Hades grimaced. “You mean Zeus’ll trade his daughter for political favor?”
Eris nodded. “Sounds about right. But that’s not the point. She could make a perfect bride for you.”
He groaned. “Why does everyone want to marry me off today? Besides, I doubt Zeus would
even consider me for this daughter. He hates me. In any case, I would rather return to my cell in Tartarus than marry pasty-faced Athena…unless you mean Artemis?”
“I never pegged you for a masochist.”
“I have a sadistic mother. It’s only natural.”
She smiled. “I don’t think you need Tartarus. You’re doing a better job sulking on your
throne than torture ever accomplished. As for the goddes, she’s neither of those uptight virgins.
She’s Demeter’s daughter, and I hear Hermes might receive her hand in marriage.”
The way she said the words made the hair on the back of Hades’ neck stand on end. Hermes, the horny god of thievery, would destroy innocent Persephone! He tried to show no reaction to the news, but he doubted he’d succeeded.
“I have business to attend to, Mother. If all you have is gossip, I’ll bid you good day.”
Eris chuckled. “See you later, Hades.”
Chapter 11
A GODDESS with blonde curls tumbling over her creamy white shoulders stepped out of the
balcony door and into the garden. “There you are.” Smiling, she glided over the path and to Persephone’s side. “It seems you have caused quite the stir among the gods. Poor girl, you must feel like a bone between wolves.” The woman passed a fountain of nymphs, her long fingers drifting over the cold stone. “And your mother fighting so valiantly to keep you a virgin goddess.
How boring that must be for someone like you.”
“Like me? I don’t understand.”
“Really. How remise of Demme not to mention your lack of memory.” She paused, tilting her head, her delicate nostrils flaring. She frowned. “Or your lack of power.”
“I don’t see how any of that is your business.”
“It’s not, my dear Persephone. I’m Aphrodite.” She draped an arm over the statue. Her dress dipped so low in the front that her breasts strained to be free of the binding cloth, and yet, rather than be self-conscious, she exuded a buoyant air of excitement and confidence. “We were
friends. We both found mortals fascinating, although, I did warn you that they were fickle creatures. But you wouldn’t listen and look where it got you. Trapped in a valley, dreaming of what you can’t remember, lacking the power to protect yourself from the gods. What was Zeus thinking when he brought you here?”
Persephone said nothing, just watched the goddess as she moved from the fountain to the
bench. She cringed to think of what would happen if Aphrodite had anymore a bounce in her step. The woman’s breasts would fall out of that dress.
“Now, as your friend, I thought to warn you.” She sat on the bench and crossed one leg over the other. “The gods are getting impatient to marry you. Ares likes the idea of owning such a stunning goddess, but he’ll be unfaithful to you.”
“Because he is in your bed?”
“Was in my bed! Hermes is more elusive. He doesn’t approve of me. But then his moral
compass is skewed. He loves beautiful women and has had more lovers over the years than I ever have.” She twirled a golden lock of hair around her finger, a gesture that Persephone found oddly familiar. “And Apollo is no better than his brother. Did you know they share their women? I wonder if that will extend to their wives as well.” She looked at Persephone. “No need to look so shocked, my dear. It’s the way of the gods. If you stay here long enough, you’ll find that out.”
What kind of mad house was she in? “I don’t think so.”
Aphrodite laughed, her breasts leaping against the flimsy fabric. “Not if Zeus has his way. He wants you married off by the end of the week. And what Zeus wants, he usually gets. Unless your mother succeeds in making you a virgin goddess.”
“What’s that?”
“Athena and Artemis in a nutshell. Boring. Sexless. Lacking the fascination men bring to life.
It’s not the life of the Persephone I knew.”
Persephone couldn’t stop herself. She sat beside Aphrodite. “Tell me.”
The voluptuous goddess tossed her hair over her milky white shoulders and slipped her arm through Persephone’s, acting as if they’d always known each other. The simple action unnerved Persephone, but more for the reason that she’d always disliked people touching her. But rather than the horrible images she’d received from the other gods, all she saw from this goddess was a naked, sweaty god in a bed with Aphrodite under him.
She pulled away and Aphrodite let her go. “Sorry, I forgot your aversion to touch.”
Aphrodite’s laughter rang like wind chimes. “You were always an adventurous and curious child.
I remember the day when you created a family of mud and clay, giving them life. You were a powerful goddess, compassionate yet ruthless, practical yet ruled by your passions.”
Aphrodite stood, drawing Persephone with her. The image of a sugared pear with a rotten
core came to mind. Her blatant honesty of moments before was tarnished now. There was
another reason for this visit, though what it could be, Persephone had no idea.
“Are you taken with one of the gods yet, young Persephone?”
“Well, I found them to be…” She shrugged. “Overwhelming.”
“But they’re cute, are they not?” She plucked a daisy from the garden, twirling it between her fingers. “I was debating if I should offer you advice. And when I overheard Demeter and Zeus speaking at the party, I knew I had to speak with you. It would be awful if you made the wrong choice of your husband, and I know who would be perfect for you. He’s so much better than the others, and handsome too. He even has his own kingdom. Imagine what a thrill it might be if you were a queen of an entire kingdom.”
