Hades face remained impassive, shielding his impatience. “Then I shall leave you,” he spoke softly as he rose.
Poseidon rolled his eyes. “You rarely venture to Olympus, brother. Why do you feel the need to quit it already?”
Hades refused to be baited by his brother. It would please Poseidon too much.
“Have you captured some nymph and stolen her away to the Underworld?” Ares teased.
“Not that I have seen,” Apollo joined in.
Hades stifled the urge to sigh. Were duty and honor so trivial? No nymph, no woman, had such a hold on him. He would never allow such trivial things to drive him.
“If the rays of your sun were as well-reaching as the cast of your eye, then Athens’ crops might fare better.” Demeter patted Apollo’s hand gently.
As gentle a rebuff as it was, her point was made. Duty trailed their pursuits for entertainment, their curious preoccupation with gossip. Hades applauded her silently.
“Can my brother be tempted with sins of the flesh?” Zeus asked, inspecting him with too much interest.
Could he? Green eyes flashed before him, making him rigid. He could not meet Zeus’s eyes.
“You tease him,” Athena snapped. “Is that not excuse enough to leave?”
Hades turned, startled by her exclamation. Indeed, all eyes turned to regard Athena.
She looked greatly troubled, more so than he’d ever seen. But her city was threatened and her people at risk. She had reason to feel troubled.
“May he prove himself worthy of your bargain,” Ares said. “Ariston, that is. I thank you for returning him to the living, Hades.”
“He was most persuasive.” He had never seen a man more desperate. It had startled him, and humbled him. Who was he to deny this man? He knew all too well the pain Ariston suffered…
“Love can be most persuasive indeed.” Aphrodite smiled.
“Or distracting,” Demeter added.
Hera shook her head. “Love can be dangerous, too.”
He held his tongue. I know this, all too well. But love was not his lot in life.
###
Persephone could not stop smiling. He was here.
He shook his head, but drew the horses up when they reached the meadow.
She jumped from the tree and ran to them. “You tarried.”
He turned to her, surprised. And she saw his smile before it disappeared. Oh, what a smile. She took a steadying breath as she drew closer, watching as he stepped down from the chariot car and began unlacing the team’s harness. “What of your hounds? Are they close?”
“The hounds are with Thanatos, hunting shades, or guarding Tartarus. They know their duty without my constant guidance.” He glanced at her as he spoke, but she refused to be chastened.
“Let me help.” She skipped about the chariot, sliding her hand along the flank of the horse. “And who are you?” she asked the animal.
“He is Nyctaeus, beside him stands Alastor.” Hades’ eyes met hers over the horses’ backs. “And you’ve met Orphnaeus and Aethon.”
She nodded, feeling her lungs tighten under the weight of his gaze. Her hands fumbled briefly before she managed to slip the straps from the harness. “You have the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen.”
“They will run,” he warned.
She ran back, jumping into his chariot as he pulled the harness free.
They bolted. In a thunder of hooves and flying earth, the horses ran. She laughed, catching no more than a glimpse of their tails, streaming on the wind behind them. She narrowed her eyes but in the dusk of twilight, the animals were quickly lost to the shadows.
“They know these hills.” His voice startled her.
“You give them leave to run here?”
He shrugged. “Not often enough.”
She climbed down from the chariot and walked to him. “You should… You should bring them more often. Soon.” That she would delight in his company she kept to herself.
He regarded her, but said nothing.
She gazed back, smiling slightly. “How did they receive your news?”
And still he stared at her.
She swallowed.
“Your mother would see you married.” His words were low.
Her heart stopped and her lungs tightened in anticipation. How could he know such a thing? Unless… her heart began to pound… Had her mother asked Hades? She’d never thought her mother would consider such a match.
But why not? Where else would she be as safe? Her safety was all Demeter wanted. There was no place safer than the Underworld.
Her heart rejoiced. Never had she felt such joy.
