Hades and Persephone: The Garden

Another week passed before I was allowed to journey outside of the palace. Hades usually had servants escort me, but on this day, he personally led me. I stayed behind him, like the obedient child that my mother had made me be, funny that it never came into use on Olympus. I watched him the entire time and was quite aware of the backwards glances that he continually sent me over his broad shoulders. I finally managed up my courage to ask:

"Where are we going?"

He turned suddenly, and took my hand in his, " To a place that I believe will become your favorite in the Underworld, at least that is what I wish." He dropped my hand and turned away, his jet black cloak swirling around him.

We continued on until we got to the last floor of the palace, where he led me down a side hall, and then opened the fourth door on the right. He took one of my hands, will his other was placed on the small of my back, and he led me out of the palace. When I saw what awaited me, I froze in my tracks.

I was looking at a garden. Not like any garden I had ever seen before, mind you, but one full of species that I had never seen before. Some of the trees were metallic, others very dark, and some were pure white. The flowers looked to be more common, but after closer examination I realized that there was no possible way for them to survive in the light.

I turned back to Hades to ask him about the plants, but the question died in my throat. I could see the enthusiasm in his eyes, a smile spreading across his features. I was tempted to ask him why he was so happy, but fearing the answer, I instead regained my composure and asked him my original question. " What are these? I've never seen them before."

I wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed by my question. " These are the plants that blossom in the light, or lack of light, in the Underworld. Intriguing blooms they are, I'll admit, but beautiful nonetheless. Don't you agree?"

" Yes, I do agree. They are all beautiful, despite the fact that most believe they are dangerous."  

" You like the garden?" He asked, with a hint of worry in his voice.

"Yes, I like it. I actually love it." I said. I getting bent over and smelled what looked like a rose, but smelled much sweeter.

" Good, because it's yours."

I turned abruptly to him, and saw him smile. " Your giving me this... Why?"

He looked as if he had been hit in the stomach with a discus. " I wish for you to be happy here."

The answer sounded clipped, but I knew that he was starting to get worried. Then I realized why he had asked me if I agreed with him, because I was talking about him too. Then I heard myself saying, " I'm already happy here, but this makes me even happier. It's beautiful." Then something caught my eye, and I walked over to a tree with some of the largest fruit I had ever seen. " What are these?"

Hades walked over to where I was standing and followed my finger. "Oh, those are pomegranates. Would you like one?" He went over to pull one down for me.

" No!" I said, a feeling of dread had suddenly crept up into me. " No, no. I- I'm not hungry."