Page 55 of Spring's Descent
“But we don’t,” I countered. “My father is locked in the deepest part of Tartarus, put there by myself and my siblings. Sometimes children learn what not to be from their parents.”
Bright rays of the sun peered between heavy clouds, landing on the stables alongside the palace—and the two women walking toward it. Hecate was clad in her typical golden tunic, but I could just make out a swath of deep green fabric that must be Persephone.
I needed to speak with her, and knew it was cowardly to run, but there was such a storm of emotions raging through me. The familiar tug of anger had started to feel more like hurt—or was that shame?
No, it was best Hecate showed Persephone around, introducing her to everything The Underworld had to offer. She may hate me, but I’d make sure Persephone fell in love with this realm and did everything in her power to protect it. Including binding herself to me.
“Invite Hypnos, The Night Children, even Morpheus—all the souls in The Asphodel Plains and The Elysian Fields to The Dark Palace. After we secure the wraiths to the Lethe, we have an engagement to celebrate.”
35
PERSEPHONE
Sprawlinggrass and lush groves stretched toward the horizon as the sun climbed over distant mountains. Clusters of mushrooms clung to the thick trunks of trees with groups of flowering bushes as far as the eye could see. In the distance, quaint homes with thatched roofs lined the cobblestones streets. A gentle river ran alongside the cozy town, forming a small lake nestled between apple trees. The lively sound of giggling children drifted through the air as rowdy footfalls headed our way.
“Brace yourself,” Hecate warned, but her eyes were alight with mirth. “The children of Elysian can be ruthless.”
A throng of children clutching twine sacks raced through the trees, branches bowing as their elated screams reached us.
“Hecate! You’re here! We’ve been waiting so long.” A young child with dark braids and freckles broke away from the others, shooting into Hecate’s open arms and nearly tackling her to the ground.
“I saw you yesterday, Phoebe,” Hecate grinned, catching her with a laugh.
“But we’ve been up for hours planting seeds for Ostara, and you said you would help us.”
“Ostara isn’t for another thirteen days.”
“Kassandra said we needed to plant the seeds today. It’s going to be better for the season, and you know how she is with her predictions.”
“I do,” Hecate answered, looking toward the figure moving at the back of the cluster of children.
A stunning woman with wavy blond hair streaked with gray reaching past her elbows stepped forward. A dazzling smile tilted her lips, evidence of a lifetime of happy years lining her warm, brown eyes. She glanced from Hecate to me, bringing with her a calming presence. “I thought it would be a nice way to introduce you to the children, Lady Persephone.”
I had stopped a few paces behind Hecate, always having been a little awkward around children. They were unpredictable, like mini wild cards. Nothing and everything scared them all at once. One wrong move could make them hate you forever. But there was no hiding now. The boisterous group had fallen silent, the lace bodice of my gown suddenly felt tight as all eyes turned to me.
“Hello.” I waved a tentative hand, fighting the urge to flee. “Feel free to call me…”
My smile faltered as I struggled for an answer. I was no longer Korae. If my time here had taught me anything, it was that I hadneverbeen Korae. She was a lie made up by my mother—by Demeter.
It was time to reclaim a little of who I was meant to be.
“Please, call me Persephone.”
Hecate beckoned me forward, her eyes alight with something that looked like pride. “This is Kassandra, mother to lost or forgotten children.”
Kassandra dipped her head. “You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman, My Lady. I would’ve been honored to have been able to call you daughter.”
I inhaled sharply, my eyes darting to Hecate in a silent question. She nodded; her voice was soft when she next spoke.
“Kassandra was to be your chosen mother.”
A sad smile ghosted across Kassandra’s face. “To have seen the years in between would have been a privilege, but I am grateful for our time now.”
A few of the children were openly gawking, tugging at the hem of Hecate’s dress.
“It’s true, children,” Hecate said. “This is our Lady Persephone, Lord Hades’s betrothed and your future queen.”
My stomach flipped at the title, still not having resigned myself to that fate, but I forced a smile as their little faces beamed up at me.