Sirenz Back in Fashion

by Charlotte Bennardo

  “Margaret asked me to tell you that she’s sorry she missed your meeting. She had to go to a concert, and she tried, but she missed you.”

  Well, I’ve been schooled! She really does have better things to do than save me.

  My eyes filled, and I turned away so neither Hades nor Hermes would see. Taking a few deep breaths, I managed to squeak out, “Thank you.”

  Hades rushed over. “My little truffle! Don’t cry!” He placed a firm hand on the small of my back.

  “Message delivered. Goodbye.” Hermes started to lift off, but Hades grabbed him around an ankle and yanked him back down.

  “I don’t believe I said you could leave.”

  Hermes landed with a thump. And a peeved look.

  “Chérie, so she missed one chat.” Hades approached me soothingly. “She has classes, and the assignment, and other things to do. Don’t be so hard on her.”

  I whipped away from his touch. “Other things to do?! She promised she’d get me out. But I’m still here! What could be more important?”

  Dragging Hermes over by his gold-trimmed tank, Hades ordered, “Tell Sharisse everything Margaret said.”

  Hermes pursed his lips and plucked Hades’ fingers off his shirt. “If you don’t mind?” After smoothing non-existent wrinkles, he gave me a bored look. “Like I told you, she said she was sorry, but she couldn’t make your talk. She was meeting some Jeremy at a concert. She wanted you to understand that she’s trying to get things done.”

  “That was all?” asked Hades.

  “Yes, that was all,” Hermes huffed, then rolled his eyes. “Oh, wait. One more thing. She promises she’ll be there next time.” He turned to Hades, hands on hips. “Now can I go?”

  “No!” I yelled. Both of them turned in surprise. “You tell her that I won’t be there next time because there shouldn’t be a next time. And I have a ball to attend.” I glared at Hades. “I need a costume.”

  And it won’t be Mother Teresa!

  Hades inclined his head. “For you, goddess in waiting, anything you wish.” He flicked a finger and Hermes was gone.

  And we were in Victoria’s Secret!

  I tilted my head toward the trademark pink script sign. “I’m not that mad.”

  “One can only hope,” he sighed, peering at me from half-closed eyes. “But there is a beautiful aquamarine teddy … ”

  “Down, boy.” I started to walk away.

  He laughed and captured my hand. “So what character did you have in mind?”

  “I’m thinking about it. Take me to a real costume store.”

  “I’ll do even better than that.” Hades closed his eyes and next thing I knew, we were in an elegant parlor room with delicate white French furniture, pale blue carpets, heavy striped silk drapes, and tall vanilla-scented candles everywhere. A small round podium, in a triptych of mirrors, reminded me of a bridal salon. Hades, in a sleek black suit, sat next to me on the couch. A furtive glance down, and I exhaled in relief. No bikini, no Grecian gown. Instead, I was clothed in a lavender silk dress; had to be Vera Wang. And crystal-encrusted shoes. Had to be Stuart Weitzman.

  Oh, the bliss!

  Straightening his flawless tie, Hades said, “This is the private studio of a good friend. She will create whatever you wish.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “She designs for all my affairs.”

  Have that many? I wanted to ask, but instead said, “What if Persephone finds out?”

  “My friend is very discreet.”

  I snorted. “Do you trust her that much?”

  He nodded blithely. “Of course.”

  Girls are to gossip as Hades is to despot. Can’t have one without the other.

  I heard the whisper of silk. Turning around, I saw a tall, lithe woman, strawberry-blond hair piled high on her head, dressed in a flowing white gown. These Greeks seriously needed to add some color to their wardrobes.

  When she reached us, I almost fainted.

  Peeking from beneath her gown were six spider legs. Where were the other two?

  “Arachne! So nice to see you! Sharisse needs a costume for a ball I’m giving. Whatever she wants. I know it’ll be exquisite!” He gave Arachne a sly and secretive glance.

  She smiled serenely, like a madonna, and gestured for me to approach the podium. Not wanting to betray the terror clawing at my insides about going near her, never mind having her touch me, I tried not to stumble forward. Hades was scrutinizing me. I would not show him fear. I swallowed, but it sounded more like a gulp.

