Goddess of Legend (Demi-God Daughters) (10 page)

“My portrait doesn’t do you justice. Seeing you now I realize how truly breathtaking you are. I just wish you did,” he said before dropping his hands from her face.

Cameryn took a step away from him.
How did he know I struggle with my self- image? No one knows that.
He was reading her too damn well, and she didn’t like it one bit. She watched him waiting. Finally she broke the silence.

“I’m a little tired. Is there somewhere I could rest?”

“Forgive me. Let me show you to your quarters. I have a few things to attend to before dinner,” Hades said snapping out of the trancelike state he’d been in while staring at her.

He turned away from her almost as if embarrassed. She followed him from the room and
farther down the long hallway. A few minutes later they were standing in front of a large marble door.

“Go ahead,” Hades
told her.

She pulled the heavy door open and went inside. The room was huge. There was a sitting area with comfortable chaise lounges
, a massive walk in closet, an en suite bathroom, and, surprisingly, an immense flat screen TV on the wall in front of the bed. The bed itself was opulent. It was a canopy bed made of rich mahogany wood. Long silky curtains hung around it. Intricate carvings were splayed on the headboard.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes. It’s beautiful. I’m surprised there’s a TV here though.”

“I thought it might make your stay more comfortable. You can get any channel you want.”

“Cool. Thanks.”

“There’s also a full wardrobe in the closet. If there’s anything else you might need, you only have to ask. I’ll leave you now.”

“Where are you going?” she asked suddenly not desirous of being alone.

“One of our permanent residents, Sisyphus, was trying to escape again. I’m going to make certain that he is not in a position to attempt it again. I’ll see you for dinner,” he said softly touching her face, but only briefly.

Without thinking she leaned into his touch. She found herself smiling at him.
What the hell is up with me? Get a grip, girl!

He returned her smile before leaving. When Cameryn was alone she sat down on the bed. Wow. She couldn’t help but wonder at the man that was Hades. He was an enigma. He was loving, tender, artistic
, and so lonely. He was not the god the legends spoke of. For once mythology was wrong, and that made her choice so much tougher.

*
***

Persephone walked into Olympus’
s throne room with purpose. She rolled her eyes when she saw Zeus and Hera kissing.
Yuck and double yuck
. No wonder Zeus was always straying. Hera was such a boring old hag. She tapped her foot impatiently. They took their time before they broke apart and turned to look at her. Hera’s smile vanished instantly. There was no love lost between the two of them.

“Daddy
, I need to speak with you,” Persephone said batting her eyes at him.

Hera ignored Persephone and turned back to Zeus.

“I’ll be in the bedroom, darling,” she said before gliding away.

Not a word was exchanged between the two of them.

“Bitch,” Persephone muttered.

“That will be enough
, young lady,” Zeus roared.

“Forgive me
, Father, but she’s not blameless either.”

“Have you come here to attack my wife
, or is there some other purpose for your very surprising visit?”

“Daddy, I’m hurt. I thought you’d be glad to see me.”

“Persephone
, you’re my daughter and I love you, but I’m not blind to your faults. I’m the King of the Gods. I know everything.”

“Well since you know everything, then I can assume that means you know about Hades and that mortal,” Persephone
said.

“I’m very much aware of the situation, and you and I both know that she is not just some mortal.”

“Regardless of who or what she is, you cannot allow this to happen.”

“And what would you have me do?”

“Stop him. Tell him that he is not going to marry her and make her immortal. Make him send her back.”

“Only the Fates know if she will even accept his offer.”

“But if she does, you
need to step in and stop it.”

“Daughter, tell me why I should do this? You left Hades. You wanted your freedom
, and he gave it to you.”

“I want him back
, Father.”

“Do you love him now, finally?”

“Yes.”

Zeus was silent as he stared at his daughter. Of all his immortal children she and Apollo favored him the most. Even Athena who’d been born from his head didn’t look much like him. Persephone was the child of his heart
, and he knew she was lying.

“You’re lying
, Persephone. You don’t love him, and you never will.”

“How can you say that to me?” she asked.

“Because I know you. Your marriage was a mistake
, and your mother and I have taken full responsibility for that. You have a lot of maturing to do before you are ready to be in a relationship with anyone.”

“Daddy!”

“The only reason you want Hades is because he has finally moved on and is seeking his own happiness. The thought of a mortal taking your place as Queen of the Underworld offends your pride as a goddess.”

“I am a goddess. No mortal can replace me!”

“Daughter you are and will always be the Goddess of Spring, but your time as Goddess of the Underworld is over. Your union with Hades is no more. He is free to be with whoever he wants, and that includes Cameryn Kane.”

“So you refuse to do anything?”

“Yes
, and I’d advise you to let this go. Hera will not like you meddling in Hades’s affairs. You know how fond of him she is,” he said before kissing her forehead.

