by M. M. Kin
“I have not been to the Blessed Isles in many years,” Hades said as he nudged his horse into a casual pace, and Persephone's horse followed. “Long ago, I had a palace built here for my use, and I thought you would like to see it.”
Lush palm trees gave way to a low whitewashed wall that revealed to be the first of several terraces that climbed up to a palatial structure of clean white stone. It was considerably smaller than the one they lived in, but no less beautiful. At the bottom of the terraces was a beach with perfectly clear waters partially enclosed by a gently curving lagoon and sandbar. Here and there on the sand, exotic shells gleamed with the sheen of jewels.
Hades dismounted his horse before helping Persephone off hers, pressing her to his body for a moment. The horses were left on the beach as he led her up the stairs, coming to the highest terrace. The terraces were filled with a lush variety of flowers and plants. There was a hot spring to the left, surrounded by multicolored tiles and making for an inviting scene, steam rising gently off its surface. At the other side, there was a comfortable divan and a low table, so one could dine outside.
The small Palace was airy, with high ceilings and an open layout. The back of the Palace revealed a garden that was almost like a jungle, and rather than being decorated with murals or frescoes, the walls of the interior and exterior were plain, giving the rooms a clean and open quality. The floors were tiled with different kinds of marble, some of them varying shades of cool blue with green and purple veins while others were tawny or rust with ochre and golden streaks. All of the rooms afforded splendid views of their tropical surroundings.
A grand staircase led them up to the second floor, which offered even better vistas. A solarium – the title ironic here in a sunless land – was filled with books and comfortable furniture. Unlike the walls on the first floor, the walls up here were covered in frescoes of sea-creatures, many of which had been extinct in the mortal world for eons. The bedchamber featured a grand four-poster bed directly in the middle of the room, sheer curtains of rich red silk hanging from all four sides to make a closed space that light would shine through to create a red aura within. Pulled off to the side were heavier velvet drapes of a darker shade.
“You are the first person I have ever brought here,” Hades whispered into her ear, his hand on her back.
“Mmm. I am very flattered.” The bed looked so inviting, but she also wanted to sit in that hot spring... and take a swim in the sea, and ride her horse down the beach... oh! There was so much to do!
o0o
“You should be,” he joked. She looked ravishing in a dark blue satin chiton that terminated halfway up her calves, her hair tied by a ribbon of the same color. Her cheeks were faintly rosy from the ride on the horses. On her feet were sandals with elegant thin black straps that complemented her slender ankles. The overall image she projected was that of an elegant, relaxed, happy woman who was enjoying her time with him. Doubtless he would be sharing pleasant memories with her here...
o0o
Persephone certainly enjoyed the luxury Hades kept her in, and the shades were efficient and quiet. Having been raised amidst others – first her family and then the nymphs – it had taken her a while to get used to all the solitude that could be gained here. There was nobody to disturb her – or Hades – and that added to the unrealness of this place. Oh, she knew very well that the Underworld was a real place, with its own tastes, aromas, and textures, but the lack of people other than Hades and herself in his house reminded her all the more that this was not a place for life to flourish. She appreciated the privacy, but sometimes she wished she could be surrounded by chattering, living souls.
She stroked the velvety ebony coat of the horse beside her, resting her cheek against his shoulder. She let out a quiet sigh before she leaned her face against the steed. This was a wonderful place indeed, but it was lacking in a vital aspect.
Would Hades ever consider letting her go back to the other world? Why did he find the possibility of her returning to the surface world so distasteful? She had already made it clear that she would be happy to return to him and spend time with him. Now, how many kidnapped maidens were willing to make such concessions to their captor?
As she stroked the horse's coat, she was reminded of the thrill of freedom she felt when riding a horse, with or without Hades. She glanced over her shoulder back at the small palace. Hades was nowhere to be seen, so on impulse, she grabbed the mane of the noble creature and hoisted herself atop it.
She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the air rush against her face and hair as the horse shot forward. Soon enough she grew used to the rhythm, and relaxed slightly, letting her hips sway back and forth as she lightly bounced on the horse's back, her fingers forming a tight grip on the mane. There were other islands visible on the horizon and she was tempted to lead the horse over the water, but she managed to restrain herself. Hades had given her a gentle admonition to remain on this island and to not go off it without him. She was curious, but Hades would not give her a warning without reason.
The island had a nice variety of shoreline. There was plenty of beach, but also rocky inlets and tide pools. She would stop every once in a while to examine the iridescent shells, plucking up a couple that she especially liked and tucking them into her girdle. She knelt down to pick up a spiky murex shell, its points stretching out from the body and making for an eerie and fascinating sight. As she turned it over in her hands, examining it, she sensed Hades's presence.
“Thought you could sneak off?” he asked, hands on his hips.
“You did not say anything other than to not leave the island,” she replied defiantly. He smirked faintly.
“Relax, love. I am not angry with you.”
“I would certainly hope not.”
