The underworld saga, p.106
The Underworld Saga, page 106
He let out a breath. “Since things will be dangerous and chaotic during our wedding ceremony, I want to tell my vows to you tonight, so you’re sure to hear them, and so you can focus on just me and you and not Athena’s plan and Zeus’s threat. Okay?”
Tears glistened in Therese’s eyes. He couldn’t resist leaning in and kissing her.
She uncrossed her legs and moved her feet to the floor so she could maneuver closer to him. She felt soft and warm as he ran his hands down her arms and took her hands.
“Are you ready?” he asked her.
She nodded, and he noticed a tear had dripped to her cheek. He gently rubbed it away with his thumb.
“Before I met you,” he said, his heart rate picking up speed, “my life was a chore and a duty. I was like Sisyphus with his rock, doing the same things over and over. Unlike Sisyphus, I had a sense of purpose, but that was all that drove me. I didn’t know real happiness and joy until you came into my life.”
Tears welled in Therese’s eyes, and he took a shaky breath before continuing.
“You are my teacher. I learn from you every day. I’ve learned to be more compassionate, more grateful, and more aware of the Upperworld. I’ve learned to make friends outside of my immediate family. I’ve learned to feel more confident in myself and to see that I am as good as the gods on Mount Olympus, and as worthy of honor and respect as any of them.”
She nodded, encouraging him along, in spite of the tears that now poured down her lovely face. Tears filled his own eyes as he went on.
“You are my connection to things,” he said, feeling breathless now. His hands were shaking, because he’d never given such a speech to anyone, and he wanted this to be right, to be perfect. “You have made me feel connected to life and to the world in ways that I hadn’t experienced before you. Even my relationships with my own family members have become stronger because of you. You inspire me to be curious about the Upperworld. I didn’t know what chocolate and coffee and tea were before we met, because I never cared or paid attention to anything but my duties. You opened up a whole new world for me and have made me feel connected to it.”
Therese’s mouth had stretched into something between a smile and a frown, and it trembled as quiet sobs began to overwhelm her. He squeezed her hands.
“You are my equal,” he said. “Except for my power of disintegration and maybe for my skills in night Frisbee.” He laughed, and so did she. “You are my equal in serving others, in defending people and other gods, in taking action to overcome injustice, and in doing everything to ensure that goodness and right always come out ahead of badness and wrong. In many ways, you surpass me. I admire your compassion and aspire to love other beings as much and as hard as you do.”
Her entire body quivered uncontrollably now. She looked like she was falling to pieces before his eyes. He took her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes, which were streaming with tears.
“You are my love. My one and only, deep and passionate and eternal love. I cherish you more than anything in existence. I promise to love you, hard and true, and to protect you and that love, and to foster it into something new every day. I promise to be the one you can count on forever, and I will spend eternity doing everything in my power to make you happy.”
There. He’d finished. He let out a sigh of relief. But before he could tell her he was finished and ask her what she thought of his speech, she closed the distance between them and gave him a wet, intense, lingering kiss that left him breathless again.
***
Jen leaned against the fence. Sassy came up behind and nudged Jen’s hand.
“I don’t have any treats, girl,” Jen said. She was exhausted. With Pete still sick and the trail riding season upon them, she’d been working double time. Plus, she hadn’t been able to sleep.
That wasn’t exactly true, she thought to herself as she caressed Sassy’s face. Jen hadn’t wanted to sleep. Hip hadn’t communicated with her through the dream globe or in her dreams in over two months. A few times she dreamt of him only to discover they were figments. She used the saying Therese had taught her to command the figments to show themselves, and Hip would disappear only to be replaced by a giggling, flying, eel-like thing. It gave Jen the creeps.
Her mom approached, bringing Jen out of her reverie.
“You go on and eat lunch and rest,” her mother said. “John’s going to help out again today.”
Mr. Stern had been hanging around the Holt place more and more. Although Jen had felt awkward around him at first, she’d been grateful lately for his help.