She longed to place her hand upon his arm. Instead she clasped hands tightly together, saying, “Yes. She would.”
“To Hermes.” His voice remained even, though his gaze turned to the sky. “Tell me, do you know him well?”
She released her breath, fighting the sorrow that flooded her. What a silly fool I am.
“You know him?” he repeated.
She laughed, a nervous, breathy laugh. “He has always been kind to me. He visits mother often, for Zeus or matters of import.”
“Are you pleased with his suit?”
Persephone turned from him, walking through the tall grass to pluck a white lily. She had too little time with him to let her disappointment ruin it. She turned back to him and shrugged. “I suppose one is no different than the rest? At least Hermes is immortal. I could not bear to wed a mortal, to watch him fade before my eyes. Such pain would be unspeakable, I think…”
His face grew hard at her words.
She tried again. “I have not given Hermes much thought. I have no special affection for him.”
“Then why would Demeter be so set on the match?”
“She is a mother, sir, the mother to a daughter, no less. She worries over my safety. She fears I will fall victim to capture, abuse, injury, love, lust, passion, man, or … Poseidon.” She laughed, but saw his hands clench.
She moved closer, watching his face in the failing light. While he would not meet her eyes, his agitation was plain enough. His jaw was rigid and a slight crease marred his forehead.
“Is Hermes a friend?” She could find no other reason for his sudden mood. “I’ve not meant to offend you.”
He shook his head, holding himself straight. She could see the throb of his pulse in his throat. It seemed rapid to her.
She swallowed. “What of your soldier? Was his release met with praise as it should have been?” How she longed to take his hand in hers.
He glanced at her then. “It seemed to please them.”
She clapped her hands. “If they will not applaud you, then I will.”
His smile appeared again, and she matched it with her own. Her heart felt so full.
She handed him the lily, letting her eyes soak in his every detail. “I must leave you now. My mother will carry on if I am not there waiting when she gets home.”
He took the flower, holding the offering with care. “She will not tarry?”
“No.” She laughed, surprised at the hint of teasing in his voice. “She will not tarry.”
He lifted his blue-black eyes to hers and she feared she’d drown in them. It was a pleasing thought.
She found breathing difficult, but forced the words out. “I owe you a story.” Was that her voice, so husky and low?
He shook his head, his dark gaze steady upon her. “You owe me nothing.”
She swallowed. “I do not mind… Truly.” If only she could stay. She wanted to stay with him. She moved closer, too close perhaps, searching for some word from him, some sign.
His brow creased again, endearing him to her all the more. She tilted her head, wishing she knew his thoughts.
Before she could stop herself, she smoothed her fingers across his forehead. His nostrils flared ever so slightly, in distaste or restraint? She hoped it was restraint…
She had none.
She moved quickly, rising
on tiptoe and pressing her lips to his. His lips were surprisingly warm, surprisingly soft against hers. His breath fanned her cheek, tingling, and his scent filled her nostrils. She sucked in her breath sharply, drawing him in. Her lips clung for a second longer.
She spoke against his lips, savoring his closeness. “Oh Hades, I do not mind.”
She swayed, overcome with such warmth and… happiness. She rested her forehead against his chest for but a moment, steadying herself. She could say no more, her lungs would not allow it. Nor could she look at him.
What would he think of her now?
Her lips tingled.
She stepped back, running from him, from the meadow, past the fig tree, until her lungs were gasping. Still she ran, torn between shock and delight, through the ravine that hid their home. Only when the doors were closed and locked did she consider what she’d done. Her fingers brushed her mouth, and she shook her head. She’d kissed him and, she thought, he’d kissed her back.
Chapter Five
The catch in her voice moved Hades, forcing his eyes to hers. Under her gaze, he felt something dangerous shift inside him. He felt vulnerable. He felt lonely. He should feel nothing. “You owe me nothing.”
He saw her swallow, heard her whisper, “I do not mind… Truly.”
Her eyes held him. His body responded even as confusion plagued him once more. What did she want from him? Why did she torment him so?
