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Chapter 39: Golden Chance

The commotion in the Underworld had grown quite a lot ever since their beloved Queen had arrived. She had everyone beside her as she constructed the paradise realm 'Elysium' with her partner Hecate. Persephone had explicitly explained to all the staff to show respect and kindness to Hecate, otherwise the consequences would be dire. But they all knew Persephone wouldn't lift a finger to hurt them, but her devil-form Kore might. So, they all agreed and like that 'project paradise' began.

On the first day, Hecate had built the monumental doors. She indisputably expressed that any realm should have big beautiful doors. Persephone wholeheartedly agreed and they both worked together with Mono and Pain for the design. The massive doors were made of thick gold. Each gate had its own detailed art engraved into the gold, which she deeply adorned. Persephone herself worked her magic over the doors; she chose healthy rose vines to surround the entrance and climb high up the doors and around them, so that extravagant and unforgettable scent would always be remembered here. And without a doubt, the blood red and deep green looked mesmerizingly beautiful on top of the gold. Persephone had returned from Mono's home when she found the three judges waiting for her at the entrance of Elysium.

"Hi," she greeted the three of them. "What brings you here?"

"We came to help you," said Aeacus.

"Oh. Aren't you busy with Hades though?" she asked.

Minos shook his head. "Hades was the one who sent us," he said. "He's got everything handled in court."

Persephone would have to go check on her husband later. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I don't want to burden you."

"It's no burden," said Rhadamanthys. "Hades told us that you needed to make the decree book for your realm."

"Yes," she nodded, "Hades told me I needed to write it down and make it a legally bidding book."

"That's what we're here for," said Rhadamanthys.

"No one better than the judges themselves to make some laws," remarked Aeacus smugly.

Persephone chuckled. "I'll gladly welcome the help then. Thank you," she said.

A tall lean figure stepped out of the portal beyond the massive doors. It was Hecate. "The portal is finally done," Hecate announced.

Persephone clapped her hands. "That's great," she said. "We can finally start designing the interior. Oh, these are the three judges who will be helping us with the laws and paperwork." Since Hecate's hair had been pulled back, she looked even more deadly and unapproachable. "This is Aeacus, Minos and Rhadamanthys."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Hecate," said Rhadamanthys. "I've read all about your discoveries and books on witchcraft. The one that covered the topic of celestial stars was phenomenal."

They all gaped at Rhadamanthys for speaking out first. Persephone certainly didn't expect this, but she damn well welcomed it. Finally, someone appreciated Hecate and approached her with kindness, instead of fear or doubt.

Hecate stumbled over her words because even she was taken aback. "Thank you, Rhadamanthys," she said.

"Why don't we all take a seat," said Persephone. "We can talk some more and get started on the law book."

Persephone finally eased up because the three judges were so open and comfortable around Hecate. She was so glad that they all got along and chose to be professional. Rhadamanthys was quite easy-going around the goddess- he even smiled and laughed with her.

Persephone noticed when she let out a deep breath of relief. She now realized how these three judges were able to become so close to Hades- who's actually very similar to Hecate with their threatening nature. They both came off cold and ruthless, but only because no one was able to look past their hard eyes and dark colour choices. Persephone understood that the judges looked past all that. They all made sure that the person they were talking to was comfortable, and only that way, would that person open up to them.

By the end of their long and hard work period, they not only finished the law book, but they also become friends with Hecate. Now, it was only her husband that needed to get off his high horse and spend some time with the goddess of witchcraft. She was sure that he would only find out that Hecate is exactly like him and stop his brooding.

It was getting late and she was sure that everyone would like to go to their homes for the night. Persephone was just about to dismiss everyone.

"My queen," a guard interrupted her.

Persephone lifted her head and noticed Dino standing stiffly. "What's wrong, Dino?" she asked.

"The king requests your presence in his chambers," said Dino.

Aeacus spoke up when everyone noticed her hesitation. "Go to him," he said. "We can handle it here."

"Thanks," she smiled. Persephone walked away calmly at first, but the growing interest for why her husband would call out for made her insanely inquisitive. She dashed the rest of the way. Down the halls and up the stairs to their room.

