For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus) (21 page)

She shivered, remembering his description of Tartarus, of the abyss beyond.

“And you will be safe, with your mother,” he finished.

“Yes.” She had missed her mother.

And the sun, she’d missed it as well. She tilted her face to its rays once more. It was hot, but it did not seem to warm her. She opened her eyes, astonished by the beauty of the mountain. Whereas Greece was brown, Olympus was green and fertile. The higher they rode, the greener it became. She stared behind her, taking in the land that stretched as far as she could see. On the horizon was blue, the sea, perhaps?

The clouds were vapor thin about them. And still the horses ran on.

The world below was lost, swallowed by the white clouds of the heavens.

And then she saw it.

Olympus. Such halls, white columns of gleaming marble shot through with gold and silver. Several halls resting at various levels on the mountains peak. On the tip stood the largest.

“There?” she asked.

He nodded. “The Council Chamber.”

She stared at him, feeling close to tears once more. It would be easier if she could hold his hand. She swallowed, looking at his white knuckled grip upon the reins. She knew, no matter how much she might want his strength, that she must stand alone now. He cared for her, she knew that. But not as she wanted. His love, if any existed, had no roots. While hers were deep, connecting him to her always.

“Tell me,” she whispered as they drew to the towering golden doors of the Council Chamber. “If I were not Persephone…”

He scowled. “No more. Hear these words, Persephone, and know that I mean them. You do not belong with me, in my realm, at my side, in my bed or my heart. My life is without you. And yours is without me. When I leave here, know that I wish you well. But I will not think on you anymore.” His eyes bore into hers, revealing nothing more to her.

If he’d struck her she wondered if the pain would be less. When her flesh had been torn, had it hurt as much? She closed her eyes, ending the torture his gaze inflicted upon her.

She managed to turn, managed to step down from the chariot… but her knees threatened to buckle then. She felt his arms come about her, but held her hands out, warding him away. She would not look at him.

“No,” she gasped, fearing the power of his touch. “I am fine.”

She steadied herself, resting one hand on Aethon’s flank. Each breath was excruciating, but she forced the air into her lungs, forced herself to climb the steps. He was there, pushing the doors wide. She had time to see the detailed carvings, a picture story wrought into the golden surface.

And then she saw her mother.

Demeter ran, lifting her tunic to fly across the chamber and pulling her into her arms. Persephone turned in to her mother’s neck, burying her face against the familiar scent, the warm softness… And fought the urge to sob.

Demeter shook, her sobs overtaking her.

“Shh, Mother,” Persephone soothed. “I am well. And returned to you.”

She peered over her mother’s shoulder. Hades stood, his strong profile illuminated by the torch flames. So beautiful… so cold.

Demeter’s hands cupped her face, pulling back as she spoke. “You are. You are here, in my arms. Something I feared might never again happen.” She pulled Persephone close once more, squeezing her.

“We welcome you,” a voice boomed, demanding her attention.

Demeter’s hold loosened, though she gripped her hand. “Persephone,” her mother gasped, wiping the tears from her face. “Welcome to Olympus.”

Persephone blinked, blinded by the auras of so many. She knew them, recognized them from the stories her mother and Hermes… and Hades had told her. She’d seen Aphrodite… She steadied herself, remembering Hades’ warning.

“You are most welcome,” Zeus – Persephone knew it was Zeus – took her hands in his.

She smiled, a small smile, and glanced at her mother. She felt lost. And her pain… pain pressed upon her. “Thank you.”

He smiled, flashing white teeth and a charming dimple. His brown hair was cropped short, as was his beard and mustache. His eyes were brown, like her mother’s. Rich and warm.

“And you,” Demeter spoke again, the passion in her voice surprising Persephone. But her mother was looking at Hades, her face trembling with emotion. “You…”

“You are once more a hero, brother.” Zeus clapped Hades on the back.

Persephone clasped her hands behind her back to steady herself. She looked at him then, saw the widening of his eyes, the slight furrow of his brow before it was gone. His face revealed nothing.

“While I am once more the villain.” This was Poseidon, then.

Side by side, she could see the resemblance amongst brothers. All were dark, though Hades was darkest. Where his eyes were blue-black, Poseidon’s were the palest blue. All were tall, broad, and handsome. But he, Hades, was the only one she would happily look upon…

“You will forgive me?” Poseidon stood before her, one eyebrow arched. His face was the picture of regret and sincerity.

She stared at him, blinking fiercely. She’d never wanted to hit someone before, ever. It was not in her nature to inflict injury, to malign or degrade a being. But, looking into his eyes, knowing what he’d done to Hades… to her, she thought she might be able to make an exception. She turned to her mother, then Zeus. “Must I forgive him?”