“Such a mouth on you. That could be put to better use.” His smirk widened, and she blushed.
o0o
The swirling waters of the hot spring kneaded and soothed her flesh as she sat there, the bubbling liquid reaching her chin. She had only been sitting here several minutes, and already she felt sleepy. Ever since she had come to the Underworld, she had discovered an immense love for hot baths and springs. There was nothing quite like the hard churning of heated water against one's body. Of course, it didn't hurt that Hades was also stroking her hand, and she found sweet comfort in that gesture.
As she opened her eyes again, she saw shades moving about silently, setting down a small feast before them. The dishes were positioned so that they could eat comfortably off the ledge while sitting in the tub. Demurely, she turned her face away. The Isle of the Blessed was a lovely place, but she would not be swayed from her resolution.
“Come, have something to eat, love. You look so pale.”
“Lack of sunlight will do that to a person,” she replied pertly.
“I am pale too, and you do not seem to be bothered by it," he retorted, refusing to be put down. "But you do need to eat. You need color in those cheeks."
“I am not hungry.”
“Tsk. So stubborn.” He popped an olive into his mouth.
“Would you expect otherwise?”
“Of course not, but there is such a thing as too stubborn.”
“For you, perhaps,” she shot back evenly. Hades chuckled softly and shook his head.
“I will admit, I do admire your strength of will. Very few women, or even men, have that strength.”
“Then you simply will have to continue admiring me.” She raised her chin haughtily.
“Ahh, but I would admire you even more once you give in to me good and proper.” He ate another olive, making a small smacking sound of approval.
“Where would the challenge be then, after giving in to you? You want me to taste the food of the dead, and you also desire my maidenhead. If you had them, then what?”
Hades stared at her in genuine surprise, and she blinked and stared back at him. Why should he be surprised? Hadn't she stated what he had been trying to gain all along?
<
br /> “Persephone, is that what you think? That I merely want to... take your maidenhead?”
She stared at him, neither denying nor confirming it.
“Of course, I would love to be with you in that way. Have no doubt of that. But it is not about your maidenhead. Why would you think that?”
Persephone quickly looked away, watching the waves crash on the sand below them. She felt his hand on her shoulder as he drew closer to her.
“You are not a conquest. Sometimes, surrender is, in fact, a victory, and you would have much to gain. What I want, need, is you. I ache for you. It matters not whether you have your virginity. Never think that such a trifle is what I value, my dear. You are what I want, completely. The more of you I have, the more I will desire.” His voice was a velvety whisper.
With that, Persephone felt a certain burden lifted off her shoulders. “Really? I could always expect the same passion you show me now?” she asked as she felt his lips kiss along her earlobe.
“Forever.”
She let out a slow exhale as he wrapped an arm around her middle, pulling her into a loose embrace. He reached with his other hand and took a silver goblet, taking several gulps from it before looking back at his lover. When he pressed his lips to her own, she tasted pomegranates. She gasped softly and started kissing him more fiercely, feeling his hands on her sides. When the taste disappeared, she quickly pulled back, blushing.
“These kisses of yours are a powerful temptation,” she whispered.
“Then give in,” he responded cheerfully. She grinned before scooting back, sitting at the other side of the small pool. He slid forward, about to close in on her before she darted to the left, eluding him.
“You should know better than to try to elude me, Persephone.” His dark eyes twinkled as he reached for her. This time, he managed to grab her arm, and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
“All I ask is for you to trust me. I love you,” Hades whispered fiercely, burying the side of his face against her hair. She closed her eyes and remained silent, letting him hold her.
o0o
“I have not seen Abas in several days,” the royal cook informed Metaniera. It had always been one of Abas’s jobs to deliver the vegetables he grew to the kitchen so the servants there could prepare them. Doso sat quietly in a corner, spinning some wool as Demophon dozed comfortably in his crib nearby. As she overheard this exchange, she had to bite back a smile.
“Come to think of it, I did not see him, and the gardens have not been harvested yet. Hmm.” Metaniera frowned and rose to her seat before stalking out the room, followed by the cook. Doso chuckled softly to herself as she glanced over at Demophon.
The Queen strode outside before going down to the courtyard. Many of the servants slept near the kitchens or dyeing room, but Abas had been given the room adjacent to the courtyard after his father’s passing. It opened into a secluded corner of the courtyard and gave Abas one of his few delights in life due to its privacy. Of course, Metaniera could not know just how much Abas had enjoyed this little out-of-the-way chamber. She knocked firmly on its door. When no answer came, she knocked again. “Abas! Are you ill?”
“Perhaps he is...” The cook wrinkled his face, sticking out his tongue.
“Do not joke about such matters!" Metaniera replied firmly, though she didn't want to admit that such a matter was a possibility. Raising the lamp with one hand, she used the other to push open the door. Within, the small, windowless chamber was messy but showed no signs of its occupant. The musty straw was piled in one corner with a couple of blankets tossed over it. The few pieces of clothing Abas owned lay on the floor or tossed across the stool that sat in another corner of the room. Metaniera frowned as she noticed remnants of food and wine, and picked up a bottle to hear the sloshing sound inside. She sniffed the mouth of the container, dismayed to recognize the scent as one of their quality wines, reserved for banquets and other nice occasions.
