A breath of relief escaped Persephone as she entered her bedroom. As usual, the atmosphere here in the Underworld was lively and peaceful. Everyone was glad that they had returned from Mount Olympus safe and sound, she was quite glad that that was over and now she could live her life with Hades. Persephone wasn't going to waste any time sulking over her mother or feel bad about how she treated her. More than anything she wanted to go back to her normal life and enjoy the rest of her days here in the Underworld.

Persephone peeled off her gown and switched into more comfortable attire, which was a pair of leather breeches and a silky white blouse. She always wore this outfit when she wanted to go horse-back riding back home. She slipped on black boots before she headed out towards the stables that housed Hades horses and many more.

She navigated perfectly through the tunnels now that she had grown accustomed to her home, she left her room behind and found herself entering another realm through a pair of white gates. The scent of summer washed down on her, even though it was just magical enchantments, the sun's heat and the fresh scents of grassland and soil made the realm feel very real. She exited the portal and found herself standing on a field of vibrant green grass, above her were crystal clear blue skies and the sun blazing bright. This realm looked nothing like the Underworld. This place almost felt like the human world, but undoubtedly, Hades magic was still strongly felt through the warm air.

Persephone's cheeks warmed up from the heat and that instantly lifted her mood, she smiled before she strode towards the massive stables, which was rowdy and busy. She guessed Hades' horses kept everyone terribly occupied since they were just like their rider. She had met the four immortal horses that pulled Hades chariot, those horses were kind to her and she loved them dearly like Cerberus and all animals.

Persephone waltzed inside the stable and her presence was instantly noticed by the bustling workers. "Good morning," she said with a bright smile but they didn't even begin to know how to approach her or talk to her.

"Oh Hell!" A massive rugged male ran out of one of the stables. "My queen?" His golden eyes that were as deep as a pool of honey gaped at her bewildered. "What are you doing out here?" he asked. "Are you perhaps lost?"

"No," she answered him. "You're Beowulf, the bear shifter, right?"

His honey coloured eyes softened. "Yes, my queen."

"Please, call me Persephone," she said. "My husband told me that you manage all the horses and other creatures that reside in the Underworld."

"I do," he answered curtly.

Beowulf was a bear shifter, he transformed into a huge grizzle bear when he needed that great power, otherwise he was a regular man with a simple life handling horses, Cerberus and other animals. Although he looked like a ferocious man with his long tough legs and a chest that was ripped with muscles, his arms were strong and his hands looked reliable and durable. He had dark tousled hair that matched his closely shaved beard. Beowulf was dressed in tight breeches that were pulled up to his knees and exposed his muscled calves, he wore a simple white shirt that was smudged with dirt and mud. He looked exactly like the type of man that could handle Hades temperamental horses, and she barely reached his hardy shoulders. But as he stood in front of her twisting that poor dirty rag in his hands, he looked quite innocent and shy.

"It must be hard managing so many horses?"

Beowulf cleared his throat. "Er- no ma'am," he said. "I serve my king and queen without complaint."

Persephone laughed at his outburst of commitment for Hades and her. "I'm sure you do," she said. "Will you show me the horses?"

"Of course," he said and quickly moved around to escort her. "Will you also be riding today?"

She was sure he asked her that question because her clothes gave it away. "Of course," she smiled and found herself in front of the first immortal sable-black horse; Orphnaeus. He was known as the savage and fleet amongst his brothers, his pure black body was fierce and powerful and he had electric blue eyes as deep as the sea Poseidon reigned upon.

"This is-"

"Orphnaeus," interrupted Persephone. "I know." Orphnaeus heard his name and her voice, he turned his head and approached her. He shook his head and tapped his foot a couple of times to let her know that he recognized her. "Hello, my friend," she put her hand on his neck and looked into his powerful electric blue eyes that reminded her of her father's eyes. "It's been so long since I last saw you." Orphnaeus nudged into her touch and neighed happily. Persephone kissed his nose and then followed Beowulf to the next horse.

Next to the large window that showed the vast green meadow stood a long and lean horse known as Aethon who was swifter than an arrow. He was black as night and as fierce as Orphnaeus when it came down to strength and speed, but Aethon green eyes that mirrored the field outside were much more softer and kind. Aethon frolicked over towards her outstretched hand and he greeted her like an old friend would.

