Hope for the Underworld

42

'I have a surprise for you.'

Cora was reading in the library and now raised her head, looking at Hades quizzically. 'May I inquire as to the occasion?' Her lips curved in a soft smile.

'Does a god need an excuse to dote upon his Betrothed?' He shrugged, pretending indifference, but she knew him better than that; a happy smile played on his lips, and she could tell it was taking a great effort to curb his excitement. And that meant that he had put a lot of thought into that latest gift. In the past few weeks, Hades had showered her with presents. Some of them were bookish in nature, but many were much more elaborate; starting with priceless jewellery, to equally exquisite furniture and art to decorate their empty palace. But this time, she could tell he had found something personal to please her.

'You do know that you don't have to offer me any gifts,' she spoke.

'I know I don't have to,' he agreed easily and then grinned. 'But I really want to.'

She put down her book and stood to face him. 'Ok, so what is it?'

'It will be better to see it than to hear about it.' He took her hand and led her outside, towards her ever-expanding gardens.

Seeing them leave the palace, Cerberus rose from his place by the entrance and followed, as a good guardian would.

As they walked, plants along their path seemed to bow their heads to Cora and trees extended their branches as if to touch her. It still surprised Hades how powerful her gift of fertility was.

Soon, they stopped in front of a rather large construction, covered entirely by a swathe of black material.

'Is that it?' Cora gazed at Hades. 'Shall I try to guess what's underneath?'

'You could, if you wish.' His smile and enthusiasm were infectious, and she laughed.

'Is it... an exercise machine?' She grinned, knowing that this silly game would please him.

'Nope.' He shook his head. 'Try again.'

'Is that...' She considered the shape and dimensions of the object. 'Is that some kind of vessel that would carry me around when I get fat and lazy?'

'No.'

'Ok, I give up.' She raised both hands, as if in surrender.

'You're sure you don't want another guess?'

'I'm fine.' She crossed her arms on her chest and waited for the big reveal.

Hades clicked his fingers, and the cover was lifted, revealing... a garden swing. It was carved from dark wood and exquisitely decorated along the armrests and the top awning; the seat was lined with soft and comfy looking cushions.

Cora looked at him with surprise, because it was truly a thoughtful gift, and she couldn't remember ever mentioning it to him.

In response, he only smiled and led her towards the bench. 'After I found you once sleeping on the ground,' he explained as they sat down, 'I thought a swing would be a nice addition to your garden. And when your trees grow bigger, you can use it as your retreat.'

'Retreat from what?' She laughed, pushing down with her foot, sending the swing into a gentle motion.

'From me?... Or whatever else you might need or want to avoid.'

'Why would I need to retreat from you?!' She leant towards him and laid her head on his shoulder. 'I love you.'

He did not respond, but instead lifted her hand and kissed it tenderly.

They remained like that for quite a long time; both content to just be with each other. After some time, however, Hades became aware of sniffing and snorting noises coming from Cerberus. He looked up and saw the hound watching them intently.

'I believe,' Hades laughed, 'that your pet would like to join us!'

She looked at Cerberus and smiled, amused, because her guardian indeed seemed very interested in this new addition to the garden. Cora scootched closer to Hades and patted the empty space beside her. 'Do you think it's strong enough to hold all of us?' She turned to her companion, suddenly unsure.

'I'm sure it will be fine. Come on, boy!' he encouraged the animal, who was pacing in front of them cautiously.

But then, making his mind up, Cerberus leaped and landed on the swing. It wobbled a little under his weight, but then settled into a steady gentle rhythm. The hound lay down and after a minute a deep satisfied sigh escaped him.

'I think he approves!' They both laughed and Cora scratched Cerberus' heads, one after the other.

'You are a true Lady Joy,' mused Hades. 'Since you've arrived in the Underworld, every creature here feels content and happy.'

'That's a huge stretch, but I will take it,' Cora replied with a wide happy smile.

'Well, I think we need to ensure that all beings who dwell here get to know and love you,' he said seriously. 'I am going to present to you all that inhabit the Underworld and make sure they all know you are their Queen.'

'Do you consider it necessary?' She scrunched her nose, which made her look strangely adorable. But he wasn't going to tell her that.

'I believe it would be prudent.'

'And if... some refuse to accept me?' she voiced her doubts.

'Then they are free to leave my realm!' His eyes glowed red with the memory of Eris and her plot to get rid of Cora for good.

'Have you heard from your brothers?' she asked, changing the subject.

'Not in so many words.' His lips twisted in slight distaste. 'Zeus sent us some trinkets, but I'm sure they came from Hera. Poseidon, however, sent us a lovely crib, decorated with pearls and beautiful shells.'

'That's nice.'

He could hear hesitation in her tone. 'What is it, my love?'

'Well,' she sighed, 'we still don't know where my powers come from.'

'Why does it bother you?' He turned his head and looked her in the eyes.

'Because, not knowing where they come from, we can't be sure what they may turn into,' she finally confessed to her biggest worry. 'I remember the surge of power and those dark flames dancing around me when I saw Barry for the first time. This desire to... hurt him was so powerful.'

'But you've dealt with him. And so well!' He kissed her temple. 'I am so proud of you. You are a true Lady Justice. And you didn't have any more of these urges to punish him or anyone else. I believe, it was simply the shock of seeing him there.'

'I hope so.' She sighed deeply and returned to stroking Cerberus, but Hades could tell that she was still thinking about it.