  Now I was having second thoughts about getting even with Meg by wearing something outrageously provocative. Not only would she go nuclear if she saw it, but it would provoke Hades’ already overactive libido. Not a smart move.

  I smiled tremulously at Arachne. What to wear, what to wear. Who thought I’d ever have trouble designing an outfit?

  “I was thinking of—”

  “Lady Godiva is one of my personal favorites,” interrupted Hades, sipping a glass of red wine.

  My smile was bland. “Too overdone. No subtlety.”

  He chuckled.

  “How about Lucrezia Borgia?” I asked. She was beautiful, rich, opulently dressed—and poisoned a lot of pesky, irritating men. Perfect!

  Hades shook his head. “I hope you don’t believe the rumors about her; she didn’t really poison anyone. Married three times, she had eight children. There were some boyfriends on the side, but overall, she is much maligned. You can talk to her over in the Elysian Fields.”

  I pouted. It seemed brilliant. I needed a strong character, one who didn’t let anyone push her around. Cleopatra was already attending, so that was out.

  I tapped my lips. “Maybe Eva Perón.”

  Hades’ brows rose. “Interesting. She was strong, smart, and beautiful. She saw what she wanted and did whatever she had to to get it. And since I don’t have a deal with her, she won’t be at the party, unless you invite her.”

  With lowered lids, Hades’ gaze raked over me. What was he thinking, planning?

  “More importantly,” he said, “I will be—”

  My turn to dress him! I threw open my arms like a Hollywood diva. “Lord of Olympus!” I’m sure it’s what he aspired to.

  “That is blasphemy! Don’t ever speak such things!” Hades stormed out, and I stood there next to Spider Woman, dumbfounded.

  What’d I say?

  “You shouldn’t even joke about that,” said Arachne, approaching me with a tape measure and frowning with disapproval. “Zeus does not tolerate that kind of talk anywhere. Blasphemy is severely punished.” She circled around me, dragging those creepy hairy legs. “Is it to be Eva then, or will you allow me to create something unique for you?” she asked, her tone more pleasant.

  Well, here I was, abandoned by everyone. It was high time I took charge of my life, not depend on Meg to get me out of here or let Hades order me around. Oh no, Sharisse Johnson—this is your life, save your own butt!

  I gave her a saccharine smile. “No, not Eva. I know exactly who I want to be. I want to go as Estelle Eberhardt.”

  Arachne looked confused. “I know all the figures from human history, and I don’t recall that name.”

  With a smug grin, I replied, “She’s not famous, she’s my great-grandmother, one hundred and four years old. I’m sure you can come up with something appropriate—drab, brown, serviceable, and sturdy? Won’t Hades be surprised?”

  Going over to my purse, I pulled out a thick stock card, shimmering black pearlescent with white, Greek-style lettering. A whole stack of invitations had appeared at my bedside before Hermes arrived, along with a note in elegant script:

  Invite whomever you wish

  xoxoxo and so much more, H.

  “Here’s your invitation,” I said, handing her the card.
“And don’t forget, my costume’s our secret!” If I could find a janitor, I’d invite him too.

  “Oh, thank you!” Arachne gushed and squealed in delight, and her spider legs rippled under her dress. “I never get invited to his parties! I’ll have to start immediately; I need a costume too! What should I go as?”

  Miss Muffet? A black widow? Charlotte’s Web? I had to say something. “A princess?” I suggested lamely.

  With a swish, she pulled the skirt of her dress off, revealing that she was a spider from the torso down. With a delight that sent shivers down my spine, she said softly, “I must start spinning now so we’ll have our dresses ready in time.” Her black, coarse-haired body and legs began twitching as she pulled a fine silken thread from her bobbing spinneret.

  I couldn’t run out of there fast enough. Luckily, one step out the door and I was back in the throne room. And back to filling time by playing with Cerberus, looking for Eurydice, and instructing Ben on the New Math and world events.

