She stared at him, feeling close to tears once more. It would be easier if she could hold his hand. She swallowed, looking at his white knuckled grip upon the reins. She knew, no matter how much she might want his strength, that she must stand alone now. He cared for her, she knew that. But not as she wanted. His love, if any existed, had no roots. While hers were deep, connecting him to her always.
“Tell me,” she whispered as they drew to t
he towering golden doors of the Council Chamber. “If I were not Persephone…”
He scowled. “No more. Hear these words, Persephone, and know that I mean them. You do not belong with me, in my realm, at my side, in my bed or my heart. My life is without you. And yours is without me. When I leave here, know that I wish you well. But I will not think on you anymore.” His eyes bore into hers, revealing nothing more to her.
If he’d struck her she wondered if the pain would be less. When her flesh had been torn, had it hurt as much? She closed her eyes, ending the torture his gaze inflicted upon her.
She managed to turn, managed to step down from the chariot… but her knees threatened to buckle then. She felt his arms come about her, but held her hands out, warding him away. She would not look at him.
“No,” she gasped, fearing the power of his touch. “I am fine.”
She steadied herself, resting one hand on Aethon’s flank. Each breath was excruciating, but she forced the air into her lungs, forced herself to climb the steps. He was there, pushing the doors wide. She had time to see the detailed carvings, a picture story wrought into the golden surface.
And then she saw her mother.
Demeter ran, lifting her tunic to fly across the chamber and pulling her into her arms. Persephone turned in to her mother’s neck, burying her face against the familiar scent, the warm softness… And fought the urge to sob.
Demeter shook, her sobs overtaking her.
“Shh, Mother,” Persephone soothed. “I am well. And returned to you.”
She peered over her mother’s shoulder. Hades stood, his strong profile illuminated by the torch flames. So beautiful… so cold.
Demeter’s hands cupped her face, pulling back as she spoke. “You are. You are here, in my arms. Something I feared might never again happen.” She pulled Persephone close once more, squeezing her.
“We welcome you,” a voice boomed, demanding her attention.
Demeter’s hold loosened, though she gripped her hand. “Persephone,” her mother gasped, wiping the tears from her face. “Welcome to Olympus.”
Persephone blinked, blinded by the auras of so many. She knew them, recognized them from the stories her mother and Hermes… and Hades had told her. She’d seen Aphrodite… She steadied herself, remembering Hades’ warning.
“You are most welcome,” Zeus – Persephone knew it was Zeus – took her hands in his.
She smiled, a small smile, and glanced at her mother. She felt lost. And her pain… pain pressed upon her. “Thank you.”
He smiled, flashing white teeth and a charming dimple. His brown hair was cropped short, as was his beard and mustache. His eyes were brown, like her mother’s. Rich and warm.
“And you,” Demeter spoke again, the passion in her voice surprising Persephone. But her mother was looking at Hades, her face trembling with emotion. “You…”
“You are once more a hero, brother.” Zeus clapped Hades on the back.
Persephone clasped her hands behind her back to steady herself. She looked at him then, saw the widening of his eyes, the slight furrow of his brow before it was gone. His face revealed nothing.
“While I am once more the villain.” This was Poseidon, then.
Side by side, she could see the resemblance amongst brothers. All were dark, though Hades was darkest. Where his eyes were blue-black, Poseidon’s were the palest blue. All were tall, broad, and handsome. But he, Hades, was the only one she would happily look upon…
“You will forgive me?” Poseidon stood before her, one eyebrow arched. His face was the picture of regret and sincerity.
She stared at him, blinking fiercely. She’d never wanted to hit someone before, ever. It was not in her nature to inflict injury, to malign or degrade a being. But, looking into his eyes, knowing what he’d done to Hades… to her, she thought she might be able to make an exception. She turned to her mother, then Zeus. “Must I forgive him?”
Demeter’s eyes were round, but the smile upon her face was greatly amused. “Persephone…”
“No,” Hades spoke. His voice remained cool and aloof, his eyes fixed upon Poseidon.
“Come now, brother. You cannot believe I would wish such events to take place?” Poseidon’s smile was tight and his eyes narrowed. “Persephone, you know little of me. But I can assure you I’d not meant you any ill will…”