The Tale Proserpina and King Pluto

Star-Crossed Lovers

The one and only King Pluto was the fiercest ruler of the underworld. He lived in a palace buried deep below the Earth's surface. It was built into an enormous cave and filled with an army of bats. When peering down from the humongous bridge, you could see a moat of green spectrals. It was an abnormal sight, but oddly bewitching. Some people called the king a "ruler of the dead". The king also was extraordinarily affluent, due to all the magnificent ores around his castle. And although the king had all the riches he could desire, he was still miserable. He needed something much more precious than his riches, he needed love. For numerous years, he attempted to find love by capturing people. He bestowed them a drink from a magical stream that makes people forget every care and sorrow. However, they never fell in love with him, they felt like prisoners. Finally, after many dreadful years, King Pluto found Proserpina. She was a beautiful and joyful girl. Once he laid eyes on her, he roared at the coachman to speed up towards the river. After arriving, the gloomy but handsome king, beckoned for Proserpina to come to him.

"Please don't be afraid," he said, with a cheerful smile. "Please come! I'll give you a tour of my palace. And I can show you the mines."

Proserpina was afraid, but she didn't really have a say in the matter. She thought about calling her mother, but there was no way her mother could hear her. And King Pluto leapt out of the carriage and grabbed her, before she could say no. Then, he yelled "Onward," to the coachman. As they rode in the carriage, the king tried to comfort her.

"Hello, I'm Pluto. I'm the king of diamonds and all other precious stones. And you are?" King Pluto asked.

"Proserpina, daughter of Ceres. And I've heard plenty about you and the way you run your palace!" Proserpina said.

"I don't know what you have heard about me but let me assure you, I'm not who you think I am. I'm not going to harm you. Anyways, I saw you were collecting flowers. Wait till you see the flowers at my palace! I have a garden full of prettier flowers than those: They are made of pearls, and diamonds, and rubies."

"I can't be persuaded by any of your riches!"

They were now on a dark and gloomy road, far beyond the reach of sunshine.

"We are just entering my land. Do you see the tall gateway before us? When we pass those gates, we are at home. And there lies my faithful dog at the threshold. Cerberus! Cerberus! Come here, my wonderful dog!"

"Will the dog bite me?" asked Proserpina, fearing the three-headed dog. "What an ugly creature he is!"

"O, never fear," answered the king. "He never harms people, unless they try to enter my land without being sent for, or to get away when I wish to keep them here. Down, Cerberus! Now, my beautiful Proserpina, we will drive on."

Next, they crossed over the River Lethe, a magical stream that makes people forget every care and sorrow. Pluto offered Proserpina a sip, which she refused.

"I'd rather be miserable thinking about my mother, than be happy forgetting her. I will never forget her. I will neither drink that nor anything else, even if you keep me forever in your palace."

The king wanted to trick cc into eating a morsel of food, to trap her into staying for eternity. So, he sent for a cook who came up with a menu of sweets, seasoned meats, and rich pastries. After days of trying to persuade her to eat, he finally found a food she couldn't resist, pomegranates. She devoured the pomegranates, without hesitation, and she even ate the pomegranate seeds!

Afterwards, Proserpina forgot all her cares and sorrows. The king seized the moment, bent down on one knee, and asked, "Will you, Proserpina, marry me?" and she said "Yes!" Since she didn't realize what she was leaving behind.

King Pluto and Proserpina were excited about the wedding and they invited everyone in the palace and the other Mythological gods (including Ceres). The wedding was spectacular. At the end of each aisle, lavender vanilla scented candles were dangling from the ceiling. Spread down the aisle was an elegant red carpet. Diana (daughter of Latona and Jupiter) was the flower girl, throwing the flowers around happily as Proserpina followed. Proserpina didn't have anyone walk her up, because she forgot about her father. However, her mother was in the audience. Once the priest said, "Speak now or forever hold your peace." Mother Ceres tried to object, but no one saw her waving her hand in the last row. So, it was official, King Pluto and Proserpina were officially married. The after party was also a blast. There were hundreds of people in the ballroom. They were eating, dancing, laughing, and talking. Everyone was congratulating Proserpina and Pluto, except for Mother Ceres. She was looking for her daughter in the huge crowd. She was going to drag Proserpina back home, away from the king's clutches. Once she finally found her daughter, they looked into each other's eyes, and Proserpina remembered everything. The memories flashing back were overwhelming and caused Proserpina to pass out. Proserpina fell onto the ground and the whole crowd gasped. The king went running towards his wife and carried her to the medical wing. Mother Ceres followed, yelling at the king.

"She's my daughter, you selfish king!" Mother Ceres screamed.

"And she's my wife!" King Pluto remarked.

Instead of arguing with the king, Mother Ceres decided that it was best to wait until her daughter awoke. After hours of tears, Proserpina woke up and her mother went running up to her and gave a large hug.

"Hey, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" Mother Ceres asked compassionately.

"I'm fine. How are you?" Proserpina questioned.

"I'm great, finally, now that you're back in my arms! Let's get out of here, you've had enough time in Pluto's stupid castle."

"I can't, Mom. He's my husband."

"He's not truly your husband. He lied to you and made you forget everything you ever cared about!"

"I know, but he was lonely. He maybe tricked me, but it was because he wanted to be loved."

"You're talking nonsense! It's time to go home."

"Mom, I know that you must hate King Pluto. But we are still married. Please let's move past this! I love him!"

"But—"

"Mom!"

"Fine."

"Okay," Proserpina said, as she gave her mom a hug and a kiss. "I love you and I'll visit all the time."

"You better," Mother Ceres said laughing and walking away.

Proserpina and the king worked out their problems and they lived a happy marriage. Proserpina visited her mother every six months. And eventually, Proserpina and King Pluto had a daughter named, Melinoë. Together, this family, lived a wonderful life full of love and joy. All in all, even a villain can turn into a good person, if they're given a chance and lots of love!