Hades shifted behind her. “Once you are done learning, you could have him tortured for eternity, if you would like.”

She wasn’t serious. Was she? “He didn’t hit me that hard,” Persephone said. Not like you.

“Jests aside, you will need to extract as much knowledge from him as you can. I have a stack of reading material for you three cubits high.”

“That sounds tedious.”

“It is. But if you are to be my consort in more than name, it will be one of your duties.”

All the more reason for her to escape to the surface as quickly as she could. “Hades,” she began.

“Yes?”

“Is it true that there are more suicides in spring than at harvest time?”

Hades was silent for a moment. “You will have to compare the records in the repository. Why?”

“Something Stephanus said. About my season.”

“Are you certain you do not wish to have him tortured?”

“Hades!” Persephone lightly slapped Hades’ thigh. Hades might be jaded and cold enough to jest about something as cruel as an eternity of torment, but Persephone could never be that cynical. If she left now, she would never have to be.

“We are here,” Hades said, making Persephone jump. Had she fallen asleep again?

They were just outside the stables, and Eustachys awaited them. Hades helped her to dismount. She leaned heavily against Hades, her feet unsteady beneath her. She looked down and saw that Hades must have strapped her sandals on before taking her back home. Before taking her back to the palace.

Persephone’s weakness was not feigned. She could scarcely keep her eyes open as Hades escorted her to her room.

“Supper has been left for you. Are you feeling unwell?” Hades asked. She pressed the back of her hand against Persephone’s forehead.

Persephone shook her head. “No, I’m just tired.” She smiled tremulously at Hades through her lashes. “Would you excuse me for tonight?” she asked, her heart in her throat.

“I could send someone to watch over you—”

“No!” Persephone silently cursed herself. “No,” she said again, more quietly. “Please. I’m tired, is all.”

“Very well,” Hades said and kissed her. “Good night.”

“Good night, Hades.”

Persephone fled into her room and closed the door, pressing her back against it as she heard it slide into place. She was alone. Hades had left her alone for the first night since their marriage.

14

ABOVE YOUR STATION

She couldn’t believe her luck. She wanted to giggle at the thought of it, but she pressed her lips together, swallowing her growing elation.

What to pack? She didn’t want to take anything from here, save for the clothes on her back. Ismaros had promised to help her.