Asphodel (The Underworld Trilogy)

Demeter

Demeter paced back and forth in front of Zeus’s throne in the Hall of the Gods. White flurried marble flurried in her eyes like fresh fallen snow on a winter morning. She lowered her head, dropping her gaze. Thinking of the snow reminded her of her daughter. Persephone loved the winter. Mainly because of Christmas. During their time on the run, Demeter had allowed her child experience some of the indulgencies the mortals did.

Even though the spring was Persephone’s most favorite and cherished season. Demeter would never forget the way her eyes lit up at Christmastime. The decorations, the snow, Persephone had loved it all.

“Demeter!” Zeus called from the door.

She turned snapping out of her trance. “Did you find him?” the Goddess inquired.

Zeus nodded. “He’s on his way.”

“That was quick,” she commented.

“This whole plan has to unfold quickly. We don’t know how long Persephone will be able to hold out without eating.”

Demeter walked to the window and gazed out at what Greece had become in the last five thousand years. There was still a quaintness to Athens. The way the white square homes were clustered together into the sides of the hills. The vibrant blue color of the sea. Boats lined the docks as fisherman unloaded nets full of sea creatures. “I know my girl,” she said with confidence. “She’s smart.”

Zeus approached her and looked out the window over her shoulder. “But what if he has bewitched her? We all know what Hades is capable of and what lengths he’ll go to, to get what he wants.”

“That’s why you summoned the messenger isn’t it? He’ll be able to retrieve her regardless.” Zeus nodded and she sighed. “I think we should prepare ourselves though. I have this feeling that Hades isn’t going to let this go. There will be a fight.”

“Let him bring it,” said Zeus. “If he wants a fight, he will get one and I promise you it is a fight he’ll lose.”

“I hope you’re right.” Demeter shifted in her spot and turned to face Zeus. “The last thing this world needs is another epic battle. We don’t want another war like the one involving the Titans. Hades is a fighter.”

Zeus placed his hands on her shoulders and met her gaze with an understanding look in his eyes. “That won’t happen. For one, the Kraken has been dead for thousands of years. Two, I honestly doubt that Hades will make that big of a fuss over Persephone. He can have anyone he wants. Why put up that much of a fuss for one Goddess?”

“To prove a point,” Demeter whispered. “Because I’d kept her from him.”

“You need to swallow your doubts, Demi. I won’t let anything bad happen. And you know Hades has never been more powerful than me.”

She knew Zeus was right. After all it had been Zeus who freed them from Cronos. Part of Hades built up anger came from that. Demeter knew that Hades thought Zeus had damned him to an eternity of misery, commanding the dead while Zeus basked in the glory of running everything. Even Poseidon was better off being the God of the Sea.

Demeter broke away from Zeus and sat down on the marble steps in front of throne. Her eyes darted around the massive room, stopping for a moment as she took in each marble column. She’d missed her home. And it saddened her that no one lived here anymore. The only time the Gods used Mount Olympus was for meeting purposes.

Her attention averted to the far end of the room as Hera, Hestia, and Poseidon strutted toward them. Zeus had called a meeting into session with five of the six originals without Hades knowledge. One; it was best that he be left out of it because he might react brashly. Two all five of their votes would override Hades sixth so there was nothing the God of the Dead could do anyway.

There were twelve Gods and Goddesses in total that attended most meetings, but for secretive meetings like this one the others weren’t needed. The original immortals made all of the final decisions no matter what the other’s votes were. After all, they were created or offspring of the originals themselves.

Hera extended her arms to Demeter and helped her up. She stared at her lovingly and smoothed back a piece of Demeter’s hair. “How are you holding up?” she asked, her eyes full of concern.

Demeter exhaled. “As well as I can, I guess.”

Hera leaned and kissed her on the cheek before taking a seat on her throne. “We’ll get her back.”

A half smile curled on Demeter’s lips. “I know.”

Minutes later all of the originals were seated on their thrones while Zeus stood in front of his pacing. He stopped mid-pace, staring at a demi-god on the opposite side of the room. “Send in the messenger!” he boomed.

The Demi-God disappeared through the opening and seconds later a tall, lean muscled man with ash-blonde hair strolled toward Zeus. “You summoned me?” he questioned.

“Yes,” said Zeus. ?

??Thank you for coming Hermes. We have a mission for you.”

Persephone

After I’ve put on my new dress and thrown my hair up into a high bun, I walk into my bedroom to see a plain black box in the same spot where my dress was. Opening it in a flash, I marvel at the crimson heels with ruby studs on the sides. I hold them up against the fitted dress that hugs every curve and cranny of my body. The heels are a perfect match.