Her fingers were cool upon his forehead, soft as silk. Her wrist, the inside of her arm, was lightly fragrant.
She moved suddenly, swaying, pressing the curves of her chest against him. He shuddered, completely unprepared for the touch of her full lips upon his.
By the Fates, she was warm and lush.
He could not bear it. But he must. His hands fisted, denying the urge to pull her to him. He closed his eyes. He would not catch her hair in his hands, or clasp her curves to him. His hands throbbed, clenched tightly.
But his lips would not be denied. They fitted to hers briefly, hungrily tasting her.
How she threatened his control, enticing him mercilessly. He could not give in to this temptation. But her words were as sweet a torture as her kiss.
“Oh Hades, I do not mind.”
Her head rested upon his chest, her hair brushing his nose. Her scent filled his nostrils, lilies, earth, and sun, inflaming him. He must hold himself still, keep his eyes pressed shut. One look into her eyes would defeat him. He would not be able to set her away from him.
But now, in this moment, he could think of nothing more than the sweetness of her against him. He was not strong enough. His hands lifted to cup her head, to press her lips to his once more. He drew in a ragged breath and opened his eyes.
But before he could touch her, she ran from him, a flash of white and copper in the moon’s rays. His hands gripped only air and then his chest. He breathed out slowly.
He should not feel such things.
He watched her go, aching yet angry. None could compete with her grace, her charm and femininity. He could not keep the smile from his lips as he watched her disappear into the still night.
He must not see her, ever again.
If he’d never stumbled upon her, it would not trouble him to know he must see no more of her. How he wished he’d never seen her.
He sighed, staring at the flower she’d given him. He should crumple it, throw it down and leave it. He smoothed the petal and stem of the flower, tucking the white lily into the clasp of his chlamys with care.
“You’ve lived too long alone, Hades.” A voice spoke, amused.
Hades spun, alert and ready. Was this a trap, then? Had she played a part in it?
Hermes stood at a distance, his arms held up in submission.
Did he dare feel relief that it was Hermes who’d come upon him? If it had been Ares or Apollo or Poseidon who had found them so… Self-loathing found him, raging within him. No, he would spare her that.
Hades ran a hand over his face, releasing his pent-up frustration with a low growl.
“Surely that was not the fair Persephone, pressing kisses on your dour face?” Hermes joined him. “It is said that the night can fool the eyes. I’ve laughed at such a claim many times. But now I wonder, is there truth in it?”
Hades cast a sidelong look at Hermes. To be discovered in such a state of admiration was disconcerting. To be discovered in such a state by the Gods’ messenger, a devoted gossip, was another matter altogether. He would try. “If I said there was truth in it, would this night be forgotten?”
Hermes shook his head. “I fear I could not forget such a tableau, my friend.” His words were a mix of humor and sympathy. “I am overcome.”
Hades’ words were a hard whisper. “You are overcome?”
Hermes laughed. “Less than you, of course.”
Hades shook his head. Would Hermes goad him? Tease him? Reveal this… this interlude to Olympus?
“You care for her?” Hermes asked, no longer teasing.
Hades laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. He had no heart, it had been crushed so long ago he scarce remembered it. “How can I?”
Hermes countered, “She would be easy to love.”
“If one was given to such emotions, perhaps.”
Hermes chuckled. “Ah, I see. You want her, then?”
Hades glared at Hermes, but said nothing.
Did he want her? The memory of her pressed against him made him burn. Even now his hands ached to cup and stoke her. It was answer enough. He could hardly deny Hermes’ query, but neither would he answer it outright.
“She would have you,” Hermes continued. “It was plain upon her face. She would welcome you, I doubt it not.”
Hades shook his head, ignoring the yearning Hermes’ words stirred. “Have you followed me out of curiosity, Hermes? Or were you sent to me on some errand?”
Hermes regarded him, sighing deeply as he spoke. “Zeus bid me give you this. You left too swiftly. Now I see why.”
