I sighed, my fingers tightening around the fruit.
What could I do?
I thought of my beautiful mother, who loved to bless fertile lands across the world, now twisted in sorrow and rage. Hades had claimed me, yes, but he’d given me a kingdom, a purpose and a dark love, showing me all the ways he cherished me.
Footsteps echoed softly behind me, and I turned to see Hades approaching. It wasn't like him. He usually sneaked up on me. His dark eyes were gentle, his presence both commanding and comforting. His eyes fell on the fruit in my hand, and he took the pomegranate from my grasp.
“You are troubled,” he said, his voice low and resonant.
“The world above me is dying, and I am here, surrounded by all this…abundance. It feels wrong, Hades. Unjust.”
He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a deliberate motion, he raised the pomegranate.
“Perhaps there is a way to ease the mortals’ suffering,” he said.
I looked at the ripe red fruit in his hand, biting my lip as I frowned at his words.
“What way?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as a sliver of fear pierced my heart.
Would he send me away? Why wasn't I happy at the thought of returning home?
He did not answer immediately. Instead, he took my hand and began to lead me back toward the palace, the pomegranate still cradled in his other hand.
“Come,” he said. “We will speak of it inside.”
As we walked back, I glanced back at the garden, its beauty now tinged with melancholy. I wondered if there truly was a solution and what it would cost me. The walk back to the Palace made me glad that Hades hadn’t transported us, and it gave me time to strengthen myself to face whatever solution Hades would suggest.
Once again I was torn between two realms.
Chapter 18
Hades
When Hermes flew into my hall, I knew from his solemn expression that he brought me bad news. The messenger god’s usual mischievous grin was absent. The moment I had been dreading had arrived. Hermes bowed slightly, his caduceus gleaming in the dim light.
“Lord Hades,” he began, his voice uncharacteristically formal. “I bring word from Zeus.”
My jaw tightened, and my fingers gripped my throne. “Speak,” I said, spitting out the single word.
Hermes hesitated, his eyes flicking around the empty hall before his gaze met mine. “Zeus has…reconsidered the terms of your agreement. He demands that Persephone be returned to Demeter immediately. The mortals’ suffering has grown too great, and the balance of the world is at risk.”
The room grew colder, and the shadows deepened as my fury took over. I slowly rose from my throne, grateful that Persephone was tending to her garden.
“Reconsidered? He dares to renege on our deal? After I took her as my Queen and gave her a place of honour?” I bellowed with my thunderous rage reverberating through the hall.
Hermes took a cautious step back, the wings on his shoes fluttering as if he would fly away. He raised his hands in a placating gesture.
“I am only the messenger, My Lord. Zeus’s will is not mine to question.”
I paused when I thought of Persephone’s tears. Her sorrow was constant, and although she tried to hide her pain in the darkness of our chamber, I heard her tears when she believed I was asleep.
“Demeter’s grief will end, and life will return to the world above,” Hermes said quietly.
The thought of losing Persephone and reverting back to my hollow existence caused a stabbing pain in my chest. I absently rubbed my chest, trying to ease the pain.
“No, she is my Queen, and she belongs with me,” I said with a possessive fury that I couldn't suppress.
“My Lord, I must remind you that Zeus’s word is law. To defy him would be…unwise,” he said as he shifted uncomfortably, clearly aware of the precariousness of his position.
