“Regardless of those things, I want you to know that I bear no ill toward you at all. I would like nothing more than to enjoy a healthy relationship with you. There is enough drama in the world without creating it when it is unnecessary, don’t you agree?”
I could see Persephone’s buxom chest, clad in tight gold satin, rising and falling as she quickly breathed. As she gained control of her emotions, it slowed. And finally, she spoke.
“I would like nothing more as well. It appears that you will be here for a while, if not forever. It would make things easier if we got along.”
“Agreed.” I stared at her, almost daring her to look away first. She did not. We stared into each other’s eyes for an uncomfortably long time, before I finally smiled.
“I hear that you are putting together a feast for me this evening. I greatly appreciate that and I hope that you haven’t gone to any trouble.”
“You are my husband’s daughter and a true princess of the Underworld,” Persephone sniffed. “It is no trouble.”
She and my father had a very strange relationship. She knew of his dalliances and she had her own, yet they were as loyal to each other as two people could possibly be in every other way but sexual. And they loved each other fiercely. I knew that if I proved worthy and true, her loyalty would eventually extend to me.
She smiled back at me and offered me a hand. An olive branch, so to speak, a very tenuous olive branch. I took it and stepped out of the tub, dripping scented water on the marble. Persephone wrapped a soft towel around my shoulders.
“You have a wedding to ready for,” she said knowingly. “And I have just the jewels for you to wear. They will look stunning with your gray eyes. Will you be wearing white?”
I hadn’t thought of it, to be honest. But I did want to look beautiful for Brennan. Theoretically, we would only be getting married once. I should wear white. I nodded.
“Perfect,” Persephone nodded. “You will be lovely. Just let me bring you the jewels. I’ll be back in a moment.”
She slipped out and I toweled my hair dry. I briefly wondered where Brennan was, but didn’t worry too much. We were in a strange new world now, one where everything was backward from the way it used to be. We were safe in the Underworld. Hades was an alliance. He was on our side and he needed me as much as we needed him. Plus, he was my father. That was a fact that I hadn’t allowed myself to think on just yet. Not really. But soon enough, I would have to sort out my feelings on that matter.
For now, I concentrated on making myself as beautiful as possible for my wedding.
I envisioned the most beautiful wedding gown I had ever seen, a long, flowing silken creation with thousands of pearls and iridescent beading and a simple train. It was slightly off the shoulder with an open back that reached the very small of my own. I pictured it clearly in my head and instantly I was wearing it.
The silk was butter soft against my skin and looked lovely against my dark hair. The beading glittered in the light of the candles and I found myself twisting my arm to make them sparkle.
Simone returned and sat me in front of her, patiently twisting and curling my hair into an elaborate up-do piled on top of my head. Wispy tendrils escaped from the front and framed my face and when she was finished, I gasped at the reflection in the mirror. I honestly did look stunning.
And I didn’t care for myself. In fact, I could scarcely care less. But I wanted to be beautiful for Brennan. I wanted him to remember this night forever, no matter what we would have to face in the future. He deserved that and so much more.
Persephone re-entered my bedchambers carrying a velvet box of jewels and a glass bottle with an ornate ruby stopper.
“I’ve brought jewelry and the most beautiful fragrance oil you’ve ever smelled,” she announced. “It was a gift from Hera a long time ago. The perfume oil conforms to the woman who is wearing it, creating an exquisite, unique scent for each who wears it.”
She dabbed some at my neck, cleavage and wrists and I had to admit that she was right. I drew my wrists to my nose and inhaled. I smelled…ethereal. Beautiful. I smelled like the loveliest of night-blooming flowers, which suited me completely. I was a creature of the night.
Persephone dipped her head in and sniffed at me, nodding. “See? I told you.”
She opened her velvet box and withdrew a sparkling, chunky amethyst necklace and draped it around my neck. It was elaborate, which perfectly offset the simplicity of my dress. As I stared into the mirror, I found that the deep purple stones seemed to bring out small purplish flecks in my eyes. I hadn’t even known those purple flecks were there, but Persephone had noticed. She was very perceptive.
She fastened the matching bracelet on my left wrist and I left my moonstone on my right. She didn’t question it so I assumed that she already knew what it was and the importance of it. The earrings were the last touch and then she turned me to face the mirror. I was a vision in white, I could honestly say that without any conceit. While white usually washed out pale people, it went perfectly with my dark hair and gray eyes. My cheeks were unusually flushed, my eyes sparkled. I would do. I would make a fitting bride for Brennan.
“You’re beautiful, princess,” Simone whispered to me. She seemed in awe and dropped in a low bow. I smiled and grabbed her elbow, pulling her back upright.
“Thank you,” I told her. Turning to Persephone, I asked, “What time is dinner?”
“Directly following the ceremony,” she answered, reaching around to tuck a stray piece of my hair into the updo. Strange how an hour ago she was threatening to rip out my heart and now she was doing my hair.
“I still would do it,” she replied to my thought. “If you ever hurt Hades.”
