Hades’ office was quiet, the kind of silence that ca when your work was done and you can relax peacefully.
The faint scent of parchnt and candle wax filled the air, mixing with the cool fragrance of the mint tea on Hades’ desk.
Hades leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, slowly sipping from his cup.
His silver hair fell neatly, his purple eyes relaxed, and for once, the weight of rulership seed to ease from his features.
On the other side of the room, Aphrodite lounged across the deep green sofa, her golden hair spilling over the cushions.
In her hands was a small, worn book with intricate illustrations, the title read "Kama Sutra".
Her bright eyes were sharp with focus, unusually serious for soone known for teasing others.
She flipped a page, raised an eyebrow, then asked casually, "Where did this book even co from?"
Hades set his cup down on its saucer and replied without looking up, "Nyx brought it. Said she took it from another pantheon during one of her... strolls."
Aphrodite blinked, lowering the book slightly. "Another pantheon? There are others?"
Hades glanced at her, his expression calm. "Yes. But you shouldn’t think too much about them. They’re not that important for you now."
Aphrodite tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes, but after a pause, she simply nodded.
"Alright." She lifted the book again, her lips curving into a small smile as she resud reading.
The room fell into a gentle stillness again, the quiet rustle of turning pages, the faint clink of porcelain as Hades sipped his tea, the soft crackle of a nearby candle.
Aphrodite turned another page, her brow furrowing slightly.
"You know," she said, not looking up from the book, "Hecate seems to be in a bad mood lately. It’s affecting her work."
Hades glanced at her over the rim of his cup, then nodded. "I noticed it too. Her assistants even reported it to . They said she might be working a bit too hard and asked to tell her to take it easy."
"You should go check on her," Aphrodite said, finally closing the book and resting it on her stomach. "It’s your job as the leader to make sure your subordinates are doing well."
Hades leaned back in his chair, silent for a mont as he considered her words.
"You’re right," he said at last, setting his cup down. "I’ll visit her when I have ti. Tomorrow might be good. Deter would arrive tomorrow with her Nymphs and Persephone. I can shove my paperworks to her."
Aphrodite’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. She sat up, placing the book gently on the table. "Good. But don’t let Deter know that or else she’d escape."
She stretched gracefully, her golden hair catching the warm glow of the candles, then stood from the sofa.
"I’ll be leaving early today," she said lightly, smoothing her dress. "I just rembered there’s sothing I need to do."
Hades raised one dark brow, but didn’t press the issue. "Very well."
Aphrodite gave him a playful little wave before leaving the office, her soft footsteps echoing through the quiet hall.
The room was still again, leaving only Hades and the faint steam rising from his cup of mint tea.
*
*
*
Underworld.
Hecate’s Main Temple.
Hecate sat at her desk, quill in hand, stacks of parchnt spread neatly before her. The faint glow of the witchfires lit her office, casting long shadows on the walls.
She frowned, her eyes scanning the words on the page, but they refused to stay in focus.
"Lady Hecate," a divine spirit standing nearby spoke softly. "Are you alright? You’ve been working without pause. Perhaps you should rest."
Hecate blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. She shook her head, her voice curt but steady. "I’m fine. Thank you."
The spirit bowed slightly and stepped back, leaving her to her work and doing her own job as assistant.
But Hecate’s mind was already far from the papers in front of her.
Her thoughts drifted to the whispers she’d heard, rumors that Hera had been spending ti with Hades, even going on what others were calling dates.
Her jaw tightened.
Not just Aphrodite. But now Hera too.
Her hand curled into a fist, nails digging into her palm.
She had been here first. She was the one who guided Hades when he first arrived in the Underworld, the one who stood by him and assisted him as he conquered Underworld.
If anyone deserved his attention, his ti, it was her.
If Hades were to go on dates, then it should be with her.
The quill in her hand trembled slightly before she forced herself to focus again, scribbling her signature on the parchnt with more force than necessary.
Just then, the door of her office opened, and Aphrodite walked in, greeting her cheerfully.
"Hey Hecate! Ca to see you!"
