Chapter nine: peace in darkness

When Stephanie woke up she was surprised to see that it was still dark.

"What time is it?" She mumbled as she searched for a clock. There was one on the wall that read 7:15. She couldn't help but find it strange.

"Miss are you awake?" Mara knocked on the door.

"Yes just a minute." As she replied all the candles in the room lit up.

Mara barged in. "Good to see you are up, a little late, but we can get you ready in time for breakfast."

She helped Stephanie freshen up, and led her to a garden lit with faerie lights. There was a small table with fresh fruits, and pastries prepared. Hades sat on the other end. She felt nervous to talk to him after the night before.

"You'll be fine." Mara whispered reassuringly.

"Morning."

"Good morning Stephanie, I hope you like what the maids prepared for us... It's all things from the mortal realm."

She sat down taking a few grapes to eat. Stephanie sat in shock for a moment.These were the most delicious grapes she had ever eaten! They were a purplish colour, the skin pealed off with ease, and the center was all held together by a sweet jelly.

She began tasting all the fruit, each one sweeter than any she had ever had before. No one said a word but Mara, and Hades smiled at eachother, and began to laugh. It was good to see her enjoying something here.

After they ate Stephanie was full, which made her feel really tired. Hades took her through the garden up on a hill. Trees were all around them, the top of the hill had a grassy patch. Where Hades had built a small deck with a day bed. Stephanie looked at the large fig tree above them, with lanterns hung in-between the figs who's radiant colours glowed in the light.

Stephanie Laid down on the bed and stared at the view.

"Why is it still dark here?"

"We have no sun, or moon here. Instead we have fire, and some plants, and creatures glow too... Does it bother you?"

"Hmm... I don't think so. I usually enjoy walking around at night. You can't get that kind of peace during the day. Tokyo always seemed especially beautiful at night."

"Do you miss it?"

"Not right now.."

Stephanie couldn't believe she had said that, but it was true. It really was beautiful here. She couldn't see the town that they had been to when they first met anywhere. It must be quite far away. She wondered what else might be out there.

Hades didn't want to leave, he could feel her opening up to him, but unfortunately he had some things to attend to, and left her for the rest of the day with Mara.

"Stephanie spending the day with me, It's so exciting!" Mara said over her shoulder.

Stephanie giggled "So, what are we gonna do today?"

"Well Hades said I can show you around, so just think of me as your your guide." She said winking.

They spent the day exploring the garden some more, then visiting the wine cellar where Hades hid all his booze. Stephanie sampled one or two before heading out. Next they visited all the rooms in the house. There were many guest rooms, and some rooms for lounging, one with loads of clothes hung everywhere, including dresses.

"This is where we keep all your clothes, our clothes are kept in the staff quarters."

"Did Hades buy all these for me?"

"Well yes he did. He has great taste!"

"I just don't understand why he chose me."

"Well you are very beautiful..."

"But so are a lot of women. I'm sure some would of even happily been with him from day one."

"Well.. You might not see it now, but I believe you and Hades have a hidden spiritual connection which draws you two together."

Stephanie was a bit surprised at the comment. "Let's see another room."

They explored the kitchen and some more public rooms, but Stephanie felt worn out, and hungry.

"It's almost dinner time, I'll take you to bathe while they prepare dinner."

Later she sat down in the dining hall with Hades. There were lots of little dishes prepared for both of them on either side of the table. Once again the food was beyond perfect.

"Mara, let me take Stephanie to bed tonight, you rest early."

"Yes, master." Mara winked at Stephanie, and ran off.

"You two seem to be getting along quite well." He said walking down the hall.

"Yes, she's a nice girl.." Stephanie was nervous, she noted that the way they were walking wasn't towards the guest rooms, in fact she was sure Mara mentioned this was Hades private wing.

Hades got to a large door and opened it to reveal a bedroom fit for a king. Stephanie stood nervously by the door, barely entering.

"You'll be resting with me from now on." He tried to keep his composure, but he was a bit nervous too.

Stephanie took her robe off exposing the beautiful nightgown underneath. Hades was stunned at the sight of her beauty. To him every piece of her was perfection, she could do no wrong, or never not look beautiful in his eyes.

They laid on their backs staring at the ceiling. Hades put his arm over her ushering her to rest her head on his chest. The warmth and softness that he felt on his chest was something he never wanted to stop feeling. He held her close that night, for he knew the next night he would be alone again.