“I’m not sure I follow you.” Although she was beginning to have an inkling of what
Aphrodite meant. Her cheeks warmed.
“There is a god who’s more powerful than the gods you’ve met so far. And I got a chance to meet him when he came to receive his reward from Zeus. He’s incredible to look at.”
Persephone bristled. “You’re married, aren’t you?”
“Yes. But there is no rule that says I can’t look. Or touch. Or play with.”
“Then what concern is Hades to you?”
She shot Persephone a curious look for a moment before bursting into a charming round of
laughter. “Oh Persephone! You were always sharp, but you misunderstand. I’m not interested in Hades. He’s a touch too melancholy and violent for my tastes. But I thought you might find him to your liking, considering your past, and I see I was right.”
Persephone hated her tone. She was speaking to Persephone as if she were a child, as
Demeter still did at times. She was a woman grown! She might not know how old she was, but it was very clear that she was older than the twenty years she appeared to be.
“If you married him, you would rule the Underworld at his side.”
Persephone’s heart dropped. “The Underworld?”
“Come now, Persephone. Life would never be dull with him around. And he is powerful
enough to protect you while you heal. You could always find a lover if he doesn’t please you.”
“I don’t want to marry.”
“You want to be a virgin?”
“No. I want to be free to chose my lovers and not be bound to marriage vows.” At least until she knew her past.
Her skin tingled, like a caress along her skin. She knew instantly that Hades was in the
palace. She could feel him moving through the halls and she couldn’t believe she never sensed him before today.
“Oh. I forgot the undeniable sense of honor you hold. And y
our need for freedom.”
She nodded absently. Every moment seemed to strengthen her link to him. What had changed
in her to cause this new awareness?
Aphrodite waved her hand in front of her face. “Are you alright?”
“Hmmm. Yes. Just thinking.”
“About Hades? He’s a mysterious god. No one truly knows him.” She sighed, as if wistful.
“When it comes to men, dark, handsome, and aloof are very sexy qualities. Just think about it. If you happen to see him, you might want to make your availability known. He’s a wonderful
catch.”
“What?” Persephone asked, though every word was already burned into her brain.
“I asked if you found him to your liking?”
“Uh? Yes?”
“There are so few here who are as interesting to talk to as you are,” Aphrodite said, pouting.
“I find myself intrigued by you. Sometimes you’re like an innocent child, and yet there are times when I see wisdom beyond your years is reflected in your eyes.” She grabbed her arm, taking Persephone’s full attention. “You were never tempted by the riches or glory. Physical beauty or strength of arm were never your weaknesses. You see into the soul, don’t you? You see us for what we are, not what we pretend to be?”
The image in her mind shifted. Aphrodite sat before a mirror of polished copper, tears
streaking her face. She mourned the loss of something precious to her.
“Yes.”
“What do you see?” Aphrodite asked, her intent eyes locked onto Persephone’s face.
“Sadness. You fill the emptiness inside with distractions. But it will never be enough until you look at what you have and love him for who he is.”
“There’s my friend, honest to the core,” Aphrodite said softly.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
PEEKING THROUGH the crack between the two ivory doors, Hades glanced around the
large oval room. It was vacant. He opened the doors far enough to slip through, and softly closed them. Walking on the rugs, he wrapped his ebony wool cloak around his body. With his helmet on, no one could see him, but he wasn’t ready to give away his presence yet.
He moved through the palace gathering information on the current events. The entire palace was abuzz with the news of Persephone and Hermes. Gossip had it that Zeus had decided upon the best catch for his daughter, her half-brother, Hermes. Hades hoped it wasn’t true.
Muffled voices drew him toward the door on the far room, and as he came closer, he
recognized those of a man’s and a woman’s raised in anger.
He was about to turn and leave when the doors burst open and Demeter stomped out. “I
won’t allow it, Zeus! She’d be safer in the Underworld!”
Hades raised an eyebrow, backing out of Demeter’s way.
“She’s a goddess and must take her place among the gods--”
“You’ll not marry her off to one of those immoral leaches!” Demeter screeched. “I won’t
allow it!”
So the rumor was false; Zeus hadn’t chosen Persephone’s husband yet. The thought of sweet, innocent Persephone marrying Apollo, Hermes, or Ares made him sick.
“She needs to find her own way in this world,” Zeus said.
“She needs to heal! Give her more time!”
“Three years is long enough. Whoever she desires can be hers. She’ll have the choice,
Demeter.”
“She’s a child—”
“She’s six-hundred-years-old!”
Six-hundred. Hades was shocked. Persephone must have come into her full power young to
look as if she couldn’t be a day over twenty.
“A child! And eternity is a long time to regret a choice forced upon you.”
Zeus took one of Demeter’s hands in his. “I’m not forcing it upon her. I’m giving her the choice. Until she marries, her status among the gods is precarious. Besides, it matters not if she remains faithful. Plenty of goddesses take gods and mortals to their beds.”
Demeter jerked her hand out of his, wiping it on the skirt of her dress as if she had touched something utterly disgusting. “So why marry at all?”