  One morning, day, or whatever it was, I pulled on the usual one-shouldered dress, grabbed an apple out of the large, never-empty bowl on the graceful table in the corner of my room, and went to look for Caz. Any moment now—or later—Ben’s watch might tell me it was time to talk to Meg. And I still wasn’t sure if I was going to talk to her.

  Caz wasn’t at the aqua sea, the purple lake, the pink desert, or the garden of death. Nor the gemstone cave or any of the “natural” wonders. I decided to try the Elysian Fields. If he wasn’t there, I’d ask around about Eurydice on my own. One way or another, I was getting the hell out of hell.

  As I hurried over the bridge, I ran smack into Benjamin Franklin.

  “Hello Ben!” I said cheerily.

  “Ah, the lovely Miss Sharisse. And how are you?” he asked, falling in beside me.

  I winced. “Not too well. I think Hades is mad at me, I’m missing a lot of classes, and I want to go home.” I forced a smile. “Oh, that reminds me. Ben, here’s your invitation to the ball.” I withdrew another card and handed it to him. “I hope you’ll save a dance for me.”

  He smiled widely. “I would love to, my dear!” He took my hand and kissed it, lingering a little too long in my estimation, especially with what I knew about him. Time to go!

  “Great! I’ll see you there! Bye!”

  Wandering through the pearly gates into the Elysian Fields, I wondered where to start. Ancient Greece, I thought as I walked by the English pub I’d passed on my first visit. After a few steps, I was passing gleaming marble temples with soaring columns, elegant statuary, and the most stunningly chiseled male bodies. Talk about a feast for the eyes!

  I finally knew how to travel in Tartarus. You thought about where you wanted to be, and you found yourself there. I wished I could do that back home; it’d save a lot of subway and cab fare. If only I could “think” myself back to the mortal world … but I tried that on several occasions and landed in the evil garden as punishment.

  I was wandering around, past limpid mosaic pools and artfully designed gardens, when I spied Caz. There he was, dressed like a typical Greek god in the omnipresent white toga with gold piping, playing a lyre on the steps of a temple to I don’t know which god, but which featured a pair of graceful swans instead of a man or woman. I was surprised that Hades allowed that in his domain, but hey, I guess it wouldn’t be ancient Greece without all the deities.

  “Hi!” I stood over him.

  “Shar.” He smiled and put the lyre aside.

  Fearful of eavesdroppers, I pulled Caz into the temple. I didn’t know whether Hades was listening and watching me no matter where I went; this was his world, after all, and I was nothing more than a minion. Finding a secluded stone bench in a side nook, I sat and Caz settled himself next to me.

  I looked around. There were swans everywhere. Statues. Mosaics on the floor. Wall frescoes. A particular one caught my eye—two couples, in Greek attire of course. The men looked similar, and familiar … almost like Caz. Must be some relations. The faces of the two women also looked like I’d seen them before. One taller than the other, the tall one with a pert nose, the shorter with wide eyes. If I believed in reincarnation, I’d almost say Meg and I would look exactly like them in white marble.

  Nah.

  “What is this place?” I asked.

  He smiled wistfully. “It’s for my mother.”

  “She likes swans.”

  “You don’t know the story?” Caz cocked his head. “Zeus fell in love with Leda, my mother, and came to her in the form of a swan.”

  “How romantic!” I said. “Swans mate for life!”

  “Uh-huh.” He raised an eyebrow at me. “Not this swan. But mom has nothing but fond memories, and he’s looked out for us even though we aren’t very close. He’s not the ‘daddy’ type.” He looked up and surveyed his surroundings. “But even as king of the pantheon, there’s not much he can do to help us.”

  “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” I said.

  “What’s up?” he asked.

  “Let’s just say my partner is not getting me out of here anytime soon. She can’t seem to do what she needs to. I think she’s now friends with the person she’s supposed to send here and doesn’t want to admit it, much less get her to put on the fleece so I can go home. And your twin Pollux hiding up in my world? I think those two things are connected.” It had been in the back of my mind; Meg had to send someone to Tartarus, and Caz’s twin was hunted on the mortal plane. Of course they had to be the same person. Hades wanted Caz’s sister.

  He looked away. “That’s what I thought too.”

