For Love and Kingdom [Hades x OC]

Chapter Six

     LONNA WOKE UP the next morning almost believing the events of the previous day could have been a terrible nightmare. It wasn't until she opened her eyes and realized the room she was in that she knew everything was, in fact, reality as she feared.

Lonna opened the wardrobe to look for something suitable to wear and found nothing but a black, silk robe. Frowning, but not willingly to be fussy, she changed out of her mortal clothes and put on the black robe. Somewhere in this humongous palace there had to be other clothes.

Opening the door to the bedroom as quietly as possible, Lonna made her way to the kitchen. Even for being immortal, her stomach was growling at the thought of breakfast. She tiptoed her way throughout the corridors of the palace, slightly admiring their dark tones and the lavish paintings that adorned the halls.

She could smell something sweet and followed her nose to a set of large double doors. She hesitantly placed her fingers on one of the handles and pushed open the door.

The kitchen was dimly it, the only sounds being the crackling fire in the fireplace. It appeared warm and inviting, filled with a delicious aroma of baked bread and roasted meats. An older servant, focused on preparing what seemed to be a normal looking breakfast, hurried around the kitchen. The plate was adorned with eggs, meats and fruits that were all perfectly cooked. 

"Hello there," Lonna smiled.

The servant turned around, she had a very kind face. She addressed Lonna with a simple bow before fetching a utensil from an adjacent counter. Wiping her hands on her apron, she made her way over to Lonna.

Lonna's stomach growled in anticipation. "I was wondering if I could make some breakfast?"

The older woman smiled. "A guest of our King does not make her own breakfast. This plate was actually prepared for you."

"Though that's very kind, I don't want to put you through such trouble when I am perfectly capable of —"

The older woman turned her back to Lonna and fetched the plate. Lonna's mouth watered at all the food, all the smells, and the steam that warmed her face.

"Come sit here, dear, and enjoy."

She didn't have to ask Lonna twice, for she pulled out the stool from the large island in the center of the room and sat. Everything tasted heavenly. She had to mind her manners as to not seem like some wild guest who would be running around the palace.

"Thank you," Lonna said to the woman when she finished eating, taking her plate and utensils over to the sink. "Everything was absolutely delicious."

The older woman smiled and gave Lonna a simple bow of her head. "You are most welcome."

"Not to sound ungrateful for this robe that I had found," Lonna said, extending her arms out in front of her. "But, do you know where I could find something a little more..."

The older woman snapped her fingers and with a flash of light the black bathrobe Lonna was wearing transformed into a beautiful burgundy colored gown.

Lonna let out a gasp. "Oh, thank you! It's much nicer than that robe..."

"He'll be waiting for you." The older woman motioned towards the doors she entered in. "We will see each other again."

"What should I call you when we do?"

She smiled gently, creasing the corners of her eyes. "Rose."

+ + +

     LONNA FOUND HADES near the front of the palace, her leather boots leaving a trail of echoes in their wake.

Hades was dressed still in a black suit, but this time a long cape was attached at his shoulders. He stood with his hands resting in his pockets, turning as Lonna approached. She couldn't help but notice his eyes wander over her. Her hair was untamed, and the dress went down to the floor.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Hades." Lonna replied, not sure whether she should curtsy or ignore all royal formalities. After all, he was the King.

"Shall we begin with the tour of the realm?" He extended an arm to her.

Lonna was hesitant at first, but accepted his gesture. She linked her arm through his as the gigantic front doors of the palace opened.

"We will mostly be traveling by my power, but there will be plenty of time to walk at each stop."

Lonna nodded as the pair walked out the palace doors and into the Underworld.