Seeds: Volume Two (33 page)

     Artemis rose from the seat, biting back a wry smile as she inclined her head in a respectful bow, before impulsively kissing his cheek in a display of affection. He beamed up at her, and she skipped away, inwardly gleeful at how predictable her father could be at times.

o0o

     Hermes absolutely hated these trips to the Underworld. He could zip along the paths of the Underworld with relative ease, still having some of his super-speed here, but he always had to fight the urge to look over his shoulder. The onyx Palace loomed before him, its front gates opening for him like a gaping maw to devour him.

     He soared along the grand marble hall and through the arched doorway – topped with a sinister marble replica of Kerberos – and entered the throne room, sliding to a stop in front of the thrones. The one on Hades's left was empty. Thankfully, the Lord of the Dead appeared to be in a patient mood. His shoulders were relaxed, and he leaned against one side of the throne slightly, appearing as if he expected this meeting to be brief and of little import. Hermes frowned for a moment.
Hmph.

     “I have a message from Zeus. He has a question, and he would appreciate an answer.”

     “Certainly.” Hades looked almost bored.

     “He would like to know what you have planned in way of a wedding ceremony. Mount Olympus is open any day for the wedding feast, and–“

     “I have my own plans regarding such matters. I have been to Olympus often enough to see what debacles these weddings of our family can be.”

     “Still, Zeus would like to know if she is married proper, or will be.”

     “Hmm.” Hades frowned. “She will be my wife proper, given time. She is not ready.”

     “When will she be ready?” Hermes could not help but ask. The Dark God glanced at him critically.

     “Mind your business. Tell Zeus to not worry about the wedding arrangements. Things will be done in due time.”

     “Very well.” Hermes bowed. “I have one more question.”

     “Why should I deign to answer another?”

     “Of course, you do not have to, but Artemis would like it if you did.”

     “Oh?” Hades raised an eyebrow at the mention of his niece.

     “She... wishes to know if you would do a small favor for her.”

     “What is it?”

     “She wishes to remind Persephone of a wish that Zeus gave her a long time ago.”

     “That is it?”

     “Yes.”

     “Hmm. Very well. You may go now.”

     “Yes, sir.” Hermes quickly bowed out and was on his way out of the Underworld before Hades could change his mind.

o0o

     Persephone sat on a stool in front of her mirror, wearing a robe of deep green velvet, her feet bound in slippers of the same material reinforced with thin straps of leather. Since the Underworld lacked heat in most places, she could not go barefoot here as she had on the surface world. The teeth of her silver comb pulled through the thick waves and knots of her hair as she used her other hand to try to manage the wild tangle. What would it be like to cut off her hair? Just take a pair of shears and lop it all off at the nape of her neck? Sometimes she hated having to take care of her hair, combing or braiding it, since her hair was frizzier than her mother's and had the tendency to form curls at the ends.

     “Do not try to pull it down like that,” she heard Hades chide gently. She looked up, seeing him in the reflection as he stood there in a black robe that was loosely tied in the front, revealing his chest. He reached out with his hands, lightly running his fingers through her hair and letting the natural waves bounce free.

     “It makes me look so wild,” Persephone pouted, shaking her head.

     “Ahh, but I have seen you frolic plenty of times like this. It reminds me of these times. Besides, there is something comely about how you look with your hair loose.” He stroked the top of her head affectionately. The memory of frolicking in the meadows caused her to give out a quiet sigh.

     “I miss frolicking.”

     “You can do it in Elysium, or the Blessed Isles, or any of the gardens,” he replied calmly.

     “It is not the same.” she shot back just as evenly. He shrugged, still stroking her hair. How could he comfort her? Her unhappiness weighed upon his conscience, and he bit his lip, remaining silent about Artemis's message. It wasn't that he intended to withhold it indefinitely, but after this painful reminder of the reality of the situation, he wasn't sure if he should tell her right now.

o0o

     Zeus and Hera stared as they listened to Hermes as he brought them the newest bit of information from the Underworld. So Hades intended to do things properly, although who knew when he would. The Lord of the Dead seemed indifferent to the passage of surface-world time, and had his own way of doing things. He didn't want a wedding on Olympus? Damnit. Zeus didn't think he would be too happy going to an Underworld wedding. There would be nothing to eat there but for the Food of the Dead, unless food was brought in from above. What mischief might ensure that one of the gods accidentally eat a piece of the forbidden food if such a gathering was held in the land of the dead?