Demeter’s eyes were round, but the smile upon her face was greatly amused. “Persephone…”

“No,” Hades spoke. His voice remained cool and aloof, his eyes fixed upon Poseidon.

“Come now, brother. You cannot believe I would wish such events to take place?” Poseidon’s smile was tight and his eyes narrowed. “Persephone, you know little of me. But I can assure you I’d not meant you any ill will…”

Hades stepped forward, between her and Poseidon. “And yet Thessaly, Erysichthon and his people, Persephone and Demeter have suffered, because of you.”

It should not please her so, to see him defend her, to see him stand up to his horrible brother. But it did. She felt a smile rise up within her. Only the memory of Hades’ warning kept it from her lips.

“I see no reason why she should forgive him.” A woman, a warrior, approached. The look she sent Poseidon removed any doubt; this was Athena. She was bigger than Persephone imagined, taller and well muscled. That she was a fighter was no surprise. That she was lovely, was. Her light brown eyes flashed as she continued, “He’s done little to earn it. I applaud your choice, Persephone. Do not forgive him.”

“Will there ever be peace on Olympus?” Zeus asked, his tone low.

“Peace?” She heard Hades whisper, saw him glance at her. His jaw hardened as he tore his gaze from her. “At what cost?”

“Forgive him or not, daughter. It is your choice and one you’ve the right to make on your own.” Demeter moved forward, taking Hades’ hands in hers. “But you, Hades, I would give you some reward for caring for my daughter. I can never repay you for that, never. But I would try. Please, Hades, there must be something you desire?”

Hermes cleared his throat, causing all eyes to turn upon him. He smiled, wiping a hand across his face. “Sorry.”

Aphrodite came forward, the picture of grace and beauty. Her blond curls swayed about her hips as she joined Demeter. “Surely, there’s something that might ease your loneliness?”

Persephone remembered the Goddess’ visit. And heard the Goddess’ words. She felt the urge to cry once more. This would not end well.

“What say you, Persephone?” Aphrodite turned to her. “You were with him, in his realm. He cannot be happy there. What might make his realm more comfortable?”

She stared at the ground.

Every detail, every memory flooded her. The feel of the furs on his bed, the strength of his arms, the smell of his skin, the rich tone of his laughter, the scent of his soap, and the caress of his hand upon her… She blinked, suddenly warm. She shook her head, feeling the world tilt… go fuzzy… then black.

“What say you, Persephone?” Aphrodite spoke. “You were with him, in his realm. What might make his realm more comfortable?”

He looked at her, saw the rose fade from her cheeks and the tremor of her chin. She swayed on her feet and then crumpled to the floor. He stepped forward, anxious, his arms instantly reaching for her.

Zeus’ hand gripped his shoulder, holding him in place. Hades did not pull free from his brother’s grasp, but glared at him. And Zeus stared back. With a slight shake of his head, he spoke volumes. Hades went rigid, assessing those around him. None but Zeus was aware of his misstep, none but Zeus saw his anxiety… and pain.

It was Hermes who caught her. Hermes who cradled her against his chest. Hermes who frowned at him, looking disappointed.

She looked so pale and small in his arms.

Hermes carried her, following Demeter from the room and taking her away from him.

“Come now, Hades.” Hera regarded him with her luminous brown eyes. Her full lips parted in a sincere smile. “We are all eager to show our appreciation to you. You’ve done so much of late.”

He glanced at Hera. “Out of duty.” Which was true, somewhat. He stared after Persephone, holding himself rigid. She was gone from him, no longer his concern… But Poseidon’s pale blue eyes were also fixed upon the door, the door Persephone had gone through, and a roar of fury filled his ears.

He clenched his fists, his hatred too near the surface for his liking. His tone was hard. “I need no payment.”

Poseidon laughed. “You astound me, brother. Twice now you’ve turned from immeasurable pleasures. I begin to think you’ve befriended Hephaestus in his fiery workshop.”

And still his fury raged.

Zeus shook his head. “You are my brothers. I remember a time when we stood together, as one, against our enemies. Have we truly fallen so far? That we would look upon one another with such malice?” He looked at Hades, then Poseidon. “With ill intent? Are we no better than those we overthrew? Are we doomed to follow their example?”

“I make an observation and am slandered with ill intent?” Poseidon scoffed.

“I will not deny malice on my part.” Hades’ words were biting. One day, Poseidon would be caught by a net of his own making. If there was any justice left, he would see it.

Zeus regarded Poseidon, his frustration plain. “Brother…”

“It is his nature, Father,” Athena said. “He is only content when wounding others.”

“Athena.” Poseidon smiled. “Pity your tongue is only skilled with making words…”

Athena’s face reddened at the dig. “Pig.”

