's just a girl," The mother says quietly, her voice breaking under the pressure of the moment.
Zeus scoffs. "She's hardly a girl. She's powerful enough to massacre a village, she's old enough to accept the consequences."
A tear threatens to roll down Demeter's cheek. "Zeus…please…"
He clears his throat. "I'll make it easy," He says, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket, waving it to the girl's mother. "Kore, now Persephone, Goddess of Spring and Bringer of Death, I hereby sentence you to six months of toiling in the Underworld, for deceiving its king."
Demeter slaps the cloth away from her. "Zeus! No!" She shrieks. "Please! Not that name! It'll destroy her reputation with the mortals." Her anger is renewed, but she can't hold her tears back. "She needs sun, she'll wither away down there!" She cries. Her hands are clasped together, begging the king for mercy. "She needs to be with me, Zeus. Please!"
Zeus rolls his eyes, tucking his handkerchief back into his pocket. "Don't be so dramatic, Deme, it's just paperwork. And she can stay in Olympus with Artemis. …She'll be a pariah, but maybe time with Artemis will help her get her emotions under control." He eyes Persephone with disapproval and then focuses back on the paperwork in front of him. "I'm also severing contact between you."
Demeter stands up, pushing her chair towards the back wall of the large office. "No! She needs me! What purpose does that have?"
"For tricking me, Deme. This serves as penance to me," He explains, casually. "Just let her serve her time, and she'll be back in your arms, lickety split."
Her mother screams, tears streaming down her face as she reaches out for her daughter.
The girl reaches for her mother, but only finds darkness.
Her eyes open to a dark room.
Where am I?
Her eyes begin to adjust to the dark, this room doesn't look like hers. And the fuzzy memory of the night before pours into her mind. What were you thinking?! Her head begins to pound as she catches her breath. She sighs. When are you going to learn?! You can't trust everyone you meet! Groaning, she drags her achy body across dried flower petals and out of bed. I need to leave. She pulls her long, overgrown hair into her arms, attempting to make her exit. Outside of the room, there's a small kitchen and sitting area. She looks around the open space, to see if her host is nearby, but the small house appears quiet, empty of anyone else. She opens the main door. 'Surely, I can find my way back to Artemis' house,' she thinks as she walks into a dark, open courtyard. Her stomach drops. She's still in the stranger's house. Where is the exit to this place? She thinks as she wanders down the dark hallways that seem to lead her further into the house.
The doorways are large, with doors made from heavy, deep colored woods. She runs her hands along the frames and walls, everything feels so smooth, as if the owner has freshly painted. The rooms are dark, furnished w/ deep jewel tones, velvets and leathers, a significant contrast to the small cottage she spent the night. Every room appears to have large ceiling-to-floor windows. She stares past them, trying to see past the stars, instead she sees a flicker of jumps at the reflection behind her, Is this his house? She catches her breath, it was only a large clock coated by the fine metal.
What time is it? She approaches the clock, "9:00" the hands read. She gasps. In the morning? Outside, past the windows, the stars are twinkling, unlike anything she's ever seen. The mortal realm has stars, but they never look as bright as they do here. How is it so dark here? She continues to look around the room, it appears to be a study. Maybe a sitting room? There are several helmets on pedestals along one wall of the room. She admires the collection, running her finger along the details etched into the metal. The sofa in the room that faces the window is made of deep black velvet. She sits down to watch the stars from the window, melting into the soft fabric. The stars look like the eyes that have been watching her for months - sad stares blinking back at her, and then lifeless. She holds her breath for a second, as if not breathing would stifle her guilty conscience. When she decides she's spent too much time in the study, she furthers her exploration.
She finds another room lined with shelves of books. Either her host was very well-read or terribly pretentious. She enjoys the library, thumbing through the titles. She notices some of these books look ragged, maybe from years of enjoying the pages. A sense of relief rushes over her. Whoever her host is, they seem sensible.
Persephone continues down another hallway and spots a small black creature.
"Oh hello." She whispers, as to not disturb it.
Then a growl rumbles through the hallway. The creature begins to grow larger, eyes darkening, as the guttural noise gets louder, echoing now. Her heartbeat begins to quicken but she's glued to the spot. 'Don't be a coward, don't be afraid!' She repeats to herself, trying to calm her breathing. The beast charges Persephone, snout pressed to her throat, huffing against her. Holding her breath, she gently takes her hands to reach for the animal, to calm it, until two larger hands reach around her.
Her host stands behind her, "Stop that!" He snaps a disciplinary tone while holding the animal's jowls.
Persephone glances up, meeting her kind stranger's eyes. Her breathing hitches at the sight of him. Oh no. Still feigning bravery, she offers a small smile, reaching for the snarling animal. "It's ok." She says, placing her hands on the animal's snout. She then scratches its neck, lovingly cooing and the beast begins to melt into its original form, a large, eager-to-please pup. She grins, kissing the top of the dog's head. I can't believe that worked.
