A vision of their future flashed before her. He would not despise her, as Hera despised Zeus, and he would be mindful of his conquests, pursuing them quietly without compromising Persephone’s reputation, unlike the other gods. Under his wing, she would be free from her mother’s house, at last.

She could do worse. “I—I would be honored,” she said and tried to smile. She offered her hand. “Let’s go inside and tell Mother.”

Hephaestus gingerly entwined his fingers with hers and allowed himself to be led inside.

Persephone found him a seat and was pouring them drinks when Demeter walked into the room.

“My dear boy,” Demeter said. “What brings you here today?”

Persephone set down the wine jug and offered a cup to Demeter. “Hephaestus has asked to court me, and I’ve accepted,” she said. “We humbly request your blessing.”

Demeter glanced between the two of them, and then she began to laugh.

Persephone froze in mortification. Her outstretched hand trembled, and she set down the cup, wine sloshing over the sides.

“Please forgive me,” Demeter said, wiping an imaginary tear from her eye. “I mean you no ill will, Hephaestus. It’s simply that my Persephone is yet a child and lacks the maturity to be anyone’s potential bride.”

“I’m no child, Mother,” Persephone said. She gestured toward Hephaestus. “He said it’s been over a century since I was last seen at Zeus’s palace.”

Demeter airily waved her hand in the air. “Another five centuries, perhaps, and we could talk.”

Hephaestus rose to his feet. “It seems clear that Persephone believes she is ready for the trappings of adulthood, Demeter.” He glanced at Persephone.

“Yes,” she said. “I am.” She took Hephaestus’s hand, squeezing his fingers. “And this is what I desire.”

Demeter’s eyes grew cold. “You can’t possibly know what you want. An eternity with him? Really?”

“It’s a courtship, not a contract, Mother!”

“Ladies, please—”

“Enough!” Demeter shrieked. She snatched up the wine jug and threw it at Hephaestus. He ducked, and the pottery shattered behind him, but he could not avoid the wine splashing his face and clothes.

“Mother!” Persephone exclaimed. She searched Hephaestus’s face for signs of injury, but the only wound seemed to be to his pride.

Hephaestus wiped a hand across his eyes. “Father said you would listen to reason, but I see now you are lost in your delusions.”

“Get out of my house,” Demeter said, holding a plate in a threatening manner.

“Mother, please—”

“You can’t keep her a prisoner forever—”

“Get out!” Demeter said, throwing the plate for emphasis. This time Hephaestus blocked it with his arm, and it shattered on the floor.