Chapter 67 Zeus request

Chapter 67 Zeus request
Aria POV

The demigods gaze flicks to be but only briefly, before returning to Hades. 

I stay quiet as Hades reaches for the invitation resting on the silver tray. His fingers barely brush the parchment before the demigod speaks again, his voice formal.

“There will be a starting celebration tomorrow in Olympus.” He says. “To mark the coming of the summer solstice in three days.”

I watch Hades carefully. He pulls up his fingers and starts to count he pauses, realization in his eyes, with the way his jaw tightens, I can guess the demigod is right.

“It will be a three day event,” the demigod continues, “Tomorrow marks the first night, your presence will be required.”

Then deliberately, he turns to me, “And that of your wife.”

I shake my head, my plan is barely coming along. Hades won’t accept this when I have so much to do on earth.

Hades inclines his head once, “Very well.”

I almost want to reach over and smack Hades but I wait. The demigod nods as if he expected nothing less. The ghostly servant bows, and within seconds they are gone, the doors sealing shut behind them.

I turn to Hades immediately. “Why did you accept that?”

He looks at me slowly, “Incase you didn’t notice, that was not a request from Zeus.”

“We don’t have time for Olympus Hades,” I say, frustration creeping in. “You know that. I have things I need to do on earth. Plans, people who want to watch my every move and I disappear for three days? How will I get any work done?”

“And you will do them,” he replies calmly 

“Then why did you accept that–“

“Aria,” his voice cuts in firmly, “Remember our arrangement.”

I cross my arms, “That doesn’t mean you get to dictate my entire schedule.”

“It does,” he says evenly, stepping closer, “On certain days.”

I stare at him, “You can’t be serious.”

“It’s Friday today,” he continues, unfazed, “Which means you remain in the underworld from Saturday through Tuesday. You are free the remainder of the week.”

My mouth opens. “That was not–“

He moves faster than I expect. In two strides, I find myself toward the edge of the bed, the massive frame of it pressing against the back of my knees.

Hades places one hand on the mattress beside me, the other hand braces near my shoulder, his presence closes in without actually touching me, causing goosebumps across my entire body.

“Don’t challenge me like this Aria “ he says quietly, “Not when you have already agreed.”

My heart pounds, not from fear but from the way his close proximity makes it hard to breathe evenly.

“The summer solstice is not a trivial gathering.” He continues, “It’s one of Olympus most power potent nights. You should attend. You should see how they celebrate. Especially since we are to host the winter solstice.”

I swallow. I didn’t know I would have to throw parties for gods. But I also hate that he’s right about the agreement.

I hate it more that my body reacts to him like this even when I’m annoyed.

I push past him abruptly, breaking the moment before we can get trapped again. “Fine.”

I walk straight into the closet and freeze. He really grabbed everything. All my dresses, my nightwear, my shoes, my jewelry. Every piece is meticulously arranged beside his own dark, tailored wardrobe.

“You moved everything.” I say flatly 

“Yes.”

I turn just as he steps in behind me, still wrapped in nothing but a towel, his bare chest far too close for comfort.

“Don’t worry,” he murmurs. “I had everything bought over personally, it’s all here.”

I say nothing. I grab a night dress at random and stalk into the bathroom, slamming the door harder than necessary.

The shower is quick. I don’t allow myself to think, because thinking leads to remembering the way his body presses against mine, the way the soul-bond reacted like it had been waiting for that moment.

When I step back into the bedroom, Hades is already in bed, lying on his side, lamp off and entirely too comfortable for this situation.

I huff “Unbelievable. You lay down rules like a tyrant and then sleep like a king.”

“I can hear you,” he says without opening his eyes.

I march to the bed, grab my pillow, and turn toward the couch. Or where the couch is supposed to be.

It vanishes with a snap of Hades fingers. I spin back toward him. “you did not.”

“You will sleep here,” he says calmly pointing to beside him

I grit my teeth but climb into bed, positioning myself as far away from him as possible, my back turned swiftly.

We fall asleep like that, our backs turned against each other.

I wake up to noise, movements and a lot of voices. My eyes flutter open to see Freda, Rose, Bella and at least three other servants bustling around the room, curtains being drawn back.

“What is happening?” I mumble sitting up.

Freda beams, “Lord Hades told us to prepare you for Olympus, we only have a few hours.”

“What?” I groan. “It's too early for this.”

She laughs, “It’s midday, my lady. You actually slept in.”

Bella smirks. “Must have been exhausting. Sharing a bed with a god and all.”

Heat floods my face instantly. Is that what they think?

Rose sits at the edge of the bed, smiling far too knowingly. “So,” she says gently, “How was it?”

Freda leans in. “Is he as godly in the bedroom as they say gods are?”

Bella nods eagerly, “I’ve heard multiple rumors. Especially about Zeus.”

All eyes turn to me and my mind goes blank. If I tell them the truth, it will raise questions. If I lie, I risk overdoing it.

I open my mouth and the door opens. We all look up in shock.