Chapter 67

Persephone

I’d been staying with Hades for two weeks, and everything was going well. I’d made some progress on renovating his home, and he didn’t seem to mind any of the changes. Neither of us had discussed the bigger issue—me going home.

“I thought you and Hades were planning to work more on your communication skills.” That comment came from Beatrice. We’d had very little time alone since I’d started staying with Hades, and it wasn’t merely that our schedules hadn’t coincided. We’d also fallen into the pattern of spending time together with our significant others. I wasn’t complaining. The double dating experience was fun, but there were things I couldn’t talk to Beatrice about in front of Hades and Lucifer.

“We’ve talked about everything else,” I replied. “It’s crazy that I can’t seem to bring the subject up.”

“What do you want to do?” Beatrice asked.

“I want to stay with Hades.” While that was the truth, it was more complicated. “Still, there’s this part of me that feels like it’s too soon. I keep thinking it would be a mistake to move in with Hades when we haven’t even dated. Shouldn’t I expect a courtship first?”

Beatrice considered my question. “I think this all stems from you growing up surrounded by humans.”

“I don’t think it’s that,” I argued.

“Think about it,” she began. “Humans feel they need to spend a lot of time getting to know each other before they commit to spending their lives together. Even then, their relationships often don’t work out. With witches, we can tell early on if our magic is compatible. If we were just looking to find the right person, we could have a binding test done. You broke his curse, so you’re the one for Hades.”

“I knew before that,” I replied.

“And, so did he,” she added. “Hades acted differently around you, even before Lucifer told him your name. Dating won’t tell you anything you don’t already know.”

“So, you really think it’s silly to even consider delaying moving in with Hades,” I deduced.

She shook her head. “I didn’t say that. Being right for someone doesn’t mean you’re ready to live with them. That’s a huge change, especially when it involves a move to Hell. Even when my magic was bound to Lucifer’s, I wasn’t sure I was ready to live here. While I can come and go as often as I want—for the most part—it’s still very different from the life I envisioned for myself. I’m sure you feel the same.”

With a sigh, I stood. “I need food. Do you mind if I raid your kitchen?”

“Of course not,” Beatrice replied as she stood and followed me into the kitchen. “We don’t have any zellafruit, but there’s plenty of ice cream.”

I was a little disappointed that Lucifer didn’t have zellafruit available for me, even though I’d had some for breakfast. It was addictive. “Ice cream is always good for stress,” I replied.

Beatrice got out the bowls, spoons, and scooper, while I grabbed the ice cream.

“I assumed you’d agreed to stay with Hades,” she admitted. “You are in charge of redecorating his home.”

“I can see why that would give you the impression that we’ve settled everything,” I admitted. “That might be what Hades thinks, too.”

“This isn’t like you.” Beatrice was watching me as I scooped out the ice cream, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Normally, you have no problem telling people what you want or need. Why is this so hard with Hades?”

“Because I’m not sure what I want or need.” That didn’t sound right. “What am I saying? I want to be with Hades. He’s difficult at times, but he gives me space when I need it, and he always makes sure we have plenty of zellafruit. While he claims he’s not romantic, he already knows my favorite type of chocolate and makes sure we never run out. He’s even had lunch delivered to me at work when I messaged him to say I was hungry and wasn’t sure when I’d be able to leave for my break.”

Beatrice giggled. “It’s hard to believe he’s the same Hades we first met.”

“Not really,” I argued. “He was always sweet with me.”

“True, but he always looked at you like he was about to kidnap you,” she reminded me.

“But he didn’t.”

“You’re right,” she agreed. “So, you want to be with Hades. Is it Hell you aren’t ready for?”

“Maybe,” I replied, still not sure what was holding me back. “You really think my time around humans is making this hard for me?”

“I think that’s very likely the cause,” she replied. “You need to discuss this with Hades. There’s nothing wrong with you wanting to date. You may need to compromise some since I’m not sure Hades is the type to date. He’s trying, but you need to consider that his view on how relationships work is different. You both need to find a middle ground.”

I grinned at my friend. “Look at you!”

“What?” she asked cautiously.

“You’ve only been married a few months, and you’re already acting like a relationship expert,” I replied.

She snorted in response.

“You are!” I insisted.

“Oh, please,” she said with a laugh. “So, are you going to talk to Hades about all of this tonight?”

I nodded. “We’ll figure out a compromise that works for both of us.”