  “So what are we going to do about it?” I demanded.

  His head snapped up. “What can we do about it? I’ve been trying to find Eurydice, but no one knows anything, or if they do, they’re not telling me.” He held his arms open, gesturing to the space. “We’re stuck here, unless your friend does her job and you go home. But don’t count on it. Even though Pollux can’t free me or summon Zeus while he’s alone, he knows all about the Golden Fleece. It’s why your friend is having difficulty. There’s no way a demi-god would put it on. Only humans can’t resist the fleece. And from what you tell me, it sounds like she doesn’t have the heart anyway.”

  I held up a hand. “Wait. Did you just say he?”

  Confusion crept across his face. “Yes, Pollux. My twin brother.”

  I jumped up. “You never told me you had a brother!”

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I told you I had a twin.”

  I slapped my hand on my forehead. “You never said a twin brother. This Paulina has to be him. He’s parading around as a girl? I have to warn Meg! Oh my God, I hope she hasn’t been walking around in her panties!”

  Caz grabbed my shoulders. “You can’t! If she knows he’s a guy, then as a Siren she could use her power to get him to put on the fleece. He’d have to do it—he’s part human, and without me there, he’s not strong enough to resist. He and I would be imprisoned here forever! Please, I’ll beg—don’t do this.”

  If I didn’t tell Meg, she would fail and we’d both be here forever. If I did, and she succeeded, then Caz and Pollux were doomed. I didn’t know what to do. Even if I found Eurydice and escaped, it was only a temporary solution at best, because sooner or later Hades would be breathing down my neck, waving the contract and singing about non-fulfillment. Then it would be back to the Land of the Dead for all of us. And he probably wouldn’t be as lenient and smoochy as he was now.

  With a heaviness in my heart, I said, “Even if we escape, the contract has to be enforced if Meg fails. Hades will come for both of us. Unless I can appeal to Hera to hide me. She helped us out last time. Either way, you’re asking me to choose you and Pollux over Meg and myself.”

  Caz shook his head. “Let’s not get Hera involved. We’ll look for Eur
ydice. If we find her, we find the way out. Let’s do it at the ball. It’ll be chaos, and the perfect opportunity for us to sneak out of here. Once we escape I’ll call my father. He’ll be able to help us. But we have to get out of Tartarus first.”

  Glancing around the temple, I realized that Caz must be lonely. Even though there were a lot of people in the Underworld and he had relatives and friends here, he couldn’t be with Pollux. Twin bonds were strong. Being an only child, I envied him that. Yet I knew what it was like to be separated from someone I cared for—I missed Meg. And now I understood how this whole situation had her confused.

  But what about Caz’s warning about not trusting any of the gods? Did that include his father? Or him? No matter what, I had to trust someone. Reaching for his hand, I marveled at the smooth strength in his fingers. There were calluses on his fingertips, no doubt from playing his lyre. He wasn’t bad, although I wasn’t going to rush out and order the CD.

  “Let’s try to find Eurydice again.” I stood up and smoothed the hated dress. “Where do you think she could be?”

  He looked up at me. “You really look beautiful in that. Better than most of the goddesses.”

  Well, maybe the dress wasn’t that bad.

  “Thank you.” I preened demurely.

  He reached a hand around the back of my neck and pulled me close. As we leaned together, our lips met and his mouth gently explored mine. I wrapped my arms around him and pressed against him, losing myself in the kiss and forgetting everything for a few moments except how hard my heart was beating.

  “I wish we could stay like this forever,” he said, reluctantly withdrawing his arms and stepping back.

  “Just not here,” I whispered. There was that adorable cocksure grin. Holding hands, we stepped out of the temple.

  “I’ve searched all the ancient worlds,” Caz said with a sigh. “Greek, even Roman. I still don’t know where she is.” He wiped the sweat from his brow, his hair clinging to his head in soft, loose waves. What I wouldn’t give to have a few of those curls, I thought as I flipped back my straight tresses. I really liked Caz—a lot. He was funny and cute and sweet and tortured and I couldn’t stay with him. A romantic myth in the flesh.