For Love and Kingdom [Hades x OC]

Chapter Five

     LONNA FOUGHT AGAINST Hades grasp, wriggling her away out of his arms the second they were in the Underworld. She backed away from him, her back slamming into one of the four large posts of a bed. Her eyes searched frantically around the room. It was dark, almost as if the walls were made of obsidian. A fireplace lit the room, dimly showing a large plush bed, two chairs, a wardrobe, and a desk all within the room. This must be Hades personal bedroom, or worse, the room he shared with his last Queen. There was nothing useful around that she could defend herself with. The God of the Dead merely stared at her, not uttering a word. His eyes appeared heavy and full of sorrow.

"I am sorry that this has happened to you,' Hades finally spoke, most likely not knowing what else to say. "I did not intend for this to happen as it did."

Lonna did not move, she could hardly breathe, as Hades walked over to one of the cushioned chairs in front of the roaring fireplace and sat. His head was buried in his hands, a man - no, a god -  clearly in mourning.

With newfound courage, Lonna crossed the room towards Hades. She sat in the opposite chair and stared at Hades. "I am sorry for your loss," Lonna spoke hardly above a whisper. "Please believe when I say I did not know."

His head lifted from his hands, his eyes smoldering as they gazed upon her. "I never thought that you knew, but I did suspect that she used you in her deception knowingly."

"I suppose that part is true."

"Please," Hades began, "You owe nothing to the Underworld. You have choices here with what you wish to do with your life."

"I will be the Queen of the Underworld."

She couldn't believe those words came out of her mouth. Hades, too, gave her a look of complete surprise. She cleared her throat, "These people deserve a Queen who will be there for them, not one who will run off to have an unsolicited romance and risk their well-being. Since I am to live my immortal days here, it seems only right to take on this duty."

Hades seemed as if he didn't know what to say. "If you are accepting the role as Queen willingly, I will not try to sway you."

"I have one condition to claiming the title of Queen."

"Name your price." Hades raised an eyebrow.

"I don't want anyone to know until I'm ready to  share, especially those who reside in your realm."

Hades contemplated for a moment, and nodded. "None will know besides me until you are ready."

Lonna held out her hand, and after a moment, Hades shook it. A deal struck with the King of the Underworld. And suddenly, as their hands were still intertwined, a tattoo appears running up Lonna's arm. It almost looked like vines as it traveled from her wrist to her elbow. She pulled her hand away from Hades and examined her arm.

"I will go sleep in the guest room," Hades stated as he stood from the chair. "Try and get some rest tonight."

"Will you take me on a tour of the Underworld tomorrow?" Lonna asked quietly before Hades exited the room.

Hades nodded. "We will go in the morning."

And with that, he opened the door to the bedroom and swiftly closed it behind him. Lonna didn't even have the energy to undress before she crawled into the plush bed, it's silky sheets luring her to sleep.