Death & Desire

Chapter Fourteen

I woke up the next day to Than gently kissing me.

"Is it time?"

"I'm afraid so, love."

"Will you be there?"

"Of course."

I stood there as Than put on my armor, strapping everything in place. Then he grabbed my arms and pulled me to him. I buried my head in his chest.

"You will win."

"Let's go."

Than teleported us the the Underworld. I went towards the castle. My father sat upon the throne, his officials scattered about the room.

"Hades!" My voice echoed around the the room. "You are no longer fit to rule the Underworld! I challenge your right to the throne."

"On what grounds?"

"You haven't the compassion."

"Fine, I'll indulge this challenge. The person who delivers a fatal blow will take the throne."

Quickly he changed into armor. Than was right, he chose traditional weapons. Then, we entered an arena. He raised his shield and spear while I drew my katanas.

He shot the spear towards me, just like Than. Rolling out of the way I threw my hidden dagger at him, running towards him immediately after. He couldn't dodge it and it sunk into his shoulder. I grasped it and flipped over him, ripping it out in the process.

His sword cut into my ribs, but not deep enough. I stumbled out of the sword. He slashed his sword towards me, I parried and slid my katanas towards his neck. He dodged and his shield slammed into my side, making me stumble back. I quickly countered, whipping around, my heel connecting to his temple.

While he was dazed I swept his feet out from under him. Before he could react, his helmet was off and my sword on his throat.

"I have challenged you on your lack of compassion. I will now show I have that quality and spare you the fatal blow."

"It would not kill me anyway."

"Nevertheless." I turned to the watching council. The higher Underworld officials. "I have shown that I am superior to Hades. Will you accept my rule or shall I find new officials?"

The three judges, Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus, conferred. (They would judge the souls and if they were uncertain then I would judge. It happens more than you would expect.)

Minos spoke, "It would be an honor to serve you, Queen Rivianna."

Than finally appeared, sliding his arm around me.

Rhadamanthus spoke up, "You as well King Thanatos."

"I will not be King. I will continue being God of Death only."

"You're missing something," Than said.

"What?"

"Your crown."

I felt a heavy weight settle on my head, it wasn't difficult to hold though. I let Than lead me to a chariot, my fathers I noticed, we headed to the castle.

I strode through the hall, my armor changing to my normal black chition. I reached the throne room, and sat on my fathers throne. It wavered, and changed. The old throne, pure iron, was now crafted from onyx and amethyst. I didn't have to look to know that the crown was the same.

The council had followed and bowed in the presence of the new Queen.

"You are dismissed."