“You are certain nobody has seen him in two days?” Metaniera asked, still holding the half-full flask.
“I asked the other kitchen servants and the guards,” the cook replied.
“What could have happened to him?” she asked.
“Only the gods know,” he shrugged.
o0o
By the time Metaniera returned to her baby's side, Doso was staring into the fire, meditating while she lightly stroked the hair of her infant charge as he slept in her lap, loosely curled up.
“Did you find the gardener?” the nursemaid asked, not skipping a beat as she continued staring into the flames.
“Unfortunately, no. Nobody has seen him, and his room is empty.”
“Whenever I saw him, he always seemed unhappy.”
“There is nothing I can do about that. His father was a loyal servant and wonderful gardener, and his mother was one of my personal servants when I was young. She always cheered me up with her stories and was a good friend. She died shortly after giving birth to Abas. I have always tried to be kind to him, but...” She shook her head.
“Some people are simply never happy with their lot. There was nothing you could have done for him. It is possible he ran away, but who knows,” Doso replied calmly, remembering the contemptuous gleam in his eye as he had mocked her.
“He was our gardener. He was at least competent in his job, and the kitchen staff already have much to do.”
“Would you let me take care of the garden? When I was not taking care of my family, I would be out on the land. I just loved it.”
“You are certain?” Metaniera found it hard to imagine this little, wrinkled old woman kneeling in the dirt and digging out vegetables.
“I have been taking good care of your baby, haven't I? Really, do not worry about little old me.” Doso beamed up at the Queen, her smile causing more wrinkles to stretch across her face for an almost comical appearance.
o0o
Demeter hummed to herself quietly as she knelt next to one of the patches of vegetation, ready to harvest the ripe vegetables. It was gratifying to dig her hands into the dirt and pull up what the earth had to offer. Thanks to her blessing the earth, the vegetables were more robust than they would have been if she had not come to live here. She turned the carrot around in her hand, weighing it in her hands before nodding with approval. The farmers and gardeners of Eleusis would enjoy similar results. Though she would lay low for the time being, she had plans for this city.
She filled her basket several times, depositing surprisingly fine specimen of various vegetables into the waiting hands of the kitchen staff. There was something else that Demeter wanted to dig, but she would have to wait until the Palace had turned in for the night.
After spending some more time with Demophon before handing him to his mother, she slipped outside, moving smoothly along the pathways until she came to a corner of one of the plots. Carefully slipping between two unharvested rows, she stooped down and started digging. Her Gift, being connected to the earth, allowed her to sense the presence of buried objects. She had sensed it even before she started collecting the vegetables.
She felt leather come in contact with her fingers and quickly grasped it, pulling it up to reveal a small bag. With a curious frown, she quickly shook the dirt off the bag before opening it. Her fingers slid into it before feeling something round and smooth, and she pulled out the mysterious object to reveal the soft gleam of pearls under the moonlight. What other treasures were buried in this garden?
Abas had been clever enough to split up his cache, but Demeter located them all and came up with several more pieces of jewelry and several pieces of gold and silver. The bags were simply made and not of the tightest stitch, but they had served well enough to store these treasures.
She fingered the pearl necklace, seeing that it was an antique due to the tarnished gold. Still, it was a fine piece of jewelry, well-made, and the dark gold helped to make the pearls seem brighter. As she was a goddess, she had nothing to gain from keeping these items.
Doubtless they belonged to other people, though she wondered if perhaps any of this had belonged to Abas’s mother. But such an article was too fine to belong to a maidservant. Could it be a royal treasure? It was worth asking.
o0o
Metaniera was in a particularly cheerful mood. She had dipped into their store of pigments though there wasn't that much left, and used it to dye most of the wool and raw linen they had. Her son had been quiet and happy today, reaching out for the sunlight with his little hands when she had let him sit outside in the courtyard for a while. Last night's supper and this morning's breakfast were especially scrumptious, due to the unexpected quality of their produce. Demophon was napping, and she was in fine humor, wanting to spend the day with her daughters as she had not done often enough as of late. Her daughters didn't have an equal level of skill in spinning or weaving, but it wasn't to see who could do better. She just wanted her daughters around her, to talk with and laugh and share stories with, as she had done with her own mother and sisters before marrying Celeus. Sometimes a servant might even join them and sing or play an instrument for them. Eirene had shown a talent for the pipes, so Celeus had given her a set as a gift and she might play while the others weaved.
They sat in the solarium spinning wool into yarn and trying different color combinations with the colors that Metaniera had dyed them with. Already Eirene was fiddling with the distaff, obviously disinterested in the rough wool in her lap, but Metaniera would have her work just a bit longer. Eirene did need to learn patience, and how to be at least competent in this household craft.