“Harpy,” Poseidon returned.

“Can you not banish him?” Athena asked Zeus.

“Banish him?” Hera asked. “Such a punishment would serve you both, I think.”

Zeus regarded his outraged daughter, then his brother. “Perhaps, wife.”

Hades sighed. “I leave you to your justice, then. And go to serve my own. My
enemy
waits to challenge my dominion over the Underworld. Though I seek no help from you.” He glared at Poseidon, meeting his brother’s pale gaze with his most ferocious scowl. “Such a request would earn me a sword in the back.”

Poseidon hesitated, his face awash with confusion, sadness, and anger. But Hades no longer cared.

Apollo stepped forward, his grin quick. “I would help. And promise not to stab you.”

“As would I.” Ares smiled, pushing up from his chair for the first time. He rubbed his hands together. “As long as I get to stab someone.”

“I fear there’s little stabbing to be done,” Athena said. “Since those you would challenge are dead.”

“A valid point…” Ares’ eyes narrowed. “Fire.”

Apollo clapped Ares on the shoulder. “Light, yes. It weakens them.”

“Clever, Ares.” Athena nodded. “Clever indeed.”

“How does one harness light?” Aphrodite asked.

Ares’ gaze lingered on her briefly. “There’s no need to harness it.”

“Demeter will not thank you for destroying her…” Hera interjected.

“There’s little to destroy,” Apollo said with a shrug. “Demeter’s grief ravaged most of Greece.”

Hades took this news to heart. If he’d sent Persephone home, would less damage have occurred? Would Erysichthon be dead? Or would his curse have been discovered, and cured? Would the crops…

“So we burn it,” Ares’ voice was hard.

“Greece?” Poseidon regarded them with wide eyes.

“The risk is too great.” Hades looked at them, one at a time, surprised by their readiness to help. “I would have them driven to my realm. Once inside, they cannot escape and they cannot win.”

Ares nodded. “Fire will flush them out.”

“Fire will flush who out?” Hermes joined them.

Hades glanced at the door, again. She was well. She was with her mother. She was not his concern.

“Erysichthon and his men,” Apollo answered. “We’re to drive them into the Underworld.”

Hermes nodded. “Ah.”

“Hades is right. The mortals have suffered enough.” Zeus shook his head, his brow creased in concentration. “You must control the fire.”

“How?” Hera asked.

Hera echoed his very thoughts. Fire would serve his purpose, but…

“Rain. Rain would be the best choice.” Athena glared at Poseidon. “So we must come up with another plan.”

“A storm, perhaps,” Aphrodite turned to Poseidon, entreating. “A storm would ensure success. And leave the mortals unharmed.”

Zeus glanced at Poseidon, his expression holding little hope. “What say you? Will you help?”

Poseidon nodded quickly. “Of course.”

But unlike the rest of the Olympians, Hades was distracted by Poseidon. There was a look about him, a tenderness that surprised Hades. More surprising was that Poseidon looked upon Aphrodite so. He forced himself to join the others, but not before he saw Poseidon stroke Aphrodite’s rounding stomach… Not before he saw her blush and shy away from Poseidon’s touch.

What attachment had formed between them? And what would happen upon its end? He knew, without a doubt, that such an affair would end. His brother had no capacity for devotion, no comprehension of loyalty. And poor Aphrodite, so desperate to find love herself, would find herself soon alone. He glanced back, watching the Goddess arrange the gathers of her voluminous robes over her stomach.

Her condition was well hidden, covered as she was.

But in time, he suspected a babe would join Olympus. And then, with or without Poseidon, the Goddess of Love would no longer be alone.

“Hades,” Apollo beckoned to him. “Ares’ plan is promising.”

It eased the pain, knowing they would help him confront this new foe. In truth, he almost pitied Erysichthon and his army of souls. They’d no notion of what would be waiting for them when they chose to attack.

###

“Persephone?” Her mother’s voice?

She blinked. Where was she? Why were there so many faces staring at her?

Her eyes settled, focused. She was floating… No, someone held her. She turned, looking at a chest.

Her eyes traveled up.

Her voice wavered. “Hermes?”

“She needs rest, Demeter. I can only imagine the conditions she’s become accustomed to…” a woman spoke, her regal face lined with concern.

Persephone laid her head back and closed her eyes, the strong beating of Hermes’ heart filling her ears.

“Yes, rest,” she heard her mother’s voice. “Follow me, Hermes. We’ve chambers here… Until this matter with Erysichthon is done.”

Persephone did not open her eyes when she heard him; indeed, she turned into Hermes to stifle her cry of pain.

“I need no payment,” Hades voice was cold.

