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“Marry me.”

She gave a breathless laugh. “I already said yes.”

“You have, so marry me. Tonight.” She just stared, so he explained, “I do not trust Zeus or Poseidon or Hera, but I trust us. Marry me tonight, and they cannot take it away.”

He knew it was far more sudden than either of them had expected, but what difference did it make if they waited? Besides, if she married him now, she would have power over his realm.

She studied him a moment before a smile spread across her face as she answered, “Yes.”

His grin matched hers, and he drew her to him once more, kissing her until he ached for her.

“I will have you tonight as my wife,” he promised. “Come. I will summon Hecate.”

Hades retrieved a robe for her and as they left the baths, Hecate was waiting.

“Oh, my dear!” she said, embracing Persephone. “Can you believe it? You will be married tonight!Let’s get you ready.” Then her eyes slipped to him and narrowed. “And if I see—or sense—you anywhere near the queen’s suite, I will banish you to Arachne’s Pit.”

Hades chuckled.

“I will not peek,” he promised, his gaze shifting to Persephone, as there was a part of him that was still trying to grasp the fact that by the end of this night, she would be his wife. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I’m not going to lie,” said Hermes. “I’m a little salty you let Hecate dress you for what is likely the most fashionable event of your life.”

“I didn’tlether do anything,” said Hades. “She just did it.”

He straightened his jacket for the millionth time.

“Stop pulling on it!” Hermes chided. “Here.”

Hermes pushed Hades’s hands down and smoothed his collar and the lapels of his jacket. When he was finished, his hands fell to his sides, and he met Hades’s gaze.

“I’m really happy for you, Hades,” he said, his tone and expression so serious, it was most unnerving. Hermes was rarely sentimental, save for when he was angry.

“Thanks, Hermes,” Hades said. “You really are a great friend.”

“The best, right?” Hermes asked with a grin.

“Don’t push it,” Hades replied.

Hermes chuckled. “As for me, I’m not sure I could commit to just one person. I am a god with many needs, if you know what I mean.”

He waggled his brows, and Hades rolled his eyes.

“Everyoneknows what you mean, Hermes. It’s not as if you keep it a secret.”

There was a knock at the door, and they both looked up as Hecate popped her head in.

“Hades, it’s time. You must take your place!”

Hermes led him from the palace. Cerberus, Typhon, and Orthrus followed behind him as they made their way to Hecate’s grove. As they neared, he grew increasingly nervous. He wasn’t even sure why. Maybe it was the significance of this event. Hades had been desperate for this for so long, and now it was finally here. He almost couldn’t believe it.

They came around a line of trees, and Hades halted in his tracks, realizing that he hadn’t been prepared for this at all—to find the grove both decorated beautifully and crowded with souls and divinity alike, all gathered to celebrate the great and passionate love that had blossomed between him and Persephone, this incredible goddess who had brought life to his world in ways he had never thought possible.

It was almost overwhelming but in a way that made his chest and throat feel tight.

He made his way down the aisle to the arbor of greenery at the end and took his place on the right. Cerberus, Typhon, and Orthrus remained at his feet. Hermes sat in the front row beside Apollo—both had left the feast upon his summons, because he knew Persephone would want them here.

Hermes leaned forward and half whispered, half yelled, “Don’t lock your knees, or you’ll pass out.”