𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 ➤ 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

xxiii. time stands still

That morning, Persephone paced back and forth in her chambers. Her heart was still pounding from her previous confrontation with Minthe.

The nymph's words pierced Persephone's growing feelings for Hades like sharp daggers.

Getting tangled in a conflict between the Lord of the Underworld and his ex-lover was a grave mistake, and Persephone quickly realized that agreeing to Minthe's challenge to prove who deserved his love was a foolish decision.

Her resolve only grew stronger. She remained unwavering in the face of hostility or envy.

It was time for her to confirm her decision to accept Hades as her suitor, and then an idea struck.

She opened her door to ask Electra for assistance, and thankfully, she was the first person she saw.

"Yes, my lady? Is there anything I can do to help?" Electra inquired eagerly, darting toward a beaming Persephone.

"Oh, I'll need all the help I can get," Persephone declared. "Tonight, we will host a ball like no other in this realm."

In a matter of hours, the entire palace was alive with fervent activity as the diligent servants hurried to ready everything for the magnificent ball. The sound of clinking pots and pans echoed throughout the busy kitchens. Every tablecloth was deftly folded, and the chandeliers and furniture were meticulously polished until they gleamed brilliantly.

Persephone believed that the people of Elysium and Asphodel deserved to attend the grand celebration, so Charon issued numerous invitations at her request.

Minthe and Leuce loomed over the grand staircase as the preparations unfolded. "So, this is her response to my challenge," Minthe snickered, hinting at menace. "Well played, Persephone."

"We're not gonna go, right? That's too bad, I haven't been to a ball in forever," Leuce sang softly, lost in thought.

"Don't be ridiculous, Leuce! We are going to the ball," Minthe interrupted, and Leuece exclaimed in delight. "When His Majesty sees his one true love tonight, we will see how that flower goddess reacts."

***

In the imposing Judgement Tower, Hades, the god of the underworld, sat regally upon his dark throne, presiding over the final judgment of a weary soul.

With a heavy sigh, he rubbed his temples as Minos, one of the three arbiters of the dead, delivered the verdict condemning the elderly dealer to eternity in the desolate Fields of Asphodel.

Hades was so engrossed in the affairs of the Underworld that he lost track of time until Charon arrived and mentioned an ongoing celebration at the palace.

"A ball?" Hades repeated, bewildered. "Tonight?"

"Yes, your Majesty," Charon replied. "It was Lady Persephone's idea. The guests have arrived, and you are the only one who is missing the party.

"Guests?"

"Lady Persephone was adamant about inviting the residents of Elysium and Asphodel, but don't fret, Cerberus is perfectly fine with it," the ferryman assured a concerned Hades.

Hades sighed, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. He wasn't one for social events with loud music and chatter, but he knew he couldn't disappoint his guests or Persephone.

So he straightened his robes and headed to the palace. The grand ballroom was as opulent as a field of stars. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, enchanting glow throughout the space. The air was filled with excited conversation and soft melodies performed by a skilled orchestra. The souls were filled with delight and awe as they took in the breathtaking surroundings.