     Kora wasn't ready? That mystified and intrigued him. Did she resist him? It would explain Hades's refusal to reveal anything more than the most scant information about her. He remembered Kora, and how full of life she had been. Surely the Underworld must be such a dreadful place. He felt guilty about giving his blessing, but what could he do? Kora might resist, but he knew that Hades was patient and stubborn. He wanted her as his queen, and he would have her.

     “I have an idea,” Zeus muttered, stroking his beard as he tweaked the final details in his head, analyzing it.

     “All of us know better than to eat the Food of the Dead. Demeter might have given her daughter that admonition. If there is a chance that she has not yet eaten the food of the dead, then I could get her back for Demeter...” Zeus said with increasing enthusiasm. It was not guaranteed to work, but it was definitely worth a try. Hellas was in dire enough traits, and if this went on, the extinction of the descendants of Deucalion and Pyrrha was imminent.

Chapter XXXVIII

o0o

     Hades smiled to himself as he glanced over at Persephone. She gazed at the souls before them calmly, assessing them as she listened to their stories. In the beginning, she had been completely silent, listening as they petitioned Hades. He appreciated her respectful silence, but didn't want a dummy queen sitting next to him. He would ask her what she thought after hearing a story, and encouraged her to ask questions to the soul if she wished to understand the situation better. She had been shy at first, speaking only when he prompted her, but as she spent time sitting on her throne, she gained confidence as Queen of the Underworld.

     Without Demeter to constantly shelter or supervise her, Persephone was free to say anything she wanted, and ask any question. Mother had often told her to stop asking so many questions, but Hades welcomed them. She filled her mind with knowledge. The nightmares hadn't bothered her for a couple of weeks now, but that was because Hades used his magic to keep her away from the Dreaming without her knowledge. She would be upset if she knew, but as long as her sleep was peaceful, why should she care, and as long as she was happy, so was he.

     He felt her hand rest atop his for a moment, squeezing. He welcomed these little touches, and when she drew her hand away, he took the opportunity to grab it gently, pressing his lips to the back of it.

     She smiled at him. She looked exquisite in a gown of soft gray velvet, hematite-studded silver pins and jewelry completing her look. She looked almost like a ghost in all the gray, her pale skin white against her garb. Her hair was completely swept off her neck, sitting atop her head and the back of it in a tangle of coiffed curls held back with a crown of silver set with the same polished stones. Against the black and white marble and the wrought metal thrones and the various gray-hued souls, it looked as if color had drained from this world but for the brilliant deep red of her hair and the barely perceptible light that radiated from within her.

     As Hades studied her out of the corner of his eye, she felt him set down her hand after the kiss. She tore her gaze away from his handsome profile and looked forward. The Lethe River was one place she had not been to yet, and she was curious about it after hearing many of these souls petition to go there. Some of them wished to know the fate of loved ones who had not appeared in Elysium after they should have been dead. Hades generally had a century-long waiting period for requests to be made. Such requests were rare, but inquiries generally revealed that the soul they waited for was either in Asphodel or Tartarus, or had gone to become reincarnated. It was always so interesting to hear their stories.

     When the last soul bowed to them and filed out of the throne room with a shade, Persephone turned to her husband.

     “It has been a long day.” Her smile was faint and suggestive. “I was thinking about relaxing with a hot bath...”

     “Hmm... certainly not by yourself?”

     “Most certainly not.” Her eyes sparkled.

     “Delightful.” Hades had an enraptured expression, gazing at her as he regarded her with a smile.

     “Look at the two lovebirds.” A soft laugh made its way across the grand room. They looked forward to see Hekate standing there, her arms loosely crossed as she stared at the couple. Persephone blushed and quickly sat upright. Hades frowned, not liking the sudden interruption.

