Page 161 of Girl, Goddess, Queen
‘I had to fall in love with you. I couldn’t just stick to my paintings and tapestries?’
‘Somebody told me I’m incredibly easy to love.’ I spin to face him, wrap my arms round his neck and kiss him. I imagine kissing the air might be something the Olympians note – even if they might think it’s a rather tame proclivity, given their standards. The helm might offer reassurance, but it won’t offer this. Six months without touching him feels distinctly impossible.
He sighs when I pull away. ‘Very well. You’ve convinced me you’re worth the trouble.’
I arch an eyebrow. ‘Are you sure? Because it’s been a lot of trouble.’
‘If you’d like to convince me further I’m amenable to that.’
‘I’m sure you are but you’re not getting out of this so easily.’
‘Six months apart,’ he mutters. ‘Every single year for the rest of eternity you’re going to leave.’
‘Yes, and every single year I’m going to come back.’
I link my arm through his. His steps are heavy as we trek towards my former home and he sighs, slowly coming round to the possibility that this is not an end but a beginning. With every flower that blossoms as I pass, I’m not sure how it could be anything else.
When I was in this field last, I was running for my life. I didn’t know what I was looking for and definitely wasn’t seeking what I found: a home, a purpose. Myself.
Now, with a crown on my head and Hades at my side, the future is a meadow I will bring to bloom. I have power now and so much more besides. I have two realms to roam, more power to find and a message to spread: all those tales of an afterlife, all those whispers against Olympus.
This is just the beginning.
I have gods to dethrone.
I have chaos to bring.
