"I asked him for it.
For the blood, the rust,
for the sin.
I didn't want the pearls other girls talked about,
or the fine marble of palaces, or even the roses in the mouth of servants.
I wanted pomegranates--
I wanted darkness
I want him.
So I grabb...
"They did it, father," I said. "They tied the knot."
"How lovely," Zeus sneered, rolling his eyes. "This makes the process so much easier. And Demeter will be thrilled."
"What do you suppose we do?"
"Well, we get her back, of course."
"How?"
"He kidnapped her, yes? We tell my other children, and we storm the Underworld."
"Do you want me to alert Demeter that you are aware of her daughter's whereabouts?"
"Yes. Better you than me. I can't stand that woman. But I suppose I have to do it, being the king and all."
"Yes, she is rather insufferable."
Zeus rose from his chair. "I must be going. I have... an appointment. Yes, an appointment; that's it."
I nodded and left the room. Hera passed me in the hall, walking in the opposite direction. She peeled her lips back in disgust and spat, "Hermes."
"Hera."
"What brings you to my home?"
"I have found Demeter's daughter."
She raised her perfectly manicured eyebrows. "Oh?"
"Yes. He says that I will get your brother's kingdom when this is all over. I can't wait. It's so close that I can practically taste it."
Hera gave me another grimace. "Is that all you can think of, Hermes? You disgust me. Have you ever pondered that maybe you're wrong? That maybe Calantha wants to be there?"
I scoffed. "Hera, what is the matter with you? Of course, I don't care."
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"You located my daughter?" Demeter shrieked.
"Yes, sister," I said, feeling a headache building behind my eyes. "My son, Hermes, pinpointed her."
"Where is she?"
"In the Underworld with our dear brother. It seems they married yesterday."
"I knew it! Hades took an interest in her before my dear daughter vanished! Why didn't you believe me when I told you it was Hades?"
"Because that is not in Hades' nature to be violent."
Demeter scoffed. "He is the god of death, for Olympus' sake! Teaches you not to listen to me. We have to retrieve her immediately!"
"Hades is the god of the Underworld—not death—and I agree, but give me a week to gain support from my children and nephews."
"But Hades could be torturing my poor daughter! That vile man probably forced marriage on Calantha!"
"That is a possibility, yes, but I can't storm in there myself. I will not have success."
"I suppose. But please hurry! Oh, my poor daughter!"
