Hades and Persephone a love story

Chapter 49

It's the evening of the Christmas Eve ball at Hades castle Hades and I are in our room in the castle finishing getting ready to head down to greet everyone. 

I could see that Hades was nervous about hosting a ball I walked towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck he snaked his arm around my waist he leaned down and kissed my forehead. 

 "I know you're nervous about hosting a holiday ball, but everything will go off without a hitch I promise." 

"Thank you, Kore." 

I broke out of his embrace we left our room and headed downstairs Hades led us down the hall to the grand ballroom we stood outside the large, closed double doors. 

I looped my arm through Hades he glanced at me I gave him reassuring smile we pushed open the doors and entered the ballroom. Everyone bowed as we walked past the guests and greeted them Hades led me onto the dance floor. 

I placed my hand on his shoulder he held my hand and placed his hand on my waist I was trying to not to let my nervousness show that I was nervous about dancing in front of a crowd. 

"What's the matter?" Hades asked softly. 

"I've never danced in front of a crowd before." I whispered. 

"Just focus on me and everything will be okay." 

As the band started playing Hades, and I swayed into a slow dance, feeling the rhythm wave through us. The twinkling unearthly light wrapped around us like a beacon, setting the perfect mood. As we moved together, he leaned in, his eyes locking, with mine, and kissed me. For a moment, the world faded away, leaving only the music, the closeness, and the gentle press of our lips. I kissed him back, letting myself fall into the magic of that fleeting, perfect moment. 

When the song ended the guest stepped out onto the dance floor the grand ballroom buzzed with life, the Underworld aglow with unearthly lights and festive cheer. I floated through the crowd and greeted guests who were sitting at the tables smiling at the guests as I shook their hands exuding the confidence of a queen who believed everything would be perfect. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't stop thinking about Hades.

After making my rounds, I left the ballroom and ascended the staircase to the second floor, drawn to the faint chill of winter air. I found him standing alone on the balcony, the glow of the Underworld casting shadows across his furrowed face. The distant echo of laughter and music seemed worlds away as he gazed into the vast, dark expanse of his realm. 

"Hades?" I called softly, stepping closer. He turned his usual commanding presence subdued, replaced, by an almost boyish unease. 

"I don't know how to... do this," He admitted, his voice low. "This whole Christmas thing. it's foreign to me. What if they think I'm ridiculous?" 

I smiled gently, reaching for his hand. 

"You're Hades, Lord of the Underworld. They won't think you're ridiculous." I squeezed his fingers in reassurance. "But more importantly, tonight isn't about perfection. It's about bringing a little light into the darkness, showing everyone-even you-that even here, beauty and joy can thrive." 

A flicker of a smile danced on his lips. He looked at me and saw the soft glow of the Underworld reflecting in my eyes and felt a surge of gratitude. With me by his side, maybe-just maybe-this Christmas Eve ball could be something extraordinary. 

"Let's return to the ball before anyone notices that we're missing." Hades smirked. 

We left the balcony closing the french doors behind us and locking them Hades and I walked back downstairs and returned to the grand ballroom. Hecate, Hermes, Thanatos, Hades, and I passed out presents to the guests. 

"You can open your presents now." 

"We can wait until tomorrow to open our presents." 

As the ball was starting to wind down, I helped Hecate gather the empty buffet trays and through them away. As the guests were leaving Hades, Thanatos, and Hermes handed out party favors while Hecate and I finished cleaning up. After the last of the guests left the guys helped us finish cleaning up the ballroom I couldn't wait to go back to mine and Hades's estate and relax. 

"Are you three going home or staying here?" Hades asked. 

"No, we're a little tired and are going to crash here for the night and leave in the morning." Thanatos yawned. 

"Why don't you and Persephone stay here for the night?" 

"I would like to spend the rest of the evening alone with Persephone." 

Hades and I said goodnight to Hermes, Thanatos, and Hecate we left the ballroom Hades opened a portal we stepped through the portal and returned to his office. He closed the portal behind us Hades and I left his office we walked upstairs to our room. We walked into our room closing the door behind us I kicked off my shoes and placed them inside our walk-in closet. 

"Hade, I need help unzipping my dress." I said. 

Hades stepped into the closet he kicked off his shoes and placed them on the floor of our closet he helped me unzip my dress I stepped out of my dress and hung it up. Hades hung up his suit we left the closing the closet door behind us. We got ready for bed and climbed into bed I reached over and turned off the lamp. I snuggled up beside Hades he wrapped his arm around me I kissed him and laid my head on his chest. 

"I love you," 

"I love you, too." 

Hades kissed my forehead he lightly stroked my hair we slowly drifted off to sleep.