Lina pondered Iapis' words. So the stern, brooding, nonsexual, mortal-tear-loving God of the Underworld had fashioned the marvels that surrounded her. He had an artist's eye and a fine sense of design. Could a passionless, boring god have created such exquisite beauty with loving attention to detail? She didn't know about immortals, but she did have a mature woman's knowledge of mortal men, and she couldn't imagine a passionless man being capable of such an amazing creation.
“I like the flowers that are carved into the walls,” Eurydice said, shyly pointing to the crown molding that framed each window and arched doorway under which they passed.
“Yes, Hades is quite fond of the narcissus flower, and has added it to much of the palace detailing.” Iapis smiled at the little spirit.
“I'm sorry, seems I've forgotten all my manners today,” Lina said. “Iapis, this is my friend”âshe paused at the girl's sharp intake of breath when she used the word
friend
and gave her a fond lookâ“Eurydice.”
Iapis stopped to bow to the girl. Eurydice responded with a graceful curtsy.
“I will be taking care of Persephone,” Eurydice said, surprising Lina with the determination in her voice.
“I am quite sure that you will do an admirable job,” Iapis said patiently. “Perhaps we should meet daily so that you can keep me informed of your goddess's needs.”
“Yes, I like that idea,” Eurydice said.
Lina kept quiet. She didn't want to tarnish the happy expression on Eurydice's face. Like it or not, she had definitely acquired a keeper.
“Shall we go on, Goddess?”
Lina nodded and continued down the spacious hall. On her right, the wall of windows afforded a wonderful view of the palace's courtyard. She'd already lost count of the number of rooms that branched off to her left, but she had caught glimpses of ornately appointed chambers and an occasional semi-transparent form as it glided around a corner.
Yes, the beautiful Palace of Hades would certainly qualify as a haunted castle. Lina thought about all of the A&E Specials she'd watched over the years: “Haunted Hotels of Europe,” “The Top 10 Most Haunted Mansions,” “A&E's Haunted Bed and Breakfast List.” Another spirit-like figure flitted past the edge of her vision. The Arts & Entertainment Channel would truly love this place.
Iapis guided them down the seemingly endless hall. They made several turns, and Lina felt totally lost. Finally, they came to a halt in front of a large door that was covered with silver overlay fashioned in the form of a blooming narcissus.
“Persephone, this will be your chamber,” Iapis announced.
As with Hades, the door opened without the need for Iapis to touch the silver handle.
The sweet smell of blooming flowers welcomed Lina as she stepped into the chamber. Large arrangements of moon-colored bouquets standing in crystal vases dotted the opulent room. One wall had floor-to-ceiling windows which opened out onto a spacious marble balcony. Cream-colored velvet drapes were tied back with thick silver ropes so that the view of the rear grounds was spectacular. A fire crackled cheerfully in a man-sized fireplace. Several wardrobes of dark wood stood against another wall, divided by an impressive dressing table, which was laden with all sorts of women's toilette items. But what drew Lina's attention was the huge canopied bed. It was the most magnificent piece of furniture she had ever seen. The linens matched the velvet drapes and were exquisitely decorated with silver embroidery. The curtains of the canopy were a pale color that reminded Lina of fogâalmost insubstantial in their diaphanous delicacy.
“Your bathing chamber is through that door, Goddess.” Iapis said, pointing to another, smaller version, of the silver-encrusted entry door. “I have had your clothing and other items put away. Please let me know if all is not to your liking.”
“I'm sure everything will be wonderful. Thank you, Iapis. This is an amazing room.”
Iapis bowed. “I simply followed my Lord's instructions. When he received word from Demeter that you would be sojourning within his realm he ordered this chamber be prepared for you.”
“But if there is something the goddess needs, she will inform me and I will pass that along to you,” Eurydice interposed quickly.
“Of course, Eurydice. I will always defer to your knowledge of Persephone's needs.”
Lina noticed how neatly Iapis covered his chuckle, clearing his throat and making his voice sound sincere and serious. He really was very kind, Lina realized. She smiled her thanks to him and he inclined his head discreetly in acknowledgment.
