Chapter 16. #2
“I wouldn’t dare.”
She left me with a kiss that lingered through breakfast and the first meeting with my advisors.
Things had certainly settled around me and everything was a lot easier now I had Penelope’s support and encouragement.
The open communication and her expertise were invaluable and it surprised everyone how quickly things turned around.
It was almost like the first Hades and Persephone knew what they were doing when they decided to rule the Underworld together.
It was a shame it had taken this long to reinstate their original methods although I couldn’t imagine we were the first to follow in their footsteps and fall in love.
Once my advisors were gone, Stephan arrived with a polite bow. “Your carriage awaits.”
“Thank you, I’m ready to go.” I followed him outside where the black horses were waiting for me, impatient as always. I climbed in the chariot, shuffling to the side so there was enough space for him. “Any news from Olympus?” I asked as we set in motion.
He shook his head. “Not yet but I’m expecting the answer any moment.”
“Zeus better not deny my request. I really want to make this happen,” I grumbled, holding my stomach to fight the growing nausea. One day, I’d get used to this.
The carriage pulled up to the temple and I entered eagerly, looking forward to seeing Penelope again even though we hadn’t been apart for very long.
The other woman was already waiting in her throne, with her assistant standing behind her. Penelope crossed her arms and challengingly raised an eyebrow. “You’re late.”
“No, you’re early.” I sat down in my seat, no longer intimidated by her act. If anything, I found it hot.
We exchanged folders.
“Reports from my side. The processing numbers at the Terminal are up. It’s not by much yet, but it’s something. Thank you for lending me extra manpower from your side, it’s making a real difference,” I said, accepting hers. “You?”
“Numbers are down on my side but that was to be expected,” she replied, flicking through my file. “Complaints are up as well but nothing to be concerned about. People always fight against new systems, even if it’ll benefit them.”
“Yes, same. I’m sure it’ll settle once they realise it’s better and after we hire more people that never knew the old system.” I looked at the beautiful woman opposite of me, finding it hard not to admire her openly. “How’s Cerberus getting on?”
“Good. We had a little mishap yesterday with a trainer but nobody got hurt. I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it soon, he’s just a little out of practice.”
I nodded understandingly. “It’ll be good if I no longer need to employ guards so we can allocate the budget to another branch but no rush. I’ve also spoken to Styx and he agreed to double his cleaning efforts. That should help with the pollution of the river.”
“Excellent.”
A knock came from the door on my side and surprise flitted through me. My people knew better than to disturb me during one of these meetings.
“Come in,” I called, glancing at Penelope if she knew what this was about but she looked just as confused.
Stephan entered, his face shimmering with excitement. He bowed deeply towards Penelope before handing me a thick envelope with a lightning bolt on the seal. “Zeus’ reply. I assumed you wouldn’t want to wait.”
“I don’t,” I said, immediately tearing through the seal. Elation grew in my chest when I found the invitation I’d hoped for. “Yes!”
“What is it?” Penelope inquired as politely as she could. I knew she was dying of curiosity inside.
“Something wonderful,” I grinned, turning to Stephan. “Thank you.”
He left with a bow and catching on, Penelope dismissed Molly too. The gorgon obeyed with a lot less glaring my way than she did originally. Not that I blamed her.
Once she was gone, Penelope joined me by the hearth and pressed a kiss on my shoulder. “Hi.”
“Hey.” I turned to kiss her properly, savouring the moment alone. While the nights were ours, it was rare to have time alone during the day with her. “What happened to not getting distracted by this.”
“You’re so annoying when you echo my words back to me,” she said, her grin betraying how she really felt about it. “Are you going to tell me what this letter is? Why is Zeus writing to you?”
“I actually wrote to her.” I held out the envelope. “Here, that should explain everything.”
She quietly read the card. “It’s an invite to the yearly party at Peak Olympus. What’s so special about that? The Hades goes to that every year. Oh, I suppose this is your first one.”
I chuckled, gesturing to the envelope. “There’s another invite.”
Penelope pulled the second card out and dropped it like it burned her. She brought a trembling hand to her mouth, muffling a strangled sob. “W-What is this? Maia? What did you do?”
Worry tightened my chest as I picked up the envelope, unsure what to do with the invitation addressed to her. “I’m sorry, I should’ve told you about it sooner but I didn’t want to get your hopes up. I thought you’d be happy. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
She swatted my arm before pulling me into the tightest hug. “You idiot. This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for me, ever.”
I breathed a sigh of relief as I wrapped my arms around her. “Oh, good. I thought I did something wrong.”
“No, this is wonderful. You’re wonderful.” She cried into me, her tears hot on my shoulder. “Is this real? Am I going up?”
I pressed a kiss on her temple and stroked her back as she sobbed in my arms. “Yes, you’re going up. It’s just for the party but I thought it was high time that you saw the sun again.”