Oceanus port was more beautiful than Lexi's imagination had envisioned, and she took in its majesty as music wafted up to serenade her arrival. It was a classical piece, played by a quartet of musicians. She recognized it as something Hades played on his violin. The dock extended the length of the chasm, which was now filled with water as well as several large vessels, and glowing lanterns decorated the rafters and the pier, which reminded Lexi of the holidays. Had they been part of Hades' surprise?

Every seat was taken by elegantly-attired gods, and Cronus' regal form took up residence in the center of it all, clad in a white robe and gold sash. The picture-perfect master of ceremonies, but Lexi's gaze was focused on the handsome god dressed in Armani. Along with his sleek, black suit, Hades wore an adoring smile, which never left his face as he waited for her, his eyes twinkling as brightly as the lanterns.

Blythe hopped off the chariot first, laden with the weight of Lexi's daughter, and the nymph extended her hand to help Lexi out, but Lexi didn't need the help. She was walking on air. It was a skill she had been working on.

"It is a fine day for a wedding, my lady." Blythe gestured toward the sky of Olympus, which now bathed the underworld in sunlight through a gaping hole in the mountain.

"It is a perfect day for a wedding, Blythe," Lexi said. "And I am marrying the perfect mate."

Sella and Ely stepped off the chariot, and Lexi was escorted to the dock by her precious children and beloved nymphs. A figure suddenly broke away from the throng of gods to hurry toward them. It was Odessa, dressed in a blue damask gown with a plunging neckline and fitted waist. It had Aphrodite written all over it. Zeus quickly caught up with Odessa and escorted her the rest of the way.

Although Lexi's attention was initially drawn to her grinning friend, it was swiftly diverted to her father as he strode confidently up to her. Despite his attempt to look formidable, she had no trouble reading the softness in his eyes. There were no storms brewing. Thank, Gaia.

"You are the picture of beauty, Lexi," Zeus said as he made a show of bowing formally in front of her. "You are worthy of the title of queen. Hades is behaving like a nervous groom. I had a nymph bring him a sedative of scotch."

"I don't want a drunk groom," Lexi said through a forgiving smile.

Odessa took the opportunity to place a chaste kiss on Lexi's cheek. "Thank you for speaking with me this morning. It made a world of difference. All is well with Poseidon and me."

"I am very happy for you, Odessa." Lexi offered her sincerest smile, but she was quite distracted by her lover as he continued to wait patiently for her on the dock.

It wasn't until Lexi glanced past Hades' head that she noticed Rhea's bier set up on a table behind him. The sheer curtain cloaked the body as it billowed enchantingly in the ocean breeze, but no one would mistake it for anything other than what it was - an open-air sarcophagus. Hades had mentioned nothing about sharing their wedding vows with Rhea's undead body, and Lexi wondered if he had been surprised by it as well. She chose to let it go. Her wedding party was waiting to escort her to her beloved, and she refused to focus on anything but him.

The music changed to something resembling a wedding march, but more melodic than the mortal version, and Hades reached out to her as she drew close. After placing a quick kiss to both of her babies' heads, her escorts dispersed and Lexi came to stand in front of Hades. Odessa took her place behind Lexi, while Zeus remained planted in front of them, standing opposite Cronus. With an authoritative glance at the assembled guests, Zeus had everyone quiet within seconds.

"You were probably not expecting to receive my blessing so readily," Zeus said, his voice coming over more subdued than boisterous. "But I have given the matter a good deal of thought, and I cannot think of another couple who better represents the virtues of commitment than you two. You are an inspiration to us all."

Zeus surprised Lexi by leaving his speech at that and taking his place next to Poseidon, who stood in front of Rhea's bier. Between the two, their bulky frames nearly blocked the body from Lexi's view, which she was grateful for.

"You are more radiant than the sun, Lexi," Hades said, drawing her back into the depths of his golden eyes.

"Your love is what fuels me," she offered as she gave his hand a squeeze.

Cronus cleared his throat, and Lexi caught a sentimental smile on his face before he switched to his stately posture. "Thank you, gathered guests for joining us today as we bear witness to this god and goddess who are entering into marriage," he began. "A ceremony such as this typically commences with a reading of a love poem written by one of our many gifted poets. Given that Hades is one of them, he has written a special piece for the occasion, which will be followed by something Lexi has written for him."

Hades' eyes had taken on a sheen as he reached out to Lexi's face, caressing a curl where it rested against her cheek. He drank her in, making her the sole object of his gaze, and Lexi's heart fluttered like a dozen birds had been released inside her chest.

"The days have never been more splendid

And the nights never so warm

Your brilliance lights my way

A light to chase away the storm

Now that you are here with me, eternity does not seem long enough

To you, Alexandra, I pledge my undying love

And I promise to always provide a horizon for you to rise above."

Lexi was grateful for the brevity of his sonnet. Moisture was already threatening to ruin the fine makeup Blythe had applied to her eyes, and she felt a lump swelling in her throat. No man could move her like Hades. Fearing she would not be able to repeat her own vows without blubbering, she hurried to deliver her message to him, although she felt it paled in comparison to his florid poetry.

"I was in the dark before you brought me into the light

I had been hungry until you offered me freshly baked bread smothered in butter

You showed me how to ride the waves when I had only been skimming the surface

There is no other who lifts me to the heights you do

And I feel my feet will never touch the ground again

I am eternally yours, Hades, body and soul."

A collective sigh erupted from the seats, but Lexi barely heard the sound. She was listening to her pounding heart as she stared into the face of her true love, and as Cronus finished the ceremony, giving Hades license to kiss his bride, all Lexi thought about was Hades' arms as they wrapped around her waist and his lips as they pressed against her mouth. In fact, she was so lost in the moment, she didn't notice Zeus taking Cronus' place until he cleared his throat. Apparently, his speech was not over.

