One look at him, and I see why Gaia tells me there is something mysterious about him that most goddesses crave. The forbidden, the dangerous.
He is everything I am not.
"Have we met?" Hades asks, taking my hand and pressing his lips to my pale skin.
I inhale, looking between the two men. They don't seem at all annoyed at the other's presence. In fact, the only thing they seem to notice is me.
Ares licks his lips, watching me closely as if he can't get enough of me. His hand is still on my waist, even though we stopped dancing minutes ago. My skin tingles where he touches me.
I want both of these men to give me a child. The truth hits me hard. I know why I came here tonight... and now as they both look at me with such desire I realize my dreams will come true.
But how could I ever choose between them?
"I'm Persephone." I'm aware of every hair on my body standing on end as I stand in front of these two gods.
It's as if a light bulb has gone off in his head. "Persephone? I've only ever heard of you. The Goddess of Fertility, of the harvest. Growing what is planted."
I nod. Gaia has shared the opinions on me amongst some of the dwellers on Mt. Olympus. Particularly that the Fates are annoyed at my lack of manners. Apparently, staying in my own realm so often has displeased them. For a moment, I fear Hades is displeased with me too.
But then his eyes sear into mine. He is not disappointed in the least.
"I'm Hades."
"I know."
He lifts an eyebrow. "What do you know, exactly?"
"That you..." I swallow. In his presence, it's as if I'm unable to tell a lie. Or maybe it’s that I don't want to lie to him. "That you crave the souls of the living."
He narrows his dark eyes. "Does that scare you?"
My mouth turns up, a smile spreading on my lips. "No. I like that you know what you want."
"And do you, Persephone, know what you want?" he asks. Ares coughs and Hades looks at him crossly. "What?"
"It's just..." He smirks. "It's a little rude is all. I was talking to her first."
"Is she a piece of property?" Hades asks with a scowl. "I wasn't aware that you controlled who she could speak with and when."
"Please," I say, taking each of their hands in my own. "Don't quarrel. Not over me." They each give a faint laugh. "What?" I ask.
"I suppose you're right, Persephone," Ares says, humbly dropping his head. "Fighting over you would be a fool’s errand."
"What do you mean?"
"He means," Hades answers, "that when in your presence, arguing is a waste. We should be cherishing whatever attention you grant us."
I laugh. "You're teasing me, is that what this is about?"
"I don't think anyone would dare tease you," Hades says.
"And why is that?"
"Because every god on this mountain has one desire when it comes to you."
"And what is that?" I ask, swallowing hard.
"To impregnate the Goddess of Fertility, to have an heir grow in a womb that is said to be lush and prolific."
I step back, his words shocking.
But what is more shocking is that my desire is exactly the same.
Hearing it said so plainly, though, worries me. I don't want gods fighting over my womb.
"Excuse me," I say, stepping back, suddenly wanting to rehash my plan with my best friend. Maybe this was a mistake.
"I didn't mean to upset you," Hades says.
I pause. "What did you intend?"
"To tell you I want that too."
2
Persephone
Even though Hades is offering me exactly what I want, it is another thing to really go through with my plan. I excuse myself, needing to catch my breath. It is all happening so fast.
I was right, apparently. Everyone was staring.
But not at my face, at my belly.
In the bathroom, I splash cold water on my face, trying to cool myself down. This is why I stay out in the farmlands. Why I slip off my shoes and run through hay fields or let myself get lost in a corn maze. This is why I avoid situations like these.
I stare in the mirror, hating how delicious it felt to be looked at with such hunger by both Ares and Hades. A cocky man and a heartless one. They both captured my attention and I hate how badly I want them both.
I take long, deep breaths, cooling off the edge that threatens to ruin the night entirely. Perhaps I can find another glass of nectar to quench my thirst, even though I rarely indulge so deeply in such a luscious drink. It's known for getting many a god and goddess in trouble.
Right now, though, I want to lighten my mood.
I know what I want, and I can make it happen, no need to let my nerves get the best of me.