Page 25 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
Hecate stood, then paused and turned back to me. ‘Oh, she feels the soul bond.’
My head snapped up. ‘Has she told you?’
Hecate nodded. ‘She’s confused, Hades. Give her time to come to terms with it.’
‘But Zeus wants to hold the first “event” for Persephone in fifteen days. What if she falls for another god before she “comes to terms”?’ I grunted.
‘That meddling asshole,’ Hecate bit back. ‘You’ll win her heart, Hades. Stop doubting yourself. Maybe lose the attitude if you want to charm her, though.’ I narrowed my eyes at the goddess. Rude. ‘Come on. I’ll meet you there.’ She vanished, still clutching her Scotch.
I blew out a frustrated breath. ‘They can wait for me,’ I grumbled, finishing the last of the bottle, my heart clenching at the thought of Persephone ultimately rejecting me.
CHAPTER 9
PERSEPHONE
Igazed at my reflection and was pretty impressed.
I wore a strappy, plunge-neck, fitted emerald-green dress that flowed down to my ankles. The colour accentuated my green eyes, making them pop. The gold silk shift was visible through the sheer chiffon, with a wide gold belt cinching my waist.
Matching gold sandals featuring crisscrossed straps tied up my calves completed the look. My hair remained styled in a halo braid, and my makeup emphasised my eyes, cheekbones, and full lips. I grinned at myself, pleased with my first solo attempt at being a lady.
I was puckering up and adding a touch more dark berry lip colour when Tee appeared. I smiled and gave her a twirl as she raised a brow.
‘You’ll do.’ My smile faded, and she laughed. Naturally, Tee was breathtaking in a black mid-calf leather dress, her intricately braided hair piled high on her head.
‘Gee, thanks a million,’ I bitched. She ignored my request to walk to dinner; instead, she flashed me there. I grunted upon arrival and swallowed thickly as the red wine I’d consumed threatened to make a reappearance.
‘Stop freaking doing that,’ I hissed.
She replied in a sultry murmur, ‘Didn’t want to be late,’ before striding off.
As my eyes followed Tee’s retreating form, I glanced around. People I didn’t know mingled; a vast obsidian-coloured table was adorned with cutlery and cream crockery, accompanied by potted herbs scattered down the centre. The table, laden with baskets of fruit and bread, rested on a beautifully landscaped terrace.
My gaze was immediately drawn to the enormous planters, overflowing with narcissi and small cypress trees, before drifting to the view beyond the terrace—my meadow. It was soul-elevating; the sight, colour, and vitality of the plants, both outside and on the terrace, made my heart swell. I approached one planter and smiled as I ran my fingers over the tree’s lush green foliage.
‘Persephone!’ A pair of strong hands gripped my waist, and I squealed as I was hoisted off my feet, and swung around to land in front of a man I’d never encountered. He was tall with wavy, chin-length auburn hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His topaz eyes sparkled with mirth, and his mouth twitched up at the corners as he tilted his head. Our eyes locked onto one other.
‘Hermes, for gods’ sake,’ Tee snapped at him, slapping his shoulder.
‘I’m sorry,’ I whispered, looking up into his lovely face. ‘I?—’
‘Don’t remember me,’ he interrupted with a kind smile. ‘But I remember you, and I’m glad you’re back. If only to stop your miserable bastard of a husband from being such a dismal fucker.’ I let out a peal of laughter and decided I reallyliked Hermes—the mischievous herald of the gods. ‘I see you’re already making your mark again.’ I squinted at him, and he nodded towards the abundance of blooms and trees outside the terrace.
I smiled coyly. ‘Thanks.’
I grinned at Thanatos as he approached and stood beside Hermes, accompanied by a man I didn’t recognise. The stranger was like the hero I’d envisioned from one of my romantasy novels. His Achilles-like golden hair tumbled around his shoulders, and when I lifted my gaze to him, his unfathomable honey-brown eyes flickered with curiosity.
What was with all these beautiful men?
‘Lady Persephone. You look exquisite!’ Thanatos took my hand and kissed my palm, making me squirm internally and blush. ‘This is Charon.’ He pointed at the stranger.
‘Hello again, Lady Persephone. I’m glad you’re home,’ Charon said, then he shifted uncomfortably as I realised my smile had faltered. Was this my home? Absolutely not. I wouldnotlive with the shadowy god of death.
Ugh.
But I smiled brightly again and took his hand, whispering thanks.
‘And I’m Dionysus,’ a large man said as he squeezed between them. Dionysus was dashing, with a roguish smile, dressed in leather pants and a bright Hawaiian shirt that clung to his Corinthian shoulders. ‘Not that you remember me.’ He studied me for a few moments. ‘But we were friends. And man, the fun we all had in the good old days.’ Tee elbowed him in the stomach, making him grunt.
