Another piece of ambrosia appeared on Hades’ plate.
“He underestimated my ability to create. Hell has everything Mount Olympus had and more.”
I didn’t point out to Hades that Earth offered far more than Hell. Sunlight. Trees. Animals. Freedom. I simply changed the subject.
“Can humans eat ambrosia?” I asked.
“Only those who have proved their worth may safely consume the food of the gods.”
“Heroes,” I said, remembering the stories.
Hades nodded. “It does not give immortality but does prolong their lives.”
And for those unworthy, it killed them. I remembered reading that part, too.
Hades picked up a square and popped it into his mouth.
“What does it taste like?” I asked.
He offered me the second square.
“Find out for yourself.”
I shook my head, having no desire to test the truth of the rules I’d been told.
“The honey cakes are exactly what I’m craving,” I said to take the sting out of my refusal.
He ate the second square, and I noticed again how he seemed…more. As if his skin had a fine dusting of golden sheen added to it. He crackled with life in a way I couldn’t explain.
“Can you ever eat too much ambrosia?” I asked.
He gave a low chuckle.
“Is that your game, Goddess?”
I suppressed my sigh. “I’m not going to force you to eat any more than you want to force me.”
The doubt on his face spoke volumes as I went back to eating my honey cakes. While I truly believed Hades would never force-feed me, he didn’t trust me. Not that I blamed him. After who-knew-how-many thousands of years with my sadistic doppelganger, I wouldn’t trust me either.
He had to trust someone, though.
An idea hit me just as I finished my last bite of honey cakes. I almost choked on it in my hurry to swallow and had to grab my water with sticky fingers to wash it down. Once I could speak, I turned to him, ready to explain, but his shock stopped me.
“Sorry,” I mumbled. I licked my fingers clean and wiped my hands on the front of my dress as I stood.
“Are you willing to trade two minutes of uninterrupted listening for another hug?”
It worried me that he continued to stare, so I moved to grab his hand but then thought better of it.
“What were you about to do?” Hades asked, missing nothing.
“Hold your hand to reassure you I’m not going to do anything bad. I just want you to listen with an open mind.”
“Why did you decide not to touch me?”
I lifted mine and wiggled my fingers. “Sticky.”
“Allow me.”
