She’d tortured him most sweetly. Every day since their meeting he’d forced her from his thoughts. She was a Goddess, virtuous and protected by both Demeter and Zeus alike. No good could come from this fascination. He wanted none of it.
That the memory of her voice found him to whisper his name, that he could still feel the silken touch of her hand upon his arm, meant nothing.
She meant nothing. She would never mean anything to him. He would not allow it.
And yet his eyes lingered on her, hungrily taking in every inch of her.
Damn her. Damn her copper locks and dazzling eyes. Damn her round curves, her welcoming smile… and damn the slight ankle that dandled before him, swinging back and forth playfully.
Damn her for such beauty.
“You came.” Her voice startled the animals anew, making them rear and whinny. “I am sorry,” she said as she slipped from her perch to the ground.
“No.” He jerked the reins sharply, knowing his team would mow her down without thought.
But the four grew still, blowing hard with ears pricked forward. They made no move against her.
“No?” she asked, standing beside the horses, fearless. Her brow rose. “You didn’t come? But… but you are here, sir.”
Hades stared at her, exasperated and enchanted all at once. He found nothing fitting to say, so he said nothing.
She smiled, a blinding sight to one who was seldom in the sun’s light. “What a team you have. So fine and proud,” she whispered to the horses, extending her hand to Aethon.
Before he could utter a warning, the horse snorted into her hand.
Persephone laughed as Aethon lowered his nose to her touch.
Hades was stunned. Mighty Aethon, known to bite and tear flesh, yielded to her touch? Perhaps the beasts could sense her as deity? Perhaps she was capable of magic? Did she cast all living things in her thrall?
His memory had not captured her lovely face, the curve of her lips and sparkle of her eyes well enough. And now, she seemed to beckon to him.
Yes. Yes, she was magical. He could feel her power creeping over him; it was most unsettling.
She spoke to Aethon, stroking the stallion’s forelock with gentle fingers. “You are a handsome beast.”
Enough of this. “He is not meant for such company.” His voice sounded cold and distant, which pleased him. “He is not a pet. He is a charger.”
She nodded, not in the least offended, as she continued to run her hands along animal’s neck. “He is indeed one of the more fearsome creatures I have ever seen.”
He was at a loss. “Why are you here?”
“I was waiting for you.” Her green eyes met his.
Her answer startled him, rendering him speechless. His chest felt unaccountably heavy and strangely warm, but he ignored it. She had waited for him. She had waited… for him?
“My mother was summoned by Zeus, you see. She said all had been summoned. Which meant you might also be called upon.” She smiled again, her green eyes never wavering from his. “I hoped this would be your route. The grass told me it was, and they were right. They normally are. They have no need to deceive, I suppose.”
He remained silent, contemplating her purpose. What game was she playing?
“Does it trouble you, my lying in wait?” She blushed then, further disorienting him. “I only thought… I wanted to…” She shrugged, growing redder with each uncertain word.
Finally her gaze fell from his, releasing him to breathe and think once more. He raked his hand across his face and drew in a ragged breath.
This would not do.
She wanted what? He swallowed. Why had she waited for him? Why did it matter to him? His hands fisted, clenching the reins.
His words were hard, “You are alone again?”
She should not be alone. It was not safe… He stiffened. She was none of his concern.
She nodded. “Mother is on Olympus already. And my attendants are off collecting wool.” She paused. “Rather, that’s what they told my mother. In truth, they’ve gone to meet their lovers, I think. Myrinne was missing hers greatly, or so she said last night. It would be taxing, if one was used to such… companionship, to go without. Don’t you think?”
Hades could not contain the small smile that her words stirred. “You are fond of speaking.”
She laughed. “It’s necessary to become acquainted with someone. If you have an interest in making new acquaintances, you should converse with them. I should think. Do you agree?”
His smile was irrepressible. “That is why you’re here? Lying in wait for me? So that we might become better acquainted with one another?”
She blushed, but nodded.
