by M. M. Kin
“Go ahead, look.” Hades gently nudged her forward. She approached the steps and saw the distinct form of two separate but identical seats, and her head tilted to one side as the implications sunk in. Upon closer inspection, the throne to the right had a different design than the other one, which she already recognized as Hades's throne. The new throne had a more delicate pattern – resembling vines and spirals in many places – in an organic pattern as opposed to the geometric pattern on Hades's throne. However, in size and stature, it was identical to its mate. The chairs sat close together, but with just enough space between them so that they could both use their own armrests comfortably or touch one another's arm with a slight reach.
The cushion was soft and plush, offering a comfortable place to sit during Court sessions. She circled around the thrones, trailing her fingers along the arms and backs of both pieces of furniture.
“Come sit down.” Hades smiled as he climbed up the steps. Persephone slid into her seat, wiggling around on the cushion as she leaned back. The spacious chamber had a slight chill to it, but her cowl kept her warm.
“People from the Asphodels ask me to be allowed to drink the Lethe waters. They come to me with their petitions and I determine whether they have learned enough during their time in the Asphodel Fields to be allowed to drink the Lethe waters. For even as their past lives are forgotten, the lessons they learn remain with them.”
“How often do you do this?”
“As often as needed. My Gift connects me to this realm and I can sense its needs." In that aspect, he was no different from Kharon.
Persephone could imagine how such a connection with their kingdom would benefit a king of any realm. Did Zeus and Poseidon share such rapport with their domains?
Several shades floated into the room, followed by a group of several dozen souls. Some of them had sharper outlines while others looked fuzzier in her vision. The group was varied, with old and young men and women. She let her eyes move along the group, making a quick study of each one.
When her eyes fell on the last soul – who had situated himself at the very back of the group – she found herself too stunned to speak or react.
She barely heard the first soul as it floated forward to petition Hades. The words of the man did not register to her as she stared forward.
All these years, she knew where her father was – in the realm of the dead. He was mortal, and not even the love and care of a Goddess kept him safe from the insidious embrace of Death, his life determined by the length of thread that Lakhesis measured for him.
Yet in her time down here, Persephone hadn't asked to see her father. For one thing, she was unsure of how she would handle such a reunion. Iasion had been with her during the happy days of her childhood. He was a man who had loved her truly, and she would always consider him her father, whether he had sired her or not.
The revelation that she was a full-blooded Goddess had placed a whole new dimension on her existence. She was not mortal and would never die. When she had been considering asking Hades if she could see Iasion again, this knowledge had remained firmly ensconced in her head. After contemplating her options, she had decided to leave the entire matter be. Iasion had been a good man, so what was he doing with this group? Had he committed some crime in his life that had downgraded his final destination to the Asphodel Fields?
After her initial shock, she was able to better listen to the petitions of the souls before her. Since this was her first sitting as Queen, she remained silent and listened to Hades and his subjects while anticipating and dreading her father's turn. She almost felt sick, and her stomach had the sensation of being pulled into a tight knot. As a child, she had always been robust, never falling ill or suffering from any sort of infection. This feeling of lightheadedness combined with the tightness in her stomach was an unwelcome sensation, and she tightened her grip on the armrests.
Only the distraction of the souls asking for another chance at life gave her something else to focus on. As she listened to them, she wondered what her father could have done. Was consorting with a god a crime? She couldn't imagine that the man who had loved and raised her as his own had committed any sort of crime.
Some of the souls were sent back to Asphodel while others were granted permission to go to Lethe. As the group dwindled, her anxiety increased. Iasion didn't seem to recognize her. Naturally, all the souls were interested in their new Queen, and she sat there calmly under their curious glances as they approached the royal couple. But other than that, she didn't see any recognition on his translucent features. Goodness. She wished she had something to fan herself with, and slowly moved her hands to loosen her cowl.
o0o
Hades had been aware of his lover's tension for a while now. Outwardly, she was calm, but he sensed her unease, and his eyes flicked over to her as he saw her loosen her wrap. He glanced over at the remaining souls before his eyes scanned the room. He couldn't see a single reason that she might be upset.
The next soul was dismissed back to the Asphodel Fields, and before the next one was called forth, he turned towards her, squeezing her hand.
“Love, what is the matter?” he whispered.
“Nothing." Her eyes flicked downward and she shifted around in her seat but remained as she was.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Do you wish to retire from Court?” he asked. Her eyes flicked in his direction, and she stared at him for a moment before shaking her head.
“Very well then.” He waved the next soul forward while keeping an eye on her. She remained silent as the next few souls were processed until only one remained. This one was different, though. Souls that came from the Asphodels tended to be a dingy gray in color, signifying their status as souls that were neither especially good or evil. This soul was of a tall and broad-shouldered man, a faint glow emanating from him and marking him as one of Elysium's blessed.
Someone from Elysium wanted to drink the Lethe waters and start over? Such an instance was rare, but not unheard of. He beckoned the soul forward.
