AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m afraid I must demand an audience.”
“If you have complaints about the article, you should speak with my supervisor.”
“I’d rather voice my concerns with you.”
Minthe’s eyes flashed, and Persephone knew it would take a force of nature—likely Hades—to remove this lady from the building.
They stared at one another for a long moment and Adonis cleared his throat.
“Well, I’ll let you two work this out.”
Neither of the women acknowledged Adonis and he slithered away, leaving them alone. After a moment, Persephone asked, “Does Hades know you are here?”
“It is my job to advise Hades on matters that might harm his reputation, and when he will not listen to reason, act.”
“Hades doesn’t care about his reputation.”
“But I do. And you are threatening it.”
“Because of my article?”
“Because you exist,” she said.
Persephone leveled her gaze. “Hades reputation preceded his knowledge of my existence. Don't you think it's a little absurd to blame me?”
“I'm not talking about his bargains with mortals. I'm talking about his bargain with you.”
She spoke louder, and though Persephone knew what she was doing, the tactic worked. Persephone wanted to shut her up.
“Now, if you will so kindly give me the time I have requested,” Minthe said.
“Right this way,” Persephone said through gritted teeth.
She led the nymph into an interview room, shutting the door louder than necessary. She turned to Minthe and waited, crossing her arms over her chest. Neither sat down, an indication this wouldn’t last long.
“You seem to think you have Hades all figured out,” Minthe said, her eyes narrow.
Persephone stiffened. “And you disagree?”
She smiled. “Well, I have known him for centuries.”
“I don't think I need to know him for centuries to understand he has no grasp of the human condition. Nor does he understand how to help the world.”
Although what he'd done for that mother was more than generous. She was starting to understand there were rules at work that prevented even Hades, a powerful and long-existing god, from doing what he wanted.
“Hades will not kneel to your every whim,” she said.
“I don’t expect him to kneel,” Persephone said. “Though it would be a nice touch.”
Minthe took a step forward, angry.
“Arrogant girl!” Minthe spat.
Persephone stiffened and lowered her arms. “I am not a girl.”
“Do you know what? I don’t know what such a powerful god sees in you. You are entitled and magicless and yet he continues to let you into our realm—”
“Trust me, nymph. It’s not a choice.”
