Hades stood and stalked toward the door, prepared to rip the insufferable King limb from
limb. Demand! He demanded to speak to her? He’d show Zeus no one had the right to demand
anything of his wife. Not the King of the Underworld and not the King of the Gods!
Penelope took one look at his face and shrieked, fleeing from the room as if the hounds of the Underworld were nipping at her heels. It didn’t stop him, though Persephone’s hand on his arm did. He halted and glared down at her.
She flinched, but didn’t back down. Like a true warrior she faced him head on and said, “I will fight my own battles, Hades.”
He gritted his teeth. “He has no right to demand anything of you.”
“I have to deal with them sooner or later. It might as well be now.” She flashed them to their bedroom. “Zeus may wait in the throne room until we arrive.”
“I don’t like this.”
He didn’t like it one single bit. He had a terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. The same one he got when a battle plan didn’t sit well with him and was likely to fail miserably.
“Neither of us has to like it, Hades, but it must be done.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her voluptuous body against his, kissing him. “I love you and nothing will change that.”
He stared into her eyes, knowing she meant it now, but what would happen when she was
faced with her old life, with the prospect of being free of the Underworld?
She walked to the wardrobe and pulled out a short tunic of cobalt blue, leather breeches dyed black, boots, and his sword. “Put them on.”
He dressed. There was nothing else he could do. She was determined to speak with Zeus.
Had she refused, he would have sent Zeus and Hermes back to the land of the living. But because she agreed to his demand, Hades would support her.
She straightened her simple dress of deep scarlet with onyx clasps at the shoulders and a black cord crisscrossing her waist from just under her breasts to the top of her hips. A tear drop necklace of onyx graced her neck and nestled between her breasts. She wore an overdress of black, her unbraided auburn hair flowing down her back in waves. And upon her head, she wore her crown.
She was every inch the Queen of the Underworld, even if her feet were bare. She glided to him, placing his crown upon his head. “Perfect.”
She held out her hand and he tucked it in the crook of his arm. Rather than flashing straight to the throne room and give send the gods on their way as soon as possible, they walked to the throne room. She paused outside the large oak door, her hand tightened on his arm, before she entered the room. He entered at her side.
Zeus and Hermes stood at the far end, the latter lounging against Hades throne and looking bored. Hades scowled at his unwanted guests. Neither god met his scathing gaze. They focused on his wife, Zeus with hope and Hermes with lust. Hades ground his teeth, wanting to thrash the belligerent god until he couldn’t walk. As for Zeus, if he thought of threatening his wife, Hades would make the King of the Gods truly rue the day they crossed paths.
Persephone rested her other hand on his arm and he looked down at her. “It’s fine,” she
assured him. “This is my battle to fight.”
He smiled at his wife and nodded. She was heavenly to behold and fierce as a mother cat
defending her territory. He needn’t worry, but he did.
“You wanted to see me?” Persephone said.
“Hermes and I came to save you.”
Hades narrowed his eyes and his jaw clenched.
“Save me? As I hear tell, you gave me to Hades as his bride. Is that not true?”
Hermes glanced at Zeus. Zeus scoffed and shook his head. “Of course not.”
Persephone stiffened. Hades glared at the god. “You know, Zeus, the truth is a better
alternative to lies. Lies have a way of biting you in the ass.”
Zeus ignored him and smiled at Persephone. “We didn’t know where you’d gone, child.
We’ve been searching everywhere for you. Demeter is worried sick.”
At the mention of her mother and a flash of anger shot through the link they now shared, but not a hint of the emotion crossed her face or entered her tone.. “Why didn’t you tell her I was safe in the Underworld with the husband you bestowed upon me?”
Zeus blanched.
Hermes’ face grew red. “You know I wanted to marry her and yet you let this…”
Hades growled. Hermes’ mouth snapped shut.
Persephone glanced at Hermes, a look of distain on her face. “I wouldn’t marry you, Hermes, if you were the last god on Earth. I wouldn’t have married Apollo or Ares either.”
“I see we have a lot of issues to clear up,” Zeus interrupted.
“Yes. Like promising that I could choose my husband, and then giving me to Hades?”
“Ah. We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I need you to return you to your mother.
Thousands of mortals are dying, and the numbers are steadily increasing because Demeter is unable to work her magic.”
That explained the early Winter and the increasing number of dead entering the Underworld.
He should’ve paid more attention.
“That’s not Persephone’s problem,” he snapped. “It’s yours. If Demeter can’t do her job,
appoint another.”
Persephone rested her hand on his arm. “Please, my dearest.”
He clenched his hands. It was underhanded of Zeus to use this ploy to get Persephone to
return to Demeter and Persephone was trusting enough to fall for it. She wouldn’t be able to let the mortals she created suffer.
“Demeter refuses to return the season until I return you to her,” Zeus said. “I regret to be the one to tell you this unpleasant truth, but I have a responsibility to see to the welfare of the mortals. Their pleas go up to me night and day.”
“I need a word with my husband before I join you. Wait for me outside the palace.” She
waved her hand and they disappeared.