"My kind, Aethon," she whispered to him and she knew that Aethon understood and felt her love for him. "Are you in a happy mood?" she asked and he nodded his head gleefully. She laughed and combed her fingers through his long beautiful hair.

"They seem very fond of you," said Beowulf. "Apart from Hades and I, no one dares to look them in the eye let alone pet them like some pup."

Persephone met Beowulf's perplexed gaze. "I've met them all before," she said. "They are familiar with me and they know that Hades trusts me. I'm sure that's the reason these beasts can handle my presence-" Aethon nudged her hand to get her attention back to him, she smiled at the horse- "And they are too beautiful for me not to adore them like some pups."

Beowulf's smile brightened his honey bronzed eyes. "Everyone said that you're warm like spring," he said. "They were right."

Persephone blushed. "Thank you," she kissed Aethon and followed Beowulf towards the bigger stable which was for the great Nyctaeus. This beautiful horse was the youngest of the four and the proud glory of the Hell's steeds. Nyctaeus was the most magnificent of the four, he had the ego of a king although it was well earned since he had incredible lightning speed.

"Nyctaeus," she called out and the horse's blazing gold eyes that resembled bright amber stones found deep in great mountains turned to look at her. Nyctaeus held his head high when he came around towards her, he welcomed her embrace and leaned into her touch, which she was thankful for that he didn't reject her like he would for most people. "Aren't you just glowing today," she said. "Beautiful as always." He neighed and stomped his feet in excitement from the compliment. "Have they been on their runs?" she asked Beowulf.

"Yes, ma'am," he answered. "I had them cleaned, fed and walked."

"Good," she said before she laid a kiss between Nyctaeus' fiery golden eyes.

Beowulf watched the queen take her time with each immortal horse, he was surprised that the queen had the time to befriend the king's horses. He never expected this from the goddess of spring, many had gossiped that she was different from the gods and goddesses they had met before. However, Beowulf never truly believed it, until she had strolled into his stables and chatted away with not only a bear shifter, but the horses that many had come to fear. She was wee of a woman that had soft hands which looked like they had never lifted anything heavy in their life. But the golden light that swarmed her body was what caught his attention and the rest of the stable workers. She had a smile that befriended everyone without a single exchange of words, he was surprised she had spoken to him with kindness and wasn't disgusted by his abilities, since many were. Beowulf had definitely thought wrong of her, and now he was sure of why Hades was so in love with this beautiful goddess.

"This way is Alastor," said Beowulf.

Persephone strode towards the final stable, her vision cleared and the largest stable was exposed. In the far back stood the tallest and strongest sable-black horse. Alastor was the avenger and he was branded with the mark of Dis. He was chosen by Hades and by death itself. The eldest of the four, Alastor emitted strength as powerful as Hades. His flaming red eyes warned everyone that he was not someone to take as a joke. He was the darkest from his brothers and looked the most dangerous.

"Alastor," she called out the horse's name. Alastor raised his flaming red eyes and she knew that he recognized her. "Open the door, Beowulf."

"Er- I don't think that's wise," said the bear shifter. "He's not in the best of moods this morning and-"

"I'm aware," said Persephone. "That is why I need to see him. Open the stable door."

Beowulf exchanged a weary look between her and Alastor who was nonchalantly standing on the side. "Hades will not approve," he muttered.

Persephone quirked a brow. "Does it look like I need his approval?"

"No," Beowulf shook his head and reluctantly opened the stable door. "If I sense even the slightest of danger, I will excuse myself and carry you out."

Persephone laughed and patted his strong arm that could most definitely carry her over his shoulder. She strode into the stable where the dangerous Alastor stood proudly.

Alastor straightened to his full height, he huffed a hot breath and steam blew out of his nostrils. His eyes were strikingly aware of her presence, he went still and looked straight at Persephone.

"Hello, Alastor," she extended her hand and laid it very gently on the front of his face. Without hesitation like Hades had taught her. "You smell just like Hades." Alastor very lightly leaned into her touch the moment she mentioned her husband's name. Persephone pulled her touch away from the animal because she knew that Alastor didn't like being touched for long. "You miss Hades, don't you?" she asked the magnificent beast who was irked more than anything else. "No one has taken you on a good ride, and you're bored." Alastor understood her perfectly, he stepped forward and pushed his face into her hands. "Okay, buddy," she chuckled, "let's take you out for a ride. Beowulf can you get me a saddle and prepare Alastor, I think it's time for some bonding."

