My brain was a little slow. A rose? A rose! Why would there be a rose? Wait a second, it's a black rose! A black rose? Are black roses even possible? Well, duh they're possible. There's one sitting right in front of you. But where did it come from? How is it here? Who put it there? Questions bombarded my mind. I realized that I had just been sitting, there, staring at the wall with my mouth hanging open ever so slightly. Slow down, Persephone. First thing is first. Find out where it came from. I crept out of bed (still in my clothes from the day before) and examined the rose. It was utterly black. No card. Well, Mother would have found that rude. If there is no card, the sender must want to stay hidden. That thought was of no help. Next! Hmm. Who could have sent it? Hades, for one. Mother did say he wanted to marry me. But Mother always thinks that any male people, gods, or satyrs who smile at me in a form of greeting want to court me. But Hades is always an option. Who else? I realized I needed pencil and paper to make a list. I groaned and looked around. No pencil or paper. I looked in the dresser drawers. No pencil or paper. I looked at the exquisite black bookshelf. No pencil or paper. I looked at the engraved nightstand. No pencil or paper. Darn it! I thought. Now I have to leave my room to get some. Hmph. At least outside I can interrogate people. That should be at least a little fun.

I stomped over to the closet, forgetting that I had not brought anything with me besides my flower basket. Just as I was opening the closet door, I remembered. Darn it! Darn it! Double darn it! was my opinion of the situation. But by some instinct, I kept opening the door. Inside, I found dozens upon dozens of outfits! But how did they get here? I thought for a moment. Probably how the rose got here. I decided.

I looked at the outfits. There were various styles from various years. I spotted some traditional peplum and chitons, in bright colors and various fabrics. I saw more modern dresses and shirts, as well as a couple pairs of pants and leggings. There were also several different shoes. After looking at everything, I selected a simple white shirt with black leggings, as well as a pair of navy-black tennis shoes (because, hey, we gods may be three thousand years old, but we still exercise. At least some of us do). Looking at you, dad.

I hurriedly grabbed my basket and threw open the door. Then I remembered that Embeth had said that there were multiple doors. I peeked outside just to make sure I had the right one. I only saw several very long corridors. Right door. Check! I cautiously walked out of the room and checked my right for anybody. No one. I smiled, turned around and ran right into a firm chest. 

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