Hades tensed. “This isn’t your problem, Persephone.”
A slight frown creased Persephone’s brow. “Don’t you think I know that? But this must be
done. Things must be settled between her and me if either of us is to have peace.”
She walked away and he followed her to their rooms, panic racing up his spine. She was
leaving him for the land of the living all because her mother found another way to manipulate and control her.
“You’re coming back, aren’t you?” His question, more of a plea than a request, felt empty in the room.
She combed out her long tress, plaiting it with deft fingers. “I have to see her.”
“Why?”
Her sad indigo eyes met his in the mirror. “Because I can set things right for the mortals above. They don’t deserve to die because of me.”
“Then I’ll come with you.”
“That would not be wise.” She stood and walked to the stand holding his armor. She lifted the helmet of Darkness. “I need to face her alone.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Persephone.”
“You won’t lose me, Hades. I love you more than I could ever love another person. ”
The confession gave him hope. “Then you’re coming back?”
She held her hand out to him. He took it. Persephone placed the helmet in his hands. “Yes.”
HADES OPENED the door, revealing the impatient Hermes and Zeus waiting for her. She
hid a smile as she wrapped her hand around Hades’ neck and drew him into a long, farewell kiss.
When she drew back, Hades rested his heavy cloak around her shoulders. She snuggled into
the smell of sandalwood and vanilla, and braced herself against the overwhelming need to cling to him. The thought of leaving him, no matter how short a time, sickened her, but she couldn’t allow the mortals’ suffering to continue a moment longer
.
“I love you,” she whispered, before turning toward the two men. “Shall we go?”
Hermes leered at her and held out his hand. “I’ll fly you and Zeus out of the Underworld.”
Pure rage jangled through their link. Hades growled, stalking toward his prey. She knew he intended to rend the god limb from limb and she placed a hand on his arm. “Hades?”
Hades stilled, startling her as much as the two men before her. His midnight eyes met. She didn’t like the lustful gleam in Hermes’ eyes either, and the temptation to let Hades hurt the creepy god was irresistible, but she controlled the urge, barely. There was no way Hermes, or any of the gods, would place a finger upon her. She wasn’t an object to be possessed and passed around.
“I think not. I’ll make my own way to my mother’s home.”
Persephone started down the path, looking back once. Hades stood on the road, watching her leave him. He looked so forlorn and alone. She would return to him she vowed, after she dealt with her mother.
They stopped before the River Styx and waited for the shades on the ferry to disembark.
Charon held out his bony hand and helped her into the ferry. She settled onto one of the benches and stared out across the river to the other side. It was a relatively short trip.
She stood and looked at the ferryman. “Thank you, Charon.”
He inclined his head. “My Queen,” his surprisingly deep voice murmured from beneath the
heavy cowl. “I wish you luck on your journey and a safe return. The place is never the same without you.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you, Charon.”
Hermes hand slipped to her waist. “Let me help you.”
She glared at the offending hand. “I suggest you remove your hand, cousin. Or I’ll remove it for you.”
His hand lowered to her hip and tightened. “A little haughty, aren’t you?”
“I am Queen of the Underworld. Not some object you can fondle!”
Hermes leaned forward and whispered, “Even married gods and goddesses take others to
their bed when the desire arises.”
Desire? She didn’t desire Hermes. His very touch disgusted her.
She lashed out. Magic swirled around Hermes, lifting him high into the air and dropping him into the middle of the River Styx with a slap. He shot out of the river, sputtering and attempted to fly, but his sodden winged sandals didn’t work, forcing him to swim the length to shore.
“That’s nearly freezing,” he shouted at her.
She watched him with cold eyes and bestowed a sweet smile upon the shivering god. “I
warned you, cousin. You didn’t listen. So I thought to cool your ardor.”
“Well, when you get bored of Hades, don’t come crying to me.”
“That wouldn’t be a problem.”
She’d condemn herself to a life of celibacy first. She walked away from him and Zeus
followed her. As they neared the gates to the Underworld, she noticed a white film covering the black iron. She reached out to touch it and pulled her hand back. It was frigid.
She spoke not a word to either god as they traversed the path to the cavern exit. As she
neared the lair of Cerberus, she felt the chill in the temperate climate of the Underworld, and drew Hades’ black cloak tighter around her body. A thin film of something white clung to the walls of the cavern and she shivered. Was this her mother’s doing?
“I can fly you to your mother’s place,” Hermes suggested, reaching out to touch her. “Your sandals won’t provide protection against the snow. Snow can cause frostbite.”
She glared at him. “So can touching me!”
He jerked his hand back. “Bitch!”
“Bastard,” she rejoined. “I can take myself directly to my mother’s place. I choose not to.”
Cerberus barked a greeting and loped from his place. She smiled and patted each of the dog’s three heads. “Hello there, old friend.” He looked at Zeus and snarled a warning. “Be nice to Zeus.”
“That thing’s a monstrosity,” Zeus muttered. “If you’re not careful, you’re likely to get fleas.”
She frowned at him. “What has Cerberus ever done to you? He is a loyal and noble dog.”
