Free House of Thebes (The Bloodstone Saga) by Courtney Cole

wanting to keep souls in his kingdom, the Underworld.  It is not likely that he would allow you to leave.  So, in taking this deal, you would be taking a risk.  But Harmonia, bear in mind that sometimes in life, the greatest things are attained by risk-taking.”
    I swallowed.  Then swallowed again.  Turning to me, Cadmus took my hands.
    “What do you think, Harmonia?  I will not force you to live in the mortal world if you do not wish to do so.  I think we would have magnificent adventures, though.  With you by my side, there is nothing that we cannot do.  I fully believe that.  And then after we are tired and have accomplished much, we can return here to your home and live here together, forever.  What do you think?”
    Every eye in the room was upon me as I pondered the choice.  Zeus was correct. It was a risk.  If I died while in the mortal world, I would instantly be removed to the Underworld where I would live under Hades’ rule.  His warning from months ago returned to me and I almost shuddered.  Had he been trying to tell me something?  Did he foresee that my mortal life would end badly?
    I stared into Cadmus’ eyes, and found them to be warm and true.  I knew, in that one instant, that I would go anywhere he wanted me to go.  I would take any risk that needed to be taken, as long as I was by his side.  I pushed Hades’ warning from my thoughts and nodded.
    “I will go with you.”  Turning to my grandfather, I added, “Someday we will return to Olympus and I will resume my place as goddess of peace and harmony.  Until that time, I will rule Thebes at the side of my husband.”
    The entire room erupted in applause. 
    Cadmus pulled me to him gently and any lingering doubts that I had vanished with his kiss.

Chapter Ten

    My home in the mortal world, in the city called Thebes, was almost as beautiful as the home I had just left in the Spiritlands. 
    Thebes, just as my grandfather had described it, was busy and successful.  Our palace was situated in the center, so that we could see every angle of the city. Our palace was made from the finest of stones, of marbles, granites, limestones and onyx, not that it really mattered to me.  Finery was fine, but it wasn’t necessary.  I found that all I really needed was Cadmus.  And very soon, he would officially be mine.
    I decided within a few hours of arriving in my new home that the mortal world wasn’t nearly as dismal and horrible as so many of my friends and acquaintances had always made it sound.  Not even close.  It was actually lovely here. The weather was tropical and warm, the sun bright and cheerful.  I most certainly could not complain about the beauty. 
    The people of Thebes had welcomed me with open arms, as well.  They were a colorful and loud people and they already respected me for giving up a life on Olympus to be with their King.  Although, in all honesty, it wasn’t nearly the hardship that they imagined. 
    We had invited the entire city to our wedding this evening, as well as the Olympians.  It was to be a grand affair, much grander than I needed, but exactly as grand as my mother thought it should be.  Aphrodite simply could not resist putting together a party of epic proportions.
    “Harmonia,” she called, entering the sitting room portion of my suite. 
    She padded lightly across the woven rugs and cool marble floors before she stood in front of me.  She was radiant today, in a mint gauze gown and silver jewelry that matched her eyes.  She held out her hands.
    “Are you ready to see your gown?” she asked excitedly.  “It is going to look beautiful on you.  We hired the services of the best seamstresses in the city, so your gown is actually made by local mortals! I thought that would be a nice gesture.”
    Aphrodite chattered excitedly as she led me to where my wedding dress was hanging.  Strangely enough, I didn’t care what it looked like. I simply wanted this day to be over so that I could begin