C-27- Wedding

The Garden of Styx had never looked more breathtaking. My sisters had gone all out and demanded to host the wedding right here in the underworld, Lady Styx was more than happy to help as well, literally moving the River Styx to form a heart that flowed around the garden. I never knew that nymphs could change their rivers, so it was really cool to see it come alive and slither around. We of course extended an invitation to her and her sisters.

As I stood beneath an archway of twisted black vines and glowing white roses, waiting for the ceremony to begin, I found myself gripping the pommel of my ceremonial blade. My nerves were rare companions, and their presence now was irritating.

"She'll show up," Poseidon said from beside me, his voice low but carrying a teasing lilt. He sported a new water arm, it was thanks to Hephestus who created a metal casing that covered his stump and allow Poseidon to transform water into an arm or whatever he wanted it it be.

"I know that," I muttered, casting him a sideways glance. He grinned, holding his trident loosely as though this were nothing more than a family dinner.

"Relax, brother," Aeolus added from my other side. He adjusted his storm-wreathed cloak and gave me a knowing nod. "You've faced Titans and won a wars. This should be easy."

"Easy," I repeated dryly. "It's only the culmination of centuries of waiting, love, and the crowning of a queen who can turn me into a frog if I misstep. No pressure."

Before they could retort, the sound of harp strings echoed through the garden, silencing the murmurs of the gathered guests. A path of glowing silver stone appeared, leading from the towering gates of the garden to where I stood.

And then, she arrived.

Hecate.

She walked with a grace that seemed to defy gravity, she was dressed in this gothic dress that really drew eyes. I only wanted the best and so I had the help of my sisters to make a version of the, A-Line Court Train Tulle Wedding Dress, i had to draw out exactly what the dress looked like for them and they loved it, Hecate really seemed to love her gift as well, I just knew that it would look good on her. A crown similar to mine rested on her head, its really matched her dress nicely. Her eyes met mine, and in that moment, the universe seemed to still.

I could hear the sharp intake of breath from some of the guests. Even the Oni King, Katsuo, who stood near the Oni delegation, nodded his approval, his massive frame leaning slightly forward in respect.

I was vaguely aware of the eclectic mix of attendees. There were several Titans, Cottereus, and Briariaeus stood in the back near the Oni. Nyx and Erebus were cloaked in their usual mystery, their children—including Thanatos, Hypnos, and Nemesis—lingering at the edges of the garden. The three Cyclopes—Brontes, Steropes, and Arges—stood near the back, their one eyes glinting with soft amusement. Even the Oni had returned from the tasks they had .

But none of it mattered as Hecate approached, her witches flanking her like a royal entourage. I barely heard the murmurs of admiration from the nymphs and satyrs, or the low growls of approval from the demons. All I saw was her.

When she reached me, I offered her my hand, and she took it. Her fingers were warm, steady—everything I needed in that moment.

"You look…" I trailed off, words failing me.

"Like someone who's about to make you her king," she replied, her voice tinged with humor. "You don't look so bad yourself, Lord of the Dead."

I smirked, the tension easing just slightly. "Shall we?"

She nodded, and together we turned to face the gathered crowd.

Standing in front of us was Rhea, her presence commanding and serene. She had insisted on officiating the ceremony—a rare privilege that even I hadn't dared refuse. She raised her hands, silencing the crowd with a gesture.

"Today," Rhea began, her voice resonating with the power of a Titan, "we gather to witness a union that transcends time, realms, and power. The King of the Underworld and the Titanness of Magic join as one, not just in love, but in purpose. Their bond will strengthen the foundations of this world and all others."

As she spoke, I felt Hecate's hand tighten around mine. I glanced at her and found her gazing at me, her expression softer than I had ever seen it.

"Do you, Hades, take Hecate to be your queen, your equal, and your partner in ruling the Underworld and Olympus?" Rhea asked, her voice steady.

"I do," I said without hesitation, my voice carrying through the garden.

"And do you, Hecate, take Hades to be your king, your equal, and your partner in magic and life?"

"I do," Hecate replied, her voice clear and unwavering.

Rhea extended her hands, and golden threads of power wove around us, binding our hands together. The threads pulsed once, then dissolved into light.

Rhea declared. "I pronounce you husband and wife, King and Queen of the Underworld and the Gods."

The garden erupted in cheers, the sound a mix of divine voices, demonic roars, and everything in between.

The reception was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Tables laden with food and drink stretched across the garden, their surfaces glittering with enchanted starlight. Satyrs danced with nymphs, their movements wild and joyous. Abel and Cain were among the cyclopes, deep in conversation about forges and weapons.

Nyx approached me at one point, her presence as chilling as the void itself. "You've chosen well," she said, her dark eyes piercing.

"Thank you, Nyx," I replied. "That means more than you know."

She inclined her head, fading back into the shadows as quickly as she had appeared.

Hecate was the star of the evening, her laughter ringing out as she danced with her witches and even coaxed Katsuo into joining her for a moment. The Oni King moved with surprising grace for someone his size, though he quickly returned to his place among his kin, nursing a goblet of ambrosia.

At one point, I pulled Hecate aside, away from the crowd. The Styx glittered behind us, its soft glow illuminating her features.

"Happy?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Ecstatic," she replied, leaning into my touch. "And you?"

"I'm exactly where I want to be," I said.

We shared a kiss then, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.

"Oh yeah...I'm pregnant by the way."

....

"With twins."

"Oh....shit."