Hope for the Underworld

41

'I would like you to recall Barry.'

Hades lifted his head from a document he was reading and looked at her in surprise. She had not mentioned her former fiancé even once since their return from the Fates, some weeks ago.

'Have you decided what to do about him?' he asked gently, trying to guess her intentions.

'Yes. I wish to pronounce his sentence.'

'I see.' He put down his papers and walked towards her, then squatted next to her chair to meet her at the eye level. 'And are you sure you can handle that?'

'I know what must be done...' She sighed and he was able to sense a deep sadness in her.

'You realise that I can pass his judgement,' he offered, knowing it would cause her pain to face the man again.

'I do. And I'm grateful that you try to spare me that heartbreak.' She leant forward and kissed his cheek. 'But it has to be me.'

He sealed it with a curt nod. 'So be it.' Then he rose to his feet and stretched ostentatiously. 'Would you like to take a stroll outside, my dear?' he asked. 'I need a break from this boring paperwork.'

She smiled in return, knowing that he was trying to turn her attention to something pleasant. Like her growing gardens. 'Actually.' She rose swiftly and joined him. 'I wanted to show you my latest accomplishments.' They walked towards the big French windows opening onto the terrace. 'Hermes continues to surprise me with new plants and it's such a joy to watch them grow.'

'So, what was his latest delivery?' Hades looked around with pleasure; it was starting to look like a real garden. An idea flashed through his mind, and he smiled in anticipation of Cora's future delight.

'It appears to be a selection of trees.' She pointed to saplings that were already at waist hight. 'And they seem to grow even faster than the flowers.'

'Very soon, you will have your very own grove.' He laughed. The Underworld was changing and all of it was for the better. All of it was because of his beloved Cora. Once again, he marvelled at the way she made him happy. He recalled the tapestry the Fates had shown them; how his thread had been so lonely for such a long time, surrounded only by darkness. Now, he had more than he had ever dared to dream of: a companion, who was his soulmate, a transforming kingdom, and the souls that were no longer just miserable shadows of their former selves, because she had shown them there was still hope for redemption, even after death. She truly was Lady Change...

'What are you thinking about?' Her question penetrated his self-absorbed ponderings.

'Do I have to think about anything?' He tried to deflect. 'May I not just enjoy my beloved's company?'

'I know you better than that!' She laughed and her radiant smile made him think of sunshine. All the plants seemed to be similarly affected and turned their heads towards her, as if she was their sun. 'And you were NOT thinking very loudly!' She grinned, using his favourite phrase. 'Besides, you had that blissful expression on your face again.'

He laughed, amused by her wit in turning his own phrase against him. 'If I tell you, you will think me a love-sick puppy.'

'I love puppies!' She stepped towards him. 'And I love you.' She kissed him with tenderness.

And for a long while, all the world around them ceased to exist; there was only the pair of them, joined in perfect unison.

*

She dressed with care in preparation for her appearance in the Hall of Judges. It was Hades who had taught her about respect for the departed, but this time it was also personal. She didn't want to project anything but justice.

'My dear,' he sighed, when she stepped out of her boudoir, 'you simply look stunning.'

She was wearing her favourite purple dress, the very first one the shadows had presented her with, when she had offered to support Hades all those months ago. It still fit, despite the pregnancy, which pleased her immensely.

'I do not wish to appear as a petty vengeful human, who has a chance to get back at an ex,' she spoke with an unusual seriousness. 'I wish to be as formal as possible.'

'And are you still sure you can handle it?' There was a hint of worry in his voice, and on his face. 'Eris might have heard about it, and she may wish to provoke you in some way.'

'I am ready.' The conviction in Cora's tone was genuine. 'You will never have reason to doubt my judgement.'

'I would never doubt you!' he assured.

'I know and I thank you for your trust. But I would doubt myself. After today, I hope to prove to everyone that I am fit to be at your side.'

This was the first time she acknowledged her future role as the Queen of the Underworld and Hades never thought her more fit to rule by his side.

They teleported to the entrance of the Great Hall and then walked the rest of the way towards their thrones. The souls around them remained silent, as if sensing the importance of the occasion.

As they settled themselves, Hades gave the order. 'Bring before us the soul of the one who in his human form was Barry Temple.'

The guards bowed their heads in submission and opened the huge doors, ushering Barry forward.

Cora's heart contracted painfully on seeing him there; so small, so afraid, and so... pathetic. She closed her eyes and concentrated, sifting through the emotions around them. She was searching for one in particular – that of the Goddess of Discord. And yes, she located Eris as easily as if she held a banner with her name on it. Opening her eyes, Cora looked directly towards her nemesis, who was standing, partially hidden by a column, at the back of the Great Hall. As their eyes met, Cora locked her gaze with that of the goddess and held it for a very long time; her expression regal and full of effortless confidence. When she eventually released Eris, it was as if she dismissed her from her thoughts.

'Approach,' ordered Hades and the soul complied, forced to submit to his authority. 'What is your crime?'

'I betrayed someone.'

'Why?'

'Because I didn't think myself worthy of her.'

With a deep sigh, Cora rose to her feet and stepped forward. 'Did your actions bring you solace?'

'No... I soon learnt she... you did suffer... I felt responsible.'

'And what did you do with your life after the betrayal?'

'I... wasted it!' he moaned. 'I got drunk and... died.'

'But why?' Cora's piercing eyes were on his face.

'I have... never known love... I have not believed that was possible... And... I got scared of it.'

'Would you have done anything differently, if you had the chance?' She still looked directly at him.

'Maybe... If I'd known... But now it's too late.' It came with an anguished sob.

'For what you have done, you deserve punishment,' announced Cora; her tone calm, full of dignified authority. 'Yet, I am unable to punish you for something that was beyond your control... Your sentence will depend on your future actions. Until you find someone who you can love selflessly, you will roam the Underworld with regrets and misery. But find someone you would sacrifice everything for, and your punishment will be completed.' She turned away and returned to her throne beside Hades.

Barry raised his head and looked at her in surprise. 'You will not punish me for what I've done to you?'

'What you did, led me to my true love and eternal happiness,' she responded reaching for Hades' hand. 'Now I wish for you to find a similar fulfilment. Go and begin your search.'

'Thank you,' Barry whispered in awe, 'Lady Justice.' He bowed to both of them and walked away.

When she looked at Hades, his eyes were searching for any sign of distress on her face, but Cora felt at peace. She knew she had made the right decision.