Fire sparks

Ch. 4 Terms & Conditions

Watching my belly slowly fill with my child was equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying. The days dragged on, but the weeks seemed to fly by in blur. 

I decided to tell my guards and a few other members of my small army only a week after the discovery. A large part of me had feared they'd leave upon hearing the news, but I was even more mortified to receive so many interested glances which I begrudgingly understood to be essentially everyone of them questioning whether the child was theirs. I quickly clarified there would be no father, but that didn't stop the misguided knowing glimmers in too many eyes; as if each one thought the child was theirs and I was simply putting on airs to protect the feelings of the others. 

The only upside to the broad pool of potential fathers was the widespread devotion to secrecy and protection. They already served to protect and defend my monarchy, but the newfound ferocity was unparalleled. 

I’d easily concealed my growing vulnerability in the initial weeks following the discovery, but all too quickly those weeks turned to months and my body began betraying my efforts to stay hidden.

From the moment I learned of my pregnancy I’d gone above and beyond to further my already deadly reputation. I needed every single monster dwelling within the realm to know just how wicked their ruler truly was; to fear my so thoroughly no one would dare threaten what was mine. It was imperative the beasts tremble at the mere thought of my procreation; not view it as a weakness.

The Judgements had become more frequent; more vicious. Though, I supposed the flood of hormones coursing through my veins had made the violence infinitely more enjoyable. I viewed every single perpetrator as if they'd personally wronged my child. In many ways, they had. Every crime was a reflection of the environment the child would grow within and the offenders were punished accordingly. Still, while I held my head high as I’d stooped to new levels of cruelty, below my hardened exterior the very core of my being had dissolved to perpetual panic. 

Hades' over protectiveness had also intensified. The sturdy, forfeited wall I'd built between us had become more of a picket fence He respected my boundaries in theory, but his increasingly severe reactions undeniably stemmed from a place of unwarranted possessiveness. 

The day following the discovery of my pregnancy, a man dared to sneer at me when I announced his brother would sit on the pedestal. The brother had undeniably earned his place on the pedestal, but this man did not care; the familial ties ran deeper than the blatant evil that possessed his kin. 

Before I could recognize the expression as hateful, Hades's bare hand was buried deep within the man’s chest cavity, sliding through skin and bone as effortlessly he would soft butter. With a sickening symphony of squishing and snapping, Hades' hand retreated, the still pulsing heart in his clutch. 

Onlookers with any common sense quickly scattered, but a few of my more dim civilians lingered long enough to watch Hades shove the quivering organ between the man’s lips, before dropping his limp remains carelessly on the path. 

The reaction was rash, harsh- despicable, even- but rather than being disgusted, I found myself oddly satisfied. My eyes flicked to Hades, who still barred his teeth at the still body. Briefly he met my gaze, the silent apology only visible to me. A violent smile curled at the corner of my mouth. The intense loyalty I once only sought to secure my crown would now ensure my child's safety; an apology was unnecessary.

The next four weeks were tainted with a similar pattern of excessive responses to minute threats, until the threats became nonexistent. All the while, I'd successfully hidden my bump, but as I stared in the mirror at the end of that fourth week, I knew the bump could no longer be concealed beneath even the least tattered of my clothing. I gently caressed the squirmy baby dragon nestled within my womb, cursing myself for the millionth time for... everything, as I finally accepted the time had come to announce the exciting news.

“He’s going to be magnificent.” I jumped at the sound of Hades’ voice, not realizing he had been standing just beyond the doorway to my bathroom.

“Hades, what the hell?! We’ve talked about this! Boundaries, man!” One of my hands pressed against my racing heart, while the other was protectively wrapped around my stomach. The child fluttered wildly within me, but only seemed excited; not stressed.

Hades eyes lingered on my mid-section, the shadows from the torches hilighting the ever-present shadows of his face. His jaw pulsed a few times before angling his face to the wall. “Maybe if you wear-”

“He?” I interrupted. Even with his face still turned, I didn't miss the twitch of a smile and glint of strained joy in those obsidian eyes. “And what makes you so sure?” 