Beowulf's brows shot up. "No one rides Alastor," he was alarmed when he told her. "I can't let you because if something happened-"

"Nothing will happen," she said and looked at Alastor's red eyes. "Will you drop me, Alastor?" The immortal horse shook his head. "See," she shrugged off Beowulf's concern and sent him to bring her a saddle for Alastor. In quick flashes, Beowulf expertly fastened a crimson red leather saddle onto Alastor's long back with a strong girth.

Alastor was so tall that Beowulf had to offer his knee to Persephone so she could get her foot on the stirrup and then hop onto Alastor's back. She grabbed the reins and the beast she was positioned on was most definitely strong, her feet could feel his powerful breath and her legs could feel his blazing heat. He truly was magnificent animal under the sunshine, his satin skin shined like rich black diamonds. Alastor was a rare sight to behold when he was enjoying a good run, she considered herself lucky to ride such a beast.

Persephone just held onto the reins for support, she had full faith that Alastor wouldn't hurt her or let her fall. He controlled his speed and ran around the massive track, he enjoyed himself and made sure that she was content. Alastor was truly a darling and Persephone didn't understand why everyone was so scared of this caring animal.

"You're doing great, my black beauty," she reassured Alastor and patted his neck. Alastor and her enjoyed the rest of the run under the blazing sun and blue skies. Both of their moods had lifted tremendously. They both even wished for Hades to join them.

-Hades POV-

Hades separated from Persephone and he had finished some work before he could join her for the rest of the day. After his meeting with the witches ended, he entered the Court of the Dead where the three judges sat doing their jobs diligently that they didn't even notice that he had arrived.

Minos and Aeacus discussed the judgements needed over any dead spirits. Rhadamanthys poured all his concentration over a massive book because he probably found another law to change or improve.

"Good morning," announced Hades and he broke their concentration.

Aeacus lifted his charming eyes. "I didn't think you'd return alive," he remarked with a light chuckle.

"What do you mean?" asked Hades as he joined them around the table.

"We placed a bet," he said. "Either you'd die by Demeter's hands or our lovely queen would strangle you with her new she-devil form."

Hades barked a laugh. "Demeter wouldn't dare," he remarked.

Aeacus lifted a brow. "And Persephone?"

Hades had to contemplate for a serious moment if his wife would strangle him at some point in their marriage. "I think I'd have to make her pretty angry," he rubbed his chin. "And trust me, it's not an easy task making her mad."

"I still can't grasp how she married you," said Minos. "You two are polar opposites."

"She has the composure of a saint," remarked Aeacus. "And you-"

Hades raised his brow. "Finish that sentence, I dare you."

"See what I mean," remarked Aeacus and the other two judges chuckled. "Where is your wife anyways?"

"She told me that she was returning to our room," he answered.

Rhadamanthys closed the book after he finished whatever he needed to and joined them around the table. "How'd your meeting with Demeter go?" He was the only one that asked the important questions.

"Seph broke off all ties with her mother," he said and they seemed genuinely surprised, so was he for that matter. He never expected his wife to break all ties with her mother and not offer any chance for reconciliation.

"And how is Persephone taking all of this?" asked Minos.

"She seemed fine," said Hades. "Happy even."

"And that doesn't concern you?" asked Rhadamanthys.

"Why should it?" asked Hades. "If she's happy with separating with her mom, who am I to stand in the way or tell that she's wrong." The three judges couldn't argue with that.

Aeacus sighed wearily. "All this work is going to be the death of me."

"How long have you three been down here?" asked Hades.

"All damned night and morning," grumbled Aeacus. "Rhadamanthys won't even let me go and freshen up."

"Because if I do, you'll find some other excuse to skip out on a thousand other tasks you have," retorted Rhadamanthys.

Hades laid a supportive hand on Rhadamanthys' shoulder. "You have it rough, buddy," he mumbled.

"Excuse me," complained Aeacus. "What about me? I'm the one that has to sit here all day and night doing these tedious things." He raked his hair and rubbed the back of his neck where his muscles tensed and coiled. "I knew it, I should have never accepted this job."

