Down below

Chapter 33.

Loki had to gather all his wit and strength when he asked Heimdall to take him back to Asgard. He figured, he needs to control the narrative before Hades does. He wouldn't be embarrassed in front of Odin just because his feelings got the better of him like a fool. Not in a million years! After he left the vampire's nest, relatively healed, he went on a weeklong bender, numbing his heartache with debauchery of all kind, before he returned home. When his father summoned him, and gave his account of events to his parents: seeing the signs, he figured out that Elianah was hexed and she was the missing wife of Hades, so he sent word through the demons who attacked him, thinking Loki abducted Persephone. The pair reunited and Hades promised Loki to explain everything once his wife's memories return as he was looking for some answers as well.

'Interesting developments.' Odin told him, scratching his beard, his remaining eye focused on his youngest son. 'And what about Hades' plans Elianah or Persephone told us about?'

'I suspect Hades will provide further explanation, Father.'

'Yes, that he must. Just before you arrived, he sent a messenger, requesting an audience. I expect you to be here along with Thor.' Odin said, inspecting Loki's reaction, but he stood there unfazed. 'I don't appreciate being misled, hex or not.'

'Let's give them a chance to explain.' Frigga intervened and the All-Father sent her a scolding look.

'Thank you, Loki. You did well. Rest and see you tomorrow morning. I'll send for you before our guests arrive.'

Loki bowed and retreated to his quarters. He had to prepare himself to face Elianah in all her glory as Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld by her husband's side. It was going to be one of the hardest things he ever had to do. His mother reached out to him silently, if he was alright and if they could talk, but he politely declined, saying that everything was fine and he was tired. He was very convincing, she had no reason to doubt him. After all he was the God of Lies as Thor so often teased him.

He opened the door in his ceremonial armour shortly after he heard the knock on his door and followed the surprised servant to the main reception hall. He managed to get a few hours sleep, but he was up early, taking a long bath to look fresh. His parents were yet to arrive, but Thor was already there. He greeted him warmly and pulled him over, wanting to know what happened on Midgard. Loki began to tell him the lies he prepared, but thankfully Odin and Frigga arrived shortly after.

'Loki, please stand next to me.' Odin declared and Loki felt a bit of pride as he swapped places with Thor.

Just then a page appeared and told Odin that Hades and his wife arrived. The All-Father was surprised that they did not bring any entourage and gestured to the boy. They fell silent as the main servant announced the King and Queen of the Underworld. Loki had to restrain his emotions that engulfed him as he saw them walking towards his Father's throne. Coming without an entourage could have symbolized two things: they came here in good faith and that they wanted to show they weren't afraid. Hades was wearing black armour, long sword at his side, his head was covered with a Spartan helmet, black horse hair crest adorning the top. He was exuding power and authority, both his arms inked with ancient symbols. Persephone was wearing a contrasting white Greek grown with simple silver embellishments, her short hair combed back, emphasizing her long silver earrings and several piercings. The two couldn't look more different, yet they seemed to be in perfect sync, like yin and yang. Loki felt his envy and jealousy rising up his throat like bile, but he put his game face on. It was show time.

Persephone held Hades' hand tighter as they were approaching the throne. She was painfully aware of the harm she caused, it weighed on her heavily. She was devastated, not only because she single-handedly damaged the reputation of her husband and king, but she lied to Frigga and Odin who showed her nothing but kindness, including Thor, Sif and the Warriors Three, but most of all Loki. She looked at him when they entered the reception hall, but when their eyes met, she averted her gaze at Frigga and Odin, reprimanding her cheating heart for beating like a war drum.