Page 72 of His in the Dark

You will sit beside me at court.

The announcement echoes in my mind. This can only mean one thing.

“You would let them see me?” My voice is thinner than I would have liked, but there is nothing I can do to change it. I’m too shocked. Stunned.

“To rule beside me, you must sit beside me and rule, no?” he proposes.

A thrill runs through me, one I’ve not quite felt before. A power that has not taken hold before. The room seems to bend at the heady feel.

Who is the woman who has such thoughts? Have I truly changed so much? I did not feel it happening, but I suppose it must have.

Who is the man who would have me sit beside him for all to see?

Hashechanged, as well?

Hades nods, as if this is nothing. “It is a small court today. It won’t take long.”

“What exactly does it entail?”

“Souls who the judges disagree on. We will preside over their judgment.”

“Understood.” I do not know what else to say as my heart hammers with a vicious need to be freed.

“Silvie,” Hades says, turning to her. “A maiden is waiting with a gown for my queen in the hall. Please gather it for her.”

Silvie does so, returning a few moments later with a gown draped carefully over one arm.

That is not all Silvie is carrying.

She is also carrying a crown in both her hands. I step to the side to let her pass, unable to keep myself from the gilded crown. Silvie sets it carefully on the table, then drapes the gown over a chair in the far corner of the room. Her head stays hung low although her posture straight.

When I turn back to Hades, his dark eyes are lit with amusement. “Dress. I will wait for you.”

“Will you?”

Hades takes a long step toward me, and I go to him. “Yes,” he answers. “I will be out in the hall.”

I tilt my face up, my heart pounding, and Hades leans down and kisses me. I’ve never felt the need to please him as I do in this moment. To stand beside him as if I know what I am doing. Hades breaks the kiss, and I bring my fingertips to my lips, my breath shallow. I grip him before he can leave me.

“Are you sure?” So many thoughts scour my mind. All the what ifs.

“It is time, my Queen. I am sure.” Something flashes in his eyes that I can’t place.

Despite my fears, I feel myself falling.

Falling in love.

Or maybe it is deeper than love. Maybe it is a love I did not know existed until I came to the Underworld.

“Dress,” he says again, in a low voice meant only for my ears.

Then he turns and leaves, closing the door behind him.

I whirl toward Silvie and the chair. “Thecourt?”

“Indeed, my Queen,” Silvie says evenly. “Come now. I will help you.” It’s evident her demeanor has changed. I do my best to mirror what she offers. The seriousness of the situation.

The new gown, the fabric a rich, luxurious silk that falls over my body like water.

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