King's Queen ✔

Chapter 8: Courts of Hell

Cheers and howls greeted Persephone and Hades as they arrived in the Grand Hall, which was glimmering like the misty night sky that covered the human realm, the massive court was surrounded by the fires of hell, but unlike the crimson flames that engulfed the lands, this one was a fiery sapphire. 

The demons and witches began to slam their axes, spears and staffs onto the hard crystal floor that took the impact with its sturdy strength. It dawned on her how severely important this court actually was, she felt her cheeks brighten as the butterflies in her gut began to flutter wildly, she was grateful it was dark because then nobody saw her nerves making her green. Suddenly, Hades pulled her closer to his side.

Hades leaned in and whispered softly for only her ears to hear. "Relax, midear." He escorted her to the massive velvet seats that were positioned on top of the layered podium.

A hooded figure rose from the front seat, it had a black pointed hat on with wide brims. "We would all like to welcome our Queen!" he announced before everyone began howling again. "And the King who finally decided to get married"- everyone chuckled with Persephone while cheering. "Tonight, is a very special night," he said. "We will celebrate with the Feast of Kore for our Queen's arrival to the underworld!"

Persephone's gut uncoiled as she watched beautiful performances, and even hilarious speeches were told with many remarkable stories. She was abruptly taken from her seat to join the circle of cheerful dancers, she was so immersed with all the creatures of the underworld visiting and greeting her that she could have missed the grim expression on her husband's face- that grew cold as someone whispered something to Hades, but she didn't, Persephone quickly escaped and ran to his side.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

He quickly covered the slight frustration with a smile. "Nothing," he said.

Her brows knit together. "Hades," she pushed further.

He let out a long weary sigh, "A soul is giving trouble," he said. "I have to go see what it is."

"Alright, let's go," she said.

"Are you sure?" He asked. "You can enjoy the rest of the festival, I'll be back in a few moments."

Persephone didn't hesitate before answering. "No, I'll join you."

Her, Hades and the hooded figure with the pointed hat entered a small chamber that was made out of hard concrete. There was a small barred window letting in four precise bars of orange light that barely lighted the room, she quickly burst through the doors to see what everyone was inspecting so closely. 

Persephone noticed a thin foggy figure crouched in the far corner, it let out horribly long thin cry that didn't let you feel anything but dread.