𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 ➤ 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

xviii. deception

Unsurprisingly, Minthe spent all night in her locked rooms, fixing herself. 

Yes, fixing herself.

She needed to make herself more beautiful. She knew a beautiful woman was what every man wanted.

She planned to spend the day with Hades.
Despite staying at the palace for weeks, she could not find a suitable time to spend with him. She was grateful to Leuce for giving her advice on how to attract a man, and that was exactly what she planned to do.

Minthe made sure that Persephone would not
get in the way this time.

Her hair, which was always kept down, was now styled so that one thick lock fell over her shoulder, curling seductively at the top of her breast. She was convinced that her robes, made of the realm's second most expensive fabric, would entice him to approach her.

With a deep breath and a devious smile, she opened the door and walked elegantly into his room.

Deciding that it would be improper for a lady to
just barge into his room, Minthe then stood outside, her back leaning against the marble wall with red cheeks.

It only took a second for Hades to finally leave, and when the doors were opened, Minthe was quite puzzled to see him dressed in his regal robes and the black crown on his head. She was astounded that he did not even notice her presence.

Then, she let out a soft cough.

It surprised her that he noticed it.

"Minthe," he acknowledged her with a nod.

"You're all dressed up," she muttered, not looking at him.

"Important business," he explained.

"Ah," she clicked her tongue, laughing to herself.

He gave her a confused but friendly smile.

"Is everything OK, Minthe?"

"Oh, yes," she cleared her throat before meeting his gaze with an alluring look.

It felt like her plan was going well because, at
that moment, Hades took a few steps toward her as though he was taken by her. She did not say anything, nor did he.

His finger found one of her straight locks and slowly twisted it before reaching her cheek, which he caressed gently.

Minthe is hand instinctively touched his, and their hands became entwined. She was beginning to stand on her toes to capture his lips but was unable to do so.

"Tell Persephone once she gets up that I'll be joining her for dinner, but not for lunch," Hades said, finally freeing his hand from hers.

Minthe grimaced but made sure to conceal her disappointed expression, and nodded slowly instead. "Perhaps we can meet up some other time? When you're not busy?"

He averted his gaze, bit his lip, and sighed. "I'm busy Minthe —"

"Come on, just for once. Maybe the day after tomorrow? "I really need some company," she begged, her eyes twinkling with desire. Her right hand moved to the back of his head, playing with his hair.

He did not speak for a few moments, but when he did, it was gruffly. "I'll think about it,"

She remained calm despite her disappointment.

"Thank you, Hades."

"Get your hand off my hair," he said with a warning tone and she let go like a submissive child.

"Aren't you going to say something else?" she raised a brow and smirked.

"Good morning," he said before walking away.