Hope for the Underworld

14

She entered her bathroom and took off Hades' shirt. She held it briefly to her nose, breathing in his scent, then put it aside and walked under the shower, mumbling to herself. 'How could we forget about everything for five bloody days?!'

She let the cool water pound on her, gently massaging her shoulders and invigorating her. But then she felt hands... his hands around her waist and a warm body leant into hers.

'I've missed you already,' Hades murmured softly into her ear. Then, he looked around. 'What is that delightful contraption?' He pointed up. 'It's like rain indoors!'

'It's called a shower. I explained the basic mechanics to your servants, and they produced this.' She smiled. 'They really are marvellous... You can share but keep your hands to yourself; we have a guest waiting!' she warned.

They showered, then dressed more appropriately and stepped into the corridor.

'Lord Receiver... Lady Joy...' The shadows seemed to be waiting at the ready. 'Please, follow us.'

'Lady Joy?' Cora looked at Hades. 'Where did that come from?'

'You've brought joy to my sad and lonely existence,' he answered courtly. 'And they know all.'

The shadows led them into a chamber, much bigger than their usual dining room, where Hermes had been waiting, killing time by sampling all the delicious foods spread out on the long table.

'Lord Hades, Lady Cora.' He stood up and offered a bow. 'It is a true pleasure to see you again.'

'Messenger.' Hades only nodded, still displeased.

But Cora smiled and invited him to sit back. 'Welcome. We are happy you've come. Let us eat.'

Not waiting for them, she piled her plate with food and started eating hungrily.

'Has my uncle been starving you?' Hermes grinned insolently.

'No, but even ambrosia pales in comparison to all this,' she mumbled, swallowing a chunk of fresh bread.

'So, tell us again, what's the urgency?' Hades' manner was a little restrained.

'Well.' Hermes took a sip of wine and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. 'Several days ago, a comet or a fiery sphere appeared, shooting through the sky, eventually fading high over the mountains. Reportedly, you disappeared mid-proceedings and have not been seen nor heard from since.' He was counting on his fingers. 'Your guards surrounded the palace and barred the entrance even to the Messenger on a mission from Zeus. Even after I managed to avoid them and teleported straight inside, your evil spawn-of-darkness servants wouldn't let me make a single step! All of that made us quite uneasy. Rebellions have happened before and you, uncle, are instrumental in maintaining the balance between the realms, so that could not be ignored... Now I understand why you two disappeared.' His trademark insolent grin spread all over his face. 'And I do not judge.' He winked at Cora. 'But you do know well, uncle, comets do not happen in the Underworld.'

'Nothing like Cora has ever happened in the Underworld!' Hades' voice was steady, brimming with pride and tenderness.

But she was thinking about something else. 'You said: reportedly.' She turned to Hermes.

'I knew you would pick up on that.' He smiled with admiration.

'What do you mean?' Hades was a little slower to catch up.

'It means that Zeus has at least one other spy in here,' she explained. 'Possibly more. And that Hermes has been a deliberate misdirection.'

'Bloody busy-body!' growled Lord of the Underworld. 'He can't stop himself from poking his pointy nose in others' business!'