King's Queen ✔

Chapter 36: Heaven in Hell

Persephone walked hand in hand with Hades after they enjoyed their lunch with Beowulf and the judges. It was incredible how life worked its magic on her and Hades. A few years ago, she had no clue that she would find solace at a place like the Underworld, which was surrounded by the souls of the dead and torturous demons fuming in the fires of Tartarus. This was far beyond her imagination, but she didn't think it was unforeseen. She wanted, no, craved beyond anything else to be free and treated like an equal, and that's exactly what she found here.

"Heaven in hell," she mumbled.

Hades looked at her puzzled. "Huh?"

"I found heaven in hell," she repeated with a grin.

Hades couldn't help but smile. "How's that even possible?" He asked his wife as they came to a halt on a balcony, that stood over the raging fires and bellowed screams of hollowed souls.

"No one can escape hell," she said. "But one can always find their heaven in all the chaos."

"That's harder than many think," stated Hades grimly.

Persephone leaned on the railing. "Didn't you do it?" she asked. "You found your peace in a place like this and flourished."

"I had help," said Hades.

Persephone nodded. "I know," she said. "This may be hell. But you ruled this realm with honour, no doubt about it." Although, she didn't know what it was, but something was missing in this realm. "Hades, do you think something's missing?"

"Missing? No," he answered. "Do you?"

Persephone pondered for a long moment. "I need time to think about it," she said.

Hades kissed her cheek. "Well, you keep thinking," he chuckled. "I have work with the judges and then I need to meet Mono, so I'll be home pretty late."

Persephone nodded. "I'll be at the garden," she told him.

"Go to sleep without me," said Hades as he hugged her. "I'll try not to disturb you."

Persephone gazed into his eyes. "No, let me know when you're back," she said. "I like to know that you're home safely." Hades kissed her lips before he left for work.

Persephone took a few more moments on the balcony and observed the tortured souls that were here for eternity. She turned to leave when she bumped into Pain and a bunch of books dropped all around them.

"Oh hell!" Pain gasped. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

Persephone chuckled. "I'm fine," she said. "What about you?"

Pain straightened her red hair and violet hood. "All good." She bent down to her knees and started picking up the books.

"Where were you headed?" asked Persephone as she helped Pain pick up the books.

Pain quickly stuffed them in her satchel. "To your garden actually," she said. "I hope that's alright with you?"

Persephone smiled. "Of course," she said. "I'll come with you." They walked the rest of the way together. "Why are you carrying so many books?" she asked Pain. "Is it for something important?"

Pain's pale skin turned bright red. "Er- no," she answered.

"Why do you look like I caught you doing something immoral?" asked Persephone with a chuckle.