Seeds: Volume Two (11 page)

     “Thank you. But no. I am fine.”

     “If you were fine, you would not be acting like this.” His expression was stern but concerned. What could be bothering her? He couldn't see a single thing wrong, at least. What could be bothering her so much?
Wait a minute
...

     He didn't live this long and become so powerful by remaining ignorant. He had grown up with three sisters. First it was Hestia, and deep within the pit that Kronos had cast them into with nobody to tell her what was happening, it had been a frightening experience for the young Goddess of the Hearth. Then Hades himself had reached puberty – fortunately without his sister's ordeal – and then a few years later, Demeter had started to bleed as well.

     Hades would never consider himself an expert in this particular feminine phenomena, but he understood that it was what happened to girls as they matured, and that it happened once a month, like the full moon. He didn't understand why the blood came forth or why it didn't happen to men, but he was glad he didn't have to deal with it, because it seemed to carry more troubles than just bleeding. No wonder some women got grouchy – he would probably feel the same if he started bleeding for no apparent reason. Did Persephone understand what was happening to her?

     “Persephone... you should have told me. I would have been considerate. I
will
be considerate, for as long as you need me to.”

     “...What are you talking about?”

     “You do not need to be embarrassed. I am not disgusted or angry.”

    
Oh Gaea... does he know?
She felt her cheeks warm further. How mortifying! Goodness! She pressed her lips together, praying that he would leave her alone. This was so awkward...! She gasped softly when she felt his hand on her shoulder.

     “No... um.” Her eyes flicked to his face before looking down at the marble floor.

     “I grew up with three sisters...”

     “Uh...” She was embarrassed, yet curious. If he could offer her understanding of what was happening...

     “Relax. There is nothing wrong with you.”

     “Really?” She still stared at the floor.

     “Truly. I trust you have taken care of things?”

     “Yes. I figured out how to keep myself clean.”

     “Figured it out? Did... your mother not discuss this with you?”

     Persephone's silence was her response. He chewed the inside of his cheek momentarily.

     “You will need to talk to Hekate, then. Only women know all the details.”

     “You are not going to tell her, are you?” Persephone asked, panicking at the thought of someone else knowing her business.

     “No, no. It is all up to you. If you say it is taken care of...” He shrugged, “I believe you. But Hekate will answer the questions I am sure you have. If you want to ask her, that is.”

     “Very well.” Part of her was relieved that this was over with.

     “You can still bathe with me.” he offered.

     “You.... know what's happening. Yet...”

     “A hot bath cleanses everything.”

     “Hmm.” She frowned thoughtfully. A quiet sigh escaped her lips. “I would still prefer to bathe alone tonight.”

     “As much as I would like to have you join me, I would be loath to make you uncomfortable. Will you at least keep me company while I bathe? I will be quick, and then you can have the washroom all to yourself.”

     “Thank you.” These words were filled with genuine warmth and appreciation, and Hades basked in that glow. When Persephone sat on a stool near the wall, he smiled before removing his chiton and sandals.

     “You do not need to sit all the way over there. I do not bite. Unless you want me to.” His eyes twinkled as he said this, and she found herself fighting a grin. Zeus was charming too, but that hadn't made him any less of a careless asshole. She could not help but remember Cyane's warnings of how men could charm women to their will.

     He felt her eyes on him as he stripped off his short tunic and loincloth, and had to resist the urge to strike a pose for her. He was a modest person in both attire and demeanor, but it always gave him a thrill when he knew she was admiring him. Languidly, he stepped into the water, welcoming the heat. As he started scrubbing himself with a sponge, he started talking, asking her questions about what she thought of today's events, so he could keep her engaged. As he had promised Persephone, his bath was quick. Lazily, he dried himself with a towel before donning a robe.

     “As I have promised, it's all yours.” He bowed his head, making a sweeping gesture towards the inviting bath with his arm.

     “Thank you.” She was smiling again, apparently having her good humor restored.

     When the door closed after Hades, she slipped off her clothing. Cloe appeared – the little shade always seemed to know when she was changing her clothes – to whisk away her dirty laundry. Cloe disappeared with them and before she could turn towards the tub, the shade appeared with fresh underthings and comfortable pajamas. And then her hair was undone, combed out, and tied her hair back in a loose bun. Oh yes. Being Queen of the Underworld... well, it
did
have its perks. She thought of the pomegranate and Hades's words.

     Commitment to him – though it still scared her, part of her thought that it wouldn't be a bad idea. He had proved himself to be a funny, warm, caring man despite his reputation, and he had vowed eternal love. And tonight – well, she still felt embarrassed that he had figured it out – his reaction had been much better than she had expected.

     The churning water soothed away her discomfort. She closed her eyes and gave out a contented murmur as her head lolled back, the bun at the base of her beck cushioning it against the hard marble. A cold sponge bath didn't in the least compare to the glory of a jacuzzi, the hot water churning and massaging her body. Wait, had the water been like this before? She didn't remember the currents being so strong. Oh wait... A small smile formed on her lips. Hades must have set the tub to be like this to ease her discomfort.

    
Why don't I just agree to be your wife, Aidoneus?
she asked herself with a feeling of mild amusement. But she already knew the answer.

     Clearing her mind and taking a deep breath, Persephone decided to not think about any more unpleasant matters for the night. She quickly lost herself in the calming pleasure of the hot bath.

o0o

     While Persephone was taking a bath, Hades reclined on the divan in front of the fireplace, idly munching on some stuffed olives. He had decided to have a quick meal tonight rather than try to entice her with another feast. If he simply eased off with the food for a few days, perhaps that would tempt her. She had a defiant streak deep within her, and he knew she didn't like being pressured. She had enough on her plate as it was and if her anger was focused on Zeus, then all the better for the God of the Underworld.

