Free Seeds: Volume Two by M.M. Kin Page B

freedom. After all, Zeus was her sire, wasn't he? He had a duty to protect his daughter!
         She raised her hand, beckoning to him. The curtain dropped and he slid out from the doorway, his robe slightly open to reveal his upper chest, making for an enticing sight. Was that intentional? She frowned.
         “You cannot keep me down here forever,” Persephone stated as he closed the distance between then. He stopped a pace away from her, crossing his arms.
         “I can. I am the Lord of this realm. None can leave unless I say so. And I say that here with me you shall remain for eternity. This kingdom is timeless. The rules of the other realm do not apply here. Look at yourself, can you honestly say that you wish to leave all of this behind?”
         Not forever , Persephone thought. But she was not willing to admit it. If only she could return to the surface world and enjoy its sunlight and life-energy, then she would not mind visiting this realm, not as long as she had Hades as a host.
         “My sire will not approve of this. I am daughter to the King of the Gods, and I will not be prisoner to his brother!” She decided to not mention the wish. If Hades knew, he might outright deny her any contact with Zeus or the other gods.
         “Your sire? Oh, Persephone.” He shook his head slowly. “He gave his blessing for the union.”
         “...What?” She became still. Surely her own sire, that kind and friendly King of Heaven with his beaming smile, wouldn't...
         “I told him I would have nobody else but you. He said yes.”
         “But why would he...” She felt the stab of betrayal in her heart, and it was more painful than she would have ever expected. Her eyes filled with amber edged with scarlet, reflecting her inner turmoil and anguish. Her own father had given her away, just like that. The man she hadn't seen for a decade, the man who hadn't been a real father to her at all, not even after Iasion had died... How could he have thought so little of her? His other daughters – her own sisters ! – got to reign high on Olympus while she had been cast down here!
         “My brother is not without his faults, but he was wise enough to accept my decision. He knew that I would be a good husband. I assured him that you would be well cared for and subject to no mistreatment. He knew you would be better off with me than with any of the other gods or mortals, anyway. As a father, he did not fail in his duty to you, and rest assured, I shall not fail in my own duty as a husband.” He sounded smug at this declaration.
         Hmph. Stupid male pride. It appeared as if Hades wasn't immune to it despite his differences from the Olympians. She blinked back tears, not wishing for the Lord of the Dead to see her cry. She didn't want him to see just how much Zeus's betrayal had hurt her. He hadn't even thought to warn her about Hades! When Hades drew closer, Persephone whipped away from him. She was reminded again of why Mother didn't like Zeus!
         Mother had been right to raise her daughter to believe that Iasion was her father. Iasion was a good and honest man who had adored his wife and cherished his daughter. While Persephone would have liked to know the truth, she now understood one aspect of the strained relationship between her mother and herself. When put through that, who could blame Mother for what she had done?
         “And did neither of you think to talk to me?” Persephone asked before she spun around, crossing her arms and staring out in the darkness, tears burning behind her eyes.
         “When Zeus said yes, that was the end of the matter. He has more children and lovers than he can account for, and of course, your mother prevented you from getting to know the Olympians. He was assured of your safety. As for myself? You cannot tell me that you do not enjoy my company or attentions...”
         “Damn you, Hades.” She jerked away from the