Goddess of Spring (Goddess Summoning #2)(27)

The little spirit grinned happily and Lina felt a rush of warmth for Hades and the compassion he was showing Eurydice. As they continued through the courtyard Lina searched her memory. What did she know about Hades? She couldn't remember reading much about him. He was the King of Hel who had abducted the young Persephone. What else? Persephone's reservoir of knowledge stirred and whispered: Hades... somber, reclusive, stern... the gloomy god enriches himself with mortal tears.

Lina tried not to frown as she listened to her inner voice. He certainly didn't act like Eurydice's tears would in any way enrich him. Actual y, it seemed as though the opposite were true. Confused, she shut her mind to Persephone's echo and smiled distractedly at Eurydice who was chattering merrily about the beauty of the white flowers.

The massive courtyard final y ended and they came to two large glass doors, which swung open without Hades touching them.

Magic, Lina thought, trying not to appear startled. She couldn't al ow herself to be surprised at magic. She was supposed to be a goddess... she was supposed to be a goddess... she was supposed to be a goddess... Reminding herself, she kept up the silent mantra. While Lina chanted to herself, Hades stepped aside and motioned for her to enter the palace.

She stepped into a dream.

The floor was the same smooth, seamless black that made up the road and the exterior of the palace, but the inner wal s were miraculously changed. They were ebony veined with the palest of white; day and night merged harmoniously together. Silver wal sconces held torches which burned joyously. From tal ceilings hung chandeliers - Lina's eyes were riveted upward - made of faceted stones and candlelight. The flames caught the jewels and sparkled like the sun on water. Directly above their heads was a waterfal of amethyst. A little way down the hal hung another, which looked to be crafted from topaz. Farther on another chandelier winked with the pure green of perfect emeralds.

"Jewels!" Lina shook her head in wonder. "Are the chandeliers real y made of jewels?"

"They are. Do not be so surprised, Goddess. Are precious stones not found deep within the earth?

And is not the innermost realm of the earth the Underworld?" Hades sounded amused.

"I didn't realize you were God of Jewels, too," Lina breathed, stil unable to tear her eyes from the wondrous sight.

"There is much the other immortals do not know of me," Hades said.

"Lord, forgive me for being late. I expected you to arrive at the front of the palace." The new voice enabled Lina to pull her eyes from the jeweled chandeliers. A man was hurrying down the hal to them. He was wearing a white, toga-like robe, much like the one Hades wore, only less voluminous. He approached the God and bowed deferential y.

"It is no matter, Iapis. I thought the Goddess would enjoy entering the palace through the courtyard."

"Certainly, Lord." He bowed again to Hades before turning to Lina. "Goddess Persephone, it is truly a pleasure to welcome Spring to the Underworld."

His bow was precise, but his smile was sincere, and Lina's first impression of him was of an oh-soperfect British valet, like Anthony Hopkins in The Remains of the Day, except that he wore a toga, had more hair and was dead. She smiled graciously, trying to remember to forget the part about him being dead.

'Thank you. From what little I've seen of the Underworld I am already very impressed."

"Goddess, the trunks that your great mother sent have already been unpacked and arranged in your chamber. If you fol ow me I wil show you the way and see that you are settled in." He glanced at Hades. "If that suits you, Lord."

"Yes, yes," he waved his hand dismissively. "You know best in these matters, Iapis. Oh, and find a room near her Goddess for this little spirit. She has chosen to stay by Persephone's side." Iapis nodded solemnly in acknowledgment.

Hades turned to Persephone. "You have only to cal Iapis when you are ready for refreshment, and he wil show you the way to me." The God inclined his head slightly, spun neatly on his heel and strode quickly away, cloak bil owing in his wake.

Lina felt her eyes being drawn after his retreating form. She watched as he disappeared around a corner. The last thing she saw was his cloak. Batman. She couldn't help it. He real y reminded her of Batman. And she had to admit that she'd always been ridiculously attracted to Batman, especial y the one played by pouting, angst-ridden Val Kilmer. He and Hades had the most sensual lips...

"Goddess?" Iapis said.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just so intrigued with the gorgeous... uh... chandeliers." Lina realized she was babbling, but she couldn't seem to make her mouth stop. "They're so unusual. My breath has been taken away by the beauty of the palace."

Iapis inclined his head in acknowledgment of her compliment, neatly ignoring the fact that her cheeks had suddenly become flushed.

"Hades designed the chandeliers himself."

"Real y?" Now she was intrigued.

Iapis motioned for her to precede him down the long hal to their right. Lina walked slowly, and Eurydice stayed close to her side. The servant's voice took on a professorial tone as he walked and talked.

"Indeed. Hades has overseen each aspect of the creation of his palace and the surrounding grounds. There was no detail too minute for my Lord's attention; nothing that was beneath his notice. He has an artist's eye for color and surface, and a fine sense of design. The Palace of Hades is a monument to the God of the Underworld."