The observation surprised Persephone, and she took her head. “No, I am not.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I am Hades’ fiancée,” she said. “I visit Elysium often.”

Lexa giggled. “I’ve noticed.”

That also surprised her. “Have you?”

“I always notice Thanatos,” she said, blushing.

Suddenly Persephone wondered if souls could have crushes.

“If you are Lord Hades’ fiancée, then you will be queen.”

“I suppose I will.”

“Then you will have a crown and a throne,” she said. Persephone laughed. It was such a Lexa thing to say.

“I already have two crowns.”

Lexa’s eyes widened a little. “You must bring them,” she said. “I have always wanted to wear a crown.”

Persephone’s brows knitted together. “Since when?”

She shrugged. “Since...I came here. Will there be a wedding?”

Persephone sighed. “Yes, but I must admit, I haven’t thought much about planning.”

Between Lexa’s death and her abduction, things had been a little hectic.

“You will be a beautiful bride,” Lexa said. “A beautiful queen.”

Persephone blushed. “Thank you.”

Their conversation continued well into the afternoon. She probably would have stayed longer, but Hecate appeared and summoned her away.

“I must go,” Persephone said, rising to her feet. “I have to get ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“There is a gala tonight,” she said, and then grinned. “You would love it. There will be gods and goddesses, pretty dresses, and dancing.”

She would love it because it was the event she’d been working on before her accident. An advocacy dinner for The Halcyon Project, and it was being hosted at the Olympian, one of Hera’s hotels, a building Lexa had always admired for its beauty and architecture.

And because it was where most gods stayed when they visited New Athens.

“You must come back and tell me all about it,” Lexa answered.

Persephone smiled. “Of course. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

When Persephone returned to the palace, Hecate and her lampades helped her dress.

Hecate had chosen a red, off-the-shoulder gown. The top was lace and the skirt was full and made of layers and layers of tulle. Persephone loved the silhouette. It made her feel like a princess. The lampades smoothed her hair into soft, glamour curls, and applied natural makeup.

“We will let your beauty speak for itself,” Hecate said, looking at Persephone’s reflection as the goddess helped her accessorize with gold jewels and shoes.

She smiled. “Thank you, Hecate.”

“Of course, my dear.”

Hecate left when Hades appeared. He stayed near the door, admiring her from afar. He was dressed in a tailored, black suit—his signature color. His hair was slicked back, and his beard shaved close. He was handsome and regal, and he belonged to her.

That thought sent a wave of warmth through her.

“You look lovely,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling. “So do you. I mean...you look handsome.”

He chuckled and extended his hand. “Shall we?”