Page 69 of Tempted By Hades

“Er, let’s just say there’s no more space in the linen closet for us, even if we were so inclined.”

“What? Who did you see inside?”

He pressed his mouth together. “Apollo and some unknown girl.”

“No!” she gasped. “No. Way.”

He shuddered. “The image of Apollo’s buttocks will forever haunt my nightmares.”

Persephone had never seen true horror on Hades’s face until that moment. Linking her arms through his, she said, “Let’s go find that ambrosia.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Chapter 13

Hades

The ethereal glow of spring began to cast its gentle embrace over the Underworld. Hades looked out from his office to the vibrant hues of blossoms unfurling in Persephone’s garden. It painted a vivid picture against the backdrop of the subdued realm. The air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, a testament to the goddess of spring’s enchanting touch.

His queen, his wife.

The last few months had brought him immense joy he’d never experienced before. His days began and ended with her—making love to her in the morning as soon as she woke up and bringing her pleasure in the evenings until they were both exhausted. Sometimes, too, when he wasn’t busy during the day, they would sneak away to some private corner of the palace. And even if he was busy, he would still find time to see her during the day, whether having lunch or tea in his office or the garden.

Still, even when he wasn’t in her presence, he would only have to look outside his window to watch his wife work in her garden. Lost in the dance of petals and leaves, Persephone moved with a grace that mirrored the delicate beauty surrounding her. Her connection with the burgeoning life in the Underworld was undeniable, a testament to her ability to breathe vitality into even the most shadowed corners.

From his vantage point, Hades marveled at the transformative power of Persephone’s presence. The once-muted realm now pulsed with the promise of renewal, an echo of the goddess’s influence. The harmonious symphony of nature seemed to respond to her every gesture, a silent affirmation of the profound connection between the ruler of the Underworld and the goddess who had brought spring to its depths.

He watched the souls meander amidst the blossoms and lush foliage. Their ethereal forms, once marked by the weight of their mortal existence, now seemed to absorb the essence of rejuvenation that permeated the air.

The souls, drawn to the lively energy that Persephone infused into the Underworld, engaged with the goddess in moments of shared warmth and connection. Laughter and whispers echoed through the garden as the once-silent realm embraced spring’s newfound vitality, transcending the traditional gloom associated with the Underworld.

Persephone’s effortless charm and genuine interactions forged a bond with the souls that transcended the boundaries of mortality. In the presence of the goddess of spring, they found solace, a fleeting but tangible respite from the shadows that defined their existence.

Hades felt a sense of satisfaction and pride watching his queen from his office. But a subtle cloud of concern lingered over him. The impending Sealing Ceremony weighed heavily on his mind, casting a shadow over the vivid colors of the blooming flowers.

Fool, that voice inside him mocked.

Coward.

Liar.

Despite his happiness at being with her, that dilemma continued to gnaw at him—how Zeus cheated and stole Olympus. Should he tell her everything? He couldn’t shake the worry that disappointment might cloud her radiant eyes, and the prospect of her anger was something he wished to avoid.

He did his best to ignore it or even to reason with himself.

Things are fine now. There’s no need to rock the boat.

There’s no need for her to know about the seer’s plan, even I don’t know what his plans are exactly.

Hades wrestled with the internal conflict, torn between the desire to shield Persephone from any distress and the necessity of laying bare the truth. The garden, filled with the vitality of spring, served as a poignant contrast to the impending conversation. He wondered how she would react, knowing that the forthcoming ceremony would introduce complexities to their relationship. He contemplated the impending revelation, grappling with the challenge of balancing transparency with the fear of disappointing the goddess who had brought warmth to his realm.

No, he couldn’t risk losing her.

His gaze returned to her and how she effortlessly wove her magic, creating a harmonious atmosphere that touched not only the flora but also the very essence of the souls. It was a testament to the depth of her abilities, an unexpected blossoming that mirrored the vibrant life emerging in the garden.

Persephone’s powers now extended beyond the realm of flora, reaching out to the souls with a gentle yet profound touch. In her presence, the disquiet of the departed seemed to ease, as if the weight of their past lives lifted momentarily. The ambient energy resonated with a comforting hum, soothing the restless spirits.

She had a unique ability to pluck fragments of memories from the ethereal tapestry that clung to each soul. Through her magic, she could weave these fragments into moments of solace, allowing the departed to relive cherished memories or find closure with lingering regrets. It was as if she painted captivating strokes of color onto the canvas of their afterlife, transforming the Underworld into a sanctuary of emotional healing.

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