“Goddess, will you need assistance in dressing?” Iapis asked.
“Oh, no!” Lina answered hastily, aware of the fact that Eurydice's mouth had already opened. “I can mange just fine on my own. At least this one time.” She added, noting Eurydice's disappointed look.
“Very well, Goddess. When you have freshened, you need only speak my name and I will escort you to Hades.”
Lina nodded and smiled like that was how she usually summoned people.
“Until then, Goddess, I will leave you to your privacy.” He bowed neatly to Lina. “Eurydice, your chamber is just down the hall. Shall I show you there?”
The girl looked nervous and Lina patted her arm reassuringly.
“Go on. I'll be fine. If I need you I can call you,” Lina said, without thinking.
“Of course, if your goddess requires your aid, she need only summon you with a word,” Iapis said.
Lina breathed a sigh of relief that her slip in wording hadn't been obvious. She'd meant
call
her, like with a cell phone.
“Well, if you are sure you do not need me,” Eurydice said.
“Yes, yes, I'll be fine. You go settle into your room,” Lina assured her.
“You will summon me if you have need?”
“Yes, child, yes,” Lina said, trying to be patient. All she really wanted was a chance to be alone and to collect her thoughts.
“Come, Eurydice,” Iapis told the girl, which was the final push she needed to make her leave the room.
Lina could hear them discussing “Persephone's needs” as the thick door swung closed of its own accord. She almost said “I need a drink” aloud, but she was afraid either or both of them would rush back to complete her request.
CHAPTER TEN
THE wardrobes were filled with clothesâgorgeous, expensive, silky robes in every color imaginableâbut all of a similar style. Loose, long skirts, some slit up the side and some not, high waistlines and form-fitting bodices designed by wrapping lengths of fabulous material around and draping the folds over her chest. They were all beautiful and exceedingly feminine, which was in direct contrast to how Lina usually dressed. At home she usually chose comfortable velour sweat suits or shorts and T-shirts, depending on the weather. For work she had several well-tailored, professional looking suits, some with slacks, some with skirts. She tended to choose neutral colors, so that she could mix and match and expand her wardrobe. She let her hand slide across the silky material, enjoying the feel of the fabric as well as the bright, contrasting mixture of colors. When had she started dressing like a corporate matron? Probably about the time she had given up on romance. The thought was an unpleasant realization, and she pushed it aside, refocusing her concentration on the wardrobes.
In the wide, deep drawers there was a plethora of filmy undergarments, as well as delicate leather slippers and long, feminine night-gowns that reminded Lina of something an old-time movie star would have worn.
“Well, they did call them goddesses of the silver screen,” Lina whispered as she fingered a particularly beautiful wrap.
The vanity had been stocked with more makeup and hair paraphernalia than a beauty supply store.
“So this is Hell. I've got to remember to be a really bad girl when I get back,” Lina muttered, picking through a glittering pool of eye shadows.
The bathroom was another marvel. The bathtub was more like a bathpool, and someone had already filled it to brimming with steaming water that beckoned, making Lina realize just how grubby her journey had made her feel. She'd take a quick bath, change her clothes, freshen her makeup, then she'd call Iapis or Eurydice or both of them, Lina sighed, and be escorted to have refreshments with Hades. What did one eat in Hell, she wondered as she wandered around the huge bathroom.
“Hope it involves more ambrosia,” she told a collection of colorful glass bottles of various shapes and sizes covering a marble ledge. Lina pulled the stoppers off each of them, sniffing appreciatively at their oily scents until she found one that she particularly liked, which smelled of lilies, then she poured it into the pool. From another ledge she grabbed a comb and used it to secure the mass of hair she piled atop her head. Undressing quickly she slid into the gloriously hot water and settled gingerly against the bottom with a long sigh of satisfaction.
She could have stayed there forever, but she reminded herself that Hades was waiting for her, and she certainly didn't want Iapis bursting in on her. She hurried through the wonderful bathing experience, promising herself that very soon she would pamper herself with a really long soak.
