Page 17 of Until Death
Without Eros or Death, I never would have made it this far. Though, now that I’m Hades’ prisoner, I’m not sure that’s saying much.
Hades.
As much as I want to escape him, he may be my only way out. He is the king of the Underworld, after all.
Somehow, I managed to capture his attention at the ball. Perhaps I can use his desire for me to my advantage … if I can convince him that I’m the one he’s searching for, that is.
Hopefully, then, I can find a way to persuade him to save my father’s soul, or if all else fails, to allow him to stay here with me instead of passing on to the afterlife. As much as I hate to admit it, the longer I consider my current situation, the more I realize that winning Hades to my side may be my best bet.
And in order to do that, I must first prove myself to him.
To make him see that I’m the one he wants.
6
Hades
“The women have been secured in their quarters, Your Majesty.”
I continue to stare at the crystal shoe in silence for another moment as I hold it up to the light.
“Good,” I say, setting the shoe down in its box before I turn to look at Deimos, “and the girl?”
“Locked away in the tower, as requested.”
“Mmm, and what of my wife?”
“She has not left her room since last night, my king.”
“Is that so?” I snort.
“Yes, would you like me to have her sent for?”
I mull the question over in my mind for a moment before shaking my head.
“No, in fact, have her doors barred for the time being.”
“Your Majesty?”
“Until further notice, I want no one in or out of the palace without my express permission, is that understood?”
“Of course.”
“Tonight, the women are to eat dinner with me in the main dining hall. Assign maids to tend to the ones being kept downstairs, and be sure to supply them with whatever they require.”
“And what of the girl in the tower?”
“She is to be left alone. Have her brought down to the dining hall after all the others have been seated.”
“Yes, my king. Is that all?”
“For now,” I answer, “but have Eris brought to me, I have business to discuss with her.”
“At once, my king.”
Deimos bows deeply before taking his leave, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Turning back to the crystal shoes, I run my fingertips over them before finally closing the lid.
