Was he attempting to bribe me with pretty baubles?
“My Lady,” a faint whisper of a voice startled me.
I slammed the panel door shut and turned to see a dark hooded shade with its head dipped toward the floor.
“What is it?” I snapped before I winced at my sharp tone.
I resented the shades for keeping me inside the palace, but after seeing their journey, I could understand why they served in the palace. With their daily routine in servitude, they wouldn't deteriorate as quickly.
The soul didn't speak, but I followed it through a large archway to see a bath waiting for me—the hint of jasmine and roses in the air. When I reached the tub, the water was milky white, and deep dark red petals floated on the water. The marble floor beneath my feet was warm, explaining why steam was coming out of the bath.
Irrespective of whether I was in his chambers or not, I stripped off and climbed into the large tub. It was like a large communal bathing area or a hot water spring. The soothing warmth of the water made me groan and stretch myself out. The scented water was a welcome relief to my senses after being in the courtyard for so long.
“Thank you, you can go now,” I said, closing my eyes.
I didn't expect a response, but what I got was the shade washing my neck and shoulders. The fabric was soft, and the floral scent was soothing. I knew if I opened my eyes, I would be surrounded by obsidian marble and gold. My eyes had grown accustomed to it, but for a few moments, I wanted to imagine I was at home in the white heavens of Mount Olympus.
I rested my head on the pillow and spread my arms out in the water, encouraging the shade to wash my arms. Its touch was surprisingly gentle but might be timid because I snapped at it earlier.
“Do you have a name?” I asked, opening my eyes.
My heart stopped beating when I saw Hades sitting on the edge of the marble pool while washing my arm. His crown was gone, as was his cloak. The true expanse of his chest and black artwork was on full display.
“I believe you know my name,” he said, causing me to drag my eyes away from his chest to his eyes, which twinkled with amusement.
“You are shameless,” I said before I tried to pull my arm away.
“Perhaps,” he murmured as his grip tightened, and he continued to move the cloth up and down my arm. “But you are my queen, Persephone, and as your king, it is my obligation to ensure that all of your needs are taken care of.”
I glared at him before I tried to yank my wrist out of his grip.
“If you prefer, I could join you to make it easier,” he drawled as he began to stand up. My eyes dropped to the small square material covering his manhood.
“No!” I squeaked out because I needed him clothed and out of the bath.
“As you wish,” he said before he sat down. This time, he moved the cloth beneath my chin to slide it down my neck toward my torso.
I closed my eyes as an inner battle erupted within me—the need to get away from him and the need to feel his touch.
What was he doing to me?
Chapter 10
Hades
Unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of wooing Persephone as she deserved. Demeter's increasing distress could explode any day. Zeus was her ruler, but I observed her during the two great wars—the first against our father and the second against the giants. The Cyclopses gave her a golden sword for a divine purpose. Her wrath shouldn't be taken lightly.
At least, I told myself this when I watched my wife unrobe from the shadows. The truth was, I enjoyed her touch in the courtyard. To see Persephone naked in all her glory was my tipping point.
Her long brown curls, darkened by the water and steam, clung to her neck and shoulders. I resisted the temptation to touch her hair but dragged the cloth over the mound of one breast.
Her instant gasp didn't distract me from my mission. Her pale flesh blended in with the milky water, but not her nipples. They resembled the scattered rose petals floating in the bath. She lowered her body further into the water, making me wish I’d only requested the oils in her bath. I pushed the cloth toward her belly until her fingers wrapped around my wrist to stop me.
I glanced up to see the faint blush that spread across her cheeks, the way her lips parted as if she might say something, but she didn't and released my wrist. My threat of sharing her bath was effective. I kept my eyes on her face as I reached the apex of her thighs, gently rubbing over her mound. Her blush deepened until her chest was as pink as her face. The golden flecks in her eyes appeared brighter as her eyes darkened.
When her thighs fell open, her eyes closed, much to my disappointment. I released the cloth and traced my fingertips over her sex, not hesitating to slip my middle finger between her lips to tease her while I tortured myself for the millionth time. Her breathing became rapid, and the ragged bursts of air expelled from her cherry lips.
I eased my finger inside of my wife. This was the only ceremony I required to claim my queen in the Underworld. Her hand reached out and gripped my arm, but this time, it wasn't to stop me. I gave her what she needed and began to slide my finger in and out of her tight hole. Her facial features softened before they relaxed. Her dusky pink nipples poked out of the water again, distracting me for a moment in fingering her.
