Hope for the Underworld

16

When she woke the next morning Hades was again beside her, as always keeping her close with his embrace. Thinking about it, she realised she had never felt so safe with anyone; his unconditional acceptance of her was so...

'Stop thinking about me!' he mumbled, still half-asleep.

'How can you know it, even in your sleep?'

'Told you before, you think very loudly.'

'No, I'm not!' She laughed happily. 'It must be some kind of trick. And it's not fair!'

'Maybe we share our thoughts and emotions in the same way we share our hearts?' He sleepily rubbed his eyes. 'You said it yourself, you can feel my weariness after the trials in the Hall of Judges.'

'But that's only because you absorb so much of it!' She shook her head. 'I never know what you're thinking.'

'Well, that should not be a secret: I only think of you.'

'Sleek.' She laughed again, highly amused. 'You are such a charmer!'

'Anyway.' He stretched luxuriantly beside her. 'We must be going. You have some outfits to try before breakfast.' He led her through the door to her own part of the apartment and made an inviting gesture. 'We thought it prudent to have several options for you to choose from.'

She looked up with surprise; there were at least a dozen outfits displayed on hangers. 'Wow! How did you manage all that in one night?'

'The shadows were very happy to do it for you. And, as to how,' he shrugged, 'I have no idea. It must be some kind of their special magic.'

She walked closer and studied the clothes. They were more like elaborate gowns; beautiful creations of soft velvet and lace. She picked up the first and laid it against her body.

'No.' He shook his head. 'You have to try them.'

'It will take forever...' she tried to protest, but he clicked his fingers, and in a blink of an eye, she was wearing it. Another click, and a massive mirror appeared in front of her. She carefully appraised the person in the reflection and could hardly recognise herself. 'Well.' She grinned, a little embarrassed. 'Now we know your dark desires...' She looked herself up and down. 'This one is a little too much of the Evil Queen for my taste.'

'Shame,' he sighed. 'I really liked that one... Which one next?'

She tried one after another, but she felt there was always something missing, something not exactly her. Until they reached the last one.

It was purple, but so dark that at certain angle it looked almost black; the exquisite embroidery mirrored his own jacket and when she looked at her reflection, it took her breath away; she projected... majesty. The outfit was quite simple: a bodice that flared around her hips and a long narrow skirt. But there was something about it... She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she was convinced it was it.

Hades was staring at her, in a speechless awe. 'By gods!' he managed eventually. 'That is... magnificent. You look divine!'

'You don't have to pay me compliments.' She was quite embarrassed by his open admiration. 'I think it's a little too much for a simple mortal, but... I really like it.' She twirled on the spot and Hades' breath caught with a powerful desire to hold her in his arms and never let go.

He cleared his throat and spoke. 'All the others were my suggestions, but this one came from the servants,' he admitted magnanimously. 'They must know you very well and, clearly, have an excellent eye for elegance. You really look stunning.'

'Thank you.' She smiled at him with gratitude and then turned towards the corner, where the shapeless mass was swirling. 'And my thanks to you. I appreciate your gift.'