“Perhaps that was a mistake.”

Persephone heard the smile in the goddess’s voice. “Ah, well. But the great Skyfather could not possibly make mistakes, could he?”

“We’ll discuss this later,” Zeus snapped and strode off, the fabric of his robe flying out behind him from the speed of his steps.

Persephone glanced around, wondering how to make a discreet exit. If she suddenly appeared and continued on her way in full sight of the courtyard, it would be obvious that she’d been eavesdropping. If only—

The goddess turned and looked directly at Persephone’s hiding spot. Persephone understood now how she’d been able to speak so disrespectfully to Zeus, not caring if she offended him.

Even the gods feared her realm and the secrets within it.

“You might as well come down,” Hades said.

Persephone’s face flushed. She longed for the ground to swallow her whole, for the earth to claim her as her own and hide her shame, but her feet found nothing but solid stone as she trudged down the flight of steps leading to the courtyard.

“Well?” Hades asked. “What do you have to say for yourself, Kore?”

She was tall, pale as though she’d never seen the sun. Her aquiline nose looked carved from marble. It had been a long time—decades, perhaps—since they’d last met.

Persephone lowered herself to one knee and gazed at the ground. “Forgive me, Queen Hades. It was wrong of me to eavesdrop.”

“And yet you did,” Hades said. “Did Demeter teach you no manners?”

Persephone risked a glance. Hades’ face was unreadable, still as a statue. “Of course she did. The fault is mine alone.”

Hades considered her in silence. After a moment, she made a sharp gesture with her hand. “Let me warn you now: if you wish to forgo conventions, you had best avoid getting caught.”

Persephone rose to her feet, stilling the impulse to brush the dust from her chiton. “You won’t tell her, will you?”

“That remains to be seen.” Hades jerked her head toward the next courtyard. “Walk with me.”

She couldn’t disobey a direct order, no matter what Demeter might’ve said. Persephone hurried to match Hades’ long strides. “Have you been well?” she asked. “I hear you’ve not been seen for some time.”

“Well enough. And you, Kore. Are you keeping safe?” Hades asked.

Persephone blushed, wondering what Hades thought she had to fear. “Yes, thank you.”

Hades led them up several flights of steps to a wide balcony at the back of the palace, overlooking the ocean. There was only one path down from the balcony, the walkway coiling in clear view below them. Someone ascending would be seen long before they reached the top. The pathways were heavily planted, overgrown with ivy that sprawled across the railing and steps. Hades leaned over the balustrade and closed her eyes, the breeze tousling her hair and billowing out her skirts.

The sun glittered over the ocean’s waves. A few gulls danced close to the shoreline, tiny specks of white swooping down over the water to fetch their prey.