Hope for the Underworld

17

From that day onwards, Cora accompanied Hades every morning; sometimes just being there for him, and at other times, when a soul resonated with her in some way, pronouncing her judgement. Hades insisted on providing her with a throne of her own. 'You cannot stand!' he announced in a tone preventing any discussion. 'It takes too great a toll on you, and I will simply not allow it!'

Somehow, the news of her verdicts spread far and wide, and now countless souls who had still awaited judgement, wished to be heard by her. They started calling her Lady Justice and Lady Hope, and there was no escaping the fact that she had brought a profound change into the Underworld.

Hermes visited as often as he was able. 'The Olympians are seething with envy,' he reported to Cora and Hades with a gleeful abandonment. 'You have upstaged them all, and that they won't forgive.'

'But why would they mind?' She couldn't understand that. 'I am just trying to help.'

'To them, humans are just low creatures, created to serve and be playthings for immortals. None of them cares, of course, for the wretched souls. And they can't abide that someone else does!'

'That is so sad.' She shook her head.

'I'll tell you one thing, Auntie Cora.' He winkled at her. 'You have chosen the best of us.'

'Auntie Cora?' She grimaced.

'Well, he's my uncle, so...' Hermes grinned insolently.

'Now, what is your latest spying mission?' Hades glowered at his nephew.

'To try and find out Cora's weaknesses,' he admitted freely. 'Just in case they need to get rid of her one day.'

'And do they trust your intelligence?' She was doubtful. As much as she liked Hermes, she couldn't be one hundred percent sure of his loyalties.

'I only speak the truth!' He shrugged indifferently, appreciating her willingness to be on friendly terms with him, despite the circumstances. 'But enough about me!' He sat beside Cora and looked at her with some concern. 'My Lady, you look quite pale. Perhaps a little tired... Uncle,' he turned to Hades, 'I trust you understand that the toll of assisting you is far greater for her than it is for you. She needs a break. A picnic, perhaps? Or a day in bed?... I could be of assistance if you find yourself too busy.' Hades flashed angry eyes at him, and Hermes burst out laughing. He leant closer to Cora and stage-whispered. 'He's so possessive!... I only meant company, uncle', he grinned.

'Or we could always get drunk!' She quipped, joining in on teasing the Lord Receiver.

'I am glad the two of you are having so much fun at my expense,' the Lord of the Underworld growled menacingly. 'Just mind that I can be quite unforgiving!' His eyebrow went up.

'Whatever does he mean?' Hermes sprawled on his chair, looking insolently at his uncle.

'I assure you, you do not want to find out,' Hades replied calmly, but his tone was dangerously low, and they both knew better than to push him any further; he was a jealous god, after all.

They enjoyed a splendid meal together and once they finished Hermes announced with a grin. 'Auntie Cora, I have a surprise for you.'

'Oh?'

'I took a liberty of leaving it in your library.'

'What is it?' she asked, curious.

'You will have to find out for yourself.' He smiled, and this time his smile was genuine, devoid of his trademark insolence.

'Let's go, then!' She jumped up from her seat and grabbed Hades' hand, pulling him along. Seeing his expression, she laughed. 'You didn't really think I would wish to be left alone with the most promiscuous god on Olympus!'