Aeacus nodded, though his eyes returned to Persephone.
“Yes?” Hades asked, following Aeacus’ gaze.
“Is she well?”
“She seems to be.” Hades could not stop himself from lingering upon her face, relaxed in sleep.
“I have seen you walking together. Something she’d not been capable of when she first arrived here.”
Hades nodded. It was too soon to think of what she’d endured without rage and helplessness consuming him. But seeing her as she was, at ease, helped.
He turned, unrolling the scroll and spreading it flat upon the table. His eyes scanned the list.
“My lord Hades?” her voice was soft.
“Within,” he answered. He would not go to her, he would not further unman himself before Aeacus.
She joined them, smiling at Aeacus with warmth. As was her way.
“Good evening, Goddess.” Aeacus bowed low.
“Is it?” she asked, her brows rising.
To Hades’ eyes, she looked fragile, and lovely. He turned back to the scroll as she asked, “Have I slept the day away?”
“Sleep is best,” Aeacus offered, “when recovering from illness or injury. Or so my wife believed.”
He was aware of her every move. She moved closer to him, to his side. “Was she right?”
“I believe she was. Though I knew better than to praise her too regularly, for fear of increasing her self-importance.” Aeacus sighed, sounding amused. “But she was a good wife. A devoted mother.”
“And were you a noble husband?” Persephone asked. But Hades saw the panic on her face and the color on her cheeks. She did not wait for Aeacus’ answer, asking instead, “And these are your accounting?”
“Every soul’s story is recorded.” Aeacus paused. “Life’s deeds are weighed, each small thing tipping the scales one way or the other. So such records are necessary–”
“I believe you’ve called them tedious on more than one occasion,” Hades interrupted.
“Oh, they are that,” Aeacus assured him.
“But necessary,” Persephone prompted.
“You were blessed with Olympus’ favor,” Hades said.
Aeacus nodded.
“Tell me how, Aeacus,” Persephone urged. “Please. I’m very fond of stories. I would be delighted, and honored, to hear yours.”
Hades saw the indecision upon Aeacus’ face. When Aeacus glanced his way, Hades nodded his approval. “It is a good story, Aeacus. One worthy of being told.” He was aware of Persephone’s eyes upon him, but fixed his attention on the scroll once more. He’d been too unguarded in Aeacus’ presence. It was unfitting behavior for the one ruling the Underworld.
“It helps to be one of Zeus’ halflings,” Aeacus laughed.
Hades smiled. “It did not hurt.”
“He is… Zeus is your father?” Persephone asked, startled.
“Mine.” Aeacus nodded. “And many others.”
Hades glanced at Persephone. She looked surprised by this news. Perhaps Demeter had not revealed all of Olympus’ affairs to her young daughter. And yet, he knew Demeter had no qualms painting Poseidon a villain. For that, he was grateful.