He laughed.
“What other news? Hades spoke of a great battle, one that might end war with the Persians?”
Hermes nodded. “The war will end soon enough, though man’s fickle nature will see another soon enough.”
“Is it man’s nature alone that’s fickle, Hermes?” she teased.
He shook his head.
“And Greece? Athens?” she asked.
“Greece lost many sons, but will recover. Athens was burned and looted, forcing all Athenians to flee. Yet they work tirelessly to rebuild. Even now, Athens rises from the ashes, a white city. Athena will build the grandest temple in all of Greece, or so she’s declared, to remind Athens of their victory and survival.”
“How did Poseidon take such a proclamation?” She suspected she knew the answer.
“He had no objection,” Hermes said with a shrug. “But his mischief sometimes takes some time to reveal itself.”
She nodded. “How fares my mother?”
“She misses you.” Hermes’ face grew pained, but he smiled suddenly. “She will be pleased to see you return to her.”
Persephone sighed. “Soon, I would imagine.”
“You don’t sound pleased?”
She glanced at Hermes, admitting, “I will miss him.”
Hermes was silent as they walked across the fields.
“I would stay with him, Hermes. I love him so.” She stopped, forcing him to look at her as she asked, “Does he have no affection for me?”
Hermes glanced at her. “You know why he keeps himself from you?”
She looked at him, confused.
“He was married.”
Persephone turned to him, her heart in her throat.
“Many years ago, mind you. She was a mortal. I remember little about her. She was cruel to him, refusing to come here, to his realm.”
“Why?” How could a woman turn from Hades?
“She cared for another.” Hermes grew somber. “You know of Hades’… fondness for Poseidon?”
“But… but Hades is his brother.” She could hardly speak the words.
“Poseidon is…” Hermes fell silent, shrugging. “Poseidon.”
“Poseidon was pardoned?” She stared at Hermes, feeling an angry flush steal over her.
“Hades wanted it forgotten. Their reign was new. He knew the importance of harmony and balance.” Hermes shook his head. “He, above all others, holds to his responsibility.”
She could not speak. Did she dare to tempt him now? He was wary and cautious of his heart, with good reason. To be rejected by one’s love was devastating, but to be betrayed by one’s wife and brother?
She forced the words from her lips. It made a difference. “Did he love her?”
Hermes looked at her. “I cannot know. As I said, it was long ago. Surely, his pride was wounded, for his word is a vow. And she broke their vows, in every way possible.”