Chapter 21: Happy Halloween
A/N: I dedicate this chapter to @BlueRose_712 who shares the same passionate love for Greek Mythology like I do!! You've helped me write and work harder, thank you so much for the love and support.
Persephone returned to her chambers with Hades and Cerberus waiting for her in the foyer, Hades had a grim expression that obscured his handsome face, she wondered what worried him, but with everything going on she really didn't have to ask. She opened her mouth to tell him about the spirit she met today, but he already looked so agitated about Cerberus's attacker she didn't want to hand this off on him too. Before Persephone closed the door behind her, she assured herself that this matter could be handled discreetly on her own.
"Are you done for the day?" asked Hades as he approached her.
Persephone immediately noticed that he pushed away the grey cast on his face with a brighter one. "Yes," he pulled her into his embrace and both of them stood in silence, she enjoyed the feel of his arms around her and his heat warming her body more than the fires of hell themselves.
Hades moved her into their room and planted a soft kiss on her lips, she wondered what had brought this on so suddenly, but she didn't push him away, instead she held him closer and gave him what he needed. Persephone anchored her arms around his neck and moaned against his mouth as he skilful studied her lips, they consumed the feel of the other and never got tired of each other's fiery sweet taste that was hypnotic and rich. She would have willingly done anything Hades wished from her, but tonight they couldn't since it was the night of the banquet.
"We have a banquet to get ready for, my love," she told him, but his hands didn't stop roaming her body, and although she may say otherwise, it was very difficult denying Hades because he made it terribly hard for her to think about anything else. "You are so distracting," Persephone's claim made Hades laugh quietly, but then after a short while Hades pulled his touch away.
Persephone looked at her gowns and wondered what to wear as Hades came up behind her already dressed in black robes with crimson embroidery. "What shall I wear," she asked quietly trying to distract him before he got distracted again.
His scarlet eyes roamed over the selection that Pain kindly left for Persephone. "Wear something dull," she turned in his arms and threw him a confused look. "I don't want anyone staring at you," said Hades.
Persephone felt a small smile play on her lips as she began to plan the how she was going to pay back for all the times he relentlessly teased her, this banquet provided an opportune chance to get one on her husband.
"I didn't peg you as the jealous type," remarked Persephone.
Hades shrugged like nothing was wrong. "I'm not," he defended himself. "It's a simple banquet, that's all."
Persephone brow arched. This was not some simple banquet because the way everyone was preparing for it tonight, it was a big deal. Besides, what was stopping her from making an impression, she was queen and as the host of tonight's party, she should look her best.
"Why don't you head down first," she told Hades.
"I'll wait in the foyer of the hall."
"Sounds good," said Persephone with a sly smile.
Persephone waited until Hades closed the door behind him, and then, she eagerly yanked out a crimson red ball gown- that matched Hades clothes perfectly, it had beautiful ebony crystals and ruby stones embroidered around the entire bodice, the gems surrounded her chest, down her back and arms. The lace gown hugged her voluptuous waist and hips, and it spilled down wide with a generous trail, but the main charm of the gown was the sensual slit down the side, the flimsy fabric flowed open revealing her bare leg for everyone to see, which was the plan.
Persephone put on some ruby jewels and tied her auburn hair into a bun, she placed black rose buds which matched the embroidery on her dress perfectly; and the fragrance was enthralling.
After taking another quick look in the mirror, she slipped her feet into matching heels. Persephone walked out their chambers made her way to Hades.
-Hades POV-
Hades was consumed by the thoughts of who the traitor was lurking in the shadows of his kingdom, but he didn't let it spoil tonight, this banquet had always been a special day for the entire realm and its people.
Hades looked behind him to see if Seph had arrived, but the halls were empty and there was still no sign of her.
"Hades, where's your lovely wife we've been hearing about!" Aeacus exclaimed as he appeared from the around hall.
"Glad to see you could make it, Aeacus," Hades greeted one of the judges who's part of his trusted council of the Underworld. "And Seph's still getting ready."
Minos appeared from the shadows. "Still looking sharp, Hades."
"Not looking so bad yourself, Minos," replied Hades. "Where's Rhadamanthys?"
"He was following me a moment ago," said Minos.
"Hades, good evening," Rhadamanthys suddenly appeared from behind them all, slightly startling them.
"You need to stop creeping around, brother," teased Aeacus.
"I don't creep," Rhadamanthys brooded.
"I mean-" Hades laid a supportive hand on Rhadamanthys broad shoulder. "You do tend to stick alone."
Rhadamanthys laced his arms. "When you're stuck with these two all day, it's hard not to lose your mind."
Hades sympathized with Rhadamanthys. Minos and Aeacus berated Rhadamanthys, but when all of them froze and stared behind Hades, curious to know what had captured their attention, he turned and his mouth dropped open; it was Persephone.
Seph's hip swayed as she strode along the dark passageway that glowed vibrantly with the golden aura surrounding her immortal form, her gorgeous body was adorned with a blood red gown that made her honeyed skin look radiant, her auburn hair was coiled and clipped on the crown her head. The torches that were flickering high on the walls around the corridor basked their light onto Seph making her look exquisite.
Hades watched his wife proudly make her way towards them, but the wasn't the only thing that made him want to drop to the floor, his eyes gaped at the generous slit down her gown, it revealed her toned leg whenever she moved. Hades agreed not to spoil tonight, but he felt the greatest urge to cancel everything and take Seph back to their room.
