‘I saw your paintings in the hall, my lady,’ Thanatos says. ‘Stunning pieces of work.’
I beam and clench Hades’ hand. It is after all a compliment for him. ‘You think so?’ I ask, lifting my chalice to my lips. Hades has hidden his work for so long that I do not feel guilty trying to pry more compliments from their lips.
Thanatos nods. ‘I spend more time among the humans than anyone –’
Charon coughs.
‘Nearlyanyone,’ Thanatos corrects. ‘And it’s astonishing how well you’ve captured the lights and darks of their world.’
I shrug. ‘What can I say, this realm inspired me.’
‘This realm?’ Hades prompts.
I offer a deep and profound sigh. ‘And my love for you, of course. Before I met you my art was bland, colourless, and thenI saw you and suddenly it was like new life had been breathed into me, like never before had I even been able to see. I felt like only now could I paint in colour. I do not know how I –’
Hades covers my mouth with his hand, eyes dancing with amusement. ‘Yes, I quite get the picture.’
I lick his hand and he jumps back, more in surprise than anything else. Please, like the nymphs haven’t tried the same trick to get me to stop talking for years.
I laugh and, to my surprise, I’m not the only one. The three gods grin and I am instantly wary before realizing they are laughingwithus, sharing in our joy.
‘Perhaps I shall draw you, my love,’ I say. ‘Sitting on your throne, brooding.’
‘I don’t brood.’ He scowls.
Tartarus mutters something into his drink.
‘Something you’d care to repeat, Tartarus?’ Hades asks.
Tartarus grins cheekily and I wonder how Hades treads this careful line between lord of Hell and approachable friend. Then I remember what Styx said, about how he keeps them all at arm’s length.
‘I said it is a pleasure to see you so happy, my king.’ He nods.
‘Of course you did.’
‘I’m not sure how you hid this charming lady from us for so long though,’ Charon cuts in, before Hades can push Tartarus further. ‘I’ve been passing flowers for weeks and thought nothing of it.’
‘You’ve just answered your own question,’ Hades says. ‘It’s remarkably easy to keep things from you – you’re a very dense person.’
The others chuckle and I note that it does not sound forced or merely polite. Does this happen at Father’s court? Some gods there must genuinely respect him, I suppose. Those that are as cruel and self-centred as he is.
‘Now that we know your secret,’ Tartarus says, ‘will you be joining us once more to train?’
‘Train?’ I search their faces for a clue.
‘Worry not, my lady,’ Tartarus says. ‘We are not anticipating a war but it does not hurt to be prepared.’
Hades’ jaw is tight but he nods. ‘Yes, of course. Though I hope you’ve enjoyed the opportunity to win a sparring match in my absence.’
Tartarus’s lips twitch. ‘I suppose we shall see just how out of practice you are.’
Thanatos smiles at me. ‘These two fight more with words than with swords.’
I think of Hades with any sword, in any fight, and my stomach clenches. So he trains? To keep up with appearances? Or something else?
Is it worth it? Dragging those memories back?
‘I’m sorry, who guards the Titans and who gathers defenceless human souls?’ Tartarus retorts.