He found no artifice, or coy affectations. Either she was a master at such games or she spoke the truth. But it could not be true, for that made no sense. He shook his head, hardening himself. He pressed the smile from his face and turned his gaze toward the mountain.
He would end this now. “I see no need. You would be wise to return home before your mother finds you out, alone... again.” He glanced at her, though he knew he should not.
Her face fell, a strangely vexing expression. He did not like to see her so. Nor did he like to be the cause of such displeasure.
No. No, he was in the right. She would be well rid of him and he must be rid of her.
“I have matters on Olympus…” he started.
“The war? So many have fallen.”
“I’ve returned a soldier to the Land of the Living.” Why had he told her?
Her green eyes regarded him, her sweet smile returning. “Why?”
He tore his gaze from her, but not before he’d noticed how her eyes tilted slightly or that her upper lip was kissed by a perfectly round mark, inviting him to look his fill at the plump lips beneath. His voice, when he spoke, was soft, distracted. “He was a leader of men. He led his men to victory.”
“Then you were wise to return him. Mother worries over this war for the battles will be long and costly. Greece has seen enough wars, she says.” She watched him, an unsteady smile upon her mouth as she added, “He will help Athens?”
“One man cannot fight an army, but he can lead one to victory.” Hades cleared his throat. His tone was too soft for his liking. He spoke again, lacing each word with an abrasive edge. “And his skill is surpassed by few, so yes, he will help Athens.”
It was true. He’d discovered all he could about this Ariston, to know more about the man he’d freed. He was a worthy soldier, commander to the Ekdromoi, the most skilled of Athena’s warriors. And while that should have warranted Hades’ consideration, it had not been what decided matters for him.
But he would not share that with her. Or Olympus.
“You will be praised for such an act.”
It took an effort to keep his face calm, for a bitter sneer longed to surface. “You have never visited Olympus?”
Her brow furrowed. “No, though I would make the trek if mother permitted it. I long to learn more of the world and its happenings.”
“While I long to escape it,” he murmured.
She paused, pushing her long braid from her shoulder. He could not help but notice the golden curve of her shoulder, exposed now, as she did so. The sun had kissed her, gilding her a most enticing color. Her neck, long and slim, was the same color, as was the slope of her jaw…
“Perhaps you are right.”
“Am I?” he asked unsteadily. About what? What had he said?
“Perhaps being there is not necessary. For it’s not the being there that excites me, it’s the stories. I am fond of a good story.” She walked towards his chariot, her hand resting upon the blackened edge.
He swallowed, fighting the urge to push her hand away. She was too close to him. His nerves were frayed enough without her standing so near him. “I must go. The sooner I arrive, the sooner I may leave.”
“It will be a short visit then?” Her finger trailed over the engraved demons on the chariot�
��s basket, her eyes narrowing as she studied their faces.
“Too short to be called a visit, if I have my way. I would not make the trek if my brother had not demanded my presence.” He watched her curiously, aware he said too much.
“Then I will wait.” Her eyes found his.
“Why?”
“To hear what they say. I would hear of Ares’ battles. What Apollo has spied from his place with the sun. Is Athena pleased or quarreling with her uncle? Is Aphrodite present? Mother suspects something is afoot with the Goddess of Love as she’s been absent of late. Is Zeus ready to intervene on the mortals’ behalf? I would know these things, and anything else you learn, trivial as they may seem to you. Will you tell me?” She paused, blinking at him. “Please?”
He shook his head, entranced by the shift of expressions that crossed her beautiful features as she spoke. She was truly a sight to behold.
“No?” She considered his face, her smile dampening somewhat. “If you return, we can exchange stories. I am a master storyteller, it’s true. Even Mother is enthralled by my talent.”
She had enthralled him without the use of a story. He could imagine her, absorbed in her tales, animated and lively as she wove a spell with the husky timber of her voice.
His thoughts troubled him, greatly. He should have ridden past her. He should never have stopped.
