Page 85 of Flowers Near Me

“Right. I think he figured out you’re an immortal goddess, like the rest of them. You just came later.”

“You think I’m immortal?” Hades always talked like Persephone was a goddes,s but he acted as if he worshipped the ground she walked on.

“You have to be, Sephy. You came from a goddess. After that conversation in Hades’ penthouse, I’ve been thinking about it and it makes sense that you’re immortal. You’re tall like the rest of the gods are, you’ve got power, and now we know that Hecate enchanted the flowers that Mom ate to become pregnant with you. There’s no way you’re mortal. Think about it.”

She could feel her power surging in her veins and it made her feel incredible. Although it did make sense, it was a lot to take in. “Then does this mean you’re immortal as well?” Hope blossomed in Persephone’s chest as she continued, “Does it work that way with a goddess and demigod?”

“I asked my dad and he said he didn’t think so, but would look into it. Sounds like it’s a little tricky to discern with hybrid parentage.”

“Well, I hope he finds out it’s true.”

“Time will tell.”

If the way Laura had aged was any sign, then Persephone assumed her sister was immortal. Laura could be mistaken for a young twenty-something even though she was mid-forties.

Laura continued, “Anyway, going back to that night when Hades asked about you being made. Things clicked for me. You’re one of them, but it wasn’t as obvious since you were a child first. But you reached thirty and haven’t aged since.”

“Same with you. But it hasn’t been a full decade for me to really know,” clarified Persephone.

Laura nodded. “Think about it for a minute. You could always open locked doors or cupboards, and your ability to maintain a garden is otherworldly. Nothing dies on you, ever. And it turns out you can create poisonous flowers.”

Straightening her neck, Persephone thought back to her years of gardening and their bountiful blooms. Not to mention that miracle plants that were thriving in Hades’ underground penthouse. “I always assumed the gardens did so well at Mom’s estate because of Mom.”

Washing the now dough-less bowl, Laura said, “Maybe I’m wrong, but there were plenty of seasons where she didn’t go to the estate, but the plants stayed lush. Peter and I were just there for a weekend away, and your gardens were dead.”

A stab of sadness hit her gut. She loved those gardens and to hear they weren’t faring well, broke her heart. “Oh, that’s so sad.” Hopefully she could return and breath some life into them.

“I guess it’s colder this time of year…” Trailing off, Persephone thought back to previous cold seasons. Her blooms always kept their vigor. “You’re right, though. When I’ve been there, the gardens stayed vibrant. And now I have poppies sprouting from me.”

Laura tapped her finger in the air towards Persephone. “I think you’re in the newest generation of gods, so you’re Hades’ equal. You’re worried about your heart and getting hurt, but the more I think about how you are and what it was like growing up, I really think Hades is right and that you’re the goddess of…something. Poppies and poison, maybe?” Laura chuckled. “You’re worried because you think you’re at a disadvantage in this relationship, but I think you have just as much or even more power than Hades because he’s so in love with you and would do anything to make you love him back.”

Now Persephone’s skin prickled. “He’s been accommodating.”And a perfect gentleman.

“There’s no hiding for you anymore. You’ve got to own your power and be open to some of these more uncomfortable possibilities. Hades could be a good partner for you, despite what Mom has led us to believe.”

“I appreciate your confidence, Laura. I hope I have it soon, too.”

“You will. Try to be kinder to yourself for liking someone who would be a good husband.”

“Oh my Fates, he jokes about us getting married. It’s absurd.”

Chuckling, Laura said, “Check that contract again and make sure you aren’t already.”

“I did, and it’s not in there.”

“Would you marry him? Is that a possibility?” Laura asked.

“How could I know at this point?”Would I?She wasn’t sure.

“Well, I think the gods act quickly, despite living forever. Remember how Mom said she knew she was meant to love my dad but could never marry him?”

They each groaned in annoyance.

Persephone replied, “I do. It never made sense to me until I saw how dedicated she was to DB. You’re right to say that’s her true love.” The memory of her mom leaving Laura’s dad stirred a long-held ache.If I found someone I loved, I could never let them go.

Persephone loaded the dishwasher as Laura put away the clean dishes from the drying rack. In the back of her mind, Persephone marveled at how accepting Laura was of Hades.

Have I missed something?

---