“Trust me.” He shrugged, not allowing himself to meet my gaze, but that flicker of approval- of pride- was unmistakable. While spending an obscene amount of time rebuilding that metaphorical wall between us- slowly,  brick by brick-,  just to have him act like it was nothing more than a stepping stone, I'd always kept myself from appreciating his face. With his head turned I could see every perfect curve, bone, and a small shadow where facial hair threatened to break the surface. Looking at him now... I remembered why I'd prevented myself from looking too closely too often. I desperately searched for the imaginary chalk I'd use to draw that line, needing to darken it; deepen the divide. 

It seemed I'd misplaced the fake chalk. The small new growth of hair peppering his face made my fingers twitch. I clinched and opened my hands a few times, trying to swallow down my curiosity about just how that stubble spouting from his marble skin may feel. Something tugged at my body, urging me to move closer, to give into that curiosity. I planted defiant feet against my granite floor. I didn't understand why I was so drawn to Hades, but I knew whatever invisible force tethered us together was more than a crush. But, more importantly, I knew that it didn't matter.

That didn’t mean I couldn’t occasionally enjoy looking at him. Even if it made me want to tip-toe the lines of my own boundaries. Even if I now found myself the one wanting to initiate the ongoing game of cat and mouse we found ourselves eternally bound within. He'd been dancing as close to that line as I'd allow lately, just to have me push him further away moments later. He was always the one testing the limits... but now as he held his attention hostage I found myself wanting to take a turn.

I took a sultry step forward, the motion earning a fraction of a degree more direct glance from him. 

Come on cat, the mouse wants to play… I took another step as I dropped my voice into the most seductive tone I could muster. “Trust you? Hm. I don’t know, Hades. That sounds dangerous. I don’t think I should.”

He turned to face me fully now, blinking a few times as he assessed my voice, my words, the sway of my hips, the careful invitation in my eyes. He loved this game, too, and would never miss an opportunity to play. I hoped the low lighting gave me the same alluring glow it did him. The look on his face told me the flickering torch lights were having the exact effect I wanted.

He didn’t answer my question. Instead, he looked ready to play my game. His mouth twitched into a wicked and arrogant side smile as his eyes slowly travelled the length of my body. 

I could feel the shift from predator to prey as my skin heated beneath his graze. I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth, biting intentionally and nervously. His eyes landed there, becoming hooded. Even as he fell into my trap, I was all too aware I was falling with him. As his tongue licked behind his teeth, I could almost feel him craving to taste my mouth. The feeling my mutual. It was no longer for sport when I brought my hand to my mouth, two fingers running along the half of lip still free from my teeth. His eyes became hooded with desire as they followed the path of my fingers.

When my hand began tracing the length of my neck- "Come here." His words were thick. There was no question, no apprehension, and no room for denial. I took the final two steps separating us, but stopped just short enough that we didn't touch. 

I am in control. I am Queen. I could think the words all that I wanted but that did not make them true, not with Hades at least; never with Hades. He lifted a hand, lightly gripping the one still on my face and pulling it away. It was quickly replaced with his own as he gently brushed his fingertips along my jaw and then my lips, tracing the same line my own had just followed. I hadn't realized how vigorously I'd begun chewing my lip until they released, parting in response to his caress. 

Traitorous body. My eyelids fluttered shut. I could feel the air warm as Hades brought his face just beside mine. The hand that had gently traced my lips hardened; gripped my jaw; wrapped around my throat; a finger ever so slightly pulling down my bottom lip. He leaned his face down until his lips grazed my ear. His stubble tickled my cheek as he whispered. “Oh, but my queen, you already do.”

He was right, of course. I'd fought the urge to moan at his firm and gentle grip on my throat and face, but his words were my undoing. A small whimper slipped my lips and I could feel him smirk against my neck. He let his hand slide to the back of my neck, the other finding its way to my waist each grasping in need and dominance. The possessiveness was enough to remind me of the line we'd all but mockingly danced atop of for the last few minutes. I wasn’t going to lose at my own game. 