“Are you sure?” Jen asked.
“Yep. Now go on.”
After a quick sandwich, Jen put on her bikini and crossed the road to the lake for a swim. She missed the days when she and Therese would spend hours swimming and sunbathing together over the summers. It didn’t take long for those feelings of nostalgia to shift to missing Hip. No matter how much she missed him, now that Therese had confirmed that he was okay and not chained to a mountain peak, Jen refused to pray to him. She might feel desperate inside, but she would never allow him to see it.
***
Therese turned down the dark corridor toward her favorite bat cave to think. Than’s vows had filled her with love, but they had also filled her with fear. Hearing him promise to spend eternity trying to make her happy made her really think hard about what eternity would be like for her if Zeus succeeded in separating them. An eternity away from Than would be worse than death.
She wondered if it was too late for the transformation to immortality to be reversed. If Zeus swallowed Therese, could he take away her immortality, so she could die a natural death? The idea of living for all eternity inside Zeus’s gut and perhaps hearing but not seeing or touching or loving Than, terrified her.
She’d never see her parents, her aunt and uncle, her sister, her best friend. Would she be able to communicate with her parents? Had Athena been able to communicate with her mother?
To add to the fear was her doubt that she could come up with vows worthy of Than’s. His were so beautiful and touching. What could she say that would be anywhere near the same level of awesomeness?
This is important, she said to herself. These last few weeks may be our final days together. I want him to know how I feel.
As Therese sat with slumped shoulders on a ledge of rock among the baby bats waiting for the return of their parents, Athena appeared.
“Athena?” Therese asked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Hello, Therese,” the goddess of wisdom said. “I came here to talk to you.”
“Oh?” Therese wasn’t sure whether she should stand or remain sitting. Since her knees suddenly felt shaky, she opted for the latter.
“It’s difficult for me to be open with you about all I want to say.” Athena glanced around the cave. “Especially in this abysmal place.”
Therese’s face flushed. She frequently forgot how much the gods of Olympus despised the Underworld, and it shocked her every time she was reminded of it. This bat cave was special to her, and Athena found it repulsive.
“But,” Athena continued, “I want you to know how pleased I am with the way you have conducted yourself since you joined our ranks. You and Thanatos may have begun your lives together hated by the other gods—looked down upon as oath breakers and as love-sick fools—but you have proved yourselves worthy to be among us.”
Therese climbed to her feet, utterly astounded by Athena’s compliments.
“Your willingness to take risks and to make great personal sacrifice, Therese, has not gone unnoticed.” In spite of the darkness, Athena’s gray eyes shined as brightly beneath her helmet as the glow exuded by her godly form. “I owe you many thanks.”
Therese clutched her locket—the one that hung lower of the two on her chest, the one from Athena—and said, “So do I. Owe you thanks.”
Athena lifted her brows above her dazzling eyes.
“After meeting Thanatos, I have received many magical gifts from the gods, but the words inscribed on this locket have helped me more than any other.”
“Indeed. Words are the most powerful tools of all,” Athena said just before she disappeared.
***
Hip had been searching for Jen through both the dream globe and the Dreamworld ever since Therese had confronted him, and that had been two days ago. How had Jen managed to stay awake for forty-eight hours, and why would she do it?
After several more hours, he sensed her as she sunbathed on the banks of the Lemon Reservoir across from her home. She was entering his realm, and he was waiting for her.
Chapter Fourteen: A June Wedding
T
he day before the summer solstice, Therese couldn’t stand it anymore. She still hadn’t shared her vows with Than, and this was eating her up inside. His speech to her had been so perfect. So beautiful. After trying for weeks to think of what to say and fearing she would never have another chance to say it, Therese stormed into their room, where he was eating, and, in a tone that sounded angry—she couldn’t help herself—she said, “I need to tell you something.”
He stood up. “What…”
“Sit down.”
