Trouble In Hades: Queens Of Olympus #1 by Arizona Tape

Author:Arizona Tape [Tape, Arizona]
Language: eng
Format: epub

12

Maia

* * *

It was strange how quickly the Underworld was starting to feel like home. There were still some things I needed to get used to but I was getting the hang of it. It helped that all the staff was competent and seemed happy to work with me.

“Erebus.” I smiled at the manager of the palace. “Can I ask you something?”

“Naturally,” the nymph replied, pausing on the other side of my desk.

“How easy is it to import things from the Overworld?”

“You merely have to ask.”

“Really? And I can have anything I want?”

She nodded. “Anything you desire. If you let me know, I’ll make sure to order it for you.”

“Great. I’d like a packet of coffee.”

“Coffee?” she echoed, seemingly surprised by my request. “Alright. Any particular kind?”

I shook my head. “Just not the cheap stuff, something nice and dark.”

“And how much would you like? A year’s worth?”

“No, no, just one packet. It’s a gift,” I told her, closing the report I was going through. “I’m stiff, I think I need to stretch my legs.”

“The orchards are particularly nice this time of year,” Erebus suggested as we exited my office. “I’ll find someone to escort you.”

“I prefer to walk next to the Styx,” I told her. “And no need, I can go by myself.”

“As you wish.” She handed me my coat and opened the large front doors, waving me out. “Have a nice walk, Your Darkness.”

With a bemused smile, I crossed through the large front gardens, admiring the lustrous variety. I always imagined this place as destitute and dark, but there was a lot of beauty to be found. I just had to know where to look.

It didn’t take long to reach the Styx and I followed the murky river, watching the green water play with the banks. It smelled fouler than I remembered, not quite the relaxing walk I hoped for.

The ground vibrated and a golden carriage flew past me, leaving a plume of dust in its wake. The chariot stopped abruptly and a slender woman stepped out. “Hello.”

I raised a hand. “Penelope.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m clearing my head. Too many reports.”

“Ah yes.” She joined me by the river, a curious look gracing her features as she examined me. “Would you like some company?”

I gestured to her carriage. “Are you not doing anything?”

“Nothing that can’t wait.” She nudged me along. “Let’s find somewhere nicer to walk where the stench of the Styx won’t bother us.”

“Please. What’s that smell anyway?”

“Rotting souls at the bottom,” she replied casually. “Sometimes people jump, hoping to escape their fate.”

“Grim.”

“It’s an issue we’re working on but the current Styx isn’t exactly bothered. He’s also become a bit complacent after all this time. You might want to have a word with him.” She gestured up to one of the paths leading into the hills. “This way, I want to show you something.”

In companionable silence, we climbed the hill. The fields around us stretched far in every direction and some of them were covered in trellises and vines.

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