At some point, Persephone reentered the palace. She roamed from room to room looking for Hades. The more time that passed without his presence, the more frustrated she became. How could he not come to a celebration in his own realm? Not only was it important to his people, it was important to her. She’d helped plan it and he knew it was happening tonight. What was keeping him?

The party neared its end with no sign of Hades. Unable to rest, she waited up for him.

And waited.

And waited.

It was close to five in the morning before he returned. His presence was familiar and unlike previous times when he had inspired need within her, she felt cold.

When Hades entered the room, she turned to face him. His dark gaze assessed her from head to toe. She hadn’t removed the crown Ian had made for her, or the dress Hecate had crafted. Hades did not comment on her ensemble, instead he said, “I did not think you would be awake.”

“Where were you?”

“I had a few things to take care of.”

Persephone’s fingers fisted. “Were these things more important than your realm?”

Hades brows lowered. “You are angry that I was not at your party.”

So he hadn’t forgotten.

“Yes, I am angry. You should have been there.”

“The dead celebrate everything, Persephone. I won’t miss the next one.”

“If that is your view, I’d rather you not come at all.”

Hades seemed surprised by her comment. “Then what do you want from me?”

“I don’t fucking care how much they celebrate. What’s important to them should be important to you. What’s important to me should be important to you.”

“Persephone...”

“Don’t,” she cut him off. “I understand you don’t know what I don’t tell you, but I expect you to be aware of what I am planning and show interest—not only for me, but for your people. You never once asked about the solstice celebration, not even after I asked you for permission to host it in the courtyard.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You aren’t,” she snapped. “You are only saying that to appease me and I hate it. Is this why you want a queen? So you don’t have to attend these events?”

“No, I wanted you,” he said. “And because of that, I wished to make you my queen. There are no ulterior motives.”

But she hadn’t missed that everything he’d just said was in the past.

She narrowed her eyes.

“Look, Hades. If you don’t…want this anymore I need to know.”

Hades’ head jerked and he stared at her.

“What?”

Obviously, she wasn’t making sense. “If you don’t want me—if you don’t think you can forgive me, I don’t think we should be in a relationship, the Fates be damned.”