The man stands, stunned, "Color me impressed. Not just anyone can reduce the gatekeeper of the Underworld to… this." He gestures to the now, very affectionate dog who appears enamored with his new guest. "I'm sorry about that," He says, offering his hand.
She grasps his hand as he pulls her from the floor, stepping into the light. Her heart drops at the familiar face. Oh Gods. Of all the homes to stumble into… "I'm sorry for barging into your home." She feels a hot blush spread across her cheeks, remembering she is still in the short, alcohol-soaked dress. … Why did it have to be his house? She avoids his eye contact.
The man begins blushing as well. She is surprised by how warm his smile is. "I have to apologize, I didn't know what to do when I found you… I just thought… maybe this would be ok…" He stammers, also avoiding her gaze.
Graciously, she gives him a slight nod and a small smile, still holding his hand. She pulls her hand away, hoping he doesn't realize her heart is racing. "I should probably get going…?" She suggests. A flicker of disappointment crosses his face, sparking her curiosity. Was that disappointment or relief? Does he want me here? "Or we could continue this talk over a coffee?" She suggests. "It's very cold in your home." He notices her skin slightly raised, shivering as she talks.
"Oh! Sorry - Right! I forget it's chillier than most Olympians are used to … I guess I'm acclimated," He shrugs awkwardly. "But yes, yes. I can make you a coffee. Would you also like a blanket? Or a coat?" He offers, leading her to the kitchen. He stumbles a little through the hallway, turning slightly to catch her gaze. He blushes again and straightens up, leading her to the kitchen.
She beams shyly, "That would be lovely. Thank you." Stunned again, now by her smile, he feels the blush spreading down his neck. It was rare for someone to genuinely smile at him. Her smile reminds him of someone he's been missing.
Remembering what he was looking for, he began rummaging through a nearby closet. "I hope you're comfortable here, I know this isn't ideal… Did you sleep well?" He asks, calling out to her.
"I…um, yeah," She replies over his fumbling. He pauses at the nervousness in her voice, "I don't sleep well in general, so please don't think it's your home or the weird circumstances," She says hurriedly. She swallows hard, her heart is in her throat. He returns with a luxurious coat, a gift he had intended to give to his sister-in-law. "Your house is very nice, and so are the…um, accommodations." He hands Persephone the coat, who looks at it in awe. "This is beautiful, I can't accept this…" She begins to push the coat away, fingers sinking into the lush material.
He scratches the back of his head with a shrug, "You'd be doing me a favor. It was originally a birthday gift for Hera, but she said she didn't want it. …And I was past the return period. Imagine, a king, not being able to return something in his own realm." He laughs half-heartedly. The silence between them is growing painfully uncomfortable. "I promise, it's fine." He says, offering the coat again. "Anyways… Losing sleep, huh?" He asks, realizing he's been standing a little too close, looking at her a little too long. He busies himself, beginning a pot of coffee, "A night of drinking will do that to you…" He turns to her, noticing the coat fits her well. "I'm no stranger to restless sleep." He winks, regretting his gesture until he sees her smile again.
"Hmm." This smile of hers appears playful. She doesn't respond immediately. Instead, she finds a seat at the bar, across from him. Silence again, a terribly deafening sound. She looks past him, out of the kitchen window, pressing her lips together while he places a cup of coffee in front her. She wraps her hands around the mug, savoring the heat. "Do you mind telling me how I got here?" She asks, as he places creamer and sugar in front of her. She waves it away. "I can imagine it isn't my most flattering moment. However, I assure you, I usually wait to go home with strangers after the second to third drunk encounter." A sly, toothy grin forms, she presses her lips against her cup. Her smile hides her scolding thoughts playing on repeat in her mind.
He doesn't seem to notice her warring against herself. "Stranger? Surely, I'm no stranger to you?" He jokes, lowering his mug, flashing her a crooked smile.
She leans back, crossing her arms, squinting while she watches him. "Hmmm…. Ah!" She nods as if she's just realized who he is. "No, I believe you're quite familiar, but you haven't introduced yourself…and to your unknown house guest, no less! This is scoundrel behavior, your majesty." She raises her eyebrow, taking another sip of coffee, cursing herself silently. She knows this game could be messy. And despite the risk, she's interested in this Sunday morning version of a man she's feared in her short slice of eternity.
His smile grows in disbelief, "You know I'm a king…"
She nods, "Ah yes, but my king, there are three of you, right?" She smirks, her smile growing at his initial stammering.
He eyes her, unsure but enjoying this banter. "Alright, I'll play your game," He chuckles, extending his hand across the bar, "I'm Hades. King of the Underworld, God of the Dead. And you… are you the goddess of barraging questions on Sunday mornings?" He lifts an eyebrow at the woman in his kitchen unafraid to poke fun at the King of the Underworld.
