Chapter 68 Olympus Party

Chapter 68 Olympus Party
Aria POV

Hades stands in the doorway, his presence commanding attention without any effort. This morning, he is dressed in a deep black fabric that looks ancient and ceremonial, with gold accents that trace the lines of his shoulders.

I hold my breath before I can stop myself.

He lifts his head and his eyes find me instantly. They linger for just a second too long.

Freda and the others all stand up from the bed immediately, falling silent all at once. Hades' gaze moves through the room before returning to me, his jaw tightening like he’s still trying to control himself after last night.

“Rose,” he says calmly, “I need a word with you.”

Rose blinks. “Me, my King?”

“Yes. Privately.” He baritone voice calls out

My brows draw together, “What is this about?”

He turns to me then, voice low, “it concerns her status here. And her family.”

Rose looks uncertain, glancing at me for reassurance. I nod slowly. “Go, I’ll be fine.”

She exhales and follows him out, the door closing softly behind them.

The moment it does, Bella lets out a breath. “Well. That felt serious. I wonder what that is about.”

Freda claps her hand together sharply. “Well enough of that. We have very little time to prepare you.”

Before I can even protest, they are already ushering me toward the bath. Warm water fills the tub as steam curls into the air, and for a brief moment I let myself relax.

Freda washes my hair with practiced care, her fingers gentle but efficient, “I’m sure you will enjoy Olympus,” she says lightly, “Even if you pretend like you won’t.”

“Persephone will be there.” I squeeze my face, “And I don’t enjoy being paraded by Hades to his family.” I mutter.

Bella grins from behind her. “You won’t be paraded. You will be admired, and don’t let Persephone get to you. She’s only jealous you got King Hades.”

I nod but I still can’t stop thinking about it. The last time I saw her was at my wedding and I am sure she will cook up more drama today.

After the bath, they wrap me in silk and lead me into the closet. My eyes flick automatically to the rows of clothing now permanently sharing space with Hades' dark wardrobe. 

They pull out dresses but we all agree that they seem too plain for a party in Olympus. “I can make something.” I say quickly, lifting my hand.

My magic responds immediately, the fabric weaving itself into existence and Freda and Bella have shocked expressions on their faces. I realize I never did this around them. 

The dress that forms is elegant, red and smooth. Bella tilts her head, “It’s lovely.”

Freda hesitates, like I don’t know what I’m doing, “It is.. but it is not Olympus ready. It should be grand and excessive.”

I sigh, disappearing the dress with a swipe of my hand, I know she’s right. It seems too simple.

Before we can try something else, the closet doors open and Rose steps inside, holding a material in her hand carefully.

The dress is a corset dress at the top and a transparent black chiffon at the bottom , impossibly soft and embroidered with deep red threads that curl across the fabric. It has revealing cuts and a deeper plunging neckline, unlike anything I’ve ever worn.

“What is that?” I ask quietly.

Rise smiles, “King Hades had it commissioned especially for you. This is why he called me, he wanted my input. He hopes you will like it.”

My chest tightens unexpectedly. Even after all my drama from last night. He still cares. I hide my smile taking the dress from her.

“He planned this?”

“Yes,” she says softly, “Every single detail.”

I pull my fingers through the fabric, “Fine I’ll wear it.”

They dress me slowly, the dress clings to my body perfectly in a way that feels both exposing and powerful. When they finish with my hair and makeup I look almost recognizable with ruby pins in my hair.

They escort me downstairs to the hall where Hades is waiting for me. As I step into the Hall, Hades turns.

For a moment, he forgets to breathe, staring at me like I own the world.

I watch as his composure fractures just slightly, his eyes darken with every step, my thighs revealing with every slit on each side of my body. His posture stiffens as if bracing himself for something dangerous.

“You look…”he stops, then exhales, “Breathtaking.”

I blink a smirk gracing my lips. He straightens at that, clearly regretting his admission so as to not stroke my ego.

“Thank you.” I reply without a care in the world, suddenly aware of every exposed inch of my skin with the way he keeps on looking at me.

“So how do we get to Olympus?” I ask with a straight face.

He opens a portal, golden light spilling out, and we step through together.

Olympus rises before us in impossible beauty. It’s something I never thought I as a human would ever witness. Marble arches stretch toward a glowing blue sky. White columns stretch around the entrance, guards dressed in gold around every column. I hold my breath as two guards approach us.

“Lord Hades and Lady Aria,” he bows, “this way please.”

“This is beautiful.” I whisper to Hades as we enter the place. The floor gleams with my own reflection, it’s almost like I’m in heaven.

They escort us to some double doors and I hear a trumpet sound followed by someone announcing our names.

The doors open and silence crashes over the room. Every god and goddess turns to look at us like they have been expecting us.

My pulse roars, but Hades hand settles at my back, grounding me steadily.

“You’re doing fine,” he murmurs, “Just think of them like a huge family.”

Zeus is the first to approach, grinning from ear to ear, “Marriage suits you brother.”

Before he can say anything to me or even respond, Aphrodite appears out of nowhere radiant as usual. She pulls me away, eyes sparkling.

“So,” she says eagerly as she directs me to the drink table, “How was the wedding night? It must have been exhausting being with a god as a human.”

My mouth opens and closes, what’s with this question and everyone wanting to know if we have had sex yet? I’m about to lie through my teeth when of course Persephone covers my vision 

She lifts a brow at me, looking as tall and gorgeous as ever, she pouts, “why are you asking her A?” Her smirk deepens, “She has never spent the night with Hades” she adds coolly.

“They have never slept together, I mean I would know.” She narrows her eyes at me.

She’s loud and everyone immediately catches our conversation.

Aphrodite grabs her wrist attempting to stop her but Persephone is desperate to embarrass me and for Hades as well.

My face burns,embarrassed that she somehow knows the truth and angry that she has experienced Hades before.

Hades doesn’t waste time to rush to my side in a blink of an eye. “Can you prove that Persephone?” He narrows his eyes at her, “You don’t have to keep on doing this just because I have a soft spot for you from before Persephone.” He steps closer to me, blocking her view of me. “Or shall I deal with you here?”

She falters at his words, then tries to smile, stepping closer to him, “You made a mistake, my Hades, choosing a human. A silly one at that.” She rolls her eyes in my direction, “One that can’t handle you or your power, I’m sure she would crack from pressure if she were to actually grace your bed.”

Something inside of me snaps at her tormenting words. I want to prove her wrong.

Hades starts to speak but I’m already moving fast. I grab him by his face and I kiss him.

Hard. Right in front of everyone. The room erupts into gasps and I don’t pull away