Part Sixty One

The next day we woke up at dawn. Hades quietly drove us back in the dark early morning sky in silence. He had transformed today. Today was war.

His entire personality shifted from a cute cabin lumberjack to king of hell. His jawline was clenched, attitude sharp, and blue eyes ready.

He spoke only when he had to, swiftly, calmly, and oddly quiet. He placed his hand on my thigh and kept it there strongly. It was all the reassurance I needed and more.

When we arrived at the castle, we walked into crowded halls and ballrooms. Hades castle was the size of ten city blocks, but the entire city's population was still somewhat cramped.

“How many more can Elysium protect?” Hades asked as more people flooded in.

“They can only take one hundred thousand.” Andre said.

“Send half a million, they have the room for it.” Hades said, taking my hand and leading me towards his office.

“It’s a goddamn war, they can get a little cramped.” He said to me,

Hades' offices, his bedroom, my bedroom, and the royal meeting room were the only rooms not converted into a refugee camp. People were everywhere.

The strategy room with Hades royal advisors was no different. I immediately ran to Artemis and Hermes and hugged them. Nyx found me as well and embraced me.

“Thank you for being here.” I said to them,

“Everyone will be protected. It is an easy battle won many times.” Artemis reassured me.

“Persehpone.” Someone said, I turned to see Athena. I took a deep breath, but did not embrace her.

“I got you.” Nyx said by my side.

“Artemis is right, it will be an easy battle. The big three will easily defeat the monsters of hell.” She said to me.

“You should be on the forefront with them, we don’t need you here.” I said to her coldly.

“If a titan shows up here, you will regret that statement.” Athena hissed.

“If a titan shows up here, we want people who are loyal.” I said, dismissing her and walking to Hades' side at the head of the map table.

“We’re all here, great.” Hades said.

“All children under fourteen and their one chosen parent can go into the crypts.” Hades said, motioning to a small area on the map.

“Why not both parents?” I asked him. Hades barely seemed fazed by my questioning, maybe he really did trust me to be queen.

“Fine, the families can choose two people to hide with them in the crypts, but tell them one is preferred. We don’t know Tartatus’s long term strategy.” Hades said.

“A large group has already attacked Elysium, Elysium has emerged victorious. We expect a similar size group to come here tonight, because our heat technology is showing that the majority are returning back to Tartatus to fight my brothers and I.” Hades said.

“The army is already marching with Ares. My brothers are handling the setting up of a double perimeter around Tartarus and I will leave at the end of the hour to join them. Persephone will be responsible for any political questions, Athena the potential war here. Any questions?” Hades asked. Everyone remained silent.

“Long live the king.” Someone said,

“Long live the devil.” Hades said.

“Come with me.” Andrea said, I looked to Hades and he nodded.

“I’ll come to your room to say goodbye.” He said, kissing the top of my head.

I hadn’t thought that it would be this difficult to separate.

“Artemis, Hermes, come please.” I said to them, Athena was left behind with crossed arms.

Nyx helped me dress in my room behind close screens as Artemis, Hermes, and Andrea spoke quietly.

The armor was custom made for me. It was the same thing, mesh metal suit I had worn for training, and the addition of real silver armor. The heavy metal only covered my breasts and stomach, leaving my arms and legs mobile.

“Do you have something similar?” I asked Nyx, she nodded.

“Dress in it now.” I said to her, staring at myself blankly in the tall mirror.

I had a lot on my mind.

Hades walked into my room in similar armor as mine. I was surprised to see that his helmet was on and his face had been painted in black hair. His blue eyes pierced through them to me.

He was the same but different, a king first and foremost today. I also felt the same heavy weight of responsibility.

He nodded as a sign of respect to me, then grabbed me violently in his arms and kissed me.

“I will come back for you.” He promised me. He pulled away from me and wiped my escaping tears.

“I need you here.” I barely whispered to him. My voice felt caught in my throat, like I might throw up. I felt so young and scared suddenly.

“Kore, you don’t need me here. Look at me, look at me.” He said, forcing me to look at him.

“You are the most powerful woman I know. I wouldn’t leave you here if I doubted for a second that you couldn’t take care of yourself. You don’t need any title to show anyone that. People believe in you, I believe in you, and you don’t need me.” He said. I sniffled.

“Come back.” I said to him, he nodded.

“I can’t wait to marry you.” He said. Grabbing my head and once again kissing my forehead. I held him for just a moment longer before I let him go.

“Goodbye.” I said quietly at his exciting body.