Page 94 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Yes, I am to be his consort.’ Her words caused a strange sensation to wrap around my heart as blood rushed to my cock. I pulled Persephone in front of me, placing my arms under her breasts, my uncomfortable erection resting against her back. I smiled when I heard her purr of approval.
‘Then,’ Zeus continued, ‘I shall let everyone know, and celebrations are in order. I insist on having a party in Naxos for you both.’
‘Oh, absolutely not—’ I began.
‘Nonsense! I will get it organised.’
‘Fuck,’ I muttered, making Persephone and Zeus chuckle, and my arousal lessened.
‘Now, let’s go and meet the twelve most influential witches of the mortal world.’ Zeus motioned with his hand towards the double doors. Around a dozen high priests and priestesses were awaiting us as we walked through the doors into a large conference room.
‘Lady Hecate.’ A chorus of voices murmured as the witches bowed low.
Hecate opened her mouth to speak, but Zeus quickly asserted his dominance. As he stepped forward, a look of frustration passed between Hecate and me. Servers with trays of wine and canapés stood against the walls, but the witches held no glasses. Apparently, trust was still a concern.
‘I want to thank you all for taking the time for this meeting,’ Zeus said in his melodic voice, a practiced smile gracing his face. ‘Who is your spokesperson?’
A beautiful woman with aradiant,rich, terracotta-brown complexion, flowing black hair, and golden-brown eyes stepped forward.
‘That would be me,’ she replied, her voice like crushed velvet.
She exuded power, a type of power that Zeus might find troublesome. Surprisingly, a reaction I had never witnessed from Zeus almost made me smile. Almost. He stiffened, his eyes swirling with silver aether, appearing at a loss for words. However, I felt no hostile emotions from him—quite the opposite. I released a worried breath, and Poseidon shot me a sidelong glance, narrowing his eyes.
‘Bronte?’ Persephone breathed as she stared at the beautiful woman.
The woman turned towards Persephone, her eyes widening.
‘Sephy?’
CHAPTER 37
PERSEPHONE
Inodded and grinned as Bronte raised a hand to her mouth.
‘What are you doing here? With them.’ Her head inclined towards the gods, her jaw tense.
‘It’s a long story?—’
But Hades cut me off. ‘She is to be my consort.’ Hades’ face was pinched with a serious expression as he moved closer, almost standing on top of me.
Bronte’s eyes raked over my exposed flesh. ‘He has claimed you… Is this of your volition, Sephy?’ Her fingers twitched, and her golden-brown eyes became worryingly dark as her gaze shifted to Hades.
I rushed forward, placing a hand on each of her shoulders. ‘Yes. Yes. I’m absolutely willing.’ I stared into those swirling eyes. ‘Bronte, I love him.’
‘Love… him?’ she spat as her scrutiny flicked back to Hades, her brows knitting together.
‘Bronte.’ Hecate stepped towards us both. ‘Persephone is truly Hades’ consort in love. They share a soul bond.’
Bronte’s breath faltered. ‘Hades?’ Her gaze locked with his, and a muscle ticked in his jaw.
‘I’m a goddess, not a witch, Bronte,’ I whispered.
‘Your dark magic,’ she breathed, and I inclined my head.
‘It’s shadow magic. I’ve been reunited with him.’ Bronte tilted her head, giving me a confused nod. ‘We’ll catch up soon. Okay? Hades’—I turned to my lover—‘please meet Bronte. She is my friend and a Dunamis.’ Hades politely bowed his head but didn’t move.
‘A Dunamis?’ Zeus’s voice sounded wary.
