Page 47 of Tempted By Hades

“You…two?” Minthe echoed. “Aren’t you joining us, Hades?”

Hermes grinned, then gently took the Naiad’s elbow. “Come on, Minthe, let’s go. I think Lord Hades would prefer a more private lunch.”

Minthe’s face turned red as she shrugged off his hand. “I’m not hungry, and we have so much to do?—”

“Take the hint, Minthe.” This time, Hermes’s tone turned serious. “We’ll be on our way, Lord Hades.” With that, he dragged the reluctant Naiad out the door.

“Would you like something to eat, Persephone?” Hades asked as soon as they were alone.

“No, I’m still quite full from breakfast. A breakfast I had to eat alone, I might add.”

He did not miss the annoyance in her voice. “Ah, forgive me for not warning you that I don’t usually take breakfast.”

She crossed her arms under her breasts. “And did you also forget your promise?”

“Promise? What promise?”

“To bring me back to the garden. You said you were going to do it first thing.”

Damn it, he did tell her that. But he only said it because he needed to leave right away. “Then I apologize for that as well. And if you’ll allow me…” Hades waved his hand and then turned his palm up. “Here.” He lifted his arm toward her.

Curious, she leaned forward to peer at what he held. “What is it?”

“A gift. A necklace.” Taking the delicate chain between his fingers, he presented it to Persephone with a slight smile. The intricate silver vines sparkled, capturing the ambient hues of the twilight that bathed the realm. The opalescent moonstone at the center radiated a soft, enchanting glow.

“This is for you. A token of the beauty that can thrive even in the depths of the Underworld.”

Despite telling himself he needed to step back and step away from her, Persephone remained in his thoughts, occupying his mind constantly. Unable to rest last night, he had fashioned this necklace, remaking it many times over, until he came up with a design he thought she might like.

Persephone’s eyes widened as she took in the intricacy of the piece. The silver vines seemed to dance in the subdued light, and the moonstone shimmered with a mystical allure. She delicately accepted the necklace, running her fingers along its curves.

Hades continued. “I thought this might bring a touch of the Upperworld’s beauty to your days here. I want you to feel at home, to find joy in the midst of the shadows.”

Persephone held the necklace up, the moonstone catching the soft light. A small smile played on her lips as she met his gaze. “It’s exquisite, Hades. Thank you.” Her fingers traced the contours of the iridescent pendant already gracing her neck. “This necklace is beautiful, but I already have one that holds great sentimental value. It was my father’s, you see.”

Hades nodded, looking at the simple chain and pendant. “I respect that. Sentimental pieces are precious, and I wouldn’t want to replace something meaningful.”

Persephone’s fingers lingered on her pendant. “But the gesture means a lot to me. It’s comforting to know you want to make my time here special.”

“Still, I would like for you to keep it,” he said. “As a memento with no obligation to wear it.”

“Then, I accept, thank you.” Turning her palm up, she let him place the necklace in her hand.

Hades nodded once more, appreciating her honesty. The subdued light of the Underworld played on Persephone’s existing necklace, casting a soft glow that intertwined with the shadows of the realm.

She tucked the necklace into her pocket, then said, “But you can still make it up to me, you know. By keeping your original promise and taking me back to the garden.”

“That, I can do.”

They exited the office, leaving behind the duties and responsibilities that lingered within. Hades led Persephone through the grand halls of his palace, their footsteps echoing against the opulent walls adorned with rich tapestries and paintings.

As they walked through the imposing corridors of the palace, Hades explained, “What you saw the other day was actually just a small part of the garden area. Most of it encompasses the grounds around the palace, at least the rear part. I don’t think you could finish working on it within three months, not even three years. However, there is one part which I think might suit your needs.”

“Is it just like that first spot you showed me? With the same soil and air?”

“Yes. As I said, it’s part of the larger area, just closed off—a hidden courtyard of sorts—and it has a direct entrance from the palace. I had envisioned it as a place where life can thrive even in the depths of this realm. I thought you might appreciate having your own haven, a touch of the Upperworld’s vitality amidst the shadows.”

When they reached their destination, a set of heavy doors lay before them. Hades waved his hand and they swung open, revealing a hidden courtyard bathed in subdued hues. As they emerged into the open air, a vast courtyard stretched before them, bathed in the soft glow of subdued Underworld light. The air was still, and the space, though within the confines of the Underworld, held a potential for growth and beauty. As they approached, Persephone’s excitement grew, and Hades felt a certain satisfaction at sharing this small, unique corner of his realm with her.

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