     “Sorry for appearing so suddenly, but I heard you were holding Court, and thought I would get a quick appointment. I need to speak with you, Hades. It is good to see you, Persephone. Perhaps we could go visit Nyx tomorrow? We will talk more later.” Hekate's eyes flicked back to the King, and Persephone nodded slowly. She wondered what Hekate might need to speak in private about, but didn't think it was anything inappropriate. She was confident in Hades's love for her, and Hekate's loyalty to both of them.

     “I will see you in a little bit, then,” Persephone whispered. Hades nodded as she slid out of her throne and left through the side entrance.

     “What is it?” Hades asked casually, leaning his head against one hand as he glanced down at Hekate. The goddess stepped forward, wearing a deep purple gown, her thick, curly ebony hair pulled back with a matching purple sash. The regal color served her well in this situation, and she squared her shoulders.

     “We need to talk about Demeter.” Her voice was no-nonsense. The Lord of the Dead let out a slow, short groan.

     “Do not waste my time.”

     “Surely you know of the chaos Demeter is wreaking. People are starving to death! There is fighting over what little food is left. The Spartans are attacking neighboring villages for food. The temples are filled with the wailing of the mortals, begging for food and help.”

     “That is my sister's doing, not mine.”

     “You know why she does it!”

     “Ahh... but I have told Hermes to assure her of Persephone's safety. I would not lie, you know that. She refuses to be satisfied by my words. I have even given her a simple codicil for seeing her daughter again. She refuses my generous offer. Is that my fault?”

     “You kidnapped her daughter! How can you refuse the blame?” Hekate was indignant.

     “I do not deny that my decision was rash. But you cannot change things that have already happened. What have I done? I have but taken one woman, a woman who has known only my affection and respect. You can see for yourself that she is well-cared for. Am I the one causing the famines? Have I lifted a hand to harm any of the humans above? You know that I am the God of Death, but I do not involve myself in the ways the mortals end themselves. The gods above are more responsible for their deaths than I am!” His dark sapphire eyes glinted fiercely as he leaned forward. “My brother quakes before her wrath, but he does not apologize for the crime he has committed against her.”

     “You can be so damned logical when it suits you.”

     “Never forget that, Hekate.” His tone was dry. “Do not presume to think that I am ignorant of the goings-on of the world above. But I will not be part of Zeus and Demeter's quarrel. Both of them are extremely stubborn, but I am not to be blamed for that.”

     “You are stubborn as well.”

     “Is that news? I think not.”

     “Come on, Hades. Please do not let this continue. Hellas is being ravaged. The gods are desperate, but Demeter will not be moved. She has but one demand, and only you can fulfill it.”

     “I have demands of my own, and she knows them. And do not think she has just one demand. Zeus has his own part to fulfill.”

     “What is this, tit for tat?”

     “Not on my part, like I said. Zeus and Demeter have their own problems. I am not part of it, nor will I be.” His tone was resolute.

     “Do not be an ass.” Hekate frowned. Hades scowled right back, and the room took on a sudden chill.

     “I have made my decision. Do not speak of this subject any further.”

     “But...”

     “
Hekate
.” The Lord of the Dead uttered her name with an edge that plunged them both into silence as the shadows around them rippled violently. His lips were set in a tight line.

     She swallowed and bowed her head. She had almost told Hades about who had gleaned the truth of the situation to Demeter, but she didn't want to imagine just how furious Hades would be if he knew of her hand in the famine above. She had often kicked herself mentally. If she had just remained silent, Demeter would probably still be wandering around, searching. She could have gone to Zeus first and tried to remedy the situation through him, perhaps by threatening to curse him. Oh, why hadn't she done
that
first?

     “Leave now,” Hades commanded. She slid out of the room, relieved to escape the cold and shadows that had pressed into her when she aroused his wrath.

