Zagreus shoved open the mahogany doors and could hear laughter. He smiled as he entered the banquet room, his soft boots making no noise on the black marble floor.
His father wore a simple chiton, his mother the same. His father’s was black, as usual for the lord of the Underworld, but his mother wore light blue, with flowers in her hair that his father had probably sent someone to pick.
“Back so soon?” asked his Father, as he fed grapes to Persephone.
“Please eat something,” said Mother.
Zagreus said, “I will change out of my armor.”
Father nodded and turned back to his wife as Zagreus went to his room in the castle. He changed into a gray chiton and padded barefoot back down to the banquet hall. A long couch had been brought, and a place set at the table for him. He took the ambrosia and wine, saluting his mother and father dipping some bread into the wine, and setting it aside. Mother took the bread soaked in wine and bit into it, giving the rest to her husband.
“Has it been really that long?” asked Father.
“I was gone all summer, Father,” Zagrius said, scooping up some of the ambrosia and eating it slowly. He had missed such things.
“And you informed the mage of his end?”
“His end is coming soon, is it not?”
“All their ends are coming soon.” He looked up at the ceiling. “Soon, Zeus will even join us.”
Persephone said nothing, looking down at her plate.
“Mother,” said Zagreus, licking his fingers, “have you sensed a new worshiper?”
She looked up at Zagreus. “There is?”
“Indeed, a young man. The husband of the mage you sent me to see, Father.” He turned back to his mother, “A comely young man who wishes to be your companion.”
Hades raised an eyebrow. “Tell me of this young man.”
Zagreus told him everything, knowing he’d find out anyway. He told him that the young man would do anything – anything – to save his husband, and told him what he had done to impress Zagreus and press upon Zagreus to come here with the petition. Meanwhile, his mother listened, saying noting until he was finished.
“Husband – ”
Hades glared at Zagreus. “You have fallen for the charms of this human.”
“Father, I–”
“I refuse.”
“Father–”
“Husband–”
Hades rose to his full height. “If I do this for one, I will have to do this for all true lovers.”
“He only wishes to come here, Father.”
Persephone rose. “I accept him.”
“He shall be a shade as all others. His words of love shall be whispers of silence.”
“Father, please – ”
“Do you wish to tell him these things, or shall I send Hermes?”
“I will tell him such tidings, Father.”
He gave Zagreus an unreadable look, and stormed from the room, sweeping other shades before him.
“Bide your time a while, Zagreus,” said Persephone, touching Zagreus’ hand. “I shall speak with him.”
(to be continued)