Hades laughed. "What were you going to do then?" he asked. "No one else can handle you as good as all of us here can."

"You won't find a more interesting bunch than the people sitting in this room," added Minos.

"That's true," agreed Aeacus.

"But I do agree with Aeacus," said Minos. "Let's take a break." The two judges looked to Rhadamanthys for the slightest hint of approval. But Hades was here with them, and if he said they were relived for the day than even Rhadamanthys couldn't say anything about it.

Aeacus and Minos dropped everything and followed Hades. Rhadamanthys reluctantly followed because even he craved a few moments of entertainment with his friends.

"How is everyone here taking their queen's new form?" asked Hades because he was genuinely curious of how they all reacted towards Seph's devil form. He wondered if they were scared, happy or detested, which he doubted because everyone here loved Persephone as much as he did.

"They were thrilled," said Minos ecstatically. "Everyone rejoiced that she is our queen. I think even a party broke out last night."

Aeacus shot Hades a grin. "When I heard the stories about her devil-form, I think I fell in love with her," he jested.

Hades jaw ticked. "I'm going to punch your face," he said through gritted teeth.

Aeacus laughed. "I don't think there is anyone that hasn't fallen in love with her," he said. "She helps everyone, and damn, does she have a smile."

Hades would've strangled everyone that looked at Seph, but he couldn't blame them. She was exquisite when she smiled or laughed so brightly. No one, not even him were used to that degree of kindness or purity. She gave them all hope that their lives weren't so bad. They all found comfort from her and she probably wasn't even aware of that fact. Aeacus, Minos and Rhadamanthys all looked to Seph with hope that they could also achieve a love like Hades has with her. Not just them, all the demons and witches hoped for the same.

"We should have lunch on the terrace," suggested Aeacus. "Bring Persephone, Hades."

Hades returned to their bedroom but Seph wasn't inside. He checked in the bathroom when he saw her gown splayed on the floor, but she wasn't there either.

"Has your wife disappeared?" asked Aeacus with a mocking laugh.

Hades rolled his eyes as he lifted her dress and put it on the bed. "Looks like it," he said.

The guard Voltron appeared inside the room with a run. "Sire, the queen has left to the stables for the morning," he informed meticulously. "She told me to let you know not to be concerned and that she'd be back before dinner."

"Thank you, Voltron," said Hades and he dismissed the guard. "Would you fellas mind if we visited the stables first?"

Rhadamanthys answered first. "Not at all."

Hades transported them to the stables in seconds. He winced when the bright light of the sun blasted in his face, the light breeze blew through his cape and the strong smell of summer bloomed around him. He had been here before to visit and ride his horses, but this was the first time he had smelt the fresh spring perfume that always followed his wife. He had grown to love the smell and this sensation that spilled through his heart whenever he felt her powers around him. The skies were blue and the grass was green. Small little dandelions had bloomed on a stretch of land and he instantly knew that Seph had walked by here.

"Damn," grimaced Rhadamanthys. "I dislike sunlight very much."

"Really? I love it," said Aeacus. "It's refreshing and I can finally smell something other than ashes and death."

"Of course," said Rhadamanthys. "You love anything that bothers me."

"Milord," a deep voice called out from behind them. It was the bear shifter Beowulf, he came running towards him with panic on his face. That was very rare, Hades wondered what had caused this simple bear shifter to lose control over his calm manner. "I didn't expect you to visit today," he said as he twisted an old rag.

"I didn't either," he said and realized how much he neglected his horses.

"Your wife came today," said Beowulf.

"Yes, I'm aware and that's why I came," replied Hades. "Where is she?"

Beowulf's eyes filled with panic once more and Hades didn't understand why. But when his eyes looked behind the massive bear shifter, pure terror filled his body too. "What the hell," he cursed some nasty words under his breath when he recognized that small stature and that black beast with flaming red eyes.

"Is Persephone riding Alastor?" asked Aeacus. He sounded just as alarmed as Hades.

"She insisted that she'd take him out for a walk," said Beowulf. "I couldn't deny her."

Hades knew that the bear shifter wasn't to blame because even he had difficulty refusing anything from his wife.

"You have to admit, she makes riding Alastor look easy," admired Minos.

"That beast almost killed me once," groaned Aeacus. "I still get nightmares."

