Hope for the Underworld

7

'Lady,' the disembodied voice whispered right next to her. 'You've got visitors.'

She did not move from her blanket cocoon since Hades had placed her on the bed.

What was the point, anyway?

'Lady,' the voice insisted. 'Lord Receiver has brought a guest.'

'What?' she croaked.

'A visitor... To see you,' the voice repeated with insistence.

But before anything more was said, there was a gentle knock on her bedroom door and Hades himself walked in. 'Cora, please forgive the intrusion, but there is someone here to see you.' He made an effort to speak lightly, as if nothing was untoward; even as his chest contracted painfully on seeing her like that.

'Who?'

'Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you.' He shrugged, feigning indifference. 'You will have to see for yourself.'

Compelled by his will, she crawled weakly from under the covers and sat up on the edge of the bed. But her head swam from the effort. 'I don't think...' she gasped.

'You need some sustenance.' He clicked his fingers and a tray appeared on the low table. Hades sat beside her and handed her a tall and elegant cup. 'Drink. This will help.'

Obediently, she took a few small sips. It shouldn't have worked, but, inexplicably, she instantly felt stronger. 'What's that?' She looked at him suspiciously.

'A little of the good stuff to pick you up.' He shrugged. 'Now, this.' He handed her a thick slice of soft, freshly baked bread, and only then did she realise how hungry she had become. He nodded with approval. 'I will entertain your guest, while you wash and change your clothes.' To her indignant glare, he replied. 'I don't want people thinking I keep you in a dungeon! We'll see you shortly.' He left, not waiting for her response; clearly, he did not expect anything but compliance.

Cora's legs still felt a bit shaky, but she followed his instructions and soon she was ready to step out of her bedroom.

Two men were waiting for her, facing each other in stony silence. Hades didn't even try to pretend hospitality, but, as she entered, the other person rose to his feet with a wide smile.

'Lady Cora.' He bowed elegantly.

He was tall and muscular, with a tangle of golden blond hair flowing from his high forehead and cascading onto his shoulders, while his blue eyes twinkled mischievously. But it was a tiny detail on his elegant sandals that identified him to her.

'Hermes,' she whispered, a little in awe; he was astonishingly handsome, and he knew it well.

'Olympus is livid with curiosity,' he spoke easily. 'It's not every day that we have visitors.' His infectious smile made her feel better almost instantly.

'I must return to my duties,' Hades grumbled in a tone that didn't leave any doubt he was displeased with the prospect of leaving them alone. 'Messenger, mind your manners and don't make me regret allowing your visit.' Then he turned to Cora. 'Is that alright?' he asked gently. 'You don't mind speaking to him?' His grey eyes scanned her face anxiously. 'If, at any point,' he stressed that, 'you become tired, my servants will escort Hermes out.'

She nodded and then smiled at him. 'Thank you.'

Hades threw one last warning glance at Hermes and walked out. But just as the doors were closing, Cora heard him instructing the shadows. 'Watch him!'

Evidently, Hermes had heard it too because he grimaced. But then, his full attention was back on Cora. 'So, how can I entertain you, my Lady?'

'Would you mind joining me for a meal?' she asked, suddenly very hungry and aware that her stomach might rumble embarrassingly at any moment.