Persephone Reimagined

Chapter 4

HADES

I fled gracefully from Olympus (meaning I stumbled to my chariot and tripped over my own shoes a few times along the way). Thankfully, my horses knew their way home, because I was not exactly coherent.

Which is probably why I should not have been making decisions right then. As we approached the ground, I stopped us short, and the wheels rested on the grassy field beside one of the few entrances to my realm.

I knew where to find her. Everyone knew where to find her. I'd just never had any interest in doing so before. But now, I was morbidly curious. I'd just sneak a peek and go. Nothing had to be done today. Zeus had given me free rein on that, at least.

On foot, I walked slowly toward the Oceanids' grove. It was a truly beautiful place. Probably one of the few on earth I might ever want to visit. A stream gurgled quietly. Fragrance from the blossom laden trees filled the warm air, and birds sang sweetly.

Wait. That wasn't a bird.

The violet garlanded, fair-haired daughter of Demeter painted delicate lines on a group of tiny flowers and sang to herself.

It was as if a spell had been cast upon me. I was entranced.

She breathed, and dark highlights shaded the petals. They were breathtakingly perfect. She added one to her golden hair. Her unruly curls flittered and danced in the breeze.

I shook my head. I was Hades, lord of the dead, king of the underworld. No spell would hold sway over me. I must break it.

The grasses wrestled as I stepped forward.

The goddess' head turned sharply. She arose with a gasp.

"No," she nearly growled.

"Uh," I stared blankly.

"I said, 'no'," she repeated. "Go away."

"I..."

She sighed and walked toward the trees, away from me.

"But," I muttered, then collected myself and stepped forward.

"My lady," I said. "I'm sorry to have offended you, but I beg your pardon?"

She turned back. Irritation plain on her face.

"I'm not offended," she replied tartly.

"Then, what do you mean by 'no'," I asked.

She rolled her eyes.

"I mean no," she glared and crossed her arms across her chest.

"I'm not sure I understand."

"You are a bit slower than the others, aren't you?"

My eyes widened, and I gaped. Slow?

"My wits are perfectly sharp, I assure you," I replied tightly.

"Then you will understand that I've told you to go away." She waved her hand dismissively.

"I understand that perfectly," I said. "But, if you don't mind, I would at least like to know the reason you wish for my departure, even though we have not, as yet, been introduced."

"I wish you gone because I will not marry you, and I've had enough suitors to last me an eternity. You're all nothing but trouble. I can't believe I ever though," she trailed off.

"I..." I started, yet very intelligently again. "I did not come here to ask for your hand."

Her eyes narrowed. "What did you come here for, then?"