He sat, looking up at her, lines of worry crossing his face.
“I haven’t prepared anything. I tried—believe me. So, I’m just going to speak from the heart”—a heart that was pounding loudly in her ears as she fumbled for the right words. “My speech won’t be as long or as eloquent as yours, but it will be just as heartfelt, just as honest and true.” Now if she could only think of it. “You told me I am your teacher, your connection, your equal, and your eternal love. And that meant so much to me.” A sob threatened to choke her into silence. “Well, you are all those things to me, too.” Really? Come on, Therese. Be original. “And, and I would add one more thing.” She grasped for ideas, and it actually took no time at all to find the right one. “You are my reason.” She was so pleased with this, because it was absolutely how she felt. The words finally came. She was on a roll. “You are the reason I became a god and the reason I try so hard to be a good one. You are the reason I strive each day to be better than I was the day before. I admire you so much, and I want, more than anything, to be worthy of your love.”
He stood up again. “But…”
“Just wait. I’m not finished.”
He sat back down with a look of tenderness on his face that melted Therese’s heart. When she spoke again, her words came gently, softly, and through quivering lips.
“So, my promise to you is to love you forever and to always strive to be deserving of you.”
This time when he stood, she did not stop him. He stepped from the table and took her into his arms. He didn’t say a word. Instead, he covered her lips with his and spoke to her from the heart in a different way.
***
“Are you sure, honey?” Mrs. Holt asked her daughter. “That dress looks stunning on you, and Therese will be so disappointed.”
Jen dropped onto her bed and fiddled with the golden satin sash. “You’re only making me feel worse. I can’t help that I’m sick.”
Jen’s mother shook her head. “You’re right. I’m sorry, baby doll. Should I stay home with you, then?”
“No, that’s okay.” Jen glanced up at her mother, who looked better than she had in years—hair dyed to its original blond and face glowing with powder and lip gloss. Jen had a feeling Mr. Stern’s recent attention had something to do with her mother’s transformation. “Just be sure and tell Therese how sorry I am. At least she won’t have to worry about her matron of honor sharing the spotlight with me.”
After her mother left, Jen felt like such a coward. How had she allowed a dream to stop her from going to her best friend’s wedding? Without changing from the maid of honor dress Therese had picked out for her to wear, Jen lay on top of her covers and decided it was okay to have a pity party for herself as long as no one else was around to see it.
She had told Hip she wanted to become a god, but now she worried she didn’t have it in her. Had the tables been turned, Therese would have gone to Jen’s wedding no matter what. Jen felt like the biggest fraidy cat that ever lived.
I don’t want to die. Not today, anyway.
A soft rap came at her bedroom door. She sat up, wiping her eyes. She thought everyone had already gone.
“It’s me, Pete,” her brother said. “Can I come in?”
“Yeah.” She wished she had waited to open the floodgates a little later.
Pete stepped inside and frowned. “Don’t be scared. Everybody’s going to do everything they can to protect you. You’ve got Therese, Than, Hip, and a whole bunch of gods looking out for you, not to mention me.”
That last part made her laugh. She loved her brother, but, really, what could he do? She lifted her smile to him and thanked him, surprised by how he, like their mom, had cleaned up so good. The gray tux brought out the deep blue of his eyes. She wondered if Therese ever regretted not picking Pete over Than.
“I’m staying here,” she said.
“Good.”
“You sure it’s the right thing to do?” She twisted the skirt of her dress in her hands.
“I’m sure. It’s safer.”
Jen nodded, tears threatening to well once more in her eyes.
“We’re leaving now,” he added. “But we’ll see you soon. I’m coming home right after the ceremony.”
He shocked her by leaning down and kissing her on the top of her head, which had the opposite effect than was probably intended. It scared the heck out of her.
He must think I’m going to die.
***
Thanatos walked across the screened porch and entered the house.
