For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus) Read Online Free Page B

waves than to their mortal adversaries.”
    He’d encountered no storm. The sun, Helios’ sun, had set Persephone aglow. Persephone. He stiffened, searching for Hebe and another cup of nectar. But Athena’s face, her flaring nostrils and red cheeks, caught his eye instead.
    “Storm?” Athena glared at Poseidon.
    Poseidon shrugged. “None of my doing, niece. I am here, as you plainly see.”
    Hades’ eyes traveled between the two, marking Athena’s narrowed eyes and Poseidon’s contrived innocence. It was an old rivalry, one that seemed to have no end.
    Would Poseidon ever tire of scheming? Surely provoking Athena grew tiresome. And how could Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Reason, not see how shameful such pointless squabbling was?
    Why did he continue to expect changes from them? Hades let out a sigh of exasperation. Olympus was beyond his control. He would stay for as long as Zeus required, no more. Until then, he would be wise to focus only on the matter at hand. The war, the mortals… Greece.
    He fixed his gaze upon Apollo.
    “And yet a storm wreaks havoc on Greece’s ships.” Apollo ran a hand through his gilded locks, smoothing the rain from his head.
    “Is it so grave?” Zeus sounded astonished, causing Hades a moment’s sympathy. He did not envy his brother dominion over all.
    “It is.” Apollo nodded. “For its temper is unleashed upon the Greeks while sparing the Persians.”
    “What?” Zeus roared.
    Hera gasped, clutching Zeus’ hand in her own. “Who would do this?”
    Who indeed? Hades wondered at such foolishness. Surely even Poseidon… From the corner of his eye, Hades saw it. A quick smile of victory flickered across Poseidon’s face.
    But Poseidon covered his mouth as he rubbed his chin in mock consideration.
    What ruse was this?
    “Phorcys…” Poseidon began, leaning forward with a sparkle in his eye.
    Does no one see the bastard’s pretense?
    Hades’ gaze swept the Council Chamber in hopes his brother would be caught. If anyone suspected as he did, he saw none of it. He sighed again, clenching his fists in his lap. If the others were so obtuse, he would not deign to enlighten them. Likely they would accuse him of seeking vengeance or retribution.
    “That spineless Titan would not dare !” Athena cried.
    “Justice,” Zeus intoned, his voice hard, his anger palpable, “will find him. It seems we’ve no time for debate. I fear this day will bring many to your realm, Hades. See that you are ready.”
    Hades stood, all too eager to depart. While he had not learned the reason behind his summons, Apollo’s news demanded action.
    Zeus spoke with gravity. “Poseidon, go and end these storms.”
    Hades watched Poseidon, his eager nod, the heightened color of his cheeks and smile on his lips. Whatever scheme he’d set in motion, Poseidon was most pleased.
    Hades moved quickly, wishing to put some distance between them.
    This day was far from over. He knew what this war would reap, knew Charon’s purse would grow heavy with coin and his ferry would bring many across the rivers to his home.
    “I’ll accompany you, brother.” Poseidon appeared at his side, smiling. “As we’ve both been sent to do Zeus’ bidding, we might make the journey together.”
    Surely he’d been tested enough this day? But to endure his brother’s company, alone…
    Poseidon whistled. His giddiness, gravely misplaced in the face of such news, strained Hades’ fraught nerves. He held his tongue, broadening his step to speed his descent.
    “Can we not find some common ground to remark upon?” Poseidon shook his head, looking comically disappointed. “I would think you’d be eager for some companionship, even from me.”
    “You are mistaken,” Hades answered.
    Poseidon laughed loudly, falling in step at his side.
    The words were out before he could stop them. “I’ve seldom seen duty please you so.”
    Poseidon turned the palest blue eyes upon him, smiling broadly as they continued down the