"Close," She says with a smirk, reaching her hand towards him, "I'm Kore, Goddess of Spring." She shakes his hand firmly, with a now serious look, as if they had just completed a business transaction.
He grins, and she notices the dimples creasing beside his smile. "Ah. Kore, if you must know, I found you." His smile begins to fade as he recounts the night. "You were sitting outside of the party, on the pavement, against my car." He glances down when he reveals the next part. "You seemed…upset." His thick brows dip into eyes wide with concern. "You said you didn't want to go home, so I did what I thought could be the next best thing…" He lifts his eyes to watch her, waiting for her response. "I hope this was the right thing…"
Persephone shifts uncomfortably in her chair. Her hair is now a heavy drape down the length of her back. She pushes stray strands behind her ear, taking a deep breath in, "Thank you for not taking me home, in that state…" Her soft smile falters, as she tries to apologize again. But her voice escapes her and she allows the silence to say what she can't.
He reaches a hand out towards her again, as to accept the unspoken apology. "Would it have been much worse than almost being eaten by my dog and spending the morning with me?"
Her smile reappears. "If you can believe it, yes. It likely would have." A wave of relief washes over the two, the balance of the room, repaired. "Thank you, for your kindness. I really appreciate it."
Hades nods, finishing his coffee. "Would you believe I don't get thanked that often?" Why are you saying this? Out loud? To another being? His inner monologue begins to chastise him, but he likes being able to share this with someone else. He likes that someone can enjoy a side of him he himself rarely sees.
Persephone watches him carefully. He rolls the sleeves of his pressed, white collared shirt up, and begins to wash his cup. "Hmm. Something tells me you're more than you appear." She watches him meticulously clean the cup and around the sink, drying it and placing the mug back in the cupboard.
"Well, we all have our secrets," he says, drying his hands on the kitchen towel. Their eyes meet again, for a split second, and she looks down. Please, don't know who I am.
"We all do, indeed."
This silence isn't too loud. This silence feels comfortable. Their eyes lock and this is the first time he takes in her beauty. He can see the dusting of freckles across her cheeks - lightly highlighting her cheekbones. She's soft, with a round face and large doe-like eyes. Her gaze could extract his deepest secrets. She inhales slowly, about to break the silence, and a loud buzzing noise cuts through the room.
Hades spots his phone on the opposite counter. It's Zeus, likely calling for a party debriefing. "Sorry, I need to take this…" Persephone watches as he leaves the room, answering the phone. His tall frame begins to pace as he pushes back his thick hair. He returns, seemingly disappointed their time is coming to an end. "Well, Miss Kore, it looks like business calls. Would you like me to take you back to Olympus?" He offers, with a hopeful smile. Any extra time spent with her would be welcomed.
"I'm guessing the walk is pretty far?" She jokes.
Assuming her decline, he shrugs, "It's farther than it seems… I could drop you off a block from your house?" He is used to the second-hand shame. He knows the role he's assumed, the myth he's created. 'Of course, there are a million reasons why she wouldn't want to be seen with you right now… don't look so upset!' He uses an unsure smile to disguise his internal dread.
She laughs, hopping down from the barstool. "I'm kidding, I would love a ride to Olympus. Maybe you can tell me more about your dog or the business that falls on what should be a lazy Sunday."
Hades perks up. The pair make their way to the garage, he tells her about Cerberus, his very enthusiastic guard dog. She tells him about the animals on her mother's farm and the few times she's attempted to herd the cattle. The conversation is easy and pleasant, a nice change of pace for both.
A few wrong turns and one shared experience of equally terrible cattle herding skills later, they arrive in front of a small bungalow outside of the city. Persephone sighs, "Well, this is me. Thank you again." She reaches for the door, opening it to the warm Olympus air. "Oh! Your coat!" She goes to strip from the coat, and Hades puts his hands up.
"No! Keep it," He says, offering a smile. "I have no need for it. I'm sure keeping it to reuse for someone else would only increase my scoundrel percentage, yes?" He asks, lifting an eyebrow. She felt a warmth spread across her chest.
She nods, biting the edge of her lip. "Thank you, your majesty." She is so close to him; their shoulders are practically touching.
He's watching her for too long again, but he's not quite ready to leave her. "No, thank you, Kore. I've enjoyed the company." He can feel her eyes studying his face. His body starts to lean closer to hers.
Artemis swings open the front door, running towards the car at full speed. "OH MY GODS, ARE YOU OK?!" She grabs her friend by the shoulder, pulling her from the car.
Persephone turns to close the door, "Goodbye, your majesty," she says quietly as Artemis begins to drag her away.
"Goodbye…" He breathes, watching her walk away, wondering if he'll see her again.