She burst through the doors. "Hades?" she called out, but there was no answer. All she found was Hades sitting on the couch with a piece of parchment in his hand. "Why'd you call for me?" she asked.

Hades frown was a clear sign that he wasn't happy. "I told you not to trust that woman."

Persephone stiffened by his venomous tone. He threw a letter on the table between them. She looked down at the wax seal that was as pale as the moon, which told her it was Hecate's seal. Persephone grabbed the letter and flipped it over.

"This is a letter Hecate wrote," she said.

"Look who she was sending it to," Hades grumbled harshly.

Her eyes trailed down and saw her mother's name at the bottom. "She was sending a letter to my mom?"

Hades clenched his teeth. "Didn't I say that Hecate was in league with Demeter."

"You intercepted her private letters?" asked Persephone with a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Hades put his hands on his waist. "All letters sent from the Underworld come through me first," he told her. "I just happened to come across Hecate's in particular. And be glad that I did, or else who knows what secrets she would have told Demeter."

Persephone took a deep breath. "That's a low blow, Hades. Even for you," she told him. "Hecate's a good woman. She would never sell us out like that because there is no reason to."

"Then why is she writing to Demeter?" asked Hades bitterly.

"Because they're friends," believed Persephone. She was appalled that Hades was so bitter towards a person who didn't do anything to him.

Hades laughed dryly. "You can't honestly believe-"

Persephone didn't even let Hades finish his sentence. She ripped open the envelope and pulled out the short letter inside.

Dear Demeter,

You asked me to check on you daughter and I did. She is well adjusted to her new home. In fact, she has flourished into a phenomenal goddess and an even better queen. Do not worry about your daughter so much, she's got this realm under control. And I think the loveliest thing I witnessed upon my arrival was Hades love for her. They make a strangely beautiful pair.

Sincerely, your friend Hecate

Persephone's heart sank when she read the letter aloud for both of them. "What did you make me do?" she felt sick for ripping open such a sweet letter that was innocent like the writer.

"Seph," Hades voice was a distant echo.

Persephone flopped the letter on the table again. "You will fix this," she glared at him. "You will apologize to Hecate and explain why her letter was opened without her consent-" Hades opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him- "I don't want to hear it," she said. "You were wrong Hades. And you made me question my trust that I had for a person."

"Seph," said Hades, "that's not what I meant to do and you know it. I didn't trust Hecate-"

"No Hades," she snapped. "You didn't trust me or my judgment." Persephone stalked out of the room without a second glance behind her. She was beyond furious and hurt that Hades continuously doubted her decision. This drew the line for her. Until Hades didn't make it right, she wasn't even going to look at him, because now, she couldn't face Hecate without feeling dishonourable.

-Hades POV-

Hades grabbed the letter he practically stole to prove he was right to Seph. And that plan completely backfired on him. He was too quick on his judgment and now Seph was furious with him. Hades read the letter over and over again because he couldn't believe how much he messed up. What hurt even more was that the letter actually defended him. Hecate supported his marriage with Seph. And if she were to find out about this, he was sure that Hecate would be angry and send a completely different letter next time.

Hades groaned. "You've really done it this time, Hades."

He got out of his seat and went after his wife first before anyone. He reached the orderly but chaotic space where Seph and Hecate were building Elysium.

"Who are those eyes searching for?" Mono asked with a grin.

Hades sighed despairingly. "Seph," he told him. "I messed up, Mono."

"Why do I always find you when you're in a lover's quarrel," remarked Mono.

"This was more than just a lover's quarrel," said Hades. "I made her really angry this time."

"Did she change into Kore?" asked Mono.

"What? No," answered Hades.

"Then you didn't ruin everything," Mono said easily.

Persephone walked out of the second room where she was with the three judges. She acknowledged Mono with a smile, but outright ignored Hades. It was like he was part of the dark and grim wall.

Mono laid his hand on Hades shoulder. "Never mind," he said. "You're screwed."

Hades raked his hair. "Where's Hecate?" he asked.

"Persephone dismissed everyone to rest for the night," said Mono. "We're all heading home. Hecate is probably back in her chambers as well."

Hades turned on his feet and made his way to Hecate with the open letter in his hand. When he reached her door, he knocked thrice and waited for an answer. Moments later, the door opened and Hecate stood lazily against the doorframe.

