Aerith always believed she was an ordinary mortal-clumsy, geeky, and completely out of place in the world. But on the eve of her 18th birthday, she discovers a shocking truth: she's no ordinary girl, but the long-lost daughter of the Fates, destined...
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CHAPTER 23 - INTERTWINED (PART 1)
Outside Aerith's Room
Hades' Palace The Underworld
-Hades-
I am so excited to see my bride but tradition states that I must not see her until the ceremony. I am also excited for the ceremony and the reception to be over until it's only her and me that's left and we could then start our eternity together.
I knocked outside her room.
Ruby opened the door but not all the way as she peeked at who was knocking. Her eyes widened when she saw me. "Your highness! Tradition dictates that you must not see her until the ceremony!"
I took a step back. "I know. Just please call her to the door and I promise I won't look," I said.
"Alright, then," Ruby replied in a tone full of suspicion.
I heard the shuffle of clothes and the sound of heels on wood as Aerith walked towards the door. But even if I didn't hear all those, I knew she was moving closer. I was aware of her like I was of the precious stones and metals underneath the earth. We were like magnets constantly drawn towards each other. She was like an extension of me.
"Hades?" she whispered softly.
I sighed and fought for control. I wanted to open the door fully and see her. Arachne told me earlier that she had another dress made for my queen after Aphrodite ruined the old one. She also said that my queen designed the dress herself. I stood with my back against the door to avoid temptation. I just needed to talk to her. That's all.
Calm yourself, Hades. You can do this.
"My queen," I greeted.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" she asked.
"I..." I coughed because I couldn't find the words.
Then I tried again. "I came here to give you something."
"What is it?" Her tone was filled with curiosity now.
"Err. Hold out your hand through the opening on the door? But don't let me see you. And don't look at me," I said, trying hard to keep my voice steady.
"Err. Okay," she replied hesitantly.
Then I saw a gloved hand through the door. I took her hand in mine and kissed it then gave it a light squeeze. She smelled of roses and that was almost my undoing. I took out the box that Hephaestus gave me and removed one of the three rings there.
"A mortal tradition..." I whispered as I slipped the ring over her gloved finger. The ring had a square, black diamond in the center. It was surrounded by smaller clear diamonds and set in Archite, a metal which can only be found in Olympus.
"This is your engagement ring. I am sorry to have done things the wrong way... I should've given you this the moment I asked you to marry me. But then again, I didn't ask, did I? I can't change all the mistakes I've made in the past but I do promise to try and be better. I hope you like my gift." I kissed the ring before I reluctantly let go of her hand.
I heard a sharp intake of breath followed by, "Hades, It's beautiful!"
I grinned like a fool at the door. "I commissioned Hephaestus to make it. It's made of Archite. It's a rare metal found on the mines of Olympus. The gods' swords and blades are made out of it. It's sturdy yet light and is the rarest metal. Mortals do not even know of this," I explained.
"Thank you, Hades. I love it," she replied in a tone filled with awe.
"I'm glad you liked it."
Then there was an awkward silence.
I cleared my throat. "I better go. I will see you in a few minutes, my queen." As I said those words, I prayed to whoever might be listening or maybe even all the force of the universe combined that nothing goes wrong.
"See you," came her breathless reply.
I left right away as a means to stop myself from going inside her room. I headed back to the throne room where the gods and goddesses were gathered. More turned out than what I expected. Shortly after I arrived, Zeus and Poseidon were beside me.
"Ready to get married, brother?" Zeus asked.
"You're not getting cold feet are you?" Poseidon added.
I looked at my foot. It was warm and snug. What does that even mean? Before I could ask, Poseidon laughed. "It means you're not wanting to run away," he explained.
I tilted my head to the side. "Why would I run when this day marks the first day of the rest of eternity with my fated?"
And after that no more words were exchanged.
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Hold your horses! Before you say this is a short chapter, Part 2 is also posted today.
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