Page 17 of Hades

She wanted his finger so she could snap it off.

“My little Theodora,” he started, then paused and looked at her. She was a precious gift indeed. His first, and currently only, grandchild. He checked again to ensure they were still alone and then softened his tone, speaking quietly to her so no one would hear. “My little Adora,” he said, using the pet term her parents and others used for her, “you have the strength and stubbornness, and mischievousness of your father, but never will it get you into trouble. I will not allow it. If anyone dares rise against you, I will strike them down.”

She squealed happily at him.

“Come,” he murmured and lifted her higher, so she was closer to his face. She immediately made a grab for his ear and he stopped her with a look. That sheepish smile graced her face again, and he was aware she knew what she was doing and that she understood more than most believed. He carried her to the window and pointed at the mountains beyond the palace grounds. “See the mountain, my precious one?”

She reached for it.

“Within that mountain is a sacred place, one where I keep something very dear to me, and when you are old enough, I shall take you there. It is green and beautiful, and you can run wild and free.” He smiled when she bounced in response, kicking her legs as she stretched her arms out towards the mountain. “I do not think it will be long before you can run, either, but if you would like, I will allow your parents to take you there soon. Would you like that, my beautiful little Adora?”

He wanted her to know green things. Nature. He wanted her to know more than his dark realm. He wanted her to see light and life similar to what she would find in the mortal realm.

And more importantly, he wanted to keep her safe.

That pocket realm Persephone had made for him was only accessible by him and Persephone, meaning his enemy couldn’t reach her there. When the time came, he intended to send many of his sons’ wives to that realm to keep them safe. He knew most of them would be opposed to it, but it was his duty to protect them.

He leaned forwards, bending slightly over her.

“Would you like to see a…” Hades tried to think of a mortal term for Cerberus, one she might have heard from her mother and father. He grimaced as he thought of one. “Doggy? I have a doggy. Cerberus. He is big and strong, and… soft at heart.”

A flaw that Hades had never managed to fix.

She looked at him. Blinked. Grabbed his ear and tugged it so hard his head knocked against hers. She immediately released him and went deathly still. Hades stared at her, waiting.

Either she would remain calm or she would—

Adora burst into tears.

“Shh… shh,” he murmured and turned her towards him, wrapped his arms around her and gently rocked her. “All is well, little one. Although, you do only have yourself to blame for that one.” He rubbed her back, careful with his talons, and cooed quietly at her as he walked the room with her. “Would you like your grandmother to take you to see the doggy today?”

Adora quietened.

Happily gurgled.

“Very well. When I find her, I shall arrange a trip for you and your parents.” He eased her back so she was laying facing him, her back supported in both of his hands. Her large, luminous brown eyes locked with his. He sighed. “You are going to grow up beautiful and spirited, and you will wrap me around your finger as your grandmother and aunt have. I readily accept my fate.”

In fact, he was sure she already had him wrapped around her finger.

Perhaps Persephone wasn’t the only one whose mood had brightened a touch since Adora’s arrival. He enjoyed the presence of the child too, and how it reminded him of when his sons and daughter had been her age. Those happier times came flooding back whenever he saw Adora. Everything had been so very dark recently, the constant threat weighing on him and his family.

“You are a little ray of sunshine in this dark world,” he cooed at her.

She smiled, her eyes brightening with it.

“And I shall always keep you safe. I swear it, my precious little one.” He couldn’t stop his tone from turning serious as he made that vow, and felt the weight of it on his shoulders. There were many out there who would seek to harm Adora, and he wouldn’t let any of them near her.

In response to that, she merely yawned.

He chuckled at her blasé attitude and carried her to her cot. She didn’t protest when he settled her in it, drew the covers up and smoothed them over her chest. She yawned again and her eyes drifted close.

Hades rested his right hand on her chest, feeling the rise and fall of it as sleep wrapped her in its gentle arms.

“I swear, my little one,” he husked as he watched over her. “You will only ever see the light. Your future will be a bright and happy one. I would slay all in this realm to ensure it.”

He lingered for a few breaths more, making sure she was asleep before he removed his hand from her and returned to his search for Persephone. At the threshold of the room, he looked back to check on Adora, and then quietly closed the door and headed down the black hall. His boots were loud on the wooden floor, the rhythm of each beat quickening as he picked up pace. If Persephone wasn’t in their chambers or with the baby, perhaps she would be in her drawing room.

She often enjoyed her morning tea there, where she could look out onto the secret garden. Zeus hadn’t been happy with him when he had stolen several white marble columns from Olympus, but Persephone had been overjoyed by the gift. She had immediately set to work making her first garden in the Underworld, creating a spot that even he had to admit was both cheery and calming.

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