Hermes countered, “She would be easy to love.”
“If one was given to such emotions, perhaps.”
Hermes chuckled. “Ah, I see. You want her, then?”
Hades glared at Hermes, but said nothing.
Did he want her? The memory of her pressed against him made him burn. Even now his hands ached to cup and stoke her. It was answer enough. He could hardly deny Hermes’ query, but neither would he answer it outright.
“She would have you,” Hermes continued. “It was plain upon her face. She would welcome you, I doubt it not.”
Hades shook his head, ignoring the yearning Hermes’ words stirred. “Have you followed me out of curiosity, Hermes? Or were you sent to me on some errand?”
Hermes regarded him, sighing deeply as he spoke. “Zeus bid me give you this. You left too swiftly. Now I see why.”
Hades took the scroll Hermes offered. He opened it, reading the missive with growing amazement.
“He thought it would please you, as reward or payment. You acted wisely, releasing one of Athens’ finest to fight anew. All of Olympus agrees.”
“This is how he chooses to repay me?” Hades asked, astonished. “To slake my pleasures with a maid of my choosing? In Aphrodite’s pleasure chamber? I was satisfied with their thanks. I need no more. And I want none of this.”
Hermes’ gaze did not waver, though he took on a thoughtful expression. “How long has it been?”
He turned his most forbidding scowl upon the young messenger. “It will never be that long.”
Hermes spoke haltingly. “You may be the Underworld’s lord, but you’ve a man’s passions…”
Hades rolled the scroll back up and handed it back to Hermes. “You may return this with my thanks. I have no appetites for such companionship. He would be wise to bestow such a gift on one more appreciative.”
“Some are worried, Hades. It’s unnatural, this isolation you insist upon.”
“This is worrisome? That I am ruled by discipline, not lust?”
“What of companionship?”
He felt loneliness, but it was tolerable. “I have enough.”
Hermes regarded him with wide-eyed wonder. “You could petition Demeter and Zeus. You might have her yet, Hades… Persephone, I mean.”
“She cannot want that.” He shook his head, wishing he’d not spoken at all. He bit off the rest, furious for his slip. “No. I will not have her. Ever.”
“Why? You are a loyal mate. I know of none on Olympus as faithful to his wife as you…”
Hades moved swiftly, grabbing the front of Hermes’ cloak to silence him. “Do not speak of her.” He pressed the scroll into Hermes’ hand and shoved him away. “Take it and go. Paint me as you will to those on Olympus, but have a care, Hermes.” He’d said too much already, so he continued. “Leave Persephone’s name from their minds and ears. The thou
ght of corrupting her would be too sweet a temptation for some.”
“You speak of Poseidon?”
He paused, speaking with care. “She is innocent. She is, by all appearance in word and deed, gentle and good. It is as you told the lady’s mother; Persephone’s heart deserves tender care.”
Hermes studied him. “I will pass your message on to Zeus, with your thanks and nothing more.”
Hades clasped Hermes’ forearm in parting. Would Hermes keep silent? Could he? If tonight was revealed, it would be Persephone that suffered for it. He would spare her that. He would keep her as she was, with sparkling eyes and joyous laughter.
###
Persephone heard her mother’s arrival, heard the front door closing and the murmur of voices. Demeter wasn’t alone then, a small relief. If they had company, her mother would be distracted and less likely to notice her mood. Assuming her transformation was a visible thing.