Chapter 24 Hades
Hades
One kiss.
It is not enough and yet, I allow it to linger because it must be.
Eventually, I get to my feet and wander farther into my bedchambers. They’re as empty as they were before Hecate granted me passage to Olympus.
My fingers slip against the ancient wood, and the memories of Persephone’s time here are drawn to me.
The images offer me a sense of peace I desperately need.
I take the seat Persephone prefers, looking out the windows over my realms. Nothing tempts me in her absence.
I don’t feel like eating. I don’t feel like drinking wine.
Cerberus circles the room, then comes to lay his heads on my leg. I stroke one head absently, wishing my heart would stop aching for Persephone. She’ll return.
I will choose.
She looked at me when she made her wishes clear. The pride and acceptance of her judgment was nearly as consuming as my love for her.
In those minutes, it was as if there was no one else in that hall. We could have been in bed, Persephone leaning over me to kiss my cheek. Her words felt like they were mine and mine alone.
Half of them are. I let out a frustrated sigh, and Cerberus lifts his head, reminding me that he’s here.
“I could not forget you,” I tell him. “I would have liked to have you with me on Olympus.”
Six months of this out of the year. Of every year. Half of all of my life I will be apart from her. I swallow thickly, understanding her decision and her duties apart from ruling by my side. The pain of her absence does not relent though.
What will I do?
I attempt to remember the days before I had her with me, and it’s nearly impossible. The memories themselves aren’t very clear. Did I just exist from day to day, doing the things I needed to do, with only the balance of the realm to distract me?
That must have been how I lived.
She won’t find that acceptable.
My queen will never want to hear that I have spent six months worrying about her and isolating myself.
“What does she think I’ll do, hmm?” I ask Cerberus. “Go on days-long walks with you?”
He hears walk and runs toward the door.
I stand to follow him, only to find the door opening and Minox gliding through. “My Lord,” he says, a hint of surprise in his voice. “You have returned.”
“I have,” I agree with a sense of humor. “All is well in the realms.”
“Is it?” he questions with slight shock in his tone and folds his hands in front of him. This is one of his oldest habits. “You seem…pleased, my Lord.”
“My queen will be here six months out of every twelve,” I tell him in a falsely contented tone.
I desire all twelve months. I will have time to come to terms with it, however.
I will have eternity to spend with my queen, even if I have to be patient.
The realms will believe we are on a united front in this decision.
They must not know my displeasure. My pain is for me to hold alone.
“She will spend the other six months with her mother so that no one needs to fight over her. The realms will be returned to balance.”
“They’re much improved already, my Lord.”
“To what cause?”
“A spell cast down.” Minox’s eyes brighten. “A spell from our queen. One to sustain us and heal what needed to be healed. Her whispers were heard by many who prayed for peace. Her magic crossed all the realms.”
“The news makes me miss her greatly,” I start and then correct myself. Perhaps Minox will be the only soul who has knowledge of my longing for her. “It pleases me also.”
Minox hesitates. His lips part but he doesn’t speak, withdrawing whatever thought he had.
“What is it, Minox?”
“Are you truly content with her decision?” he questions. “I suppose my fear is wondering whether or not her decision will last or whether you will make an alternative judgment?”
A beat passes and I know one truth. I would never fail my queen. Never. She needs this from me and the torturing I feel now will make my love for her stronger.
“She is my queen,” I tell Minox, looking straight into his eyes. “I will give her everything she desires and more. This judgment will last, Minox. I swear it.”