Blooming Emotions

~Οκτώ

I think the best sensation in the world is to wake up in the person that you love's arms. In the morning, I woke up to arms encircling my waist and Hades' scent in my nose. I rolled over, trying my best to be quiet, and softly traced his jaw. He had the faintest shadow of a beard, and I liked the tickle of his stubble on my fingers.

He hummed in appreciation and opened his eyes. I squeaked in surprise and blushed beet-red. "Good morning to you, too." He lowered his head and trailed kisses up and down my neck. I shut my eyes and sighed in pleasure. "You're so enchanting..."

"Hmm, thanks." I ran my hands through his hair. "We should get up and get breakfast."

"But why? I am content to stay here all day..."

I blushed at his innuendo and hid my face in the many pillows on the bed. He laughed beside me, and I felt his fingers run through my hair. Warmth spread from his touch, and I sighed in satisfaction.

Being here with Hades and having no interference from my mother was pure bliss. Hades was right; I could lay here with him all day...

"But you are correct, magnolia. We should get some breakfast."

I turned my head and met his eyes. "Can I borrow some clothes again?"

"Of course." Hades ducked inside his closet again and came back with two tank tops and another pair of shorts. "Hopefully, this works."

I changed; the tank tops fit, but I had to tie the shorts again. I laughed at my reflection—the shorts don't match the tank top at all!

"Later today, I shall bring in a tailor for you," Hades remarked once I reappeared.

Hades offered me his hand, and I took it. He guided me through the palace—its beauty still amazes me. Like earlier, I felt stares piercing my skin. I tried my best to ignore them.

We stopped in a room with a table that sat eight or so people. Somebody already set out the places. The table was mahogany, and a glittering chandelier hung above our heads. A bundle of asphodels sat in the middle of everything. All of it seemed so... imperial.

Hades sat at the head, and I chose the chair to his right.

"This is the Private Dining Room," Hades explained. "This room is used for informal meals—where myself and maybe Thanatos would eat. The Grand Dining Hall is for when I have guests or important meals."

"Will you give me a tour of the palace after this? I want to see more of your rooms."

"Certainly."

As if signaled, two of the staff appeared through a door in the back. The maids each placed a steaming vegetable omelet and buttered toast in front of us. I whispered my thanks, and the maid gave me a shocked face; before blinking it away.

She bobbed a curtsy. "Of course, milady."

I thought back to when I first had dinner with Hades. "Do you love asphodels so much because they grow here?"

"Precisely. The flowers are a sense of familiarity."

After I finished the omelet, Hades asked, "Where do you want to start?"

I shrugged. "Wherever you feel is good."

He brought me to the first floor. "This is the Ballroom."

The room had black and white marble floors with a marble staircase leading to another door. Hades explained that the second door is the second-floor entrance. Drawn-back black velvet curtains hung in front of ceiling-to-floor windows. Through the glass, I saw rolling hills with splotches of white flowers. Three chandeliers twinkled above our heads.