Her hands trailed along the tall grass as she went, listening closely.
He would come this way. The grass had seen him many times, this was his path.
She walked on, her fingers stroking the grass as she went. She smiled, encouraging the shoots an inch taller with her simple touch.
It was sunset when she made her way to the crossroads.
She touched the base of a towering fig tree, seeking answers. He would pass beneath the trees branches, it assured her. She rubbed her hand over the smooth bark, watching the leaves green and plump at her touch.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
The tree entreated her up into its branches for safety. Hades was not the only man who traveled this road. She climbed high, settling amongst the sturdy branches until he arrived.
Mayhap she’d missed him. Mayhap he was already there? But the tree told her he had not traveled this way in many weeks…
Her heart thundered wildly. Then I shall wait a bit. If he does not come, I will retire before the sun.
Chapter Four
The chargers flew, their heavy hooves tossing up earth in their wake. Hades held the reins loosely, giving the horses their head. They had been too long confined and found their newfound freedom exhilarating.
He smiled, savoring the simple joy of racing with them. Faster they went, galloping across the plains without pause. They hugged the base of the mountain, and tore across a wheat field. As they drew close to the main road, he gripped the reins more firmly.
He sighed, straightening his shoulders and tightening the length on the reins. The horses resisted, as did he. But they eventually responded to his hand upon them, slowing to a slight trot.
Orphnaeus shied suddenly, the massive black horse turning into his three running partners in his move to get away. Hades drew the team up, searching for the cause of his stallion’s distress.
Then he saw her. She was sitting in the tree, her foot dangling from the limb.
And he felt Orphnaeus’ urge to flee, too.
She’d tortured him most sweetly. Every day since their meeting he’d forced her from his thoughts. She was a Goddess, virtuous and protected by both Demeter and Zeus alike. No good could come from this fascination. He wanted none of it.
That the memory of her voice found him to whisper his name, that he could still feel the silken touch of her hand upon his arm, meant nothing.
She meant nothing. She would never mean anything to him. He would not allow it.
And yet his eyes lingered on her, hungrily taking in every inch of her.
Damn her. Damn her copper locks and dazzling eyes. Damn her round curves, her welcoming smile… and damn the slight ankle that dandled before him, swinging back and forth playfully.
Damn her for such beauty.
“You came.” Her voice startled the animals anew, making them rear and whinny. “I am sorry,” she said as she slipped from her perch to the ground.
“No.” He jerked the reins sharply, knowing his team would mow her down without thought.
But the four grew still, blowing hard with ears pricked forward. They made no move against her.
“No?” she asked, standing beside the horses, fearless. Her brow rose. “You didn’t come? But… but you are here, sir.”
Hades stared at her, exasperated and enchanted all at once. He found nothing fitting to say, so he said nothing.
She smiled, a blinding sight to one who was seldom in the sun’s light. “What a team you have. So fine and proud,” she whispered to the horses, extending her hand to Aethon.
Before he could utter a warning, the horse snorted into her hand.
Persephone laughed as Aethon lowered his nose to her touch.