Then I look up and his eyes meet mine and I see a flicker of recognition there.
He knows.
In that moment, I’m certain he knows the thoughts running through my head. A smile touches his lips and I chafe against it. I refuse to let him take satisfaction in the things he’s doing to me.
I laugh into his face. ‘You would like to think that, wouldn’t you, my love?’
‘You disagree?’ he asks. The amusement lacing his words is at once provoking in its condescension and startlingly intimate – like he is teasing our charade for all to see.
‘What makes you think you chose me?’ I ask, trailing a finger down his chest. He shivers, his eyes widening before narrowing ever so slightly. Two can play at this game, Hades. ‘Perhaps all this while I was busy choosing you.’
If neither of us can control the effects of being so physically close – a natural reaction that meansnothing– then we can turn it into entertainment, just another part of the performance.
‘Perhaps,’ he agrees. He presses his lips to my forehead and it would be so easy to tilt my head up, to catch his lips with my own. I wonder if that’s what he wants me to do. I can almost convince myself such ruminations are solely about the facade we are creating but that twinge of longing is undeniable. This isn’t a romance, no matter how much I’m beginning to wish it were. His kiss is nothing more than a public claiming of me. It’s a lie, as sweet as it is.
I feel every eye in the room on us.
‘A gift, Hades?’ Hermes asks. ‘And, tell me, how was the unwrapping?’
I forget myself and turn my steely glare on the man before me.
Hades tightens his grip on me.
‘I know you would love details, Hermes, but I’m afraid I must disappoint. Persephone is to be my queen and she has been treated as such,’ he says.
Hermes turns that gaze on me, examining every inch of my body until I snap, ‘Is there something I can help you with?’
‘I presented myself to your mother for your hand, actually,’ Hermes says.
My look of surprise might be a little too forced but Hermes doesn’t notice, mainly because he is not looking for deceit.
‘I did not know,’ I say. ‘And soon I shall be queen of this court.’ His queen. He will bend the knee to me as much as to Hades. I think I’ll enjoy being queen after all. ‘The Fates do enjoy their games.’
‘Indeed. You aren’t quite what I expected, girl of purity.’
‘I have a new name now,’ I say simply.
‘Yes, and how did that happen?’
I look to Hades. ‘Mutual agreement,’ I say.
Hermes chuckles. ‘To piss off Zeus then. No, no, don’t worry. I certainly won’t tell him that. But speaking of … you must let me break the news.’
Hades nods. ‘You are the only one here who belongs to both courts. It would certainly save me a letter if you were willing –’
‘Willing?’ Hermes asks and I didn’t know a single word could be filled with so much glee. ‘I’ve never been more excited for a conversation in my life. And I’m the literal god of messages!’
‘Well, Zeus is meeting with Helios any moment now,’ Hades says. ‘He will know where Persephone is soon enough, but please do share the news of our engagement.’
Hermes beams. ‘With pleasure.’
‘Would you … would you please let my mother know that I’m happy? I hate the idea of her worrying and –’ I lean my head against Hades – ‘I couldn’t hope for a better match.’
‘Very well.’
‘Oh, and, Hermes?’ Hades says. He flashes a smile at me full of such genuine happiness that, for a moment, even I forgethe’s faking it. Then he leans forward and whispers something into Hermes’ ear.
Hermes grins and nods once before he turns and almost runs to the door.
