My Husband: The Devil

The Garden of Persephone

I think I can safely say that tonight's dinner was very unenjoyable. I had to stash food in my pockets again to keep from eating anything. But it was hard. I hadn't eaten for a while, and I was starving for food. But luckily, my subconscious continued to remind me not to touch any Underworld food. As soon as dinner was over, I went straight to look for Persephone's garden. I needed to get that pomegranate, and there was no time to lose.

I asked some shades of the dead for directions until I came upon what seemed to be a very large greenhouse. I played with the lock on it for some time until it fell to the ground. I pulled the door open and tried to close it behind me as quietly as possible. I walked through the dark garden. I came upon many flowers, all dark, and some fruits. None of them were pomegranates. I sighed, close to giving up. But then I felt the oddest sensation. I smelled something tart and refreshing. I followed the smell until I came to an entire grove of pomegranates. They were pink and shiny. I wanted to eat one of them so badly, but I had to resist. I reached out and picked one of the pomegranates. And as soon as I did, I heard a soft voice behind me.

"Can I help you?"

I whirled around. A young woman was standing before me. Her hair was down in waves with a dark hibiscus tucked behind her ear.  She had on a short black lace dress. Normally, I would've been afraid, but her expression was kind. And I knew immediately who she was. 

"You're Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld", I say. She nodded. "That's right, and who are you?" I swallowed. "I'm Joo Ree-Ha, betrothed to King Kim Taehyung." Persephone nods again. "Ah, you're our next queen", Persephone said. "Erm, yes", I said and bowed to her awkwardly. "Oh, you don't have to do that", Persephone said, laughing. "We're to be family soon after all." I got back up. "So, what are you doing here?", Persephone asked. "Um, I just needed one of your pomegranates, please don't ask me why", I tell her. She laughs again. "Oh don't worry", she said. "So many people sneak in here for my pomegranates, and none of them want to explain." I chuckle. "You're really nice", I say. "It's hard to believe you're related to someone like Taehyung." She smiles kind of sadly. "He is not treating you well is he?", Persephone said. I shake my head. "No, he's been a monster to me ever since I got here", I say crossly, and show her my flesh wound. Her eyes got big. "I know he appears to be a monster, but once you are married, surely he will start treating you better. That's how it was with me and Hades", she said. 

I sigh and look away. "I don't know. I feel less like a bride down here, and more like a prisoner", I say. "Besides, I'm still so young. I don't know if I'm ready to get married yet." Persephone puts her hand on my shoulder. "I know everything looks bad right now, and you feel like the world is ending, believe me, I felt the same once upon a time. But things will get better. And who knows, maybe Taehyung will let you leave six months of the year, just like Hades lets me." I snicker. "Doubtful. But I'll keep that in mind."

I realized it was getting late, so I decided to leave. "Well, I better get going", I say. "Thanks for being so cool about the pomegranate." She shakes her head. "Anytime. And if you need anything else, I'm almost always here. Hades doesn't know, but I'm supposed to be on Olympus right now, so don't tell him I'm here." She giggles. I laugh. "Sure, Persephone, sure."

I leave her greenhouse and run straight back to the palace, clutching the pomegranate in my hand. Kathleen is waiting for me in the library. She smiles and claps with delight. "Thou hast found a pomegranate!", she says, taking it from me. I nod. "Yeah, and you're not going to believe what happened. I met my future sister-in-law!" Kathleen's eyes widened. "You saw Lady Persephone?" I nod. "I thought she'd chew me out for taking something from her garden, but she was surprisingly cool with it."

Kathleen nods. "The Underworld Queen is a very sweet and considerate person", she says. "Now, you hold on to that", I say, gesturing to the pomegranate. Kathleen nods. Then, another maid comes in. "Your Highness, His Majesty wants you to come into your bedroom. He has a surprise for you." I blink in surprise. "He has a surprise for me?", I ask. The maid nods. Kathleen looks just as confused as I did. Surprise? I wonder what this is about.....