Page 220 of A Touch of Chaos

“With the way Sephy keeps moving, I imagine you find it quite unbearable,” said Hermes.

“Considering you are aware of today’s schedule, you have only yourself to blame,” said Hecate.

“What schedule?” Persephone asked, and then she looked down at Hades. “What’s going on?”

“It is a surprise,” he said.

“A surprise that has a deadline,” Hecate reminded, clapping her hands. “So come on! Up, Persephone.”

“I’m not sure that is the command you wish to give,” said Hades.

Hecate lifted a brow, and then she narrowed her eyes. “I am going to step out those doors and count to ten,” she said. “And if you both are not out of bed andreasonablyclothed, I will curse your sex life for the next week.” Hecate turned. “Hermes!”

“What? I am here for accountability!” he said.

“I’ll curse you too, Hermes. Do not try me!”

“Fine,” he whined and stomped toward the door. “No one ever lets me haveanyfun.”

When the door was closed, Persephone looked down at Hades.

Outside, she heard Hecate yell, “One!”

“I am trying to decide how long it would take to make you come,” Persephone said.

Hades laughed. “I think it depends on whether Hecate decides to actually count to ten,” said Hades.

“Nine!”

“And there is your answer,” Hades said.

Persephone scrambled off him and summoned a robe while Hades sat up in bed, dragging a sheet over his erection, and when that didn’t work, he grabbed a pillow.

“Ten!”

Hecate threw open the doors.

“You skipped, like, seven numbers!” Hermes complained.

Hecate entered the room like a storm, her expression determined, though Persephone was used to this version of the Goddess of Witchcraft, especially when she was involved in organizing something. She took pride in the work and wanted everything to go smoothly.

Now that she was dressed, Persephone went to her. “I am so glad to see you, Hecate,” she whispered as her arms slid around her waist.

The goddess held her close and spoke against her hair. “And I you, my dear.”

Persephone pulled away, but Hecate held her hand.

“Come. We must get you ready for tonight!”

Persephone looked over her shoulder at Hades. “Remember, you made a promise,” she called as Hecate dragged her out of the room and down the hall to the queen’s suite.

Inside, the lampades waited near the mirrored vanity. Persephone smiled at the silvery nymphs who had come to be an integral part of her glamorous routine.

“I am so glad to see you,” said Persephone. “It has been too long.”

“Lucky for you,” said Hecate. “You will need them for quite a few things this month.”

Persephone wondered which things, but mostly she was curious about tonight. She did not think it was time for the ascension ball, though it was fast approaching.

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