{Underworld, Time Unknown}

“Eat.”

Persephone eyes the plate of food in front of her with suspicion. 

It does not look like any other meal served in the palace of Mount Olympus, no fine delicacies nor sweet ambrosia.  Instead, it appears much simpler and strangely holds a nostalgic feeling of home.  Hot tears resurface again, and she weeps for all that has missed her in the world above, and most of all, her beloved mother Demeter.

Hades scratches his head in utmost frustration. 

He has been trying for days to make his guest feel comfortable in his palace:  showing her the fields of asphodel, the royal gardens of Hecate, and even the flowing waters of the Styx River.  But nothing seems to please Persephone, as the goddess is constantly miserable and prefers to mope in her room.

The quiet god racks his brains for ideas on how to make his future bride smile, but there was no answer to his prayers. 

Just then, a particular bell chimes, and Hades knows it was time to do his job.  Without even thinking, he blurts out, “Would you like to see me judge the souls?”

Persephone hiccups through her tears. 

“S-Souls?”  she manages to stutter. 

Hades is surprised by the tone of her voice – surely her mother or father would’ve told her of his duties.  Stepping down from his seat, he walks to the door and turns his head.  “I would very much appreciate your company.”

Slowly, the goddess gets down from the dining area, and soon the pitter-patter of small feet signals her close proximity to his own. 

Hiding a pleased smile, Hades leads the way to the palace’s throne room.  Already, glows of silver bulbs were waiting in a straight line, ready to be judged.  Charon, the ferryman, was aligning the last of them when the two appears, and he gave the king a low bow before departing.

“Have a seat,” Hades gestures to a jewelled chair broug