She looked at Hermes, unable to stop the tears from spilling over. “What evil lies in the hearts of some? I cannot fathom it. That his own brother could…” She wiped the tears from her face.
“Rest assured, Persephone, he cares for you,” Hermes murmured.
Persephone gaze wandered from Hermes, then beyond him.
Hades approached, the scowl on his face growing when his gaze settled upon her.
She sniffed, wiping the tears from her cheeks. And still they fell. Seeing him, his stern face and formidable presence, her heart broke for him. How she longed to wrap her arms about him, to soothe the torment he surely still endured. His heart, though he might deny he had one, was strong and true. And she would honor him, if he would let her.
He stopped before her, the slightest crease of his brow revealing his concern. “What ails you, Persephone?”
She shook her head, unable to speak.
Hades looked at Hermes, the crease deepening. “Hermes?”
“Her side,” Hermes spoke quickly. “She said it pained her.”
Persephone glanced at Hermes. How easily he lied. Now Hades would worry over her, something he’d done enough of. But she could not refute Hermes, or share the truth. She feared Hades would set her further from him.
“You need rest.” Hades’ blue-black eyes swept her face, stirring both her delight and guilt. He moved forward and swung her into his arms.
She swallowed, wrapping her arms about his neck and gazing at him. If she were able, she would right his past and erase such suffering.
“It’s too soon to send her back yet, Hades,” Hermes said. “Let it be, for now. She’s not ready for such a journey. I will take her home soon enough.”
Persephone glanced back and forth between them. “Is that why you’re here, Hermes? To take me home?” Her voice trembled. She turned tear-filled eyes back to Hades. “Are you so eager to be rid of me?”
Hades face hardened, but he nodded once. “You do not belong here.”
She began to cry in earnest, not bothering to cover her face.
Hades set off, carrying her to the house with long
strides.
“She is overwrought.” Hermes was smiling. Persephone could hear it in his voice. “I will call again soon. Rest easy, Persephone.”
She sniffed. Why was Hermes smiling? Why had he assured her that Hades cared for her? He wanted her to leave. She sobbed.
“Shh,” Hades soothed.
She looked up at him, hiccupping.
His words slipped over her, his tone stirring her. “Be brave, Persephone.” He glanced down at her, his face stricken.
Perhaps he did care for her, but was it enough? Her tears continued as she stared at him. She loved the line of his jaw, loved the sweep of his brow above his blue-black eyes. Even knowing he meant to send her home, his presence eased her. Oh, how she would miss him, everything about him, when she was sent away.
They reached his room, hers now, and he set her on her feet. She moved from him, leaving the room to stand on the balcony. She wiped her face, wishing the tears away. If he wanted her to leave, she should go. Even if she did not want to go....
Her name was a rough whisper. “Persephone?”
She turned to him, and forgot to breathe.
All of her dreams, smoothing the crease from his brow, crawling into his lap and sweeping his midnight curls from his forehead, would go unfulfilled if he sent her away. And she would never enjoy the feel of his lips upon her, offer him the comfort of her arms, or the love of her body.
“Are you well?” He came to stand before her, his eyes searching hers.
She blinked. “I know not.”