“You have seen how the others have petitioned to me. Tell me your case.” His voice was stern but calm, as he always addressed his subjects.
“Over ten years ago, I died and came to Elysium. It has been a wonderful place for me, and I have enjoyed my time there.”
“Yet here you stand before me,” Hades replied. He was fully aware of the fact that Persephone had gone completely still as she looked down at the soul.
“Not because you are an unjust lord.” The soul bowed his head. “I am Iasion of Enna. When I was still alive, I loved someone deeply. But she will be unable to join me in Elysium. I cannot be happy if she is not at my side.”
“Is she so wicked that you fear she might be sent to Tartarus, or is she already there?”
“No, my lord.”
Hades glanced down at the man. Iasion. Now, why should this be so significant? He could not be expected to know every soul here, but that name was distinctly familiar to him, and he tried to remember just where he had heard it. A god could hardly be expected to remember every little thing that happened over the centuries.
Then it hit him with the force and totality of a tidal wave. This man had been Demeter's lover and the one that Persephone had believed to be her father all these years.
He slowly glanced over at her and realized with a small shock that she was holding back tears. Was this some kind of cruel trick by Fate, to have such an unlikely person approach him on Persephone's first day as enthroned queen? His mind raced with various options as he barely absorbed the rest of Iasion's words.
“... I am but a humble mortal who was lucky enough to know true love. But I cannot be happy if the one I love can never join me. I only wish for the release from these memories and to start anew.”
Hades was a stern man and did not easily let people leave his kingdom via the Lethe waters. Going back to the mortal coil was a privilege, albeit a temporary one. However many times a soul
received another chance to go back to the surface world, they would always return. Thanatos was inevitable and unstoppable. Iasion was a good man and he could see no reason to deny the man's heartfelt request. As the Lord of the Dead pondered the soul's words, Iasion's attention wandered over to Persephone.
o0o
She glanced back at him, wondering whether she should say something. This was a man she had known and loved through her childhood. She wanted to go forward and take him into her arms – and had to deal with the bitter realization that he was merely a soul, with a body of even less substance than the shades. And she was no longer little Kora anymore.
Growing up was not without its trials, she knew that. Being grown-up meant having responsibility and making difficult decisions, like Grandmother would tell her and her cousins. Right now, all she wanted to do was cry. She was overwhelmed by the intense mix of emotions that churned fiercely within her chest, making her feel almost as if it would burst. She wished she was a little girl again and that her dad was alive again, so he could beam down at her and scoop her up into his arms as he had often done in the past.
“Your petition will be considered,” Hades stated.
“Oh.” Iasion seemed about to say something further, but apparently had decided against questioning the Lord of the Dead, so he bowed before the shades escorted back to Elysium.
Persephone let out a low, shaky sigh before rising from her feet and climbing down the steps without a single utterance to Hades. The translucent gauze of her veil and the diaphanous silk of her wrap fluttered after her as she strode across the floor, leaving the Lord of the Dead alone in the grand chamber.
Even after she heard Hades calling her name, she continued stalking forward, fighting the tears that were on the verge of breaking out. When she deemed him safely out of earshot, she let out a quiet sob, the tears freely making their way down her cheeks. She was almost surprised that she hadn't burst into tears in front of either man, and continued crying as she roamed the hallways, seeking the quickest way outside.
Had Hades thought to surprise her by bringing her Iasion before her? He had found many ways to entertain and delight her, but she didn't think he would do such a thing like that. He knew she had cared for her father deeply, and still did even after learning that they were not tied by blood.
She lifted the edge of her wrap and wiped her cheeks with it, taking a shaky breath as she collected herself. The tears continued to flow down her face as she slowed her pace, dabbing her cheeks again.
Suddenly, hands slid onto her shoulders and squeezed them as she found herself being pulled back against a warm and hard body. A loose but secure embrace completed his gesture, comforting her without making her feel too restricted.
“Persephone, I did not know he would be there,” he whispered.
“I was hoping you were not responsible for that...”
“Requests from Elysium are rare. Never did I think it would be him. I was just as surprised when I realized just who he was. I hope you are not upset with me.”
“No.” She wiped several more tears with her fingers as she nestled into his embrace. She closed her eyes and let out a deep, slow sigh as Hades waited patiently.
“It is up to you what will happen to him. You can keep him here and spend time with him, if you like. If he cannot have the company his wife, then at least he will have his daughter. I know you care more for Iasion than my brother.”
“I could keep him here?” she asked almost incredulously. Her desires would affect a decision he made as King of the Dead? Hades was reputed to be a stern man, moved by no plea or tears, swayed by no lamentation or sad story. Out of all the gods, he was said to be the one with a heart as dark and cold as the realm he ruled. In response to her question, he nodded.
“I only wish to see you happy. I know that having your father around was some of the happiest times in your life. I only wish that I had a father that cared so much about me.”
“He misses my mother. It would be cruel to make him stay here.”
“But he would have you.”