Hecate furrowed her brows, her quill pausing mid-scratch on the parchnt, but she still greeted her back curtly.
"Aphrodite. What is it?"
Aphrodite smiled, then turned her attention toward the Divine Spirit quietly sorting docunts beside Hecate.
"Assistant, dear, could you leave us for a bit?" Aphrodite asked politely. "I have sothing private to discuss with Hecate."
The divine spirit blinked, before looking at Hecate, seemingly asking for permission.
Hecate frowned. "If it’s related to work, speak. She’s my assistant, and I trust her."
Aphrodite shook her head, her tone light. "Not work. Just between us. You know, private."
Hecate stared at her for a long mont, suspicion in her glowing eyes, before finally sighing.
She turned to the Divine Spirit. "It’s fine. You can take a break first."
The spirit nodded, bowed, and quietly left the office.
When the door clicked shut, Hecate placed her quill down and crossed her arms. "Say it."
Aphrodite smirked, dragged a chair closer, and sat across from her. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk and propping her chin on her palm.
Her golden eyes glead with mischief.
"Wanna go on a date with Hades?"
The words hit Hecate like a physical strike. Her brows twitched, and she straightened in her chair. "...What did you just say?"
Aphrodite grinned wider. "You heard . Do you want to go on a date with Hades?"
Hecate’s frown deepened. "Is this so kind of joke?"
"No joke," Aphrodite said, kicking one leg lazily. "You’ve been sulking for days. It’s written all over your face. Don’t think the Underworld doesn’t notice."
Hecate’s hand tightened on the desk, her nails faintly scratching the polished surface. "...And what business is that of yours?"
"I like love," Aphrodite said casually, as if that was explanation enough. "I’ve gone on dates with him. Hera too. And you?"
She gestured to the piles of docunts on the desk. "You just sit here, drowning in work. If you like him, do sothing about it. Honestly, it’s painful to see. Your jealousy and envy feels like it would hurt physically."
Hecate’s eyes flashed, but she said nothing.
Aphrodite tilted her head, her grin turning sly. "So I decided to just confront you about it. I can even help you set up a date with him. Unless... you’re too scared."
Hecate shot her a sharp glare. "I fear nothing."
"Then prove it." Aphrodite leaned closer, her voice teasing but oddly serious. "Ask him out. Or at least talk to him outside of work. You’ve been by his side longer than anyone else. If anyone deserves his ti, it’s you."
Hecate’s lips pressed into a thin line. "...You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"
"Of course I am. For , there is no greater feeling than seeing a love bloom. " Aphrodite said cheerfully, leaning back on her chair. "But I also an it. You’ll regret it if you keep hesitating."
"You want him, stop pretending you don’t." Aphrodite smirked, her golden hair falling over her shoulder like a teasing curtain.
Hecate turned her head away sharply, refusing to et her gaze. "You talk too much."
Aphrodite’s smirk only widened. "I ntioned to Hades that you’ve been sulky lately. That it’s affecting your work."
Hecate’s head whipped back toward her, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "It does not. My work is perfectly in order."
"Mm, sure," Aphrodite said lightly, unconcerned by Hecate’s glare. "But Hades doesn’t think so. I told him to check on you."
She stood up, dusting off her dress as if this was the most casual conversation in the world. "He’ll probably visit tomorrow."
Hecate’s heart skipped a beat, though her expression remained carefully neutral. "You... what?"
"You heard ." Aphrodite’s tone turned sing-song as she headed toward the door. "If you want him so badly, that’s your chance. Take him on a date. It’s not that hard."
Hecate gripped the edge of her desk, her knuckles pale. "...You’re insufferable."
Aphrodite flashed her one last grin before stepping out. "You’ll thank later."
When the door shut, silence filled the office.
Hecate’s shoulders slumped ever so slightly, and she covered her mouth with her hand.
Tomorrow.
Hades would co tomorrow.
Her pulse quickened.
A date?
She exhaled slowly, as if steadying herself.
"...Fine," she murmured under her breath, her voice so quiet it barely reached her own ears. "If he cos, I’ll ask."
Reviews
All reviews (0)