"This better be important if you're disturbing me this late," said Hecate with a yawn. Hades simply showed her the letter in his hand. She stiffened and opened the door to let him in. "Why do you have my letter?" she asked. "And it's open. I don't remember addressing that to you."

"I opened it because I was suspicious of you," said Hades bluntly.

Hecate sat on the chair and crossed her legs. "Is that so?"

"I thought you were going to tell Demeter some lies or secrets," he said. "And I couldn't let you do that."

"Okay," she sighed. "So, why are you telling me this now."

"Because I upset my wife," said Hades. "Seph trusted you, but I couldn't, and I made her choose between us. It was wrong of me to do that."

Hecate crossed her arms. "You upset her?" she raised a brow at him. "Where is she?"

"She's in our room, maybe," said Hades doubtfully. "I wanted to apologize for my behaviour, Hecate. Can you forgive me?"

Hecate's cherry lips lifted into a broad smile. "Persephone isn't going to forgive you, if I don't give my forgiveness first, right?"

Hades stiffly nodded. "But truthfully, I do feel guilty," he admitted. "I should have respected you more and given you more credit."

Hecate lifted her chin. "I accept your apology," she said.

Hades smiled. "Thank you," he said. He put her letter on the table. "Welcome to the Underworld, Hecate. This is a home to many great witches, demons, gods and I hope it becomes a home for you too."

"Thank you," said Hecate earnestly. "Now, get out. I need to sleep."

Hades chuckled. He left Hecate's chambers before he returned to his own in hope of finding Seph and making it up to her. But she was nowhere to be seen. Hades looked through every room and corner, but Seph definitely wasn't here. Hades didn't deem it wise to go looking for her all over the Underworld, although that's exactly what he felt like doing.

He took a seat on the lounge chair and waited...and waited...and waited. No one walked through the door in front of him. Everyone in his realm was fast asleep by now and everything had become so quiet. He tapped his fingers on his knees, but deep down, he understood that Seph wasn't coming back. He had finally done it. He drove her to the point where she left his side and it was entirely his fault.

Hades got to his feet. He couldn't stay in this room alone when it felt like it was closing down on him. Suddenly, the door opened. Hades gaped at the door, but it was just Voltron.

"What is it, Voltron?" asked Hades.

"The queen wanted me to inform you that she is fine and that she'll be working," the guard informed.

"Where?" asked Hades.

"She did not say," answered Voltron. "Would you like me to go find her?"

"No," said Hades. "You're dismissed for the night. Thank you."

Voltron bowed and left the room.

Hades relaxed a little when he heard this message. Even though Seph was upset with him, she still managed to send a guard to make sure he would worry too much about her. That was a good sign. With that thought in his head, he went to their bedroom and tried to sleep. But who was he kidding, the only reason he ever slept here was because of Seph. Hades wallowed away in the dark room, usually Seph would light the candles around the room because she absolutely adored how the light played with her flowers.

Hades tossed and turned for a good hour, when he gave up. Hades rolled out of bed and searched for Seph because he couldn't take it anymore. His first thought was to go to Elysium to look for her, but then he remembered that his wife was always most tranquil in her garden.

Hades flashed in front of the entrance of her garden and straightaway he felt her presence. Hades entered the garden without making a single sound. He saw his wife stretched out near the small pond, her back was against the trunk of a tree and she was sound asleep.

Hades sank down next to her. "Seph," he whispered. "Let's go to our chambers." She whimpered in her sleep. Hades knew that she was mad at him, but nothing was worse than her not being by his side, even if she resented him. He pulled off his cape and wrapped it around her to keep her warm. He carefully circled his arms under her knees and back and swiftly lifted her off the floor. He carried her to their room because that's where he needed her.

They entered their chambers. Hades took her to their bed and laid her down. He took off her gown with the flick of his hand and manifested the thin nightgown she always wore. Hades put the blanket over her body, but she didn't let go of his cape. He smiled before he got back into bed again. He snuggled close to his wife and noticed the tremendous difference from earlier. He was at peace with her near him and nothing could change that fact. Hades closed his eyes to the floral scent of his wife and her enticing warmth, which lulled him to sleep in seconds. 

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