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“At this very moment?” he asked, the corners of his lips lifting. “No.”

“Who manages your estate?” she asked.

“Ilias.”

Ilias dideverything.

“Perhaps I should ask him about your empire.”

“You could, but he would tell you nothing.”

“I am certain I could persuade him.”

“Careful, darling, I’m not opposed to castrating anyone you decide to tease.”

“Jealous?”

“Yes,” he said, unashamed. “Very.”

There was a knock at the door. Since Hades was near, he opened it, though he already knew it was Hermes.

“Dinner wasn’t satisfying enough?” Hermes asked.

“Shut up, Hermes,” Hades said.

The god grinned, but it soon disappeared as he spoke. “I was sent to retrieve you.”

Hades had not considered how he would feel when the time finally came to hear the oracle, but suddenly, he was filled with dread.

“We were just on our way,” Hades said.

“Sure, and I am a law-abiding citizen.”

Hades rolled his eyes.

They left his estate, walking back to the temple, which was so close, he could still hear the music and merrymaking. The irony of this feast was that it had nothingto do with celebrating them, not like the celebration the souls in Asphodel had organized for them. This one was about tradition and control.

“Why do I get the feeling Zeus does not want Hades and I to wed?” Persephone asked Hermes, and Hades thought perhaps she was seeking some kind of reassurance.

“Probably because he’s a creep and would rather have you himself,” said Hermes.

“I am not opposed to murdering a god,” Hades said. “Fuck the Fates.”

“Calm down, Hades,” Hermes said. “I’m just pointing out the obvious. Don’t worry, Sephy. Let’s just see what the oracle says.”

Hades’s stomach twisted sharply, but he had to admit he was glad this was almost over. At least then he could decide on his next move. Either way, he would marry Persephone. What mattered was what would come after.

Hades took Persephone’s hand as they returned, meeting Zeus just outside the temple. He stood in a slice of golden light that streamed from the arched opening behind him.

“Now that you have decided to rejoin us, perhaps you are ready to hear what the oracle will say about your marriage.”

“I am very eager,” said Persephone sweetly, though her gaze was hard.

“Then follow me, Lady Persephone,” Zeus rumbled.

They left the temple area and made their way through a courtyard of statues, down a narrow path to Zeus’s temple. It was a round structure with oak doors, and inside was a basin of oil that he would use to summon Pyrrha, his oracle.

Hades had been through this before, but as a member of what Zeus liked to call his council, though whether he actually listened was debatable. Tonight his council included Hera and Poseidon, neither of whom were favorable choices, though this was where Hera’s word mattered most. Would she support Hades as she had agreed?