Her True Love | ONC2024 [on hold]

Chapter 2: Petals & Palate

The sun dipped low in the sky as Persephone strolled through the celestial meadows, the soft hues of twilight casting a warm glow over the landscape. Callista, a nymph and a dear friend, accompanied her, their laughter blending with the gentle rustle of leaves. The last couple of days had been amazing. She got to spend so much time with her mother, leaving behind all the worries and duties of the Queen of the Underworld.

Persephone couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as she listened to Callista sharing the tales of the past few months. The nymph spoke animatedly about the joys and challenges of tending to the vibrant meadows and the playful antics of the woodland creatures.

"Oh, and as we sang the trees of the meadow moved as if dancing to the music. It was such a breathtaking sight!" Callista exclaimed cheerfully.

"It must have been," Persephone agreed. "You know, it feels so wonderful to look at these trees here. These luscious green trees and blooming flowers are what I miss the most in Underworld, after Mother and you all, of course", she added.

However, at the mention of blooming flowers, Callista's eyes lit up with excitement. "My lady, you won't believe what happened in the last few months! There's this enchanting cafe that opened close to the riverside around five months ago. The flowers there are unlike anything I've ever seen. You absolutely must visit!"

Persephone smiled at her friend's enthusiasm. "Another flower haven, you say?"

Callista nodded fervently. "Oh, but this one is special. The colors, the arrangement, everything is magical! I insist you come with me. It's like stepping into a dreamscape."

Persephone chuckled, appreciating Callista's excitement. "Alright, alright, I'll come. I do have one condition though."

Callista frowned. "Condition? What condition?"

"You need to stop calling me 'My lady'. Call me Persephone. My friends should call me by my name, and you've always been my friend."

Callista couldn't stop herself from hugging Persephone, "Of course, my la..., uh, Persephone."

Persephone gave her a warm smile. "That sounds so much better. Now let's go to your dreamscape. You're making it sound like I'll miss the flower party of the century if I don't."

Callista's eyes sparkled with joy. "You won't regret it, I promise! Let's go now. I can't wait for you to experience it!"

With nothing pressing on her schedule, Persephone agreed, and the two friends set off toward the mysterious location that had sparked Callista's fervor. The anticipation in the air mirrored Persephone's own curiosity as they ventured towards this new place, a place that held the promise of new encounters and perhaps a touch of magic in the petals that awaited.

***

The enchanting aroma of fresh flowers greeted them as Persephone and Callista entered the Petals and Palate, and Persephone couldn't help but smile at the sight of vibrant blooms adorning the space.

Callista noticed her smile, "Isn't it amazing, Persephone? I told you that you're going to love this place!"

Persephone nodded, genuinely captivated by the beauty around her. As they strolled further into the cafe, her eyes met those of Sebastian, the cafe owner as a recognition sparked in them.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the queen of flowers herself," Bash teased, a playful glint in his eyes as he noticed Persephone's arrival.

Persephone rolled her eyes, "Are you always this cheesy?"

Bash chuckled, unfazed by her retort. "Only with the ones who appreciate good banter. By the way, I don't think I caught your name last time. I'm Bash."