Hades and Persephone

Chapter 26

Persephone couldn't believe it. It was finally happening. She was getting married. And to the god of her dreams.

She sat in front of a mirror, braiding back sections of her curly hair. A pot in front of her overflowed with crocuses. Picking a few at a time, she tucked them into her hair. She turned her head to see how it looked. 

She moved toward the divan where she had draped her dress. The deep red colour of the chiton was contrasted by the deep green of the divan. She carefully put it on, making sure not to rip or snag it on anything.

Persephone moved to stand in front of the mirror again. Her green eyes were bright and sparkling and a wide smile greeted her. She couldn't help it; the smile was there to stay. She wished her mother could be there to see her but she knew it was impossible - for now. Once she became Queen of the Underworld her mother would have to accept that she was a fully grown goddess. She would invite her mother down to the Underworld as a guest and show her how wonderful it was down here.

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

Hecate stood at the door, a much smaller smile on her face. "My dear, you look beautiful."

Persephone's cheeks warmed. "Thank you, Aunt Hecate. You look quite beautiful yourself."

The older goddess wore a crown of braided cypress branches over her wild blonde hair. She wore a purple chiton that was so dark it looked almost black. 

Hecate reached out and tucked a stray strand behind the younger goddess' ear. "But Persephone, where is your crown?"

"I didn't think I should as I'm not Hades' wife yet."

"Nonsense. You must wear a crown. Come, child! I know you can make one with your eyes closed."

Persephone smiled to herself but held out her hands. Vine-like stems appeared out of thin air and twined themselves around each other. Once the circle was tightly closed buds burst open displaying a variety of flowers. 

Hecate gently took the crown in her hands and placed it on Persephone's head. "There. Now you are a true queen."

Persephone smiled. "You know that's not how it works."

"Shush! I am much older and powerful than you and I say that's how it works." Hecate smiled and winked.

Persephone giggled. 

"Now come. The ceremony is about to being."

Persephone gently placed a veil over her head and face before following the older goddess.

Servants who were not working during the wedding lined the halls and watched as their future mistress walked past them. They all smiled brightly as soon as they saw her; some reached out to touch her or sent her luck. 

She stepped out of the palace and into the grove that had become her own. Torches cast a warm glow over everything and the plants had never looked brighter or more vibrant. More servants and citizens of the Underworld could be seen watching as she walked beneath the trees.

Her eyes strained in the dark, looking for the one face she needed to see. Her heart began to flutter and her breath shortened when she couldn't find him right away.

"Persephone." Hecate turned the young goddess.

Hades stood smiling beneath a pomegranate tree. "Hello."

A wide smile split across her face. "Hades."

He reached out and gently took her small hands in his own large ones. "You look so beautiful."

"And you look very handsome." She reached out and touched his soft hair. He closed his eyes and leaned into the touch.

Hecate cleared her throat. "May we begin?"

Hades stood up straight. "Yes, of course."

Hecate motioned and a servant brought out a calf. 

"We sacrifice this calf to you, Hecate, in order to bless this marriage. We also sacrifice it to Hera, who we know is watching due to her wedding radar, and we desire her silence upon this act until further notice," Hades said, presenting the calf to Hecate.

Hecate raised her hand over the calf. "I accept this sacrifice. May your marriage be happy and full of love." She moved her hand and the animal vanished into smoke, sending it to the mortal world without so much as a startled moo.

A servant handed a sharp knife to Persephone. Firelight glinted off of the edge. She gathered her hair with her free hand and brought the knife up. The long, curly locks fell to the ground to be gathered by the servant.

Hecate motioned for the pair to follow her. They continued to hold hands as they walked beneath the branches of the trees. The grove opened up to reveal a tub large enough to fit several people. Servants were pouring in the final buckets of water.

Hades and Persephone both shed their clothes and passed them to waiting servants, stepping into the cool water.

Persephone flinched slightly at the chilled water and kept her eyes down. She was still nervous of the thought of seeing Hades naked for the first time. 

Once they were in the tub, Hecate motioned for servants to pour more water over the couple. 

Towels were held up for the pair when they exited the tub, rubbing themselves down vigorously as they tried to warm themselves up again. They caught each other's eyes and chuckled lightly. 

Once they were dressed again they followed Hecate back toward the grove. While they were gone servants had set up a feast. Food and wine were overflowing. 

Music played as guests ate until they could eat no more. Everyone spoke excitedly and enjoyed themselves immensely. 

Persephone and Hades sat holding hands beneath the table. Thanatos had a plate of food specially made for her that had been brought from above the Underworld. The pair were silent, simply enjoying each other's company. Persephone snuck side glances at Hades every once in a while. He smiled to himself as he ate his food, a quiet sense of security settling around him.

It was late and everyone had eaten their full and drank all they could. Half the guests were passed out at the table while the other half had slipped out into the shadows. Servants came and cleared the tables and began the arduous task of cleaning up.

Hades held out his hand for Persephone. She looked over at Hecate, who smiled and waved a hand at her. Persephone turned back and smilingly took his hand.

Hades slowly led Persephone inside the palace and up the winding stairs to his room. He pushed open the door and Persephone gasped. Inside Hades had placed plants on every surface, turning his bedchamber into a veritable jungle. She spun around, smiling. 

Hades stood back and watched her, a smile on his face. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," she gasped.

He stepped up towards her and gently took hold of her veil. "May I?" She nodded. He lifted the veil up and revealed her face. Her now-short hair curled around her ears and neck.

He grasped the back of her head and brought his face closer to hers. "I can't believe we're married," he whispered.

Persephone threw her arms around him and kissed him hard in response.

They pulled apart, laughing. 

Hades suddenly became very serious and his silence made Persephone serious too. He went and closed the door. She stood in the centre of the room, uncertain. He grasped her hands and led her toward the bed. She smiled and followed him. The butterflies left her stomach and she breathed deeply. She had never been more sure about anything in her life.