-Persephone's POV-
"Hades," said Persephone with a knowing grin. "Won't you introduce me."
He stammered for a moment but quickly refocused. "Er- This is Aeacus, Minos and Rhadamanthys they're the three judges of the dead," said Hades.
Persephone examined the three demigods who were strikingly good looking, they all had their own unique look; Aeacus had the sharp fox-like features and flaming red hair, Minos was tall and charming with silver hair and burning blue eyes, but Rhadamanthys was rugged and had a more dangerous appeal to him, he fashioned long brunette hair and he was much taller than the other two as well.
"Our queen's beauty is truly beyond the words of the Underworld," said Aeacus as he kissed her hand teasingly.
The fires of hell abruptly exploded and riled up because of their king's temper.
"Relax Hades, it was just a compliment," said Minos as Rhadamanthys greeted her politely.
Persephone linked her arm with Hades. "Should we join the banquet?"
They entered the picturesque hall that was grandly decorated, the coved ceilings that resembled the night sky had diamond chandeliers suspended off of nothing but air, and pumpkins were floating amongst them in the sky with smiles and fires glowing inside of them, there were tables circling the room but the middle was left empty for people to dance the night away under the enchanted moon and stars that were twinkling under the incandescent heat. Everyone from this realm had left their posts and had joined the party punctually, creatures were eating and drinking from the feast that was laid out on the side, whilst others were gossiping with their friends with hearty laughter filling the entire room.
Persephone smiled solemnly. "You have a beautiful family," she whispered to her husband.
His hold on her tightened comfortably. "It's gotten so much more beautiful after you joined me," he laid his lips on her temple and he lingered to savour the moment.
"Alright love birds, let's get this show on the road," Aeacus pushed them into the banquet.
"Remind me to fire him later," groaned Hades to Rhadamanthys and Minos.
Everyone gathered around and admired their king and queen who stood on the dais.
"Welcome creatures of the night and spirits of the dead," Hades voice confidently spoke through the grand hall, and everyone listened. "Tonight, we have gathered once again to celebrate the dead. Your queen and I wish everyone a magically night, so dance, eat and drink until your heart's content-" Hades lifted his glass in the air- "Happy All Hallows' Eve!"
The banquet had broken into a party, the calavera musicians that were beautifully adorned with wild colours and painted faces, they played an enchanting melody that mesmerized everyone. Persephone and Hades took their seat at the head table with the three judges accompanying them.
Persephone spotted Hades foot irritably tapping, she secretly chuckled that he was jealous and anything but okay with her being friendly with other people. But she enjoyed this and continued being overly gracious.
-Hades POV-
Hades watched as Seph easily got comfortable with the three judges, they joked and laughed, they even talked about serious topics and she carried herself really well, Hades felt pride fill him up even though he felt a burning flash of irritation.
Seph giggled at everything Aeacus teased and joked around about, Hades felt a bit annoyed because they seemed to get along just fine- they all even got on first name basis.
"So, Persephone have you met your mother yet?" Minos surprised Hades when he asked such a sensitive question.
"No, I have not," said Seph.
"Do you think she won't accept this marriage?" asked Rhadamanthys.
Truthfully, Hades was quite curious of what Seph would say to him.
"Well, I didn't really give my mother a choice," she said with a small smile, but Hades could see right through it. "I marry who I want to and if she can't accept that, then what can I do." Seph shrugged off that topic because Hades knew she never really gave any thought to it, until now.
Hades laid hand on her lower back, she looked over with her beautiful eyes that always beckoned him to hold her closer, she gave Hades a soft smile reassuring him that she was alright.
-Persephone's POV-
"What about you have anyone special?" She asked the three judges.
"Nope, no one," said Aeacus sullenly.
She looked at the other two who also shook their head. "Why not?" Persephone asked. "There are so many beautiful witches and demons here."
"You know our king, he barely gives any time to relax," Minos complained and Persephone chuckled whilst feeling sorry for them.
"We haven't had a vacation since we signed up for this job," said Aeacus.
"And trust us," said Minos, "when we say that was a long time ago."
She looked over to Hades who was still brooding although he seemed to be enjoying his cake perfectly fine, she never knew he had a sweet tooth.
Persephone was surprised that so much time had went by with just them talking and telling tales and listening to music, it was a beautiful night, she enjoyed herself and loved that her small mission of making Hades jealous was running effortlessly, which did make her a little wicked for having a little too much fun.
https://youtu.be/bs2VL_HYG9Y
Suddenly, the music changed to a beautiful piano piece, everyone froze where they were like they knew what this music preordained, unlike Persephone, she looked to Hades but he was already on his feet with his hand held out in front of her waiting to be accepted.
"My queen," he said.
Persephone slipped her hand into his without a moment's thought, although she was nervous to dance in front of the crowd, but when they reached the golden floor and the music played softly, Persephone neglected all her anxiety, she sealed her gaze with Hades beautiful crimson eyes and followed his trusted steps around the smooth floor.
"I didn't know you could dance," she whispered to him.
His smile turned wicked. "There are quite a few things about me that would surprise you, my love." Hades twirled her around and then pulled her back into his arms.
Persephone heard the music reach its peak enchanting her, Persephone fell under a spell as she was lead around the floor. "You've changed my world," she confessed with a deep sigh.
Hades eyes glimmered under the golden lights. "And you've changed mine," said Hades.
The music changed and others joined, but Persephone and Hades stayed locked in each other's arms for quite a while, until one by one the three judges whisked her away.
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