Page 223 of A Touch of Chaos

“Do you accept responsibility for the people of this realm and all who will pass through its gates?”

“I do,” she said.

She had, but then they all already knew that. They had watched her fight for them, and she would do so over and over again.

“And you promise to uphold the laws of my court?”

Persephone lifted her head, her answer a little more hesitant. “Yes?”

Hades chuckled. “Fair enough.”

Hermes approached Hades and handed him a crown. It was made up of black spires, identical to the one Hades wore now. With it in hand, he approached. He was already tall, but now he was elevated by the steps, which forced her to tilt her head back to hold his gaze.

“Then it is my pleasure, my greatest honor, to offer you this crown as a symbol of your dedication and love for my people and this realm.”

She lowered her head, staring at Hades’s chest as he placed the crown upon her head. She was surprised by how heavy it was, but it also felt as familiar as the weight of her horns.

Hades offered his hand and helped her up the steps, kissing her deeply before they sat on their thrones.

Only then did the dogs move. All three shot forward, crowding Persephone, desperate for pets and head scratches. She was all too happy to oblige, but then Hades whistled sharply, and the three sat immediately.

“Oh, Hades,” she said. “They are fine.”

“With the way they act, you would think they never get any attention.”

She arched a brow. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were talking about yourself.”

Hermes snorted.

Then Hecate spoke, her voice resonating in the crowded room. “All hail our King and Queen. May they reign forever.”

The crowd cheered, and Persephone looked at Hades.

“Forever,” she said.

“Forever will never be enough,” he said. “Not when I have lived half my life without you.”

She considered commenting that he might say otherwise when he had lived half his life with her, but she knew he would disagree.

“Perhaps I can make you forget you were ever alone,” she said.

“I accept,” he said.

“Did you take that as a challenge?”

“No,” he said and grinned. “A promise.”