Page 30 of A Goddess Unraveled (Olympus Rising)

Hades had told the truth. The Elysian Field was real, and it was huge, extending so far to the south that Lexi couldn’t see the end of it, even from the back of a flying horse. A range of mountains bordered the west, with forests filling in the gaps. And there was light, too, but not in the form of a sun—more like watercolor brushstrokes, reflecting orange and pink against a canvas of purple and blue.

Misty had no problem carrying them both. In fact, the horse’s mood improved significantly once Hades said they were heading home. But who wouldn’t be soothed by rolling hills of lush grass, sparkling rivers, and flowers that pushed the boundaries of the color spectrum?

“How eager are you to get to the palace?” Hades spoke at her ear as her hair thrashed his face. “The Asphodel Meadows are stunning in May, and there’s a particularly large growth of buttercups this year. They’re beautiful but poisonous, so I suspect Melinoe is behind it.”

Again, Lexi felt a pang of regret for not having done her homework on the place she’d chosen to fling herself into. But there was no turning back now. “Isn’t that where the souls wander?”

“Some, but not all. Many choose the Lethe. If you’re not keen to meet any souls, I’ll set that intention when we arrive, and they’ll leave us alone. Although the souls you’ll find there are no longer lamenting. That’s only at the gates.”

“So it’s spring here too? Is that just coincidence, or am I still projecting what I want to see?”

“We’re fortunate to have all the seasons here, with a climate similar to the Mediterranean. But our seasons can look different from the ones on earth because they reflect the moods and intentions set by the gods who live here.”

With winter only six months away, Lexi wondered what kind of weather the underworld would see come December. “What about Tartarus? Can we see it from up here?”

“No. Tartarus is tucked inside the mountains. That’s where some of those creatures live that I mentioned. There are many species who take advantage of the realm: minotaurs, centaurs, satyrs. Most of them get along fine with the gods.”

Lexi’s mind was having a field day with all the questions she wanted to ask, but her limbs were a bit numb from exhaustion. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to skip the meadows and just head to the palace. Do you have chamomile tea? I could really go for something to settle my nerves.”

“The nymphs have every sort of tea you can imagine. The cellar is always full despite the infrequent visitors. I know they’ll be excited to see a new face, so I apologize in advance.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek, warming the skin where the wind had cooled it. “If you look to your left, your new home is just coming into view.”

Lexi followed his pointing finger toward a multi-tiered structure growing on the horizon, reaching higher than even the mountains. It had been built on a plateau rising out of a huge chasm that cut through the landscape. From her vantage point, it looked like the plateau was hovering in midair, with only a single bridge to access it.

The palace didn’t hold the classic lines of a fortified castle, like the ones she’d seen in Europe. Instead, multiple dome-shaped towers rose up at different heights, with arched porticos covering open-air balconies, reminding her of the architecture she’d seen in India and the Middle East. Rather than pale stone, the towers were formed out of reddish-orange clay, like terra-cotta, and she wondered if it had been mined right there in the underworld.

Like a centerpiece on an elaborate wedding cake, the middle tower rose above the others, surrounded by fluffy pink clouds. The dome was made of glass and reflected light like a silver sun, with spires jutting up around the perimeter, each one topped with angels, their wings outstretched and their heads tilted toward the sky. Lexi hadn’t anticipated seeing angels in the underworld, but it made sense.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “And I’ve visited my share of cathedrals.”

“I’ll relay your compliment to Hestia. She designed my home. My sister is an accomplished architect.”

“Does she visit you here?” Lexi glanced back at him, prepared to apologize if her question had triggered a bad memory. His smile told her it hadn’t.

“She’ll visit on rare occasions, usually holidays. But we prefer to meet at more exotic locales. She’s partial to Mount Pelée.”

As their destination grew larger, Misty snorted excitedly and started her descent. Lexi was finally able to confirm that the palace really did hover magically inside a huge ravine, which appeared to also serve as a moat. The dark waters of a river coursed below, dotted with foam. It reminded her of the gorge back home, a home she might never see again.

As they came in for a landing, Lexi tensed in the saddle. But they touched down just as smoothly as Jackie O had when the gods had helped them land on her beach. Hades swiftly dismounted, making it look like gravity didn’t affect him.

“You stay put, my lady. I’ll escort you to the door.”