That was a tempting prospect indeed. Iasion was the only father she had ever known, and perhaps, if he had his daughter, he might be happy.
“Things... are different. I have changed. He should be able to go.” She slowly pulled out of his embrace so she could turn around and face him. Hades's words had given her an epiphany. He was willing to share his power with her. She had a chance to do as she pleased. After all, royalty enjoyed certain privileges, didn't they? The same was for gods and goddesses.
If Iasion knew she was Queen of the Dead, he would doubtlessly want to know how that all came about. It was something she didn't want to burden him with.
“He was a wonderful father. I am sorry you didn't have someone like that to look up to.” She squeezed his hand as he smiled wistfully. Having grown up with two loving parents made her realize how difficult it must have been for Hades and his siblings. Cast away by their father and out of the reach of their mother, how horrible that must have been for them!
“We made do,” Hades replied, warmed by her thoughtful comment.
“Yes, you did not turn out so bad.” They both chuckled quietly before he reached out to wipe the remnants of her tears with his thumb. She smiled faintly and touched his hand.
“You can still visit him before he leaves, if you like,” he replied.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her head resting against his chest.
o0o
Iasion looked around at his surroundings. Being turned away by Hades was disappointing, but at least he hadn't been an Asphodel soul, sent back to a mundane afterlife. There wasn't anything to complain about here. The weather was always pleasant, with a touch of rain here and there for variety. There was no end of things he could amuse himself with whether by himself or with other people, participating in one of the many fun activities to be found around Elysium.
He had never encountered Lord Hades and hadn't been sure of what to expect. The Lord of the Dead had been an impressive figure, garbed in black and sitting proudly in his throne with his Queen at his side. Of course, he had heard about Persephone. Word got around in the Underworld, and the new souls who had seen Persephone praised her beauty, saying that Aphrodite had a rival. He had been skeptical of that until he saw her on her throne, pale and regal. He had never seen the Goddess of Love before, but he would be hard-pressed to imagine anything lovelier than Hades’s bride.
There had been something rather familiar about her. He knew it seemed silly, but she reminded him of his daughter. They had the same hair color and there was something about the curve of her jaw and the shape of her nose that made him think of the daughter he had left behind. Come to think of it, given Kora's current age, she might look a lot like Persephone, except with a darker complexion, of course. The Queen's skin had been very pale, almost like snow.
He remembered her gaze. She had been silent through the entire proceedings, and he would have taken her for a marble statue draped in silk and gems if she hadn't moved on occasion.
He rose from where he had been sitting in the thick grass overlooking the ethereal sea, and startled slightly as he turned around when he noticed that he was not alone.
“Your Majesty.” He bowed.
“Greetings." Persephone stood there, clad in a dark blue peplos and wrap, devoid of all jewelry. The blue softened her features a bit, and there was no sharp glitter of diamonds to dazzle him. Even with the warm and bright surroundings, Persephone was still very pale, her hair, eyes, and lips standing out against her fairness. Her hands were folded together neatly, resting against her lower stomach as she regarded him.
“Is there something I can do for you, my lady?”
“Yes. Walk with me.”
Perplexed, he followed her nonetheless. Before, she had seemed so cold and regal. Now she was considerably warmer, and he felt that tug of familiarity as he glanced at her face briefly. Yes. This was what Kora might look like right now, he mused as th
ey spent several long moments in silence, strolling along the grass. Finally, he spoke.
“I am honored to be in your presence. But I cannot help but be curious as to why you have come to see me.”
“I heard your story in there. You sounded so sad.” She sounded concerned.
He stared at her for a moment before averting his eyes, feeling touched by her words. She sounded so kind, and he could not help but wonder how she had become Queen of the Underworld. What kind of Goddess would wish to live down here and be wedded to the Lord of the Dead? Would her story become part of the myths of Hellas?
“Yes.” He nodded, encouraged by her apparent concern, “I do not regret my time with Demeter. I never could. And I would never wish death upon her despite my being here, but I still love her. It is hard being here and seeing couples reunited and knowing I cannot expect the same.”
“I can only imagine the burden that must be.” The regal Queen had a soft expression on her face, making her look almost like a different person than she had been before.
He thought of his daughter, and the happy times he had with her. Demeter would disappear from Enna, whether to Olympus or other parts of Hellas, leaving him alone with Kora, not that he had minded. He loved and cherished his daughter, and treasured the time that the two of them spent with one another. She had been such a delight to him and the family, and whenever someone had been sad or hurt, she would comfort them. As he noted Persephone's expression, he was rather startled to note that she looked even more like Kora now. There was that soft gaze and sympathetic smile, and the understanding tone that compelled people to pour out their worries to her.
No. It couldn't be. True, there was a strong resemblance, but it was impossible. Surely the Fates wouldn't do such a thing to him. Hadn't cutting his life short been enough for them? He shook his head, pulling himself out of the memories of his past. If he could drink the Lethe waters, he could start anew.