I shook my head at the absurdity of the situation and changed the subject.
“What time is the ceremony?”
Persephone looked at me like I was insane. “When you get there, of course,” she answered. “We cannot start without the bride.”
“Do you know where Brennan is?” I asked her uncertainly. She laughed.
“Do you think that he ran away after all of this?”
I shook my head. “No. But I just haven’t seen him in a few hours.”
“He went to get your ring. He should be back by now.”
“My ring?” I was a goddess. I didn’t need a ring.
Persephone read my thought. “It was his mother’s, I believe, and it means a great deal to him.”
Warmth flooded my heart. Of course. Brennan was just that sweet that he would want to honor his mother on our wedding day. And honor me, too, by offering me his mother’s ring. I was suddenly overcome with love for him and couldn’t wait to see him.
I made a beeline for the door and Persephone followed suit. I could hear the rustle of her silk dress behind me as she hurried to keep up. I knew that she wanted to see Brennan’s face when he saw me. I didn’t care about that. I just wanted to see Brennan’s face.
As I flew through the halls of Hades’ palace, I blurred into superhuman speed. I was on the ground floor within a minute and out the back terrace doors that led to the gardens within a few seconds more.
Hades was standing there amid the flowers, vines and fountains. He was drinking from a one of the fountains, from a nondescript metal cup. He looked up when I approached and I saw the appreciation on his face.
“You look beautiful, Em,” he acknowledged, setting the cup back down on the stone. “Truly, you are a vision.”
“Thank you, Hades. The terrace looks beautiful, as well.”
And it did. I had never been out here before, but I had to imagine that the twinkling lights that were strung above our heads and the hundreds of paper lanterns were put here specifically for my impromptu wedding. It was a beautiful setting and it was absent of only one thing.
My future husband.
I turned to Hades, and he was speaking before I could even form the question.
“He’ll be back soon, Empusa. He is simply getting you a gift.
A ring, I believe. It’s a mortal tradition, but it is an endearing one. We need a moment alone, anyway, you and I.”
“We do?” I asked curiously. “Has something happened while I was in my rooms?”
Hades shook his head. “No. Zeus will carefully plan his attack. It will be awhile. It will give us time to plan, as well. No, what I have to speak with you about involves Brennan.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“And we need to talk about what will happen to Brennan here in the Underworld while he is separated from the light of the sun.”
My breath froze in my throat. Because while it was so obvious and simple, it was a problem that hadn’t occurred to me yet. There was no sunlight in the Underworld. And Brennan needed it to survive.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“I’m such an idiot,” I murmured. “I didn’t think of that. I should have, but I didn’t. Of course we can’t stay here. He needs the sun.”
I pivoted and rushed for the doors, but Hades flashed ahead of me and blocked the way.
“Empusa, it isn’t the end of the world. We can work around it.”
“How?” I asked dubiously. “There is no sunlight here and Brennan needs it. We can’t stay here without it.”
Hades rolled his eyes.
“Who are you? Who am I? Do we not have enough magic between the two of us to think of a way to bring the sun to Brennan?”
That did give me pause. He was right. There was always a magical solution to any problem. We just had to think on it.
“Here,” a voice called out faintly.
Hades and I both turned to find my mother making her way toward us from the fields of Erebus that lined the boundaries of the castle.
“Mother!” I cried and rushed through the gardens to meet her.
She looked exhausted, with lines of fatigue forming on her beautiful face. She was pale and had dirt smudges on her cheeks and her clothing was dirty and torn. But she was here. And she was safe.
I flew into her arms and she embraced me, clinging to me tightly.
“You made it here safely,” she murmured into my hair. “I’ve been so worried for you, Em. So very worried.”
“There is no need, mother. I’m here, you’re here and everything will be fine.”
She stepped away from me and looked at me.
“You look breathtaking, sweetie. Absolutely beautiful. Brennan is a very lucky mortal.”
I cringed at the word. “Don’t say that. We’ll figure out a way to gain his immortality. Someday. After all is said and done. I’m so happy you’re here, mother. I’ve been so worried about you. Was it horrible on Olympus? Was Zeus furious?”
She nodded. “Yes, he was furious, throughout most of the game. I’ve never seen him quite so agitated. I think he had an inkling long ago of your true parentage. It all makes sense now. He’s been afraid of you for a very long time.”
“There is no need,” I said coldly. “I mean him no harm. I just want to live my life and be happy with Brennan.”
My mother nodded. “I know. But you know Zeus. He is ever suspicious of those who will threaten his crown. That is not going to change now or ever.”
“This is just the beginning, isn’t it?” I asked cautiously. “Zeus isn’t going to stop until I’m finally dead.”
My mother looked at me seriously, her dark blue eyes somber. “He won’t stop trying,” she corrected. “But we will stop him. We will find a way.”
I decided to stop thinking on it at the moment. I was getting married just as soon as my groom returned. And as soon as I figured out what to do about his little sun problem.
“Here,” my mother said, thrusting something warm into my hands. “It is my wedding gift to you.”