“Shh,” Hermes’ voice was in her ear. He carried her, the voices from the Council Chamber fading behind her. A door shut, she heard it, and could hear him no more.

She sobbed, clinging to Hermes’ chiton with trembling hands.

“Shh,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. “I am sorry, Persephone. Let your mother comfort you.”

She shook her head, searching for her control.

“In here,” Demeter was speaking. “Oh, child, cry if you will. I will cry with you.”

Hermes set her on the bed, covered in thick white furs and woven blankets of the softest fabric. She stared at the bed, then the room, through bleary eyes. It was so bright, so white… Her eyes felt heavy and swollen. She sniffed.

“I shall leave you,” Hermes murmured.

She met his eyes. “Thank you.”

“Yes, Hermes, thank you.” Demeter hugged him, escorting him to the door and whispering. “I beseech you. Find out what might tempt Hades. He’s too quick to dismiss his needs. I will hound him relentlessly on this, you may tell him as much.”

Persephone flopped back onto the bed, covering her face with her hands.

“He will not take…” Hermes tried.

“He is a man,” she snorted. “He will not refuse such an offer forever.”

“Mother,” she pleaded. “Leave him be. I’ve troubled him long enough. He will savor the quiet now that I’m gone from him. Perhaps that will please him above all else.”

She did not look at them, but turned on to her side and waited. She heard the door close, felt the bed move.

“Was it horrible?” her mother’s voice was soft. “I know he’s a brute…”

Persephone glanced at her, too weary to sit up or move. “Do we speak of Erysichthon? Or Hades?”

Demeter’s chin quivered, tears flowing freely. “Both… Oh, Persephone. Forgive me for putting you at the mercy of such men. All your life I sought to… to protect you… Instead…”

Persephone sat up, fighting the leaden weight of her arms to pull her mother close. “All is well, Mother,” she murmured, holding her mother until her sobs subsided.

Demeter leaned back, her face wet with tears. “You are right. All is well now that you are home.” Demeter wiped the tears from her face and patted her cheek. “We have time to share and catch up. You must tell me about Hades’ realm, later. First… a bath?”

She watched her mother, quickly recovered and demanding a bath be delivered.

“And Zeus has given us these chambers. If Poseidon had not learned the thrust of Erysichthon’s plan, you might well have been taken. And Hermes had the good fortune to come across that water nymph…”

“What water nymph?” Persephone’s head was beginning to throb.

“The one that saw you… When you were injured.” Demeter began to cry again. “She saw Hades, saw him take a woman into the Underworld the day Erysichthon battled the Persians. She thought no more of it until Hermes explained you were missing. But that you were carried into the Underworld, by Hades himself, prompted Hermes’ search. As he and Hades share little in the way of camaraderie, Hermes had never thought to ask Hades... It is no secret that Hades has little love for mortals, or company of any kind, really. But he must have known who you were...”

Persephone listened, stunned into silence. Hermes had told quite a tale.

Did Olympus truly see him so? Did no one see him as the hero he truly was?

She regarded her mother, flitting about the chambers for fresh linens, soap and a comb.

What would happen if she told her mother the truth? That Hermes had joined them at their supper table more than once while she was there? That he’d known where she was from the beginning?

The bath arrived, steaming and fragrant. Demeter held her hands out, smiling. “Come, Persephone. It will do you good to sit a while.”

She stood, letting her mother unwind her tunic.

Demeter winced, drawing Persephone’s attention. Her mother’s hand trembled, pressing along the pale line that edged her ribcage. It was faint, so faint Persephone had all but forgotten the wound. Hades had said nothing about it when… Her heart twisted sharply.

“This shall be burned,” her mother’s nose wrinkled. “What a strange smell. I suppose the Underworld would have no use for flowers? Was it a strange place?”

Persephone sat in the warm water. White petals floated on the water’s surface, scenting the air heavily. She curled her toes, but the basin had a metal bottom. She missed the grit of sand and the perfume-free warmth of his pond. His arms, his smile, his touch…

She shook her head. She must forget. She must.

“Persephone? Forgive me,” Demeter bent over her, kissing her forehead. “I’ve missed you terribly. It’s been so long, so very long…”

“How long have I been gone?”

“The moon has come ten times since last I saw your sweet smile.” Demeter stroked her cheek. She sighed, took the soap in her hands and began to wash Persephone’s hair.

“I… I had no idea…” Persephone stammered.

“Were you ill for much of it?”

Persephone nodded, unable to speak.

Demeter’s hands were gentle, massaging her scalp as she chattered on, “I searched. Know that I searched, but there was no news of you. And when I went to Erysichthon… Well, he was no help.”

Persephone listened in silence, letting her gaze wander about the room to avoid her thoughts.