10. Emotions are High

I looked around, Hades was nowhere in sight. Hecate had transported me back to his Palace, just outside of it. I began to walk toward the enormous structure when Mithe came from nowhere and stood in front of me. “Hi Mithe.” I said friendly. I didn’t want to be rude, that was not my go to thing, I mean sure I got mad, but it was not my nature to be spiteful, even if I didn’t like someone. And Mithe was someone I didn’t like. “Hades will never make you, his queen. He just thinks of you as some toy, so I would get used to the idea that he will no longer be around when he tires of you.”

“What are you talking about?” She was making no sense. I knew I would never be queen of the Underworld. I only had a deal with Hades, He never expected that of me, nor did I want it. Until a few days ago I didn’t even know anything of the world. I couldn’t rule a kingdom. That required knowledge and from my viewpoint I was finding out I had none of that. My mother made sure of it. I felt some resentment over that, but I pushed it away. My mother loved me deeply and I knew she did her best with me. “Gods, you are so dumb, maybe that is why Hades is fascinated by you.” I stared at her. Anger was rising in me.

I knew I may not have all the knowledge of the world, but I was not dumb. I knew what I was and what Mithe was. If anything, else I knew myself to be a goddess. Mithe couldn’t speak to me that way. My mother made sure I knew I was above them. In a commanding voice I said. “Know, your place Nymph, remember what you are and what position I hold. You do not speak to a goddess like that.” The nymph stared at me with hatred, but she knew I was right. In another command pushing out my authority I said, “Now get out of my sight and next time you speak to me you will show your respect.”

The nymph was starting to walk away but I shouted. “Are you not forgetting what your king commanded of you?” She looked at me. “Bow.” I said and she fought my command, but her head bowed a little before she stormed away. I smiled over my little power trip. My mother would be proud of how I stuck up for my position. Suddenly I heard a clapping and turned to see a man there. He was tall and skinny. His black jeans were loose, and he had a big T-shirt on. His long blond hair was straight as a pin. “Well done, goddess.” “Who are you?” He smiled. “I am Charon. And I must say that was a beautiful display, Hades will be pleased to hear of it. He told me you were very sweet, but I think there is more to you than that. You will do well here.”

This was Hades' best friend. Hecate said so. “You are the ferryman, for the dead right?” He nodded. “Not the best position, but there could be worse things, I suppose.” Wasn’t he always working, people died all the time. “Wondering why I am not working right now?” I nodded. “I changed things. I only Ferry twice a day. The souls here and they are here forever so why hurry to make them cross. It isn’t like they are going anywhere.” He had a point. “So, I take it you are looking for your other half?” “My what?” Charon laughed; it was deep but not as booming as Hades. “Hades, you are looking for him, right?” “Yes, I need to get home. I have been here all day.”

“Come on I will get you to him.” I nodded and followed him. As we walked, he spoke to me. “Hades is in love with you, you know.” I didn’t respond. “Are you going to comment.” “Hades does not know me; he can’t love me.” Charon turned around but continued to walk backwards. “Hades can see things others can’t and he loves you. I just thought you should know. But do not tell him I told you this, I may be his best friend but spilling this secret before he wants to tell you himself may end up with me being punished. Not, that I wouldn’t deserve it.” I looked away, not knowing what to say. Charon continued “My queen you need not worry, things will all go well. You both are suited well for each other.” “I am not your queen.”

“But you will be.” I just stared at him, and he smiled flashing me his white teeth. I noticed his canines were a bit sharper than most people's teeth. Finally, we came to a large wooden door that was pushed open. I could see bookshelves inside. “Go on in. Hades is inside.” I left Charon thinking he was a little much, but not horrible as far as personality went. I looked around and went into space further, realizing this was a library. It was much larger than my mother's. I finally found him. Hades was probed up in a large leather chair. His legs extended and he was reading. He looked up from his book and his impossibly dark eyes found my light blue ones. “My Darling come over here.”

I approached him. His hands shot out and he pulled me onto his lap. He didn’t release me once I was on him, but instead snuggled closer to me. He had made his book vanish. “How did you like Hecate?” “She was nice. She said she is coming to my mother's estate tomorrow and bringing me a cell phone.” Hades smiled. “She likes you then. I am glad she needs a friend. She always complains about not having one, despite Charon and I trying to include her. But then again it is her own fault she is picky with the company she keeps.” I nodded. “I met Charon too.” I spoke.

“And what did he have to say.” “Nothing.” I didn’t want to talk about what Charon had told me. I didn’t even believe what he had told me so why I would repeat such a thing. “Hades I have to go home. The nymphs are probably worried about where I am.” Hades looked at me a long time. He grabbed my chin. “I wish you would choose to stay here. I like your company.” I gave him a weak smile all of this had been a lot. I was told a lot and seen much. I wanted to sort out how I felt about my mother keeping all of this from me. I needed time with my thoughts. There was so much to think about. “Hades I must go.” I told him again.

“Very well.” He then pushed his mouth to mine. His tongue darted out and consumed my mouth. His hands slid up my back. I could feel the warmth of them under my clothes. The kiss was hot and needy. I complied even though I knew nothing about what I was doing. I didn’t know why Hades did this so often today. I didn’t know if I should be concerned about this. I knew I liked the feeling of his mouth on mine. I liked the feeling of his large hands on me. The heat of his body next to mine. One of Hades' hands moved from my back to my front where he grabbed one of my breasts in his hands and I wiggled from him pulling away. No one had ever touched me there.

He tilted his head “Soon enough.” That was all he said with a smirk and then I was in my mother’s garden. I stood there confused. I didn’t understand what was going on. I didn’t know how to deal with these feelings. My eyes watered. Why had my mother never prepared me for any of this. Why was she still not home. I felt so confused and bewildered by the interactions with these other gods. I felt water on my cheek touching it. I was crying. I had never cried, there had been nothing ever to make me sad. My mother had given me a peaceful life. But I was now realizing I was missing out on so much. I sniffled and decided I needed privacy. I ran from the garden hoping none of the nymphs would see me crying. If they did my mother would be alerted to it.

I ran all the way to my room, passing by Lola who was sitting out on the veranda. She called for me, but I ignored her needing to get to my room, so I could be alone. I slammed my door shut behind me as I threw myself on my bed. Tears now falling freely from my face. Why had my mother done this. I never thought I would feel anything other than love from her, but she had kept the world from me. I caught a glimpse of it, last night. I saw technology I had been forbidden from. I felt things I was never told about. I didn’t even know how to articulate them. I always assumed nymphs were nice and kind. But that was not true either.

And then there was Hades and his domain. It was a lie; he did things for humans. The underworld was not so unpleasant other than the fiery river and Tartarus. The souls there seemed happy, even the monsters of the underworld, like Cerberus, were sweet. I was positive not all of them were nice like he was. But one monster was. I couldn’t help but wonder what other lies I had been told. And that was the most upsetting. If my mother lied about all of this, then what else had she lied about. It was all too much.