He patted Misty’s hindquarters to urge her across the bridge, then walked alongside them, smiling up at Lexi like a child eager to show off a new toy. No doubt he was proud of the entrance doors, which were made of copper and scored in a spiral pattern. The windows stretched up several stories along either side, each pane cut into diamond shapes, and the cylindrical pillars supporting the portico were covered in colorful tiles of aquamarine, magenta, and orange. Topiaries carved into various forms stood in alcoves, and the soothing lull of wind chimes blew in from an unknown location.

“It isn’t what you expected, is it?” he said.

“Nothing has been, so far.”

Lexi looked down at Hades as her mind spun like a top. He’d been unfailingly polite and respectful. And everything he told her was turning out to be true. She felt like a princess riding up to a castle with her prince charming. But she didn’t believe in fairy tales. How many dark secrets were lurking beneath the beauty that stretched before her? Could she and Hades find long-term happiness together? Would she regret her choice come winter?

“What I don’t understand,” she hurried on, “is why any goddess would turn down a life with you? You’re the total package: compassionate, witty, supereasy on the eyes. And you own the nicest house on the block. I keep waiting for a fire-breathing dragon to rise up and spoil everything.”

Hades filled the gorge with laughter. Was it just her imagination, or did his voice sound more formidable in the underworld? “You won’t find any dragons here. But, in the interest of fairness, Olympus outshines the underworld in gold and splendor. The light emanating from the palace of the gods puts the sun to shame. As you’ve already discovered, the gods are fond of their precious metals. They’re like dragons in that respect.”

“Well, you don’t have to impress me with gold. I’m already thoroughly impressed with you.”

Lexi considered telling Hades he’d impressed her with certain parts of his anatomy, but her attention was drawn to a petite woman who had slipped through the front doors and was sprinting toward them. Behind her an enormous black dog lumbered to catch up. It resembled a Labrador, one of Lexi’s favorite breeds, but this one sported three heads.

“Who are they?” she asked, although she had already made a guess about the dog.

“That would be Blythe. She’s one of the forest nymphs who runs the show here. I’d be lost without her and her sisters. Behind her is Cerberus, who appears to have just woken up.”

Hades lowered to one knee and greeted Blythe with a hug as she bounced excitedly on her toes. The nymph was absolutely precious, with yellow hair, rosy cheeks, and perky breasts that jostled under her gauze dress.

When Cerberus finally reached them, he plopped heavily next to Hades, although only two heads looked expectantly at his master. The third scrutinized Lexi, coming almost to her knee where she sat on Misty’s back.

“Welcome home, Lord Hades,” Blythe chirped. “We all missed you very much. It’s never the same here without you. I see you’ve brought a friend to the palace. She’s lovely.” Blythe’s voice made Lexi think of a lark, making it impossible not to be immediately smitten with her.

“This is Lexi, daughter of Mnemosyne. She’ll be staying with us for as long as I can keep her happy. I want you to extend her every courtesy, beginning with a cup of chamomile tea.”

Hades stood and offered his hand to Lexi, helping her off the horse, and his luminous eyes twinkled mischievously. But Lexi wasn’t so dazed by his sex appeal not to notice Blythe straining to keep her mouth shut, probably holding back questions like What will Persephone say when she finds someone else warming your bed, Lord Hades?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Blythe,” Lexi said. “You have the most radiant hair. It reminds me of sunshine.”

Blythe’s face turned scarlet, and she giggled into her hand like a child. Based on what Lexi knew of nymphs, they could live for centuries, so she was probably not that young. Cerberus, who had been waiting patiently, nudged Hades in the groin, and he finally received an affectionate scratch behind a set of ears.

“I hope you’ve been behaving yourself, old friend. I’ve brought you a new playmate. This is Lexi.”

Playmate?

Lexi might have chosen another word. She couldn’t picture herself wrestling with a giant three-headed dog. He stood nearly eye to eye with her now that she was off the horse.

“Hello, Cerberus. It’s nice to meet you. I love dogs, although I’ve never had one. My dad has allergies.”

Cerberus cocked all three heads and surveyed Lexi with six shiny black eyes. After a few moments, in which Lexi held her breath, two heads leaned into her hands and licked them, while the third observed the scene as if he thought licking anything was beneath him.

Hades chuckled, giving Cerberus another hard scratch. “He doesn’t know whether he’s a lapdog or snooty royalty. But don’t worry, he’ll be following you around in no time looking for handouts. Blythe, please make sure Misty is returned to the stable and see that she gets anything she wants. I’ll let Fiona know about the tea. Oh, and I need the north tower prepared for Lexi.”

