"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...
"What flowers would you like, Your Majesties?" a maid asked, approaching me.
I glanced up from the checklist in front of me. "Hades, what do you think?"
"My wife, you're the flower goddess—I trust your opinion more than mine."
"Oh. In that case, I'll choose red peonies and lily of the valley."
Although both of those flowers grow in May and June, our gardeners can grow any flower—at any time.
"An excellent choice, Your Majesty." She bobbed a curtsy and moved away.
"Which dress should I choose, Hekate?" I asked later that night.
I moved to the shared closet, opening it. I still get chills every time I see the inside of it. It's so surreal.
Hekate peered into it. She moved around a few dresses, touching the fabric, and sometimes glancing back at me. I only assumed that she imagined me in some of them.
"This one," she declared, pulling one off of the rack.
The dress reminded me of the color of the sky. It had a sweetheart neckline; I knew the hem would drape over my shoes. I reached forward and ran my fingers over the skirt—satin. I loved it.
"Oh, Hekate, what good taste you have," I said, a grin forming on my face.
"Why thank you." She gave a sweeping bow. "Now for the jewels."
I already had something in mind. "The asphodel crown. I haven't needed to show it off yet. Our gala would be the perfect occasion."
"A magnificent idea. We could pair a nice opal necklace with it—"
"No. I want to wear the tourmaline necklace that I always wear."
"Oh. Of course."
"Who are we inviting again?"
"Me, of course, Thanatos, Charon, and Thanatos' siblings. Pretty much every god that lives in the Underworld."
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"My lord." I smiled, curtsying.
"What do you have for me today, my lily?"
I couldn't keep the smile off of my face—partly because of my news and partly because Hermes was here. "I have some big news, Hermes."
He pulled me closer by my waist; his thumb rubbed my hip through my dress. "Oh? What is it?"
"Calantha and Hades are planning a gala for their six-month anniversary of Calantha showing up in the Underworld."
Hermes beamed. "Oh, my lily, that is the best news I've received in a long time! Well done!"
"I did well?"
"You did amazing!"
My shoulders dropped in relief. "You're happy, right?"
