Hades paced back and forth, in front of Persephone's door. To knock or not to knock?

"Are you going to stand there all day?" one of the nymphs smirked, carrying a large chest in her arms. After Hades' terrifying glare, she quickly added, "Sire?"

"Mind your place, Azalea. I only allow you in my palace to help Persephone feel more at home, as I hear she favors your kind," He curiously glances at the chest in her arms, "What are carrying, girl?"

"The dresses, your majesty," after his confused look, she quickly added, "The ones you sent for, after the trial. For Lady Persephone."

After staring at the large chest for a moment or two, seemingly making up is mind, he declared, "Your services are no longer need, today, Azalea. I shall deliver these gowns myself."

"Sire?" The blue nymph's eyes grew to the size of Apollo's sun, "You wish to complete my tasks for me?"

"Uh. . . yes," Hades smiled, happy Azalea unknowingly provided him a perfect out. The truth was he just wanted a reasonable excuse to check on Persephone, without seeming like a hovering captor, "Now, run along, girl, and enjoy the rest of your day. You are dismissed."

After rushing to shove the box in Hades' arms, Azalea quickly ran away. Hades smiled as he could hear her cackle from down the hall. Now it was time to focus on the real issue at hand: finally knocking.

"Persephone?" Hades called, trying to keep his voice even as not to frighten her, "Would you please open up, I have something to gift you."

After several moments, the door finally opened, revealing a very tired looking Persephone wearing the same chiton from their last meeting.

"Hades," Persephone only bowed her head low enough to meet social requirements, all the while maintaining eye contact, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Hades sighed at her bitter tone, "May I come in?"

Persephone glared at him for several moments, before finally relenting and widening the door for him. She turned her back away, and Hades followed her into her bedchambers.

"I hope this room was sufficient enough, at least for one night," He gently placed the chest on the bed, after she pointed towards it.

"Sufficient? I'm not used to sleeping in such fine conditions," She snorted in a mock laugh.

"Surely, Demeter provides you with the best," his eyes widen in confusion.

"She does. We live in a small cottage, in the midst of her fields, for goddesses of nature don't find joy in petty things like palaces or jewels. Besides, I usually don't sleep in a bed," At his disgusted look, she added, "Not because I don't have one, but because I prefer to sleep outside. The grass I grow is softer than any pillow, and the stars act as the most magnificent nightlight."

"That does, indeed, sound beautiful," he smiled, faintly, "But all I can offer you are silly jewels and velvets," he opened the chest, "These are gowns we have collected for you. Most are made by Hecate, my most trusted advisor, and fashion expert."

"Hecate," Persephone´s eyes widened, ¨As in the Goddess of Witchcraft?"

"Yes, the Witch," Hades rolled his eyes, "Do not believe the rumors, she is quite a wonderful woman. And if you decide to continue to believe the gossip of Olympus, I would remind you that she holds one of the highest stations in my court.

"Relax," Persephone smiled, though she did try to hide it from Hades, "I hold no ill will towards Lady Hecate, in fact, I'm quite a fan of hers."

"A fan?" Hades was sure he was the picture of confusion, "Of what?"

"Her. She is a remarkable woman, from what I've read of her," Persephone didn't try to hide her smile now, "My mother used to say knowledge was a curse, something that would separate me from the land. I don't believe that. Once Athena taught me how to read - in secret- then, Artemis would sneak novels to me. Most of them were about women, daring heroines who challenged the world. A few of those books were written by Hecate, though they were mostly meant as instructional books for her witches."

"I see," Hades grinned, "In my kingdom, knowledge is never seen as a curse. I have a library, filled with all sorts of novels. You may read any of them, if you wish," Hades pulled out one of the dresses from the trunk, a black number that was folded too many times to really seen any of its features, "And you may even meet Hecate if you wish."

"Really?" Persephone grinned, "When?"

"She is busy during the day, as we still have to work to do in the Underworld," He placed the dress on the bed beside the trunk, "But she shall be free around dinner. I will arrange for you two to dine together."

"That is very kind," Persephone's smile fell and her eyes narrowed, "But what do you want? What game are you playing?"

"A very simple one," Hades turned around with a mischievous grin, "I wish to gain your trust, and maybe in time, your affection."

"What?" Persephone, for the first time in a long time, was caught off guard.

"Oh no, I didn't mean it in a nefarious way, I apologize if that sounded too forward," Hades bowed slightly, "I merely meant, that you shall be here, under my rule, for the foreseeable future. Until Zeus forgives you, your soul is under my reign. And I do not wish to have another enemy in my kingdom. I would like us to be friends, Lady Persephone."

"If you meant friendship, you wouldn't have added the part about affection," her mouth was still open in surprise, her eyes nervous.

"One can have affection towards their friends," Hades smirked, "My dear, it would seem you are trying to find signals that are just not there. Though I do appreciate the sentiment."

"Oh hush," Persephone rolled her eyes, teasing she could get used to, "I shall dine with Hecate, and I shall see you later. I'm guessing that black dress is what you want me to wear?"

"No," Hades smiled, "Hecate would, she said it was her favorite out of the batch she made. If you are dressing for me, though, I would choose the emerald. Green would look fine on you."

"Out," Persephone sighed, "I have a dinner to prepare for.

"Very well," Hades began walking towards the door, stopping only for a moment to look at her, "It was nice talking with you, Lady Persephone. You're quite the character."

"I could say the same to you, Hades," she smirked, shutting the door on his face.

As she could here Hades' chuckles slowly move down the hall, Persephone tried to not give too much thought to why she was smiling so much.