For Love and Kingdom [Hades x OC]

Chapter Two

     TIME HAD PASSED and it was nearly Autumn. A time of transition, not solely for the foliage, but for Persephone as well. Lonna knew her friend would be departing for the Underworld soon enough, and though the thought made her sad, she was also excited for her friend to be reunited with Hades. For how close the pair were, Lonna had never met the King of the Underworld. Mostly because he was a god who resided in a place that was not accessible by mortal transport. But from what Persephone had shared about him, she knew he was quite handsome and very charming. 

Lonna walked on the sidewalk, taking in the painted hues of amber, crimson, and gold on the leaves. The air was crisp as falling leaves blanketed the ground. The crunched under her boots as she went to meet Persephone at their favorite cafe. 

For some reason, Lonna thought about how Persephone always told her she needed to find herself a man. And maybe she was right, she wouldn't be as lonely without Persephone in the during the winter months if she had herself a husband. Lonna would hear day and night about how wonderful it was to be married and to have an immortal partner. However, she would have to remind Persephone, that things regarding relationships and marriage were not exactly the same for mortals. And when Lonna would mention to Persephone about finding her an god as a husband, Persephone would always reply with;

It is very rare to find a faithful god in Olympus, that's why I found mine underground. 

She could see Persephone in the distance, her golden hair swaying in the breeze. Persephone already had a cup in front of her as she surveyed the streets. She noticed Lonna and waved, a smile appearing on her face.

"It's freezing out here, Persie," Lonna could almost hear her teeth chattering. "Don't you want to move inside?" 

"I think it's rather comfortable," Persephone shrugged. "We can move inside if you-"

"No," Lonna sat in the metal chair, she could almost feel it stinging her skin through her clothes. "We can stay out here."

Persephone sipped on her coffee as Lonna stared across the table at her. "What's going on? You said that you needed help with something?" 

"Ah," Persephone licked the foam from her top lip. "I do indeed."

"Spill then."

"As you know I am due to return to Hades tomorrow," Persephone began, resting her hands around the coffee cup. "Well, I need you to help me in... distracting him for a bit."

Lonna could have sworn the air was twenty degrees colder. "I'm sorry, you want me to distract the King of the Underworld?" 

"Just for a little bit!" Persephone pleaded. "I'm not quite ready to return to the Underworld, and there's someone I need to see before I do."

"They can't just come meet you at a coffee shop like I do?" Lonna crossed her arms. "Persie, you understand what you're asking of me - a mortal - correct?" 

"Look," Persephone began, leaning in closer across the table. "Hades usually comes to collect me around three o'clock in the afternoon. I just need you to stall him until four o'clock."

"An hour?" Lonna raised her eyebrow. "You can't tell him to collect you an hour later?" 

"No," Persephone simply stated. 

Lonna let out an exasperated sigh before rubbing the temples of her forehead with her fingers. She was to... distract a god? What could she even say or do that would distract a god - who hasn't seen his beloved wife - for a whole hour? But it was the way Persephone stared into her eyes, pleading not as an immortal goddess, but as her best friend. 

"Fine!" Lonna threw her hands arms in the air. "But, if i die because of this, you better bring me back."

"That's Hades realm of expertise, sweetheart. Not mine."

Lonna groaned. "Where do I have to be and when?" 

Persephone looked as though she was about to leap over the table and into Lonna's lap due to her excitement. "I will take us there, not to worry. Be ready for two o'clock."

Lonna felt as though she needed a lot more than a coffee after this conversation.