“Eep,” Blythe squeaked and slapped a hand over her mouth much too late. Her eyes had also gone very round. “The north tower, my lord? The one you closed off after—”

“Yes. That one.”

Hades’s voice lowered a full octave as he responded, reminding Lexi of another god whose iron will she’d recently escaped. Although she never felt anything but kindness from Hades, she wasn’t so foolish as to think he was a passive god. He did rule the underworld.

“If I may suggest one of the east towers, your lordship. There are many finely appointed rooms to accommodate the daughter of a Titan.”

“The guest wing? Why would you suggest that? The north tower has the best view of the meadows.”

Blythe’s face blushed a deeper shade as she dropped her chin slightly. “I agree the meadows are in lovely form this year, but perhaps the young goddess would not be so interested in poppies.”

“Poppies? But we have no poppies in the—” Hades’s speech slowed, and the air suddenly felt heavy as Lexi watched realization dawn on his face in the form of an eyebrow lift, followed by a sober head shake. “Blythe, what would I do without your pristine memory? The east wing is the perfect solution, and it would only be temporary until Lexi has time to choose something more fitting. Let’s give her the astronomy room.”

Blythe’s blinding smile improved the mood so completely that Lexi found herself smiling too. “Oh yes! That’s a fine suggestion, Your Grace. I’ll see that the room is prepared.”

Blythe offered Lexi a curtsy before hopping deftly onto Misty’s back and getting the horse airborne with a click of her tongue. Hades snaked his arms around Lexi’s waist and spun her into him.

“I have a powerful thirst to show you how it feels to be the sole desire of a god.”

“That sounds like something I could get behind,” she said. “Is there time for a question, first?”

“Of course.”

“I know I’m a stranger here, and it will take time for everyone to get acclimated, but I don’t think I can stand living in a home full of secrets. I just left a home like that. So, will you tell me why Blythe talked you out of the north tower?”

His hands loosened around her waist and his expression grew sober. She suspected her question would throw a wrench into the mood, but it had to be done if they were going to start with a clean slate.

“The north tower is where Clary spent much of her time. She’s the daughter of Mnemosyne, and the only other goddess who has shared the palace with me apart from Persephone.”

“You were involved with another daughter of Mnemosyne? How long ago was that?”

“Many centuries ago. And I assure you that I have not pursued any of Mnemosyne’s other daughters, just to quell any unhelpful thoughts you might have. I suppose I chose the tower because of its exceptional views of the Asphodel Meadows.”

Lexi took hold of one of his hands and threaded her fingers through it. “I’m a sucker for an exceptional view. And the poppies?”

“They’re Clary’s favorite flower. She kept her bedroom decorated in the motif. I apologize for not being more forthcoming. I can’t remember the last time I lost my head over a goddess. I’m not starting out on the right foot, am I?”

His gaze lost focus and he looked past her, or perhaps through her, like a little lost child. She was shocked by his vulnerability, but more so that he’d allowed her to witness it.

“Well, you listened to Blythe and let her persuade you to make a different choice. Your brother never would have done that. I’d say your footing is just fine.”

He blinked at her, as if she’d yanked him out of the dark and into the light. Then he pulled her into him and kissed her in a long, luxurious possession. His hands slid down to cup her rear, and he dipped her head back to extend the kiss as he hardened against her thigh. Without any effort, Lexi’s body surrendered to him with a breathy moan. Would it always be this way? One kiss, one touch, and they were ready to ride each other like a pair of unbroken horses.

A flash of movement caught Lexi’s eye, and she realized they were being watched by more than just a three-headed dog. A dark-haired woman stood between the doors of the palace—another nymph, as thin as a reed. Hades released Lexi from his passionate embrace to acknowledge her with a wave.

“Damn these distractions. Let’s go meet Fiona. Then I’m having my way with you. With your permission, of course.”

They walked hand in hand to the palace entrance, where Lexi noticed that the nymph was holding a tray of puff pastry hors d’oeuvres. As Hades prepared to speak, she popped one into his open mouth.

“We picked the spinach from Hecate’s garden just this morning,” she explained. “And the mascarpone cheese came from Hermes’s visit to Milan, remember? I’ve been saving it.”

“There are no words in my repertoire to describe the deliciousness of this pastry,” Hades said as he chewed.

