Small Twists of Fate

Chapter Forty Two

Ariel took a small breath as Persephone teleported her and Malionë to Persephone's portal. Even though the High Queen knew her uncle should know what was going on, it didn't mean Ariel liked the idea of telling him.

It meant admitting that, in some way, she and Eric had failed the kingdom. They had done everything they could have done to make sure issues didn't fall through the cracks when they were focused on Elle by appointing regents but it wasn't enough.

Persephone gave the redhead a small smile. "It'll be okay," she said, as if she knew what Persephone was thinking.

"How can you be sure?" Ariel asked, looking at her aunt by marriage.

"Because I know Hades," Persephone said, the smile still on her face. "The most important thing he's going to care about is that the issue was found and that there's going to be something done to resolve it."

Ariel nodded. They had already gotten to work resolving the issue, with Eric personally supervising a new food barge that was going to be sent within the next couple of days. There was no way Ariel was going to make the citizens of the Isle wait a month for decent food.

She'd also met with Beast and Kristoff to discuss some new security measures for the food barge to the Isle, to ensure something like this wouldn't happen again. Part of Ariel was sure it wouldn't happen again, not with Leah being sentenced to the Isle, but she wasn't sure if Chi-Fu or the Duke would try to continue her actions.

I mean, Chi-Fu might just follow orders, Ariel thought as Persephone opened up the portal to talk with Hades. He always seemed to be the type to just follow rules as he was presented with them. But the Duke? The jury's out with him.

"Hi there Steph," Ariel heard Hades' voice come from the portal and she couldn't help but smile at the joy she heard in her Great-Uncle's voice. "Hi Malionë! How are my two favorite girls doing?"

"I have a feeling Jessica, Harriet, and Sammy wouldn't be all that thrilled if they heard you say that," Persephone said, gently teasing her husband.

"Which is why I said it when there was no risk that they'd be able to overhear," Hades chuckled. "Harry's down for a nap meaning Jessica and Harriet are on their 'guard' duties and Sammy's off on the Jolly Rodger with Smee."

"Harriet actually let Sammy go without her? Those two are often glued at the hip," Persephone said as Malionë cooed, as if agreeing with her mother.

"I have a feeling Milah and Smee timed the nap to fall during his trip to the Jolly Rodger," Hades chuckled. "Considering Hook and Mollie also slipped out around that time as well, I wouldn't be surprised if they were actually captaining their crews without their sunspots being underfoot."

Persephone shook her head at the nickname Hades had for their 'adoptive' nieces and nephew. She knew how much the God cared for the kids, even if he sometimes worked hard not to show it.

The last thing any of them wanted was for one of the kids to be used by another villain of the Isle to try to bring down Hades.

"Well anyway, I'm sure you didn't call to listen to me talk about the day to day of the Isle," Hades said.

"Dear, you know I love talking to you about anything and everything," Persephone told him. "But this time, you're right. We did call you with a specific purpose in mind."

Hades shook his head. "I'm assuming Queen Ariel is around here somewhere? Unless you and Malionë are the 'we' you were referring to?"

Ariel shook her head and stepped into view. "I apologize for being out of frame, Lord Hades, but I wanted to give you and Lady Persephone some privacy," she said before giving her uncle a small smile. "And you know you don't have to use my title."