“To form political alliances and boost ones power base. The benefit of marrying Persephone to the right god is the alliance gained. They are tied to me and will not betray me. However, because of Coronus, I’ll give her the choice.”
What did Coronus have to do with any of this?
“It won’t happen, brother,” Demeter spat.
She turned on her heel and stalked out of the chamber. Zeus watched her leave with a strange look on his face. For a moment, Hades pitied the god, but the emotion passed. It was time to put his plan into action. Since Persephone was safe from forced marriage, it was time for Hades to seal his place on the throne of the Underworld.
Zeus closed the doors.
“She didn’t sound happy about her daughter marrying.”
Zeus threw himself into the door jab and bounced off. His frantic, wide eyes searching the chamber for Hades’ disembodied voice. Hades removed his helmet, a satisfied smile on his face.
The more he kept Zeus off his guard, the better. He wouldn’t dare cross Hades twice.
“I’ve come for my bride.”
Zeus dodged past him so he could storm up to the table holding the nectar in the crystal
goblets. “You can’t ask anything of me.”
He reached under the table and pulled out an earthen jug which he proceeded to gulp down, then washed the bitter wine down with a swig of nectar.
Sitting on the settee, Hades threw his legs over the arm and leaned back against the cushions.
“Do you want to sit or stand while we negotiate?”
Zeus shifted from one foot to another, glanced around the circular room, and muttered under his breath before he sat in the chair as far from Hades as he could get and remain in the room. “I don’t owe you anything!”
“I don’t bite, you know. There’s no need to be so distant.”
“I happen to like this chair.”
Despite his words, Zeus looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight as if he could find a better position.
Hades settled into a comfortable position, laying the helmet on his chest, and giving the appearance of uncaring. He allowed the deafening silence to create further unease in the other god before he spoke. “You owe me a bride. And I won’t leave until I’ve secured one of your daughters as my betrothed.”
Zeus laughed. “Then go find one. You don’t need my help.”
In a dead calm, he replied, “If I want a politically blessed alliance with your family, I do. One of your beautiful daughters should do nicely. I prefer a goddess.”
Zeus groaned. “Why do you have to be so difficult to deal with? One woman is as good as
another. They pretty much look the same. Lovemaking is basically the same. They all nag you if you stay with them long enough. Marriage to a goddess is like asking for a perpetual headache.
You should marry a mortal. By the time you’re done with them, they die.”
“I married a mortal once.” Which wasn’t true. He’d never gotten far enough in his
relationship to actually marry Menthe. But Zeus didn’t know that. No one living knew that. “She died. I want a goddess. I want someone who will never die.”
“You’re impossible.”
“An alliance with me can only enhance your power base. And if my wife pleases me, then if anyone challenges you, I’ll be honor bound to protect your claim.”
He paled. “I have many fine daughters. Athena is wise-”
“Skinny. Warlike. Cold. Hates me. Pass.”
“Very well. There’s Artemis. She often takes wood nymphs with her on the hunt, so you can be assured that any time she spends away from you will be hunting animals, rather than men.”
“Round faced. Frizzy haired. True she’s friendly and gracious but she has more muscle than softn
ess. I rather fancy breasts. Pass.”
Zeus fidgeted in the chair. “There is Flora. She tends the gardens here—”
“Pass.”
“The three graces are my daughters. Splendor, Mirth and Good Cheer are agreeable.”
“I need someone who isn’t tied to this world. She must be able to remain in the Underworld.”
Zeus glanced at the ceiling and sighed. “I suppose you’ll find something wrong with
nymphs?”
“Other than the fact that you and the other gods are in constant pursuit of ravishing them, they can’t live in the Underworld.”
“The Muses?”
“Incomplete unless they’re together.”
He threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t know what to tell you then.”
A breeze wafted in through the open doors, and Hades took a deep, fortifying breath. “Is
there no one else?”
“No.”
Swinging his legs to the ground, he sat up. “Then I offer you a respite. Give me the previous ruler of the Underworld for wife. The goddess known as the Iron Queen.”
Zeus blinked. He stared at Hades as if he had become a hydra. Hades stood, causing Zeus to jerk back in his seat. “I can’t. She’ll never agree to marry a…”
He didn’t have to finish the sentence. Hades could fill in the blank. A bastard? A killer? A daemon?
“When has the consideration of others ever mattered to you?” Hades snarled. “Athena and
Artemis were both promised their eternal virginity by you and you just tried to pawn them off on me. The Muses can’t function without each other. The nymphs need nature to survive. And Flora, if I remember correctly, is in love with Apollo.”
Zeus paled. Hades took a step closer and Zeus held his hands up in a gesture of peace. “Fine!
You can have the Iron Queen as your wife!”
Hades crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at Zeus. Doubts swept through him
like a bitter chill. This wasn’t right. He wanted Persephone. He should be asking for her, not some unknown Queen. But he refused to relinquish his chance at life. If Persephone was his mate, the Fates could not be so cruel as to keep them apart. There would be a way for them to be together without making a mockery of the marriage he was about to become a part of.
My Lord Hades Page 10
