Accidentally Summoning the God of the Underworld

Their journey back to the Underworld was quiet. The approval from the gods had been granted, but Aurelia didn't feel happy.

By the time they arrived at the palace, Aurelia was exhausted not only physically but emotionally too. Later that afternoon, as they settled into the dining hall, the soft clinking of silverware against porcelain was the only sound in the room. Hades watched Aurelia from across the grand table, noting the way her fork hovered over her plate without picking up any food.

"Aurelia," he began, his tone softer than usual, "I had the chefs prepare meals people from your realm enjoy. Surely something here is worth trying."

She glanced up briefly, her lips twitching into a faint, unconvincing smile. "It all looks wonderful," she said, almost sounding like she whispered. "I'm just… not very hungry."

He frowned, his piercing gaze locked on her. "You've been through a lot already, and avoiding meals isn't going to help. You need to keep your strength up."

She nodded absently but still made no move to eat. Instead, she toyed with the food, pushing small portions from one side of her plate to the other.

Hades leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table as he studied her. "Is something troubling you?" he asked.

"No," she replied quickly, shaking her head. "I'm fine."

"Fine," he repeated skeptically, arching a dark brow. "You've barely said a word since this morning. That's not like you."

Aurelia forced another small smile. "I guess I'm just tired."

"Tired you say?" He pressed, tilting his head as if trying to read her mind. Hades sighed and leaned back in his chair. "If something's bothering you, Aurelia, you can tell me. You know that, don't you?"

Her grip on the fork tightened, but she didn't look up. "I know," she whispered.

The silence stretched between them again.

Finally, Hades tried a different approach. "Thalia and Lira were asking about you earlier. They were hoping to show you the new flowers in the garden."

Aurelia blinked, her gaze flickering to him for a brief moment before dropping again. "That sounds nice."

"You've always enjoyed spending time with them," he continued, his voice softening. "Maybe it will help clear your mind."

"Maybe," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

He frowned, clearly unsatisfied with her distant responses. "Aurelia," he said and let out a quiet sigh and gestured toward the untouched food on her plate. "At least eat something," he said gently.

Aurelia nodded but didn't make any move to comply. After a few more moments of silence, she placed her fork down and stood. "I think I'll go see Thalia and Lira now," she said quietly.

Hades hesitated, as if debating whether to stop her, but eventually nodded. "Very well. Enjoy the gardens. They'll be happy to see you."

Without another word, Aurelia left the dining hall, her footsteps echoing faintly in the cavernous space. Hades watched her go feeling frustrated by her distant behavior.

The afternoon found Aurelia in the palace gardens with Thalia and Lira, the two handmaidens who had become her closest companions since her arrival in the Underworld.

Thalia braided Aurelia's hair as they sat on a marble bench, her hands moving deftly while Lira sorted through a collection of glittery ribbons.

"You've been awfully quiet today my lady," Thalia remarked, her voice gentle but probing.

Aurelia forced a smile, "Just a lot on my mind, that's all."

Lira, ever the sharp one, arched a brow. "Does this have anything to do with him?"

Aurelia's cheeks flushed, and she quickly shook her head. "Who? Hades? Not at all."

Thalia exchanged a knowing glance with Lira but didn't push further. Instead, she changed the subject, chattering about the upcoming banquet that week. Aurelia tried to focus on their words, but her mind kept drifting.

Later that evening, Thalia and Lira helped her prepare for dinner. They dressed her in a flowing gown of deep crimson that glowed like embers in light, its gold embroidery resembling flames licking at the hem. They pinned her hair up in delicate twists, letting a few curls fall to frame her face.

"You look stunning," Thalia said with a satisfied smile, stepping back to admire their handiwork. Lira nodded in agreement.

Aurelia gave a half-hearted laugh, her chest tightening at the thought of facing Hades again.

As she entered the dining hall that evening, she felt his gaze on her immediately. Hades stood at the head of the table, as his eyes swept over her. He gestured for her to sit, and she took her place quietly.

The meal began in silence, just as lunch had. Hades noticed her still withdrawn demeanor.

"You're quiet again," he said, breaking the silence. "Did something happen?"

Aurelia shook her head quickly, keeping her eyes on her plate. "No, nothing happened."

He frowned but didn't push further. Instead, he attempted to steer the conversation. "The gardens suit you. Thalia mentioned you spent the afternoon there."

"They're beautiful," Aurelia replied softly, still avoiding his gaze.

Hades leaned forward at the dining table, his gaze fixed on Aurelia as she idly pushed her food around her plate with her fork.

"You've barely touched your food," he said, his voice softer than usual. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Aurelia shook her head, offering a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine."

He frowned. This wasn't like her. "Aurelia," he said, "something is clearly troubling you. Speak to me."

Her fingers tightened around the fork, and she looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I said I'm fine, Hades."

His patience wavered, but his concern outweighed his frustration. "You've been distant all day," he said, leaning back slightly. "If I've done something—"

"It's nothing," she interrupted, her voice strained, but he could hear the crack in her resolve.

Hades narrowed his eyes, setting down his own utensils. "I won't force it from you, but I'd rather you just tell me what's wrong than suffer in silence."

Aurelia's hands fell into her lap as she let out a shaky breath. Her eyes remained fixed on the plate before her, but her voice came in a quiet murmur. "The day you confronted me…."

He tilted his head, confused. "Confronted you?"