Hope for the Underworld

15

Her days were now spent between hours she devoted to her reading and the time she spent with Hades.

He loved watching her animated expression when she told him about everything she had discovered in her library. He couldn't quite comprehend how he had lived before her arrival; she brought so much joy and happiness to his otherwise uneventful existence.

When they discussed things, she listened to him attentively, as if making sure she was not going to miss any of the points he was making. To all others, the Olympians, or mortals alike, he was always the god of death and punishment. But to her... Cora made him feel valued and appreciated. Maybe because she did not take anything for granted, and she treated everything he did to please her as a special favour?

It was true, though, what Hermes had said all that time ago: she made others feel comfortable in her presence. Not even once had it crossed Hades' mind to guard his words or behaviours with her. It made for such a refreshing change from any of his previous encounters with other immortals.

For the first time in his long life, Hades was simply happy.

*

'What was that?' Hades blinked in surprise, realising Cora had been speaking to him, and was now clearly waiting for a response. He, however, had not heard a word, completely lost in his thoughts as he was looking at the woman in front of him; the way she gesticulated for emphasis, the way her whole body always moved, as if unable to stay still for longer than a moment; the way her lips parted seductively... He snapped himself out of it again. 'What was that?' he repeated guiltily.

She was resting her hip against the massive desk he had provided for her, looking at him with a quizzical expression she had been giving him more and more recently. 'You didn't hear a word I said!' She smiled, not offended in the slightest; she caught him staring at her often enough to figure out what was going through his mind.

'I did hear it,' he corrected. 'I've just failed to interpret it. Would you be so kind to repeat?'

'I was wondering...' she hesitated slightly; all the lightness suddenly gone from her tone. 'I wondered, if I could accompany you during your duties?'

'Why?' An expression of surprise crossed his face. 'The last time you ventured there, you were in so much pain. I don't want to submit you to that ever again!'

'I wasn't prepared for so much raw emotion... But I know it takes its toll on you. I just wanted to be there for you. To take some of the burden off your shoulders... Is it allowed at all?' she asked suddenly, coming to stand in front of him.

'I am the God of the Underworld!' he grumbled indignantly. 'No one, and I mean no one,' he repeated for emphasis, 'could tell me what do, or not to do!'

'Yes, of course. And it's not what I meant. I just wondered because I am a mere mortal...'

'You are not mere anything!' The force of his reaction threw her a little off balance. 'You are...' he hesitated, lost for words. 'You are everything to me!' He took her hand and pulled her into his lap. She swung her legs across the armrest and laid her head on his chest.

'Thank you.' She snuggled closer to him. Then, a mischievous smirk appeared on her face. 'You're not so bad yourself,' she teased. But the truth was, his proximity always left her breathless; from his broad shoulders and muscular chest to his bleach-blond hair, he was perfect! 'But seriously,' she returned to their original subject, 'I can see how much it costs you every day; in the expression of your eyes, in the set of your mouth, in your rigid muscles... I wish I could lessen your burden a little.'

'Do you want to help me with the judging?'

'Gosh, no!' Her hand flew to her mouth in surprise. 'Not judge. But be there for you... I would be a poor judge, anyway,' she added with a crooked, self-deprecating smile. 'I would be either too harsh or too lenient! Besides, I am just a human and do not have any right to judge them. You need someone with a title. An immortal!' she paused and looked up into his face; her expression earnest. 'You do know that all of this... us... is nothing to do with my desire for power or position, right?'

Her humility took his breath away. 'I know,' he confirmed seriously. 'I know what a real thirst for power looks like. And I know you are incapable of any kind of deception.' He smiled. 'Besides, I can read you like a book.'

'Really?' she dared. 'So, what's on my mind right now?'

'You are wondering quietly how to get me out of my clothes!' He laughed, watching her face going bright red.

'It's not fair!' she grumbled. 'You're using your powers on me again...'

'I did not have to,' he cut her off. 'Because the same thoughts have been distracting me the whole time.' He cupped her face with his hand and turned it towards his own; his lips brushed against hers and they both lost themselves within it.

*

During their meal, that same evening, Hades returned to their previous conversation. 'If you are certain that you can handle the emotions of all those souls, I would be very proud to have you there with me. But,' he glanced at her attire, 'you will need something more appropriate to wear.'

'Why?' She followed his gaze. 'What's wrong with my clothes?'

'Even if you do not plan on passing your judgement on the departed, we owe them our respect, and you must appear as befits the position of my companion.'

She looked at him, once more stunned by his humility and commitment to his official role; what other god would do it?... Probably none! 'Of course,' she agreed. 'What do you have in mind?'

'I will take care of that and present you with my choices in the morning. Will that be acceptable?'

'And what am I to do until then? Plagued by my curiosity?' The corners of her mouth turned slightly up in that irresistible mischievous grin he loved so much.

'I can think of something, if you wish...'

She laughed in response, amused by his antics.

*

He wasn't beside her when she woke, and it was enough to alarm her. 'Hades...' she spoke his name softly, as she always did.

His head appeared from behind the door to her private chamber. 'Did we wake you, my darling? I am so sorry for that.' He returned to her side and sat on the edge of their bed. 'We were just discussing your wardrobe. There is no reason for you to stay up.' He kissed her forehead and gently guided her back onto the pillow. 'Go back to sleep, my love. I will be back shortly.'