Page 69 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
I dropped his hand with a whimper, bolting down the steps. My flora magic thrummed violently, and I plunged my hands into the black dirt, unleashing it with the force of atropical cyclone. The dormant life reacted with delight—the barren landscape gradually transformed into a riot of colour. Jewelled tones ranging from emerald to amethyst, vermillion, and cerulean stretched as far as my eyes could see.
‘It was a garden of eternal spring because of you.’ Hades’ voice startled me. I could feel his body heat behind me, and a grin split my face. The fresh, woody fragrance of the cypress trees drifted on the breeze, along with an explosion of perfumes from the blooms. Jasmine and wisteria clung to the intricate latticework, and narcissi popped up everywhere.
I stopped by the sublime variety of roses and inhaled their heady scent, then strolled along the black marble walkway towards the grassy area and fountain. I trailed my fingers in the water, releasing a burst of magic—waterlilies exploded through the water, and a giggle burst from my lips.
‘Persephone.’
I turned slowly to gaze up at the god of shadows, but he let out a frustrated sigh as a swarm of butterflies headed our way.
I gasped and stepped back as the butterflies condensed and morphed into a human shape: a tall, thin man with bone-white skin, ebony hair, and what seemed to be two silver stars peering from his eye sockets. He wore a long black cloak and bowed deeply to us both. ‘Highnesses.’
‘Morpheus,’ Hades said curtly, in an almost bored way, and I shot him a dark look; puzzlement was his response.
Morpheus, the god of dreams, shaped dreamscapes and appeared to sleeping mortals in various forms, often as butterflies. He was a messenger of the gods.
‘Hello, Morpheus.’ I beamed at the god, causing the bone-white skin on his cheeks to tinge pink.
‘My lady.’ He inclined his head. ‘I merely wanted to say that everyone is delighted with the life you have restored to the Underworld.’ I smiled brightly, entranced by his eyes. ‘And wedo hope you will return to us for good.’ My breath hitched, yet my smile remained. ‘Have a pleasant evening.’ This time, he transformed into a crow and soared into the sky.
‘You need to be more friendly,’ I said, lifting a brow at Hades.
‘Why?’
‘Making time for people is important, even for those who serve you. A kind word, or, gods forbid, a smile, will make them feel more cherished. More important. People never forget how you made them feel.’
He stared at me as though I’d just asked him to explain quantum theory. I exhaled in frustration. ‘Never mind. Just try to be a little less brusque. Anyway, what were you going to say?’ He took a deep breath, opened his mouth, and cursed as we heard Hecate’s squeal.
‘Sephy, this place looks unreal!’ She sprinted down the steps, with Thanatos and Charon close on her heels. ‘I think this calls for a picnic. What do you reckon?’ I bounced on the spot, clapping my hands. I caught Hades’ eyes; his lips twitched minimally, but it was a start.
We wandered to the lush, grassy area surrounding the pond, and Tee magicked a colossal blanket covered in plush cushions. We settled on the soft fleece material, and my heart lurched as I watched Tee, Charon, and Thanatos chatting. These people were my friends. They cared about me, and I cared deeply for them.
My gaze slipped to Hades. He sat quietly watching me with an unreadable expression. Yet, for once, I didn’t feel like an insect pinned beneath a glass. I offered him a smile, hoping—aching—to coax out that elusive dimple; alas, he averted his gaze and the moment dissolved into quiet longing.
‘Food?’ Tee caught my attention.
‘Hm, afternoon tea sounds perfect. With cake. Lots of cake.’
With a flick of her wrist, the centre of the blanket filled with an indulgent spread—dainty finger sandwiches, sconespiled high with jam and clotted cream, and an endless parade of pastries and petit fours. Two chilled bottles of champagne appeared beside five crystal flutes, and Charon, ever the gentleman, poured for us all.
We lingered there for hours, laughing, teasing, and trading stories until the air itself seemed lighter. Even Hades, brooding king of shadows, allowed the edges of his severity to soften. After I’d eaten enough to feed a football team, I finished my fourth glass of endless champagne and relaxed back, content to simply listen as their voices wove around me.
Their conversation turned to my teleportation to the Empousa's lair, causing my sense of relaxation to waver. I sat up, and Charon passed me another glass, which I sipped while nestling against a large throw cushion.They discussed a traitor, minor gods, humans, and the resistance, a group known as Ixion. I longed to ask so many questions, but my mind was in a swirl, partly from the champagne. I resolved to ask Tee about it tomorrow; my eyelids felt heavy. Eventually, I succumbed to sleep.
‘Let’s get you back, Persephone.’ A husky voice roused me from my slumber.
‘Oh, yeah. Okay.’ A large hand helped me stand, and I moved forward, or at least attempted to. My occasional stumble made me wince, but then strong arms swept me into their embrace.
‘I’ve got you, agapi mou,’ a voice whispered. I liked those words; they felt familiar.I wonder what they mean.
I sighed, then closed my eyes again.
I awoke with a happy sigh.I’d slept like the dead, and felt incredibly comfortable. This blanket was snug and warm—firmtoo—draped around my middle and secure between my legs. I released a contented sigh, then knitted my brows together. I peeled an eye open and peeked down—black satin sheets. Shit, I was in Hades’ bed. Had we…? The breath stilled in my lungs as I tried to inhale. No. I would remember if we’d… Wouldn’t I?
I gently lifted the sheet to find a muscled arm around my bare abdomen and a burly leg nestled between mine.Crap. I tensed and breathed slowly, trying to reinflate my lungs. But looking down again, I still wore my shorts and crop top, and that leg was clad in soft grey bottoms, like sleep pants.Stop panicking, Sephy. Nothing has happened.
Hades’ soft breath whispered in my hair as his slow, steady breathing indicated he was still sleeping. Then I realised there was something long and hard—very long and hard—pressed into my ass. I stiffened with a slight jerk, causing Hades to wake.
‘Persephone,’ he murmured sleepily. Then he seemed to realise where we were, tensing as he untangled his arms and legs from mine, and slipped from the bed in one fluid motion, like a ballet dancer. I sat up and clutched the sheet in front of me. ‘I’m sorry,’ he muttered, his back to me, broad and bare, filled with muscles, which extended down to a firm ass, and, my goodness, that derrière. I closed my eyes, gulping silently. ‘I intended to take you to your room… I must have dozed off. It’s still absurdly early… You ought to get more rest.’
