𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 ➤ 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

vii. a whole new life

After climbing down what must've been a thousand staircases and receiving looks and whispers of mesmerization from the palace's servants, Persephone found herself walking beside Hades as he led her to what would be her chambers following her time in his realm.

None of them had uttered a single word as they walked together. Persephone's vague impression of the palace was that it was quite beautiful for a dark realm.

She barely had time to notice that they had arrived at the entrance to her chambers.

The room was big and had a festive aura — quite fitting for the goddess's lively personality. The room's focal point was a massive white bed draped in billowy silk curtains.

But Persephone barely noted that part. She was more focused on the balcony by the far corner. Outside, the sun shone brightly, casting a lively glow on the land and, just yards away, a beautiful island with glistening waves.

The room was a little warm, maybe it was because she was near to the gorgeous scenery.
A bead of sweat dewed up on the nape of her neck. She gradually walked forward until she was standing on the balcony, getting a better glimpse of the scenery before her eyes.

She didn't hear Hades follow her. When she heard his voice, she turned to face him.

"It's a little cold here, I'm sorry," he winced.

"Thorough," Persephone muttered under her breath. He smiled nervously and took a few steps forward, intending to stand next to her and admire the view.

"And the best part is... you could get a nice look at Elysium over there," he said.

"It certainly is lovely."

"Well, I better get going," Hades said slowly, "I have a load of work awaiting me. If... you need anything... my servants will attend to you."

She simply nodded without looking at him.

"I'll... see you later evening."

He walked past her and closed the door gently
as he retreated. The algid air swirled into the space behind him.

Not even a few minutes had passed, and Persephone heard the sound of the door opening. She turned around in surprise, expecting Hades, but she was mistaken.

At that moment, a little woman – whom she ruefully mistook for a corpse – had entered the room. She looked like any ordinary mortal. Despite the greying flecks on her short brown hair, there was still a glimmer of life in her.

"My lady," she acknowledged with a soft smile, curtsying. "It is an honor to have you here."

She walked toward the large wooden closets, cursing something under her breath as she opened them.

"The Master told them to prepare last night!" she threw her arms in the air in frustration.

"Pardon me?" Persephone mumbled uncomfortably. "Who... are you?"

"Electra, your grace. Housekeeper of the palace, and your lady-in-waiting." Electra replied, giving the young goddess an apologetic nod.

Just then, a line of maids had entered the room, bringing stacks of fine robes, dresses, and jewelry with them.

"So much for maids, didn't his Majesty tell you to prepare the room last night?"

"We apologize, Electra," they all murmured.

"Mind if I help?" Persephone approached the maids and extended her hands.

"Oh, no, miss... I can assure you, we can manage —"