Hades considered this as he took a drink from the bottle he’d taken from the shelf. She couldn’t tell what it was—but it wasn’t whiskey.
Finally, he spoke. “Apollo didn’t ask to see his lover. He asked to die.”
Persephone’s eyes widened. That’s not what she expected Hades to say.
“Of course it was a request I could not—would not—grant.”
“I don’t understand. Apollo knows he cannot die. He is immortal. Even if you were to wound him…”
“He wished to be thrown into Tartarus. To be torn to pieces by the Titians. It is the only way to kill a god.”
Persephone shivered.
“He was outraged, of course, and took his revenge in the only way he knows how—he slept with Leuce.”
Things were falling into place.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Persephone demanded.
“I tend to want to forget that part of my life, Persephone.”
“But I—I wouldn’t have—”
“You already broke a promise you made. I doubt my story of betrayal would have prevented you from seeking Apollo’s help.”
She didn’t know what to say to that—his words were harsh but warranted. She flinched and hugged herself a little tighter. She wasn’t sure if Hades noticed her reaction, or decided he was finished with this conversation, but he pushed away from the bar and said, “You are probably tired. I can take you to the Underworld or Antoni will see you home.”
She studied him for a long moment and then asked, “What do you want?”
What she was really asking was do you want me?
“It is not my decision to make.”
She looked away, swallowing a lump in her throat, but Hades’ voice drew her back.
“But since you asked…I always want you with me. Even when I’m angry.”
“Then I’ll come with you.”
He drew her close, his arm a hook around her waist. She braced herself against his biceps as their middles touched and their eyes held. She wanted to kiss him—it wouldn’t take much. They were already so close, but she was hesitant—she had vomited earlier and still felt disgusting. On top of that, Hades didn’t move closer, and the pain that pulled at his features kept her frozen and hardened her own heart.
She still had a whole night to go, sleeping beside him.
This was going to be rough.
CHAPTER XXIII - THE SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Persephone woke up alone.
She ignored the way her chest tightened as she rose to get ready. Once she was dressed, she found Hecate in the palace ballroom, instructing souls, nymphs, and daimons in their tasks as they prepared for the solstice celebration tonight.
When Persephone arrived, Hecate smiled, and several voices erupted all at once.
“My Lady, you’ve arrived!”
There was so much excitement and energy in the room, Persephone couldn’t stay sullen.
“I hope you haven’t waited long,” she said.
“I was just finishing assigning tasks,” Hecate said.
“Great. What can I do?”
Persephone saw the hesitation on Hecate’s face.
“Of course, you should supervise.”
Persephone frowned. “I’d like to help,” she said, and looked at the people gathered in the room. “Surely some of you could use an extra set of hands?”
At first, she was met with silence, and then Yuri spoke up. “Of course, my lady. We’d be happy to have your assistance with the flower arrangements!”
Persephone grinned. “Thank you, Yuri. I would like that very much.”
Not to mention she needed a distraction—anything to keep her mind off the last few weeks.
“Let’s get to work!” Hecate called, and the crowd dispersed.
Persephone worked with a group in the ballroom making floral arrangements, garlands, and floral crowns from flowers the souls had picked from the gardens of the Underworld.
“You are quieter than usual,” Hecate said, coming to work beside Persephone. She trimmed leaves from stems while Persephone arranged them in a large urn.
“Am I?”
She’d been so engrossed in her work, she hadn’t paid much attention to what was going on around her.
“Not just today,” she said. “You haven’t been to the Underworld for days.”
Persephone froze for a moment, and then continued with her project. She didn’t know what to say—was she supposed to apologize? Her eyes blurred with tears, and before she knew it Hecate was leading her out of the ballroom, down the hall, and into Hades’ library.
“What’s wrong, my dear?” Hecate asked, guiding Persephone to sit and kneeling before her.
“I messed up terribly.”
“I’m sure it is nothing that can’t be fixed.”
“I’m sure it cannot,” Persephone said. “I have made so many mistakes, Hecate. I have destroyed my best friend’s life, bargained with a terrible god, and sacrificed my relationship with Hades.”
“That is a lot.” Hecate’s words made Persephone feel even more miserable. “But I think it is not true.”
“Of course, it’s true,” she stared at Hecate, confused by the goddess.
“Did you strike Lexa with a car?” Hecate asked.
Persephone shook her head.
“You did not ruin your best friend’s life,” she said. “The mortal driving that car did.”
“But she’s not the same—”
“She’s not the same. Even if she had recovered on her own without Apollo’s magic, she wouldn’t have been the same. You have bargained with a god, yes—terrible?” Hecate shrugged. “If anyone can help Apollo become more compassionate, it’s you, Persephone.”
She wasn’t sure about that, but after learning about Apollo’s past, she knew she wanted to do something for him. Maybe if she showed him kindness, he would learn kindness toward others.
“Compassion or not, it doesn’t change how Hades thinks of me now. He does not trust me, nor does he think I trust him.”
“Hades trusts you,” she said. “He gave you his heart.”
“I am sure he regrets that decision.”
“You cannot be sure of anything unless you ask, Persephone. It is more unfair to assume you know Hades’ feelings.”
Persephone considered this. She’d wanted to ask him a lot of things yesterday, but fear and embarrassment kept her from it.
“And I have a feeling our dark ruler hasn’t been all that fair to you.”
Persephone wasn’t sure if fair was the right word.
“He has been honest about how angry he is with me.”
“Which is probably why you want to avoid him. I would. No one likes Hades when he’s angry.”
Persephone laughed a little.
“My point is you both have a lot to learn from this. If you want this relationship to work, you must be honest. It doesn’t matter if your words sting, they’re important.”
She had a lot of words.
“Do not worry, my dear,” Hecate rose to her feet, brining Persephone with her. “All will be well.”