"One of the best days of my life," said Rhadamanthys with a chuckle and even Hades laughed.

Aeacus narrowed his eyes at Rhadamanthys. "You wouldn't have a single clue what to do with your life if I wasn't here."

Rhadamanthys looked over to Beowulf. "Is there any vicious creature here we can feed him to?"

Beowulf laughed. "Sadly, no."

The rest of their chatter became distant noise to Hades as he took those long moments to watch Seph ride Alastor with ease and trust. Something no one had when they were near Alastor because everyone feared that beast. Although Hades knew that Alastor was loyal to Hades and he would never hurt Seph, but he still couldn't help but feel unease because Alastor was still an animal. However, none of that concern was on Seph's face at the moment. Her eyes were brimming with joy as Alastor frolicked over the track, she was smiling brightly that told Hades she couldn't be happier than this moment.

The blazing sun cascaded down on Seph's creamy soft skin which illuminated like diamonds in the light, her long beautiful hair was shining a bright red like Alastor's eyes. It flowed behind her and in the breeze as Alastor picked up speed, she rode the immortal horse like no one ever has before. Hades watched himself being captivated over this mesmerizing view, she was beautiful under the sunlight.

She radiated serenity and it poured into his soul. This feeling was what imprisoned his heart and set him to pursue Seph in the first place, she was the comfort that he never had. She was his peace, the little bit of love he could conjure was all for her and for her alone.

Home. Seph was home for him. No matter where he was or where he went, if he saw her, he was content.

Seph's burning gaze found his, she knew that he had arrived and was watching her. A smile crept up her kissable pink lips, the shy smile that was only reserved for him. He was the only one that could see that gentle shyness on her face, and it drove him wild how much he loved seeing that beautiful smile. Her gaze was that of liquid gold, which was brighter than the sun itself in his eyes.

Hades gaze didn't leave Seph's for any moment, he watched her say something to Alastor. The horse's red eyes found Hades and the animal charged towards him. Alastor ran with speed and ferocity, his hooves dug into the dirt and he was in front of Hades in seconds with Seph laughing pleasantly.

"Hi," Seph gazed down at Hades and took a deep breath.

"Hi," said Hades as he put his hand on Alastor's neck. "He's seems very calm."

Seph leaned down on the horse's back. "Isn't he," she said. "He was amazing on the track."

Hades laid his hand purposely on Seph's leg, he then sharply noticed that she wore breeches and that had almost killed him. The tight pants hugged each inch of her curvaceous butt and round hips, the leather breeches accentuated her small waist that choked his voice from his throat. Hades composed himself and ran his hand along her calf. Her eyes didn't leave his for a second as she understood what he was trying to do.

"Like them?" she asked him teasingly.

Hades laughed from her nerve. "Like, is not the word I'd use, sweetheart," he sighed deeply.

Seph giggled. "Come riding with me," she said.

Hades looked into her eyes and couldn't refuse. "Beowulf," he interrupted the other men's conversation. "Saddle up Nyctaeus." That glorious horse was the only one as fast as Alastor.

"Of course," said Beowulf and he disappeared in the stables.

"Wow, don't you just look gorgeous up there," praised Aeacus.

Seph's smile changed from shy to polite and that pleased Hades. "Thank you, Aeacus," she said to the judge.

"Alastor seems at ease with you," said Minos. "I've never seen him behave this way before."

"You just keep surprising us," said Rhadamanthys and he sounded genuine.

Seph patted the animal's neck. "He's the one that keeps surprising us," she said. "What brought you all here anyways?"

"We thought we'd all have lunch together," said Minos.

"Oh," she was snapped out of her bubble. "Is it lunch time already? I would love to join all you but first I need to beat Hades in a race."

Hades' brows shot up. "Is that a challenge?" Seph tilted her head and smirked. "I won't race with you, honey."

"Why?" asked Seph. "Too scared." Hades rolled his eyes and wasn't going to fall for her tricks.

"He's scared all right," remarked Aeacus. "He won't be able to handle it if a woman beats him."

Hades scowl scared Aeacus. "Beowulf! Where's that damned horse?"

Seph laughed and ushered Alastor towards the starting line for their race, Hades joined with Nyctaeus soon after. Everyone from the stables and his friends joined them outside to watch this race because it was far to amusing to miss out on.