I looked down and found a sparkling citrine globe, cut with a thousand prisms, in my hands. It was the size of a softball and it was glittering so brightly that I could barely look at it. So I looked instead to my mother…for an explanation.
“It contains the light of the sun,” she explained with a shrug. “If Brennan keeps it with him here, it will keep him healthy and safe.”
A sunstone.
I stared at her for a moment longer before I flew back into her arms. “How did you know to get me the most perfect gift ever?” I cried into her neck. I only just realized that he would need the sun here… I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. And you came with the perfect gift. Thank you so much, mother. Thank you.”
Her beautiful eyes filled up with tears. “I would do anything for you,” she answered. “I only hope you know that. If Brennan is what you want, if you’re willing to risk so much for him, then so be it. I’ll help you in any way that I can. I wish you many, many years of happiness and love with him.”
“I couldn’t help but hear my name,” a low voice said from the terrace.
I turned to find Brennan standing next to Hades. He was golden and beautiful and I had to be with him right now. Turning, I flew to him, crashing into him with enough force that he stumbled backward.
“You’re stronger than you look,” he observed with a smile. “Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Once or twice,” I answered, leaning up to kiss him, then kiss him again. “Don’t leave me again, Bren.”
He grinned a crooked grin that took my breath away. “I had an errand to run,” he explained. I didn’t tell him that I already knew what it was. Instead, I watched as he dropped to one knee on the garden path. I stilled, my breath frozen on my lips. In front of both of my parents, Brennan proceeded to profess his love for me. I might have been embarrassed if I wasn’t so focused on the beautiful words coming from his lips.
“I love you, Empusa. I love your humor and your sarcasm and your beauty. I love how you roll your eyes at me but you still blush when you’re embarrassed, even though you are a thousand years old. I love that you know me, that you really get me, and that you are so patient with my faults. I love that you’re so small, that you fit in the crook of my arm. I love that your eyes are the color of rain on a Fall day. I love that you could kill me in a second, but that you don’t. I love everything about you and I have from the moment I first saw you. But most of all, Empusa, I love the way you love me. It completes me in a way that I never thought anything could. I didn’t even know that something was missing until I found you and now I feel like I am home. Please be my wife. Let me know that even though I don’t deserve you, you will never leave my side. I promise you, I’ll love you every minute for the rest of my life.”
He paused, his amber eyes sparkling as he waited for my answer. I found that I couldn’t answer him. The knot that had formed in my throat prevented any kind of speech. Instead, I yanked him to his feet and kissed him thoroughly on the mouth.
“Is that a yes?” he asked when he could breathe again. I nodded, then kissed him again.
“Yes,” I breathed. “It is.”
“Then I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Hades announced. I looked at him in surprise and he smiled. “What did you expect? A catholic mass? We’re gods. We’re married when we say that we’re married. Brennan, do you have the ring?”
“Yes,” Brennan answered, fumbling in his pants pocket for a small blue velvet box.
He snapped it open and I inhaled sharply. It might have been created for his mother, but this ring was perfect for me. Thin ribbons of white gold intertwined to form a band, including one thin thread that was made from amethysts. It was beautiful in its simplicity and so important in sentimental value. I found myself holding my breath as Brennan slid it on my ring finger. It fit perfectly.
“It looks beautiful on you,” Brennan said quietly, staring into my eyes.
“Thank you, Bren. It’s perfect. And I love you for trusting me with it.”
“You may kiss your bride,” Hades interrupted. I barely spared him a glance before I wrapped my arms around Brennan’s neck and kissed him like the world was ending. Because truly, in our current circumstances, it could end at any given time. r />
We didn’t come up for air for a full minute.
“I love you, Mrs. Delacorte,” Brennan said simply. I squeezed his hand.
“I love you, too.”
“Now,” Hades interrupted once again, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s eat.” He spun on his heel and headed for the loaded down banquet tables directly inside the doors. Persephone had prepared for an army. I eyed it suspiciously.
“Is there an army coming?” I asked hesitantly. Everyone laughed so I had to assume that there wasn’t.
“I wanted to be prepared for unexpected guests,” Persephone explained as she filled up a crystal plate and poured a goblet of nectar. “You never know who might turn up.”
“Okay,” I answered uncertainly. They all acted like they knew something that I didn’t and it made me nervous. But I followed suit and filled up a plate, poured a glass of nectar and followed Brennan to a nearby table. We sat alone on the edge of the terrace, with only a candle between us.
“How do you feel?” I asked him. “My mother brought a stone that contains sunlight. It should keep you healthy down here.”
“I was never worried,” he answered, as he took a bite of roasted pheasant. “Your mother is amazing, though.”
“Yes, she is,” I answered. I watched her speaking with Hades and Persephone. None of them acted like it was weird at all, even though Hades and my mother had once had an affair that had resulted in my birth. Things were beyond strange at times. I returned my attention to Brennan.
“So, we’re married now,” I pointed out awkwardly. He stopped mid-bite