     He picked at his meal, taking his time to finish it as he contemplated the current situation with Persephone. He wasn't an idiot and knew that kidnapping her hadn't been the best way to start off with her. What if he had asked her to come with him rather than merely chasing her down and snatching her? Would she have been willing to consider an invitation?

     A couple of hours passed, and he saw no sign of Persephone. Had she elected to sleep elsewhere? That thought saddened him, and he rose to his feet. When he left his bedroom, he saw that the washroom was still occupied. Stealthily he opened it – not out of a voyeuristic urge, but to make sure she was fine – and smiled faintly as he saw her submerged to the top of her breasts, her eyes closed and her lips set in a faint smile. Wait, was she asleep?

     He crept over to the bath and knelt down, touching her shoulders lightly. When she did not stir, he held back a quiet chuckle. She wasn't the only one who could be so lulled by the soporific atmosphere of the tub.

     “Persephone.” He started rubbing her shoulders, hearing her let out a small moan as she stirred from her deep meditative state.

     “Mmm... Aidoneus...” The softness of her voice as she murmured his name tugged at his heartstrings.

     “I just came in here to make sure you were well. It has been a couple of hours.”

     “...Already?”

     “Indeed. Time flies when you are sitting in a hot tub.”

     “... Mhm.” Her head lolled back so she could look up at him, her eyes half-lidded.

     “Do you wish to remain longer or would you like to go to bed?”

     “...Let me think about it.”

     “Sure.” He leaned down to press his lips to her forehead before he retreated.

     She stayed for a bit longer, now more alert, though she still felt relaxed and sleepy. It seemed to take an almost ridiculous amount of effort to hoist herself from the soothing embrace of the water. Cloe was immediately on hand to assist her, and Persephone was again glad to have an attendant of her own.

     Warm, clean, and comfortable, and even her hunger abated for the time being, Persephone found herself in a truly good mood for the first time in a few days. She padded over to the doorway of the bedchamber, seeing Hades reclined comfortably against a few pillows, the blankets up to his stomach.

     “Hades?” she called out softly. He stirred and opened his eyes.

     “There you are. Will you join me?” he asked. She looked forward to the comfort that the warm and plush bed offered.

     “I would like to, but I am not in the mood for cuddling.” This wasn't said out of spite, for she honestly didn't feel like being touched right now. Was that a common feeling for women while they bled?

     “Very well. I do hope you will let me give you a good-night kiss, though.”

     “Maybe.” She smiled good-naturedly as she approached the bed, lifting the blankets and climbing in. The cheery fire that danced within the hearth cast a dim, comfortable light through the room, making for an inviting kind of darkness. She settled into the bed with a contented sigh

     “I take it you are feeling better,” Hades stated. She nodded as she laid her head upon a pillow. When he leaned over her, she did not scoot away. His lips met her cheek as he gave her a loving nuzzle, and she giggled softly.

     “What is so funny?” he whispered before placing a kiss on her temple.

     “Your beard tickles.”

     “Ahh.” He smiled faintly before nuzzling her, causing her to giggle again. “I will keep that in mind the next time I want to see a smile on your face.”

     “Oh, you! Good night.” She rolled over and curled up.

     “Mmm. Sweet dreams.”

o0o

     Without Hades's attempts to pressure her to eat his food, as well as his taciturn understanding of her condition, Persephone was comfortable in the Underworld for the time being. She was kept happy, warm, entertained, and doted on. The truce that they had silently agreed upon served them well, and the captive goddess felt more on equal footing with her captor.

     Despite the lack of physical intimacy, Persephone didn't feel ignored by him, or in disfavor because of her bleeding. They still took walks, talked, and had lessons together in the library or elsewhere. Whenever she expressed a desire to be alone, he would bow out gracefully for his own time or to attend to his duties. As much as she hated to admit it, she was beginning to genuinely care for Hades.

     Love? No, she would not use that word. But if she did not feel the binding love that a wife felt, she did feel affection for him as a friend. He was fun to talk with, and his company truly was enjoyable. And whenever he did touch her – with loving kisses or chaste touches – the physical contact warmed her. It was impossible to hate one's kidnapper when he was a loving and generous host.

     After several more days, Persephone noticed that the bleeding had stopped, and so had the subtler symptoms. A few more days passed, but the bleeding did not return. As she counted the days that she had had to deal with this, she also counted the ones before that, and realized with a small shock that she had been here for almost a full moon-cycle. Had a month really passed on the surface world? With her grown appearance, Persephone looked as if she had been in the Underworld for years. Nobody could ever mistake her for a child anymore. Her breasts weren't large, but they were full and firm, and the curve of her hips complemented her slim waist. Due to her self-deprivation, her ribs and hipbones were visible against her flesh, but she was still a comely sight. Her face had lost the soft, girlish features that had frustrated her when she had been waiting for puberty to release her from the confines of a small body.

     If bleeding was the price of womanhood, then she would be glad to pay in full. She had seen the admiring glances that Hades sneaked her way when he thought she wasn't paying attention. She toyed with some of her clothing and jewelry, admiring the way they looked on her. She didn't consider herself vain, but to have been confined in the appearance of a child for so long and then blossom to full, lovely maidenhood within the span of the last month was too exciting to ignore.