As Zeus departed, Persephone stood alone fuming. How dare Zeus? He was her father. She was supposed to be his favorite among all of his immortal children. He was supposed to be taking her side. She just couldn’t believe he wasn’t going to stop Hades.

He was actually okay with a mortal replacing her. This was all Hera’s fault. The sanctimonious cunt. Goddess of Marriage and Fidelity her ass. She couldn’t even stop her own husband from straying. Hera’s wishes be damned. If Zeus wanted to act like he’d lost his balls and listen to Hera then so be it. She didn’t need him. She was going to do this her way. Cameryn Kane was not going to become Queen of the Underworld.

Chapter
Eleven

Cameryn stood in front of the mirror. She didn’t recognize herself. An elegant, beautiful woman stared back at her. Her hair was piled high atop her head in an elegant up-do. The jeweled hairpins holding her hair in place sparkled. Thin silver slivers slung from her ears. The dress she was wearing was not something she thought she would have ever worn. It was made completely of black lace and ended in tapered long sleeves. The dress emphasized her curves. It was the first time she’d ever really noticed her hourglass figure. Tara had done wonders.

Tara. Dear sweet Tara. She wasn’t sure exactly what her role was in Hades’
s household, but the young woman had shown up eager to help her dress for dinner. Cameryn was by no means comfortable with being waited on, but she hadn’t wanted to hurt Tara’s feelings. She didn’t know the girl’s age, but she thought Tara had to be no older than twenty-five. It made her wonder how the girl had come to be in Hades’ palace.
It might be a good idea to get close to her. She could be a valuable source of information.

“Do you approve
, Lady Cameryn? Do you like it?”

“First of all, none of this Lady Cameryn stuff. Cameryn is just fine. And
, yes, I love it. You’ve truly worked wonders.”

“Thank you,” Tara said beaming, “You have no idea how happy we all are that you’re here.”

“Who is we?” Cameryn asked turning around.

“The other servants that work in the castle, me
, and Lord Hades of course.”

“Uh huh. Tara
, how did you come to work for Hades?”

“When it came time to choose my afterlife, Hades was the judge. I could have gone to the Elysian Fields
, but I noticed that there was sadness in him. I asked him if I could work for him in the palace. He tried to talk me out of it, but eventually he agreed.”

“Do you like it here? Are you happy?”

“Yes. I live in a beautiful palace, and Lord Hades is wonderful to work for. He doesn’t ask for much.”

“He seems kind. What else can you tell me about him?”

“He is a great man. Caring, generous, but so lonely. Life has not been easy for him regardless of whether or not he is a god.”

“What do you mean?” Cameryn asked
, intrigued.

“Just imagine how depressing being stuck in the Underworld can be sometimes. Not to mention all the time he spent trying to make Persephone happy while she destroyed him inside.”

“I take it you are not a fan of Persephone’s.”

“Forgive me for speaking ill of her, but no
, I am not. She mistreated Lord Hades in ways you cannot even imagine. She did the same to the servants. I’m glad she’s gone.”

“It seems my instincts were right about her,” Cameryn said turning back to the mirror.
She smoothed an imaginary wrinkle and took a deep breath.

“You are breathtaking
, my lady. Lord Hades will be beside himself.”

“Does he usually have a formal dinner like this?”

“Not usually. Most of the time I don’t think he even bothers to eat. Your arrival has changed everything, and for that I am happy. Come. It’s time,” Tara said going towards the door.

Cameryn pondered Tara’s words as she followed her from the room, struggling to walk in her heels. She was by no means a high heel girl. So Hades was the
long-suffering hero looking for love. It fell in line with her initial thoughts of him. She couldn’t help but wonder what would he think when he saw her all dressed up like this.
Will he think I’m beautiful?
It shouldn’t matter, but for some reason it did. Entering the dining room, she saw that the table was already set. The table was loaded with food.
Are we feeding an army? Good Lord.

“Lord Hades will be here shortly,” Tara said before turning to leave.

Cameryn stood alone in the dining room. She looked around. The crystal chandelier above her sparkled. The table itself looked to have been carved from ebony. She ran her finger along the intricate carving on the corner closest to her.

“Forgive me for keeping you waiting,” Hades
’s voice said from behind her.

“It’s fine,” Cameryn said turning around.

Hades stood there looking at her. The expression on his face was one of desire and awe. Cameryn felt nervous beneath his gaze.

“You are exquisite,” he said reaching for her hand.

“Thank you,” Cameryn said as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

She felt a shiver of pleasure run down her spine. He definitely had this romantic gentlemen thing down to a science.

“Shall we?”

She nodded and allowed him to lead her to the table. He pulled out her chair, indicating to her that she should sit down. She complied
, and he pushed her chair closer to the table. She watched him as he went around to the other side of the table. He was wearing a black button up shirt with silver cufflinks and black slacks.
Why does he have to be so damn handsome?
Hades sat down across from her and smiled.

