Page 109 of Flowers Near Me

Appreciative as she was for her sister’s support, she needed to do this on her own. “I’ll come find you afterwards.”

With a few parting words, Hades and Persephone made their way further into the main hall, where guests gathered in small groups, chatting around the dance floor. As she stepped past a hanging vine, tiny buds blossomed to reveal bright pink and orange petals that looked to be following her movement. Curious about the strange flower behavior, she tested her theory by stopping, then doubling back over her steps. Sure enough, the blooms moved with her.

Her face snapped to Hades. “What flowers are these? They look like a tropical morning glory. Maybe a hibiscus? But they move?”

Eyes bright, Hades replied, “Hecate enchanted them to respond to your power.”

“Awe, thank you.” She squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. “That’s so thoughtful. I love them.” His gesture warmed her heart. They continued, greeting guests.

Finally, the feel of the warm sun and smell of flowing fields wafted over one side of her face. Turning towards the sensation, she spotted her mom sauntering in, wearing a dress of iridescent green that matched her intense eyes.

“Would you bring Laura over in a few minutes?” she asked Hades who nodded, then kissed her before heading off.

Her jaw tightened with each step. Her mom’s smile faded as she met eyes with Persephone.

“Sephy, sweetheart. You look stunning.” Demeter held out her hands, and the women exchanged a stilted hug.

“As do you. Beautiful as always, but we need to talk… in private.” Without allowing a reply from her mom, Persephone picked up her mom’s hand and portaled them to a secluded garden path in one of the connected greenhouses.

Demeter’s mouth hung open for a moment. “A smooth portal, Sephy. Your power is so fragrant and strong.” She cupped Persephone’s chin. “Everything alright?” The stern yet focused mask returned to her mom’s face.

“Yes, and no.” Persephone took a deep breath. “No, because I heard you had a hand in the ‘snake bite’ that almost killed Eurydice’s app.” Steeling her eyes on her mom, Persephone waited for the reply.

Demeter sighed and looked away. “I wanted you back, Sephy. I won’t apologize for trying, but I am sorry it hurt the people you care about.” Demeter waved her hands at their surroundings. “Although it seems like my efforts did nothing to diminishFlowers Near Me’s success.”

Persephone bit the inside of her lip. “Thank the Fates for that.” As far as Demeter and apologies went, that would have to suffice. And if Persephone showed mercy, then maybe her mom would as well once she dropped the news of her marriage to Hades. Her gaze remained steady. “There is something I wanted to tell you in person.”

She looked up to see a strange smile on her mom’s face. Something akin to bitterness with equal parts happiness and disappointment. “You married him.”

Persephone held back a gasp. “How did you know?”

With a hand lifted in the air, Demeter answered, “You’re my daughter and I notice everything about you. Your magic smells different. It has this evergreen scent that wasn’t there before. That’s Hades’ doing. Not to mention you’ve kept your left hand hidden since you spotted me from across the room. And lastly, I received a dowry payment from Hades.”

“What?”Persephone practically sneered.Why would he do that?

Demeter chuckled. “Don’t be cross with him. DB received a sizable donation in the form of a new app. He giftedFlowersNear Meto us and I knew there could only be one reason why.”

“Because I asked him to?”

“Because this is how it is among the gods. He gets you, so I get something in return. Hardly an equal transaction.” There was a glint of coquettish satisfaction in her mom’s stifled grin. “Besides, you’re glowing, and if this agrees with you, then I’m happy for as long as you’re happy with him.”

“Thanks, Mom.” It was more than acceptable given the long-standing battle between Hades and Demeter. Two top-tier gods united by Olympus’ newest Goddess of Spring. It all sounded workable enough.

“I love you very much, my clever girl. I always will. And I’ll honor the things you honor.” Demeter glanced over her shoulder, looking statuesque with soft lines tracing her long neck. “You should get back to your launch party and dance with your new husband. I’m certain he’s counting down the seconds to flaunt you in front of all of Olympus.”

Persephone’s cheeks turned to lava, but she straightened and clasped her mom’s hand. “I’ll take us both back.”

Hades’arms wrapped firmly around Persephone’s waist, pulling her close after a graceful spin. Since announcing their marriage and the upcoming celebration, he hadn’t let her go. His hand pressed gently against her back, fingers tracing delicate patterns between her shoulder blades when they weren’t intertwined with hers.

Persephone stretched her sore jaw, her endless smiles leaving indents even godhood couldn’t erase.

“Remember that first night at the restaurant?” she whispered as they swayed together. “I thought I’d outsmarted you, marked my territory in Olympus by getting the app you wanted before you could sink your teeth into it.”

Hades’ deep laugh rumbled through his chest. “Sitting with you in that booth only confirmed what I already knew: you were dangerous. Irresistibly so. And now, it’s clearer than ever.”

“Dangerous?” she teased, but a thrill danced up her spine.

He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “I knew then I had no hope of resisting you. You’re as kind as you are breathtaking, and even though I don’t deserve you, the Fates gave you to me anyway. I just had to trick you into spending time with me, hoping you’d take pity on me and fall in love.” He smirked, pulling her impossibly closer as he inhaled softly, the warmth of his breath sending tingles down her neck.

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