Page 56 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Just don’t be any creepier than usual, and you’ll do great.’ He and Dionysus vanished, leaving me with their raucous laughter ringing in my ears.
CHAPTER 21
PERSEPHONE
It was the day of Aphrodite’s welcome party, and Tee and Hedone were flitting around like cracked-out hummingbirds, making me more angsty.
I was as jittery as a coffee fiend. I’d spoken to Tee about being teleported to the Empousa’s lair, and the only thing she’d said about it was a slightly macabre, ‘Thank fuck you’re not dead,’ and that we’d chat about it another time. But she was on edge; I could tell.
My pale blonde hair cascaded down my back in soft waves, glistening beneath the shimmering lights, and my makeup was nothing short of perfect. The dress Hedone had chosen for me was simply stunning, featuring slender silver straps fastening behind my neck, each widening downwards to cover my breasts, fitting snugly and leaving my upper back exposed. From a thick band just below my chest, chiffon swirled to the floor in waves of midnight blue and indigo.
Slim silver panels flowed between the two, resembling stars peeking through broken clouds in the night sky. A pair of silver Grecian-style sandals and a silver clutch completed the ensemble. Tee dotted my pulse points with a perfume reminiscent of orange blossom and creamy tuberose, and I was ready.
I’d never felt so beautiful, but unease clawed in my gut at the thought of meeting the gods who wanted to woo me. They were probably like a bunch of great whites throwing their maws open, waiting for fresh meat.
Super.
‘There’s one thing I need to mention,’ Hedone said as she fiddled with my hair.
‘Mhm,’ I mused, looking into the full-length mirror and fingering the soft material of the dress.
‘When nectar and wine flow and gods and demigods gather, sex is usually often inevitable.’
My body spun around to face her. ‘Is it, like, an orgy? If it is…’
Hedone erupted into a tinkling laugh. ‘No. But many will seize the situation and escape for a while. Aphrodite has private rooms…’ She pressed her lips together.
I lifted my chin as nausea gripped me, contemplating Hades using compulsion to make me sleep. ‘Can gods, um, use compulsion to make someone have sex with them?’ I was acutely aware of my unsteady voice while Tee soothingly stroked my back.
‘Yes,’ Hedone said, ‘but it is strictly forbidden to do so. Don’t worry.’ I nodded silently. ‘And of course, being in Aphrodite’s presence fuels this behaviour.’
‘What… do you mean?’ I squinted at Hedone.
‘Well, Aphrodite’s presence tends to amplify sexual emotions. However, you wouldn’t act against your will. It simply lowers your inhibitions. So—’ Hedone gave a half-shrug.
‘Excuse me?’ I squeak-whispered.
Tee spoke softly, still stroking my back. ‘Aphrodite possesses the power to ignite passion and stir desire,but only if it already exists. She embodies the epitome of feminine grace and allure, enchanting all who encounter her. Don’t worry, Sephy. She is charm personified. You will adore her.’
Even with Tee’s assurance, tendrils of dread sprouted in my gut. I was entering the lion’s den, and panic threatened to take hold.This is seriously worrying. But Hades will protect me, won’t he?Then I thought about Hades and my intense attraction to him. Shit. If Aphrodite ignited my attraction any further, I’d end up becoming a methed-out koala and jumping him again, like I did after drinking his blood. Oh, gods. This could be a complete and utter clusterfuck.
Hedone shook me from my thoughts as she air-kissed me, saying, ‘See you soon.’ Then she turned to Tee. ‘Catch you later, my love.’ She planted a kiss on Tee’s lips and disappeared.
‘Are you and Hedone…?’ I tilted my head at Tee.
‘Yeah.’ Her eyes glimmered like two lodestars. ‘We’re together. Have been for…’ She glanced up at the ceiling deep in thought. ‘Maybe two hundred years. She’s good for me and great in the sack.’
I let out a shocked laugh. ‘But the ice pop.’ I frowned. ‘When she was trying to give me blowjob lessons.’ I grimaced.
‘She’s the goddess of sensual pleasure, Sephy. She loves men and women. But we’re exclusive now,’ Tee drawled, winking at me, and my heart swelled at the look of love on her face.
‘My shadow magic,’ I started, and Tee cocked her head ‘Gets excitable when I’m around Thanatos and Erebus. Is that normal?’
‘They are ancient creatures of darkness, Sephy. They’ve always revered you and your magic. Especially Erebus. He is, after all, the god of darkness. They and Hades can feel yourmagic… It’s like a siren call to them. Your magic is the same as Hades’, but not as potent.’
‘Is that why he wants me?’
She released a frustrated breath. ‘No, Sephy. He wants you because he loves you.’