Fiona waved away his comment as if she’d heard all the words in his repertoire. “You don’t have to show off for me. Would you like one?”

Fiona turned to Lexi with a curious smile, or maybe it was judgment behind her searching gaze.

“Thank you, I would. I’m a big fan of cheese.”

“Make a note of that, Fiona,” Hades said as he watched Lexi enjoy her puff, which burst with flavors that seemed almost otherworldly. “And before you fill our mouths with more culinary wonders, please allow me to introduce Alexandra Maxwell, daughter of Mnemosyne. She’ll be staying with us for the foreseeable future. Lexi, this is Fiona, our head chef.”

“A Titan’s daughter. Well, it’s a pleasure to have you. We will do everything within our means to accommodate you.” Fiona bowed her head, and Lexi thought she saw her suppressing a grin.

“Fiona, please have a pot of chamomile tea and a bottle of Chateau Pétrus brought to my chambers,” said Hades. “And the stemware from Hestia’s collection.”

“Your chambers, my lord?”

“Yes. My chambers.” Hades cocked his head, his brows pinching in confusion. “Am I speaking in riddles today?”

“Not at all. I’ll take care of everything myself.” Fiona bustled away, leaving an awkward silence in her wake. Hades didn’t seem to notice as he grabbed Lexi’s hand and whisked her up a staircase that appeared to be made of pressed sand.

“I hope you don’t mind if we put off the grand tour until I have ravaged you properly,” he said through measured breaths. “I didn’t realize how much your presence here would affect me. It seems to be affecting the staff as well.”

Lexi allowed herself to be hauled past beautiful tapestries and pieces of art, some of which resembled the works of the Masters. She knew there would be plenty of time to take it all in later. Before she knew it, they’d reached the end of a corridor where an impressive set of hand-carved doors promised grand things beyond it.

The image etched into the wood depicted a man and a woman lounging on a chaise and feeding each other grapes. Lexi knew perfectly well who the couple was. And the passion that had propelled her forward came to a screeching halt.

But why? There were many reasons she’d used in her decision to come to the underworld. Freedom. Autonomy. The promise of something she’d never experienced before. Most of all, she’d made a choice that was wholly her own. Yet that didn’t stop the pain she felt in her heart as she stared at the door. Could Hades ever feel for her what he felt for Persephone? Did she believe she could find true love with Hades? Did that really matter to her? She was a goddess. She could have her pick of anyone, immortal or not.

It had probably only been a couple of seconds before she noticed Hades frowning. He looked like he was in pain, and there was a sheen to his eyes. But he said nothing, quickly pushing the doors open and nudging her toward the threshold.

The room stretched as wide as a ballroom, but it was less than half that in depth, giving the feeling of expanse without forgetting the intimacy. The roundness of the outer wall added to that sense of welcome, as if the room was ready with a hug for everyone who entered.

Flames already crackled inside the hearth of a fireplace, which was set against a warm terra-cotta backdrop and surrounded by a mosaic of tiles in earthy tones. They extended to the ceiling and stretched out like limbs of a tree or tributaries of a river. An elegant canopy bed strewn with colorful fabrics commanded the foreground, plush and inviting.

On every surface something green and living grew, curling around frames and mirrors, with accents of copper or bronze adding to the luxury. Strands of floral garlands dressed the crown molding, and the fragrance that permeated the air had Lexi believing she was in a garden.

Hades took her by the hips and turned her so she could see the reach of his gaze. It went deeper than she cared to explore now. “Please, try to understand, Lexi, I hadn’t expected to return with a beautiful goddess on my arm. I’m sure this is difficult for you.”

Lexi sucked in a steadying breath. Of course it was difficult. Who waltzed into the underworld of their own free will and committed adultery with Hades? If that was even a thing for the gods. It was something a crazy person would do. Or was that just something her parents would tell her?

This had been her choice. And if Hades was right, the Fates might have had a hand in it. If time flowed like water for the gods, Lexi wanted to ride the waves for a while.

“It’s a lot to take in. Just give me a minute.”

And that’s when she saw it, staring at her from the opposite wall—a life-sized portrait of Hades and Persephone. The artist had done an excellent job of capturing their emotions. They looked very much in love.

She choked on her next breath, and Hades pulled away to follow her gaze. Then he let out a guttural moan that convinced her he truly was in pain.

“Oh, Lexi. I’m such a fool.”