Hades took the scroll Hermes offered. He opened it, reading the missive with growing amazement.
“He thought it would please you, as reward or payment. You acted wisely, releasing one of Athens’ finest to fight anew. All of Olympus agrees.”
“This is how he chooses to repay me?” Hades asked, astonished. “To slake my pleasures with a maid of my choosing? In Aphrodite’s pleasure chamber? I was satisfied with their thanks. I need no more. And I want none of this.”
Hermes’ gaze did not waver, though he took on a thoughtful expression. “How long has it been?”
He turned his most forbidding scowl upon the young messenger. “It will never be that long.”
Hermes spoke haltingly. “You may be the Underworld’s lord, but you’ve a man’s passions…”
Hades rolled the scroll back up and handed it back to Hermes. “You may return this with my thanks. I have no appetites for such companionship. He would be wise to bestow such a gift on one more appreciative.”
“Some are worried, Hades. It’s unnatural, this isolation you insist upon.”
“This is worrisome? That I am ruled by discipline, not lust?”
“What of companionship?”
He felt loneliness, but it was tolerable. “I have enough.”
Hermes regarded him with wide-eyed wonder. “You could petition Demeter and Zeus. You might have her yet, Hades… Persephone, I mean.”
“She cannot want that.” He shook his head, wishing he’d not spoken at all. He bit off the rest, furious for his slip. “No. I will not have her. Ever.”
“Why? You are a loyal mate. I know of none on Olympus as faithful to his wife as you…”
Hades moved swiftly, grabbing the front of Hermes’ cloak to silence him. “Do not speak of her.” He pressed the scroll into Hermes’ hand and shoved him away. “Take it and go. Paint me as you will to those on Olympus, but have a care, Hermes.” He’d said too much already, so he continued. “Leave Persephone’s name from their minds and ears. The thou
ght of corrupting her would be too sweet a temptation for some.”
“You speak of Poseidon?”
He paused, speaking with care. “She is innocent. She is, by all appearance in word and deed, gentle and good. It is as you told the lady’s mother; Persephone’s heart deserves tender care.”
Hermes studied him. “I will pass your message on to Zeus, with your thanks and nothing more.”
Hades clasped Hermes’ forearm in parting. Would Hermes keep silent? Could he? If tonight was revealed, it would be Persephone that suffered for it. He would spare her that. He would keep her as she was, with sparkling eyes and joyous laughter.
###
Persephone heard her mother’s arrival, heard the front door closing and the murmur of voices. Demeter wasn’t alone then, a small relief. If they had company, her mother would be distracted and less likely to notice her mood. Assuming her transformation was a visible thing.
And no doubt about it, something had changed within her. She twisted the wool, humming as she did so, hoping the joy in her heart was safely hidden.
“Let that be the last Council meeting for some time. I tire of such… episodes,” Demeter was speaking.
“As do I, Demeter.” Hermes’ voice joined her mother’s, causing her smile to widen. Hermes was a teller of tales and a friend to her.
“Too much ambrosia or too little?” she called out to them.
She heard Hermes laugh, heard him as he made his way to her in the courtyard. “Neither. The Persians were the meat and drink of this night.” He paused, smiling down at her. “What have you occupied yourself with this long night, songbird?”
Persephone felt her cheeks warm, but she smiled easily enough. She knew she’d be smiling for days to come, this night promised that. “A new eplibema for Myrinne, I think.”
“Your fingers will chafe, child.” Demeter joined them, shaking her head. “You’ve been at it since I left.”
Hermes took her hands and looked at her fingers. He winked at her, startling her. “I think they are chafed, indeed. Come, talk with us, Persephone. The Council was not all gloom and strategy.” He pulled her along with him.
Demeter sprawled upon her kline and leaned back, relaxing against the couch’s thick cushions with a sigh. “Truly, Hermes? I found the talk of nothing but gloom and strategy.”
For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus) Page 6
