Page 120 of The Queen & the King

“Yes, Persephone?” His gaze penetrates me.

“I need you to know,” I cup his cheek, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

His brows knit a little. “But we had so much time stolen.”

I nod. “But we have an eternity. All we’ve been through has only deepened my love and appreciation for you.”

“I will spend all of eternity proving that you made the right choice.” His eyes mist with emotion.

“Oh, my Hades. You already have.” I lean in, kissing him deeply, needing him to feel how much I love him. How desperately I need him.

He smiles against my lips, and I pull back, burying my face into his neck and inhaling him.

“What do you want to do on our honeymoon?” he asks, running his fingers through my hair.

“I want to do this. All day. Every day.” I kiss his neck softly.

“I could definitely be amenable to that idea.” Hades growls, and I lift my head, kissing him once more before we lose ourselves in each other’s bodies all over again.

I wake in his arms,wrapped in his warmth and scent, unable to imagine anything more perfect than this moment. I stretch and unwrap myself from him before climbing out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake him.

In the bathroom, I wash my face and brush my teeth before pulling on Hades’ shirt to explore the cabin a little. It’s quaint, rustic, and sweet. Though I know Hades has only recently built it, there’s something old about it. It feels lived in.

I lean against the bedroom door, watching Hades. His sleeping form has moved only slightly, his face buried in mypillow, cuddling it close. His dark hair is stark against the white linens. The sheet is draped low on his hips, just covering him. I bite my lip, noticing that he’s half -hard in his sleep. My heart speeds up a little, looking at him. He’s so fucking beautiful, and he’s all fucking mine.

Leaving him to sleep, I head downstairs and turn on the coffee machine. The kitchen follows the design of the rest of the cabin. All the gleaming wood gives it a rustic feel, but the state-of-the-art appliances add a modern flair. The smell of brewing coffee permeates the open plan of the downstairs. Large patio windows look out over the cliff, and I can’t help but go out to look out at the edge of our realm. The wind blows my hair, and I wrap my arms around myself, trying to protect myself from the bracing cold. I stand at the edge, watching the waves crashing below me. Birds soar overhead, gliding on the air currents, and I cannot wait to join them out there.

Freedom. At last.

Finally, I will have the true freedom I have always longed for. But as I think about it, I realize something at this moment. Before, I only felt free when I was flying because it was my only escape. Now, I don’t need to escape. Flying will always represent freedom to me, but I will no longer be flying away. I will be flying toward my life, toward my friends, toward my husband.

Strong, perfect arms wrap around me, and I instinctively lean back into them, knowing exactly who it is. I know the feel of his embrace better than I know anything else.

“Hello, my spring.” His deep voice reverberates down my spine, and heat coils low in my stomach.

“Hello, demon.” I place my hands on his forearms, leaning my head back against his shoulder.

He kisses my temple, and I can feel his smile against my skin.

I will always make you happy, Hades.

I now know true peace. I now know freedom. I now know love.

I am Persephone Prosperina Plutus. Wife of Hades. Goddess of Dark Spring. Queen of the Underworld.Destroyer of Worlds.

Hades and I are inevitable, and we are forever.

---