And no doubt about it, something had changed within her. She twisted the wool, humming as she did so, hoping the joy in her heart was safely hidden.
“Let that be the last Council meeting for some time. I tire of such… episodes,” Demeter was speaking.
“As do I, Demeter.” Hermes’ voice joined her mother’s, causing her smile to widen. Hermes was a teller of tales and a friend to her.
“Too much ambrosia or too little?” she called out to them.
She heard Hermes laugh, heard him as he made his way to her in the courtyard. “Neither. The Persians were the meat and drink of this night.” He paused, smiling down at her. “What have you occupied yourself with this long night, songbird?”
Persephone felt her cheeks warm, but she smiled easily enough. She knew she’d be smiling for days to come, this night promised that. “A new eplibema for Myrinne, I think.”
“Your fingers will chafe, child.” Demeter joined them, shaking her head. “You’ve been at it since I left.”
Hermes took her hands and looked at her fingers. He winked at her, startling her. “I think they are chafed, indeed. Come, talk with us, Persephone. The Council was not all gloom and strategy.” He pulled her along with him.
Demeter sprawled upon her kline and leaned back, relaxing against the couch’s thick cushions with a sigh. “Truly, Hermes? I found the talk of nothing but gloom and strategy.”
Hermes released Persephone, offering her a padded stool to sit. She did, waiting to hear Hermes’ rendition of their meeting.
“Come now, Demeter,” he spoke, laughing. “Surely Persephone would have interest in the events prior to Zeus’ arrival?”
Persephone turned to her mother and watched with piqued curiosity as her mother’s brown eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Ah, I see you remember now.” Hermes flopped onto the floor, lounging comfortably. “You were the topic of discussion, Persephone.”
“I?” She turned from her mother, her curiosity mounting.
“Your mother is determined to find you only the finest of husbands,” he began.
“You’re a shameless cad, Hermes.” Demeter chastised him half-heartedly, smiling all the while.
“So mother was pressing you to marry me?” Persephone shook her head. “Again?”
Hermes nodded. “When Poseidon ventured in.”
Demeter scowled once more. “And demanded to know who I would have Hermes woo.”
“Oh.” Persephone bit her lip. She’d never met Poseidon. She had no desire to ever meet him.
Hermes smiled easily. “But Hades was sharp.”
His name slipped softly from her, making her wince. “Hades?”
Hermes’ gaze was fixed upon her. “Yes, Hades. He was quick to spare you. As Poseidon had not heard your name mentioned in your mother’s plot, Hades led him on a completely different trail.”
“It was rather gallant of him.” Demeter nodded. “Surprisingly so.”
Persephone shot a look at her mother, displeased by this disparaging remark. She turned back to find Hermes watching her.
“It is not such a surprise,” Hermes assured them.
She blinked. Why was Hermes watching her so closely? Or was he? Mayhap it was her guilt leading her mind astray.
Hermes continued, “He’s not the monster all would believe him to be.”
She grew uncomfortable under his gaze. “But why would Hades do such a thing?”
“Because of Poseidon,” Demeter spoke softly.