“I don’t think you’re allowed up there anymore,” Richard said from the base of the stairs. He was dressed in a gray tux with long tails, similar in style to Than’s. “It’s considered bad luck to see your bride all decked out.”
Mortals and their traditions, Than thought as he gave Richard a forced smile. “Oh. Well, people are arriving. Am I supposed to greet them without her?”
“No worries. That’s what the ushers are for. Pete’s already on it, and the other two should be arriving soon. Come on. Let’s go make sure everything’s running smoothly.”
The two men stepped outside where the gravel pad and drive had been transformed into something beautiful by Aphrodite’s Graces. The rows of white chairs were beginning to fill up with people, some of whom Than did not know, and with a few gods incognito. His parents, Demeter, Athena, and Hephaestus were seated in the front row on the groom side. Mrs. Holt, Mr. Stern, and Bobby sat a few rows back on the bride side.
“Than!”
Than turned to find Therese’s good friends, Ray and Todd, walking up the gravel path.
“Hey, guys,” he said with a smile.
“Long time no see,” Ray said.
“Congratulations, man,” Todd added, shaking his hand.
“Thanks.”
They both wore gray tuxes and sunglasses in the bright, late-morning sun.
“Hey, boys,” Richard said, behind Than. “Nice to see you. Thanks for coming. Are you ready to help usher the other guests? Some arrived a bit early, but Pete took care of them.”
“Reporting for duty, sir,” Ray said with a laugh.
As the ushers helped the guests—gods and mortals alike—fill up the chairs, Than kept a close eye on Zeus, who stood in vibrant gold robes beneath the floral arch, waiting, like a bird of prey. The king of the gods did not fidget or smile but stood still like a panther ready to strike.
What are you planning? Than wondered.
Soon Apollo and three muses arrived with violins and took their places near the floral arch, playing a variety of soothing melodies as the rest of the audience took their seats. Poseidon, Amphitrite, and two of their daughters sat just behind Than’s parents next to Hephaestus’s daughters. Hera, escorted by Ares and accompanied by Cupid, Deimos, Phobos, and Anteros, took the row behind them. Artemis, Callisto, and their entourage of nymphs arrived and were soon greeted by the three ushers, whose faces had all taken on a permanent hue of pink. They probably hadn’t been around this much beauty ever before in their lives.
Than was pleased to see that Ariadne, who had threatened not to come if no god would transform her brother into human form for the wedding, had come anyway. Thank goodness, because no one in the Athena Alliance could figure out a way to change him, and Dionysus would not have been happy if Ariadne had not shown up. He had become a key player in their plan.
“Speak of the devil,” Than murmured to himself as Dionysus strolled forward to take a seat beside Ariadne. Thankfully, he wore more clothes than was his usual custom.
Hestia then arrived with her maidens, followed by Dione, all whom the ushers had no choice but to seat on the bride’s side. The seating on the groom side was completely full.
Some of Hermes’s children began walking up the path toward the ushers, but the messenger god was not to be seen. This worried the god of death.
“Nervous?”
Than turned to see his brother smiling back at him.
“Yes, but not for the usual reasons, unfortunately,” Than replied.
“Never fear,” Hip said with a wink. “Your best man is here.”
“And you say I’m corny?” Than grinned.
According to Athena, everyone is ready, Hip conveyed to Than through prayer. We’ve got the greatest might on our side.
Might didn’t always win. Cleverness and trickery had a better track record.
With his hand on Than’s shoulder, Hip guided him to stand beside Zeus beneath the floral arch. Zeus narrowed his eyes at Than, providing no pretense of this being a happy occasion. Anxiety hammered on every bone in Than’s body. This was it. Everything was about to go very right or very wrong.
Todd now seated Carol, who held Lynn in her arms. When she and the little girl took their seats, Demeter moved beside them and gave Than a reassuring wink. Meg and Tizzie swept in late and sat in the very back just as Apollo and the muses began the wedding march. Than guessed it was Alecto’s turn to mind the store.
