Page 71 of Seeking Hades' Ember

I've proven myself strong. I had proven myself to be a fighter even in the lowest points of my life. I would turn it to make it for the better. Hades' holding information from me hurt the most. Feeling my fists tighten, I let out a growl.

Why would he think I would leave? Why hold it from me? I accepted he was a god, there were demons, we were mates without question. More than accommodating I have been! Folding my arms while I argued with myself, Hera laughed.

“Relationship trouble, huh? It’s all right to be mad and upset. He deserves it. I'm surprised you aren't throwing something." A frustrated tear fell again as both Hera and Pasithea laughed.

"He should have told me." I rubbed my nose. “He's done more than make up for it. He saved me, has tried to write the wrongs, but he wouldn't even entertain the idea of telling me." Blaze growled at me, sensing that I should be even angrier than I was. I was hurt; that's all there was to it. You can't change the past, but he could have built our relationship stronger by telling me rather than having people pity me as I walk into the Celestial Kingdom.

Embarrassment flooded my cheeks as I put my hands to my face. "Does everyone else know?" Hera rushed to my side. "Oh no, dear, no. Zeus and I knew only because we rule together. Selene told us just a few weeks ago before she disappeared.” I thought back to Gabriel; he looked like he knew, though.

"Let's get you something to eat." A large man walked into the room with giant white wings. He was shirtless but had on a long white skirt and held a tray full of food. His hair was as gold as wheat and touched just the tip of his ears. "I'm Michael, Hera's bodyguard and slave. Nice to meet you." He smiled while Hera slapped his arm.

"You are not a slave, you big oaf," Hera giggled.

"Well, in bed maybe." He winked as he set the tray down beside the bed. My eyes widened as everyone in the room started laughing.

"Unlike Hades, the rest of the original twelve gods haven't been given a mate yet. We have very open relationships." Hera traced her finger down Michael's torso, and his feathered wings shivered.

"You have guests. I'll visit with you later." Michael took her hand and kissed each finger as he left. Hera's eyes lingered as he shut the door.

"I do hope he is my mate. If not, he will make a woman very happy." The sadness in her eyes spilled into me as she longed after him. There has to be a way to turn off this empath thing. If I feel everyone's emotions now, it is going to get overwhelming.

"Do you think Athena could help her, Hera?" Pasithea continued to hover her hand over my heart. "Dear Ember, your mind wanders, and sucks in every emotion you can find. Hades did a number on you to make you feel this overwhelmed."

"An excellent idea; I'll have one of the servants bring her." Several Fairy creatures came in with a wave of Hera's hand. My spark of interest helped me to sit up as I saw them up close. "These are a type of Fairy, Ember."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare." I lowered my head while the Fairies laughed. Their voices reminded me of those musical bells you could hear at Christmas times on the streets. Sometimes if I had listened really hard, I could make out some sort of song.

"It's all right; we don't get to see many mortals either. We both can be intrigued." With a brief order from Hera, the Celestial Fairies left in a hurry while both beautiful goddesses helped me up.

My body felt weak as I put my feet on the floor. "Even though you were only feeling their emotions for a short time, your body wasn't used to it. You will feel weak, and on top of your condition of years of malnourishment, it will feel double. Don't worry, you will heal." Pasithea stroked my hair that was surely a mess, and waved a few men in white robes in.

"Hades has sent us to check on you. You were given a strict medication through IV that we are supposed to administer; however, Asklepios has made you something in pill form that will help you much more substantially." Hera held her hand to hold the pill and grabbed a glass of water from the tray.

"Asklepios is a friend of mine; he is the god of medicine and healing. If anyone can help you with your ailment of fatigue and nourishment, it would be him. Plus, no more pokes and prods," she laughed. Taking the pill and not thinking twice, I took it in one large gulp. I was tired of thinking, tired of feeling.

"Hades would wish to speak with you," one of the robed men spoke up from the doorway. "He's very concerned about your well-being." The man shook as he spoke; Hades must be throwing a tantrum.

Hera stroked my hair one more time. "You can do as you wish. We will take care of Hades for you."

"I'd like to be alone," I whispered. "Just somewhere where I can gather my thoughts."

Hera took my hand and helped guide me to a room with a canopied bed. She had me lay down and pulled a giant plush, white-down comforter over me. "Just rest, try not to think. Things will work out. I know it. Hades does care for you. He's just not used to even friendships, let alone having a mate." I nodded as she walked out of the now darkened room with a single low-dim lamp.

Rolling to my side, I let the tears flow. I let out my frustration and Hades' complex emotions that were brewing just down the hall. The tears flowed, my hand banged the pillow, and I pulled at my hair just so I could feel something physical instead of feeling it internally.

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