Rising out of the water she searched for a towel, which she quickly located on a shelf near the huge mirror.
And Lina froze, transfixed by her reflection. No, it wasn't
her
reflection, she reminded herself. It was Persephone, and she truly was a goddess. Of course she had realized before then that her body was different. Of course she'd known that her soul possessed a younger, prettier woman's body. But she'd had no idea . . .
Her slender hand reached up to trace a path along one of Persephone's perfect cheekbones. Her face was stunning. Luminous eyes, a remarkable shade of violet, were framed by thick, black lashes and arching brows. Her lipsâLina touched themâwere full and the color of a blush. Lina knew, because as her eyes traveled down the rest of her naked body her cheeks flushed to that same lovely tint. Persephone was lush. Her breasts were high and round, as perfect as the rest of her. Her hand moved lightly over one smooth mound. When the pink nipple hardened instantly in response, sending a sweet, tingling sensation through her body, Lina watched the lovely lips open in surprise as she uttered a little gasp. Was this body ultra-sensitive, or had it just been so long since Lina had allowed herself to have sexual feelings that she had forgotten the thrill of arousal?
And what about Persephone's love life? Was the goddess a virgin? Or did she have many lovers? Lina's gaze continued to study her new body while she considered the questions. The goddess was slender without being gaunt. Her waist curved in gracefully, but her hips swelled, full and sexy. Her legs were long and beautifully shaped; the area between them was covered with a V of soft, dark curls. Her hand moved to touch that inviting triangle.
Lina's eyes snapped guiltily up. She shook her head, laughing nervously at her reflection.
“Oh, for heaven's sake. I have to live with this body. I can't be embarrassed to look at it.” Lina grabbed a towel and began to vigorously dry herself, purposefully going intimately over every part of “her” body. “Or anything else.” But as she chose a new dress and absently combed through the tangle of her long hair, questions kept circling around her thoughts.
What kind of life had Persephone lived? She must have had a loverâat least one. With this body, how could she have been celibate? Was that really why Demeter had made this exchange? Maybe she wanted to get her daughter away from an undesirable boyfriend. Lina sighed and rubbed her forehead. Too much had happened too quickly. She had no idea if the gods required sleep, but she certainly felt exhausted. She needed to get the refreshments over with so she could come back to her room and really relax and refresh.
Clearing her throat she called aloud, “Iapis! I'm ready for refreshments now.”
Within two breaths there was a firm knock at her door.
“Come in,” she said.
The door swung open and Iapis bowed to her. “Goddess, please follow me this way.” He motioned down the hall the direction in which they had come.
“Thank you, Iapis. I am very hungry.”
“I believe you will be pleased with the delicacies Hades has chosen to honor you.”
Lina raised her eyebrows. “Hades cooks, too?”
Iapis laughed. “You shall see, Goddess.”
Lina bit her lip and followed him from the room. What was she thinking? There was probably no cooking in Hell. Like spirits would need to eat? She remembered Eirene pulling wine from an invisible fold in the air. Goddess of Morons, that's what she was. She needed to keep her mouth closed and her eyes open until she learned the ropes of her new job.
Iapis interrupted her self-chastisement. “Goddess, shall we include Eurydice? I would not want the little spirit to think I am attempting to usurp her position.”
“Yes, that's very thoughtful of you, Iapis.” Lina raised her voice. “Eurydice! I need you.”
Almost instantly a door down the hall opened and Eurydice burst out, rushing to her goddess's side in a flutter of wispy clothing and flying hair.
“Oh, Persephone! I am so glad you called,” she gushed, hugging Lina.
“Your goddess thought that you might wish to accompany us so that you could find your way back easily if she called for refreshment at an odd hour.”
Once again, Lina was impressed by Iapis' kind treatment of the girl.
“Thank you, Iapis, for putting it so nicely,” Lina said.
“Of course.” Eurydice nodded her head several times, reminding Lina of an exuberant puppy trying its best to be obedient. “I need to know many things so that I can properly care for Persephone.”