King's Queen ✔

Chapter 32: Race You

A breath of relief escaped Persephone as she entered her bedroom. As usual, the atmosphere here in the Underworld was lively and peaceful. Everyone was glad that they had returned from Mount Olympus safe and sound, she was quite glad that that was over and now she could live her life with Hades. Persephone wasn't going to waste any time sulking over her mother or feel bad about how she treated her. More than anything she wanted to go back to her normal life and enjoy the rest of her days here in the Underworld.

Persephone peeled off her gown and switched into more comfortable attire, which was a pair of leather breeches and a silky white blouse. She always wore this outfit when she wanted to go horse-back riding back home. She slipped on black boots before she headed out towards the stables that housed Hades horses and many more.

She navigated perfectly through the tunnels now that she had grown accustomed to her home, she left her room behind and found herself entering another realm through a pair of white gates. The scent of summer washed down on her, even though it was just magical enchantments, the sun's heat and the fresh scents of grassland and soil made the realm feel very real. She exited the portal and found herself standing on a field of vibrant green grass, above her were crystal clear blue skies and the sun blazing bright. This realm looked nothing like the Underworld. This place almost felt like the human world, but undoubtedly, Hades magic was still strongly felt through the warm air.

Persephone's cheeks warmed up from the heat and that instantly lifted her mood, she smiled before she strode towards the massive stables, which was rowdy and busy. She guessed Hades' horses kept everyone terribly occupied since they were just like their rider. She had met the four immortal horses that pulled Hades chariot, those horses were kind to her and she loved them dearly like Cerberus and all animals.

Persephone waltzed inside the stable and her presence was instantly noticed by the bustling workers. "Good morning," she said with a bright smile but they didn't even begin to know how to approach her or talk to her.

"Oh Hell!" A massive rugged male ran out of one of the stables. "My queen?" His golden eyes that were as deep as a pool of honey gaped at her bewildered. "What are you doing out here?" he asked. "Are you perhaps lost?"

"No," she answered him. "You're Beowulf, the bear shifter, right?"

His honey coloured eyes softened. "Yes, my queen."

"Please, call me Persephone," she said. "My husband told me that you manage all the horses and other creatures that reside in the Underworld."

"I do," he answered curtly.

Beowulf was a bear shifter, he transformed into a huge grizzle bear when he needed that great power, otherwise he was a regular man with a simple life handling horses, Cerberus and other animals. Although he looked like a ferocious man with his long tough legs and a chest that was ripped with muscles, his arms were strong and his hands looked reliable and durable. He had dark tousled hair that matched his closely shaved beard. Beowulf was dressed in tight breeches that were pulled up to his knees and exposed his muscled calves, he wore a simple white shirt that was smudged with dirt and mud. He looked exactly like the type of man that could handle Hades temperamental horses, and she barely reached his hardy shoulders. But as he stood in front of her twisting that poor dirty rag in his hands, he looked quite innocent and shy.

"It must be hard managing so many horses?"

Beowulf cleared his throat. "Er- no ma'am," he said. "I serve my king and queen without complaint."

Persephone laughed at his outburst of commitment for Hades and her. "I'm sure you do," she said. "Will you show me the horses?"

"Of course," he said and quickly moved around to escort her. "Will you also be riding today?"