The god rolled his eyes but said nothing.
Cerberus whined.
“Ignore him. I do.” She straightened and smiled. “You’re an excellent guard.”
The dog wagged its tail.
“We must be going. The next group of shades are arriving,” Zeus said.
“I’ll be back,” she whispered to Cerberus.
She turned and crossed the threshold from the Underworld into the world of the living. It was bitingly cold. White fluff covered everything. Even the water feeding into the land of the dead was solid. Nothing could grow in this.
The nymphs had called it Winter if memory served. She had never seen it before, her
mother’s valley was forever summer and the Underworld had no seasons.
Her eyes fell upon the long line of shades following Thanatos to the entrance. Young. Old.
Women with children. Every one of them looked emaciated, their arms and legs like sticks, their tummies bulging, their bones poking sharply through their skin, and their sad eyes sunken. She stifled the gasp. This wasn’t right.
She stepped toward Thanatos. “Father? What has happened?”
Thanatos raised his tired eyes to hers. “The same thing that’s been happening for the past couple months now. It got cold, the snow fell, and people began dying. This is my third trip today. I’ll have at least four more before the day is over.”
Her eyes scanned the multitude. There must be three hundred shades with him. She closed
her eyes and swallowed the bitter lump in her throat. How could her mother be so cold? All these people were dead because she couldn’t function without her daughter?
She watched Thanatos lead the large group of shades to the gate, where Cerberus stood
guard, before she turned on Zeus. “What exactly has been happening above? Why has she done this?”
“Demeter was devastated when you disappeared. Her magic won’t work. I came to rescue
you and save the mortals.” Zeus motioned to the center of the white covered landscape. “You can see the devastation for yourself.”
She waved her hand, creating a ball of energy and watched as it showed her village after
village covered in a blanket of white. Winds blew fiercely over roads. Ice dangled from the roofs.
The weight of the snow caused some homes to cave in and crush the inhabitants. Mortals
sickened and died. Children complained of hunger. The thaw and freezing of water weakened entire rock formations and caused them to collapse.
There were no burial because the ground was frozen, and no funeral pyres because they
couldn’t afford to waste the precious fuel. On the outskirts of the villages, men carried the bodies of the dead to the funeral piles while women stood nearby, wailing and pulling on their hair or clutching each other. There the bodies of the dead lay in heaps while scavengers chewed at the corpses.
Tears trickled down her cheeks, blurring her vision, as she absorbed the horror of the
devastation her absence had caused. This was all happening because of her, because her mother couldn’t function without her and because Hades had to have her. Why didn’t he tell her? Why didn’t he explain the situation? But she knew the answer to that question. He didn’t know. He knew a greater number of mortals were dying, but he hadn’t understood the correlation. He’d been too busy tending to her while she was in a coma, then helping her adjust to her magic when she woke up, and then squelching a rebellion. He hadn’t the time to visit the world of the living.
But the same excuse couldn’t be given her mother.
“Enough,” she cried and the ball of energy shattered.
She faced the sad and lonely faces of mortals who’d suffered. The shades of m
ortals who’d left their loved ones behind to continue the suffering. And all because of her. She watched them pass. She watched them disappear into the darkness. She saw the accusation in their eyes.
“Destroyer,” one hissed at her. “Persephone. Your name brings death.”
She tried to shut the accusation from her mind, but it lodged itself into her heart and beat fiercely in her chest in painful rhythm. Destroyer. Death. Devastation. She was no longer the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. She was Persephone, daughter of Thanatos, Death. She was the Destroyer of mortals, the goddess of Death, the Queen of the Underworld.
Her heart ached and her tears flowed. She was now to be dreaded, feared, and loathed. The realization burned into her soul and she wept for that which she lost and could never be again.
Zeus laid a hand on her shoulder. “We have to be going, Persephone.”
She wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked at Zeus, determined to set right this grievous wrong. Gathering her magic around her like a cloak, she stepped forward and let it spread outward. The air around her stirred and immediately warming. Like a disease spreading outward, affecting everything it touched.
Zeus drew back, staring at her with horror. “Gods help us. You’re a Phlegethon.”
So, even the mighty Zeus, hadn’t known the full extent of her power and what she was.
“Does that really surprise you, Zeus? Hades could have no other than one of his own.”
She felt no reason to explain further. Whatever Zeus knew about Hades or Demeter’s liaison with Thanatos, she didn’t care to know. She had other matters to tend to now.
The daughter of Death stepped forward, and the earth sprang to life, reborn. Wisps of warmth twisted deep beneath the earth and Rhea’s magic touched hers, waking it from its long slumber to thaw the ground and melt the snows. Life burst forward, blooming and thriving.
But for the shades, it was too late. And there wasn’t nothing she could do about it.
Chapter 33
SHE WOKE to voices in the villa, one her mother, the other a man. For a moment her heart
leapt at the thought that Hades had come for her. But she soon recognized the voice as belonging to Hermes. She groaned and sat up. Every muscle in her body ached.
My Lord Hades Page 28