"I would like to be the first to congratulate you both, and wish you a long, joyous partnership. With that said, I have an announcement of my own, and I wish to make it in front of this fine assembly."

Lexi had no idea what Zeus had on his mind, and Hades appeared just as bewildered, but they both obliged him while continuing to hold onto each other in a possessive embrace.

"Hades, I first want to address you," Zeus said. "I have been a terrible brother. I should have taken more interest in the underworld, treating it with reverence rather than condemning it and you with it. I ask now for your forgiveness, but I do not require it to pledge my support to you. I simply wish to put all the unpleasantness behind us and move forward in alliance."

Lexi watched Hades as he listened to Zeus' apology. She knew Hades had lost respect for Zeus after the incident on Mabon, and for many days afterward he refused to acknowledge Zeus' existence. Now, as the brothers stood face to face, Lexi saw the affection return.

"You and I have been through a great deal, Zeus, both good and bad," Hades offered. "I believe we are stronger together rather than apart. Here is to restored alliances."

Zeus grinned and slapped Hades on the back. "Excellent. Now that you and I have come to agreeable terms, I have more to say, but it involves your wife, who of course, is also my precious offspring." Zeus looked at Lexi, replacing his grin with a more subdued, almost sorrowful expression. "Lexi, you have surpassed all my expectations in grace, intelligence, and power. And I credit your power not to your godly gifts, but to your humility and unfailingly kind heart. In this regard, you are more powerful than I. You have also gained the love and respect of your elders, which is saying something in Olympus, believe me."

Zeus took a moment to survey the gods sitting in their chairs. Every set of eyes were on him. The silence was deafening. When he seemed satisfied with his audience's attentiveness, he continued.

"The gods have carried out their lives by heeding signs of grace as well as ominous warnings, and, apparently, I need to be struck by lightning to see when it is time to take heed. Clearly, I am no good at it, based on my desperate attempts to ignore Gaia's divine prophecies, but in my obstinance, Gaia has taught me a valuable lesson in humility."

Zeus pulled a gold box from his robe no larger than his hand, and Lexi scrutinized it. Although the piece appeared ancient, it was clear a loving hand had kept it polished, and she detected a faint clicking sound emanating from inside. There were two small cranks protruding from either end, which reminded Lexi of a jewelry box, and she watched as Zeus pinched a small clasp, opening a hinged door to reveal a labyrinth of gears rotating methodically.

"This is an antikythera. A calendar, if you will. It was my father's during his rule over Olympus. I inherited it after the war." Zeus glanced at Cronus, who stood rooted to his spot, looking as if he were seeing the piece after it had gone missing for a long time. "I have no staff of power or crown to relinquish to my successor," Zeus pressed on. "There is only this symbol of our eternity here, which I pass on to you now and surrender my rights as ruler of the city of Olympus and its worthy inhabitants. I give it all to you, Lady Alexandra."

Lexi's mouth lowered but she caught herself before it fell completely open. She had not expected a speech like this to come from her imperious father, especially on her wedding day. Was it part of Gaia's prediction that Lexi would not have to conquer Zeus to succeed him? "I know how difficult this must be for you, Zeus, and I understand why you're doing it, but don't you think we should have a formal vote on the matter?"

Zeus chuckled. "As judicious as always, even when you are being handed the keys to two kingdoms. Allow me to convince you further. While I have made many close friends, I have earned just as many enemies. I once believed this was the consequence of ruling a kingdom, but you have shown me that a benevolent leader should have no enemies. He or she should be a champion for everyone. I think we can all agree you have proven your ability to do this beyond all doubt."

He gestured to the assembled wedding guests where heads were nodding in agreement, although many wore expressions of shock. Lexi glanced at Rhea's bier, wishing the kindly goddess were there to share in the moment and offer her advice. Lexi had not been prepared to take the throne so quickly. Certainly, not on her wedding day. She needed more time, and she also had a condition that was non-negotiable.

Lexi turned to Hades, reading his expression without even trying. It was not shock that caused his skin to pale and the light in his eyes to dim. It was sorrow, and she damn sure wasn't going to have her husband feeling unhappy on a day that should be his happiest. Lexi addressed everyone when she said her piece.

"I am marrying the man of my dreams, vowing to stay with him for eternity. I do not think it would be gracious or intelligent to accept a position of such importance when it would take me away from my mate. You said it yourself, Zeus. Our commitment to each other is an inspiration."

Zeus assumed his commanding stance, although his wrinkled brow told her he was struggling to express himself. "Might I suggest, if you accepted the position, you would have the power to request that your beloved accompany you in whichever locale you choose to be in. Your duties in Olympus will not require you to be there every moment of every day, and now that the shore of Olympus is not far away..." Zeus waved his arm at the endless blue ocean just beyond the rocks. "...your journey will be a short one. I believe it was Gaia who said unity comes from the balance of light and dark, death and rebirth. In my mind, it is because of your union that our worlds have been reunited. You are both strong in your own right, but together you are indomitable."

A hush fell over the entire port, and Lexi took a moment to read the faces of her peers seated around the dock. There was not a single one she didn't consider a friend, and each one was smiling, but none compared to the smile on Hades' face. His skin flushed with his godly gift as he displayed his radiance for all to witness, although his fiery gaze was just for her. Poseidon began to clap, and Kade joined him. One by one, gods and goddesses stood from their chairs, applauding and chanting various epithets. There was no stopping the tears for anyone.

Amid the noise and distractions, Lexi's attention was drawn to a ghostly figure approaching the bier. Rhea had made it to the wedding, and she was gesturing to Lexi excitedly. Did she want to give it another go?