“You look absolutely ravishing, Cameryn.”

“I’m not used to dressing up like this.”

“I’m sorry if this makes you uncomfortable,” Hades said with concern.

“It’s fine. It’s not like I have many chances to dress up. So what are we having?” she asked motioning towards the food laden table.

“Roasted duck in honey glaze sauce, grilled asparagus, fresh sourdough bread, roasted potatoes, and an assortment of desserts.”

“And who’s going to eat all this?”

“I don’t know about you, but I have quite the appetite,” Hades said.

“Now that’s a surprise. I didn’t think you had to eat since you’re a god.”

“I don’t, but I enjoy food immensely.”

“Hum. Another misconception,” Cameryn said as she started fixing her plate.

“It seems like there are a lot of those. Perhaps I can dispel some of them while you’re here.”

“Perhaps,” Cameryn said before she took a bite of the roasted duck.

It melted in her mouth. She couldn’t help the small moan that escaped her lips.

“I’m glad that you like it.”

“It’s delicious,” Cameryn said before stuffing another bite into her mouth.

Hades laughed and went back to enjoying his own meal. They ate in companionable silence sneaking glances at one another across the table.
Why does this feel like a first date? Oh yeah, technically it is.
She watched Hades carefully. He wasn’t lying about liking his food. The man was motoring through the rest of the roasted duck and potatoes. Typical man. They all loved meat and potatoes. Pushing her plate away she reached for the strawberry cheesecake sitting next to her. Carefully she cut a small slice. With all the food she’d just inhaled, the last thing she needed was a large hunk of dessert. As she took a bite of the decadent cheesecake, she noticed Hades watching her. His hands were steepled over his mouth. She could’ve sworn she heard a moan when she licked strawberry sauce off her finger.

“You don’t want de
ssert?” she asked.

“I’m having des
sert now,” he said staring at her boldly.

She blushed and looked down at the table.

“I hope you enjoy it then.”

“I have. Did you enjoy dinner?” Hades asked.

“Yes,” she said finally looking up at him again.

“Good. Would you be opposed to taking a walk with me?”

“Sure. Why not?”

He smiled and excitedly rose from his seat. He came to her side and helped her from her seat. She placed her hand in his, and together they left the room. She was curious where they were going. They were soon exiting the castle and moving down a stone pathway. Cameryn wasn’t sure how long they’d been walking, but her heels were killing her feet.

“Is it much further?”

“No. We’re here,” Hades said as he stopped walking.

Cameryn looked around her. Trees of every hue surrounded them. Walking
farther into the clearing she noticed smaller circles of multicolored flowers circling each of the trees. In the middle of the clearing was a beautiful stone fountain. A man held a woman in his arms. The pair was instantly recognizable. It was Hades and Persephone. Knots twisted in her stomach. Why was she having such strong reactions to any reminders of his ex-wife? She didn’t know, but she didn’t like it. She also didn’t like that Hades had brought her here.

“Is there a reason we’re here?”

“This was Persephone’s Grove. For longer than I can remember I came here to remember her, but it’s time to let go of the past.”

“What are you saying?”

“It’s time Persephone’s Grove was put to rest for good,” Hades said raising his hand towards the fountain.

Cameryn watched as blue fire erupted from Hades’
s hand. It hit the fountain, but the fountain didn’t burn. A moment later Hades’s hand dropped. She stared at the fountain. Persephone was no longer in Hades’s arms. Cameryn was.

“Why would you do that?” she asked turning towards him.

Hades walked closer to her, caressing her face with his knuckles.

“It must be obvious to you already how deeply I feel for you.”

“I sense that
, but I don’t understand it. What’s so special about me?” she asked staring into his eyes.

“Everything,” he said before his lips descended on hers.

His kiss was all consuming. Possessive. It was as if he wanted her to know that he already felt as if she belonged to him. The thought snapped her out of melting into his kiss. She stepped away from him.

“This, this is too much,” she said gasping before walking away as fast as she could.

She was going to have to slow things down. He was getting to her too soon, too fast. In the deepest corner of her mind, she could see herself giving up everything she’d ever known and becoming his bride.

****

As Hades watched her go, he cursed himself for pushing her so fast. He hadn’t meant to, but he’d gotten so caught up in her beauty. If he didn’t want to risk her reinforcing her emotional walls then somehow he was going to have to rein in his emotions. He knew he was intense when it came to her, but he couldn’t help the way he felt. Cameryn was wonderful. Absolutely amazing. Already she’d brought light into the darkness that was his life. The thought of never winning her love terrified him. No matter what he had to do, he had to make sure that Cameryn decided to stay with him. Without her, he knew the darkness he’d been battling would finally overtake him.