     Hades let out a low sigh, leaning back. Calling him an ass, of all the nerve! Was it his fault that his brother was the stupid ass? He hissed softly as he rose from his seat, hands clenched into fists. The affairs of the surface world could be so needlessly complicated sometimes. Could he be blamed for not wanting any part of it? Fortunately, now he had a companion that served as an excellent distraction from such unpleasant matters. He quickly pushed Hekate and her words out of his mind as he strode off in pursuit of Persephone.

o0o

     As the days passed, Persephone experienced another monthly cycle. By now, she was used to it, and even almost welcomed it, using it as an excuse to keep Hades at bay since his physical attentions could be very.... distracting, not to mention thrilling. There were times when she questioned whether she ever wanted to return to the surface world or not, and Hades' loving attention made that all the more difficult, so she was relieved to abstain from it for a while. After a week, Persephone ached for his touch. She had been tempted to give him modest concessions, but abstaining from any form of intimacy was the only way she could manage to stay resolute for so long and keep a clear head. His touch was so thrilling that she
needed
these monthly interludes of solitude.

     Hades had done everything to her sexually except for intercourse itself. She ached for him, and he knew it. But she remained virginal, if in only the basest sense of the word. His hands, mouth, and shadows had explored every inch of her body, literally. She had taken them in her mouth, in her hands, inside her womanhood, and all around her body. But she did ache for his manhood in ways that could not be satisfied by other means, no matter how lovely they felt. She had often fantasized about what it would be like to consummate her relationship with him and knew that these thoughts would only stop once she did the act in reality.

     At this moment, she walked along the shore of the sea in Elysium, enjoying the lapping of the waves at her feet. Her mantle was down, revealing her hair done up in a loose bun.

     Hades watched Persephone from under his helmet as she walked on the sand. Her gown and mantle were a deep blue, setting off her creamy skin. He desired her, and he felt his manhood twitch. He licked his lips, wanting what she wanted.

     Persephone felt the tingling feeling at the back of her neck, and slowly looked over her shoulder. When she saw nobody, she knew that Hades was watching her invisibly. He often observed her from his unseen state, and though they both knew that she could sense him, he did it anyway for their amusement. There was something thrilling about touching her, too, when she could not see him; teasing her with shadows or invisible caresses in the most surprising of places, to which she playfully pretended to struggle, mock-outraged. The thought made him harder, and he licked his lips again, shivering as he thought about what he could do to take her... fully.

     “Hades...” she breathed. Her skin looked white under the artificial sunlight of Elysium. “You should know better than to play hide-and-seek around me,” she chided. She wasn't sure how she could sense him though, since no one else could. He pulled his helmet off, cradling it under one arm and shaking his hair from his face. She turned to look at him, smiling very softly, her arms crossed.

     “Nobody else is ever able to sense me when I am invisible. That is a unique Gift.”

     “Do you know what else I am capable of?” Persephone asked hopefully. He was so wise and knowing – he had the power to be king of Olympus, but preferred it down here, living an understated life. He understood and knew so much, surely he would know, or would he be able to help her discover her abilities?

     “You are capable of much more than what Demeter has let you believe, obviously. But as to the extent of your power, I know not except for what you have revealed to me. Perhaps with time you will learn, and find out what you can do...”

     Persephone looked up at him. Under the light, it was easy to see the blue in Hades's dark eyes, and she gazed up at him, loving the sapphire glints she saw. Unconsciously, she drew closer to him, and he held out an arm. She could not stop herself from stepping forward and leaning against him, her hands touching his chest as his arm draped loosely around her shoulders.

     “There have been times when I have felt so...” She paused, thinking about the right words to say. “...so much more than what my mother has told me I am. If it was not for you, I would not have had this opportunity.”

     “Would you not say then, that this is the best place for you? Rather than your mother's home?” he asked gently, knowing she still desired at times to go back to the surface world. This caused her to fall silent, and she sighed, closing her eyes. It was hard to speak her mind on this matter...Hades never lost his temper – at least, in front of her – but his attitude and mood turned morose and at times defensive whenever she brought up her desire to see the other world again.

     Persephone was silent for several long moments as she nestled her head against his chest.

     “Perhaps,” she whispered finally. “I have no desire to be parted from you forever.”

     “Is that so?” His hand slid down her back. She nodded. He smiled as his embrace tightened.

     “My Queen,” he said softly, staring down at her with half-lidded eyes, his lips curved into a handsome smile. “That is good to hear.” He used his free hand to grab her hand gently, pressing it to his lips.