“What makes you think your tales would be of interest to me?” He did nothing to hide his irritability from her. His words dripped with forceful sarcasm. That he was irritated with himself, and not her, seemed irrelevant.
She sighed, clasping her hands in front of her and stepping away from the chariot. “As I said, I’ve a gift. I believe one should share their gifts. Don’t you? I vow, even you in your concentrated solemnity will be diverted.” She paused, smoothing a wayward curl from her forehead absently. The smile she sent him was warm as the sun. “I’ve kept you too long already. I will wait for you here.”
It took great effort to breathe normally. It took a greater effort not to beg her to leave him be, to let him return to his life without wanting...
Or was it too late already?
He did not look at her as he flipped the reins against his team’s flanks. He did not turn when they climbed the base of the mountain.
It was only after he’d settled the chariot onto the flat of the road that he glanced back. She grinned at him, waving happily from her perch in the tree.
He was well pleased that he caught himself before he waved in return.
###
“You would be wise to marry her, dear Hermes.” Demeter’s words were the first he heard.
But then, only Hermes and Demeter sat in the Council Chamber as yet.
“Hades.” Hermes rose, clasping forearms with him. “I fear you will be plagued more regularly by me in the days to come.”
Hades nodded. “I will tolerate it.”
Hermes laughed.
Demeter did not.
Hades glanced at her briefly, hating the mix of pity and disdain that marred the lady’s lovely brow. His gaze remained as he considered Demeter. As lovely as she was, she could not compare to her daughter, in face nor form. Persephone was rounder, softer, she smiled…
“You wound me, sir. Or do you bear me a grudge for losing to me at Tavli?”
“I bear you no grudges, Hermes,” Hades admitted. “You’ve skill with the dice.”
“Even Hades finds little to fault in you.” Demeter took Hermes’ arm. “I entreat you, consider my offer. Would it be such a chore, to have my beautiful daughter as wife?”
Hades froze.
“And I tell you again Demeter, Persephone deserves better.” Hermes shook his head, a warm smile upon his face.
“Is there better?” Demeter asked, fluttering her eyelashes shamelessly.
If he’d had the urge to flee from Persephone, it could not compare with his desire to do so now.
“There is, I assure you. While I am fond of your sweet daughter…” Hermes began.
He knows Persephone? Hades sat in his throne, assuming a pose of casual interest.
“… I would not care for her heart as dearly as she deserves,” Hermes continued, “For I’ve a wandering eye. My passion will not be tamed by one woman, no matter the woman.”
Would a man want another if Persephone was his wife? He stiffened, angry with himself. He leaned his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes. He could see her hair in the sunlight, how her eyes sparkled when she smiled.
“Hades, I implore you. Come to my aid,” Hermes spoke. “Demeter thinks me a fitting husband for her daughter.”
Hades opened his eyes to find them both staring at him. “Is there a man worthy of her?”
He saw the widening of Demeter’s brown eyes, the quizzical turn of Hermes’ mouth. Had he uttered such words, aloud?
“You should be honored, Hermes, if Demeter thinks you are worthy of her.” He waited, watching Demeter smile with pleasure and Hermes sigh in defeat.
He relaxed.
“Demeter thinks you are worthy of who?” Poseidon asked, sauntering into the Council Chamber.
Hades stiffened, as did Demeter and Hermes.
Poseidon smiled. “I’ve interrupted a scheme? One you wish to keep from me?”
Hades knew his brother would not rest until he was answered. But Demeter was struck silent with shock and Hermes red with embarrassment. None would have Poseidon on Persephone’s trail or know that Demeter sought to wed her daughter.
“It is no business of yours.” Demeter’s eyes narrowed as she spoke. “Must you always meddle?”
Poseidon’s grin widened, enjoying Demeter’s frustration. And Hades’ chest tightened so that his breath grew short.
“A scheme that turns you ferocious, Demeter?” Poseidon asked.
“A nymph, wasn’t it?” Hades asked with disinterest. “She spotted fair Hermes and…”
“A nymph?” Poseidon was skeptical. “You discuss the worthiness of a nymph?”
“Young and untried, so it would seem.” Hermes was quick, thank the Fates.
Demeter spoke sharply, “An innocent. One in need of protection from you.”
Hermes laughed, albeit nervously. “I am flattered, to be sure.”
“And well you should be, for she is a lovely creature.” Demeter nodded eagerly. “Sappho was struck by Hermes when he visited.”
“Sappho?” Poseidon shook his head, staring amongst the three of them with narrowed eyes. He sighed, apparently losing interest, and took a cup of nectar before sitting on his throne. “Still dallying with nymphs, Hermes?”
Hermes laughed again, shrugging.
Hades watched closely, but could find no cause for worry. It appeared that Poseidon was satisfied, for now. And then Zeus appeared, followed by the rest of the Olympians.
It began as it always did, pointless bickering and endless boasting. There was never an end to it. Why they felt the need to compete amongst themselves, Hades knew not. The Fates had designed them to serve in harmony, one complementing the next.
But the Fates had been forgotten here, blurred in a haze of indulgence, nectar and ambrosia.
When Zeus finally brought all to order, talk of the war began. It was true, Greece struggled against their foe. Even now, troops of Persians invaded Greece’s countryside.
He saw a flash of Persephone, sitting peaceably in her tree.
This was taking too long.
“What can you share, Hades?” Zeus asked him, drawing every eye in the Chamber upon him. “Are the losses so great?”
Hades stood, confirming that Greece’s losses were staggering. He continued, “Between those brought by Chiron and Hermes I fear none will be left for Greece.” He shook his head. “If I had not seen the toll I would never have considered a reprieve.”
A murmur went up. He’d never offered a reprieve, never.
“You pardoned a soul?” Zeus was as astonished as the rest.
Hades nodded.
&nbs
p; Again, a murmur filled the Council Chamber.
“Did you not feel it necessary to ask permission for such an act?” Poseidon regarded him.
He met the ice cold eyes of his brother and shook his head. “The Underworld is my realm. It is my choice.”
“Who is pardoned?” Zeus asked, waving a hand at Poseidon.
“Ariston of Rhodes. A mighty warrior, I hear. He served Athena in Athens, as well.” He continued, his voice calm. “He petitioned to return, to fight and serve. He asked only to be returned to his wife once the Persians are gone. I agreed.”
“It was a wise choice. He is an Ekdromoi. His skill will be needed at Salamis,” Ares nodded as he spoke. “If more could be returned, our odds would be greater.”
Hades shook his head at such a suggestion. He tested the Fates as it was.
Zeus mused, “A leader can make a great difference amongst men.”
Hades nodded. Had he not said as much to Persephone? Persephone, who waited for him in the tree… Alone.
“Then we must pray that Ariston is such a leader,” Poseidon spoke, taunting Athena with a smile. “Did he show such initiative while serving in the Temple?” Poseidon’s voice rang out, his enjoyment evident to all.
Hades watched them. Did Poseidon know Ariston? Did Athena? He feared he’d embroiled himself in something more. For Athena stared at Poseidon, her face flushed with unspoken fury. All waited, he thought, for her retort. But she said nothing; an odd turn of events, for Athena was never one to hold her tongue.
He cared not. He would leave.
“He had little chance to prove his prowess while playing caretaker,” Ares snorted. “But I’ve seen him fight. His death was glory. He will bring down the Persians.”
“Apparently he has the incentive to do just that.” Hera smiled. “A rare husband indeed.”
“It is, I think, rare to find such loyalty. Be it mortal or immortal,” Aphrodite said.
Hades silently agreed. Such loyalty, to a woman, was puzzling. He had yet to decide whether he pitied or envied Ariston.
“I, too, have seen this Ariston in battle,” Apollo’s words interrupted Aphrodite. “He resembles our Ares, only slightly less immortal.”
“You’ve done well, Hades.” Zeus praised his younger brother before all.
For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus) Page 5