I held my breath, blocking out his intoxicating natural musk that made my head swim, until I could find clarity. After a few seconds of ignoring his warm breath gently fanning my neck, his dominant grip, his too accurate words, I found myself finally ready to regain the upper hand. Internally I retreated to my side of the line that would forever keep us apart. 

With all traces of playfulness in my voice sharply replaced with confidence- authority-, I spoke. “Then I must be a fool. I will not trust someone who cannot respect my boundaries.” He pulled back just far enough to meet my eyes, but remained close enough that was shared the same air. For a moment, I wondered if I’d finally rendered the god speechless. The glow of my eyes reflected so brilliantly in his that it almost appeared as if they were the ones shining. I hoped he’d misinterpret the light as firm and resolute, but deep down I knew he wouldn’t. 

I’d become so fully entranced by his gaze I didn’t realize his face gravitated closer to my own until I felt his lips brush against mine, not daring to apply any pressure. Lightly he whispered against my mouth. “I wouldn’t dream of disrespecting you, my Maeve.”

Those butterflies swarmed and my knees buckled, but he straightened his back and stalked towards the door. Without turning around he added, “It’s time.”

I followed him to the door, but shut it instead of continuing through. I needed a minute to catch my breath before I could face the people of the Dark Place. I'd absolutely been bested at my own game and I didn't mind in the slightest.

***

I swallowed hard as I took my place on the podium, preparing for the evening's Judgement; my swollen belly on full display. Whispers floated through the air, but I didn’t dare listen to what anyone said.

Let them whisper. I forced my chin to remain high as I addressed the crowd. “People, people.” A hush fell. “As I'm sure you have noticed, I have news to share. We have been granted with a gift. Soon we will have an heir to the throne.” There were no cheers. There was only silence. “Let us take this as a sign! After only a little more than a year, the next generation is developing. Many rulers go decades without producing an heir. This blessing from the gods is not only a testimony of the prosperity of our kingdom, but also a symbol for the future.” I paused again, but still the silence echoed through the cavern. 

Tough crowd. I tried again. “This being will grow to be a magnificent force: a weapon to improve our strength as a kingdom. The people of the mortal realm may deem themselves better than us, but this is proof that the gods smile upon us not them!” Perhaps I had given these fools too little credit. They were not buying a bit of the absolute bullshit I spewed.

The silence was broken when someone shouted, “I bet that slut doesn't even know who the father is!” The guards to either of my sides stiffened but didn't act. My glowing eyes narrowed, but my lips curled into a sinister smile. The easiest reaction would have been for everyone to cheer and express acceptance if not gratitude. But... I'd been ruling this realm for long enough to have prepared for this reaction, too. Those standing nearest in the crowd took a step away when my head fell back, cackling at the i***t monster who dared to play perfectly into my plan b. 

“How wonderful! A volunteer. Guards! Bring our brave friend forward.” Two gargoyles swooped from where they'd been perched, watching from high above the crowd. The man scrambled to take cover, but the beasts easily plucked him mid-run. The man shrieked in agony as talons sunk deep within his shoulders. The cries of pain turned to terror as he was toted high above the crowd. When the gargoyles had flown high enough that the torch lights barely reached then, they dropped the man, allowing him to free fall back into clear view, before snatching him once more with their claws. They finally swooped a little more than ten feet from the ground and dropped the man in front of me. I’d told the beasts I wanted a show should the announcement play out in this way, but their performance was beyond my expectations. 

On hands and knees, the man crawled forward, gasping for air and forgiveness. “I didn’t… I didn’t mean it, Maeve.” In one swift movement Hades put himself between the man and man, plunging his sword through the back of the man’s hand. 

“Try again.” He simply said as he twisted the blade, earning a guttural scream.

“I… I didn’t mean it, Your Majesty.” He sniffled as he choked on his pain. I made a show of tilting my head and tapping my chin as if in deep consideration. After only a moment of fake deliberation I loudly clasped my hands together.

“No need to apologize!” For a brief moment the man seemed to believe he’d be set free. Not today, fucker. “Not for volunteering to do something so good.” Hades' sword remained in the man’s hand, but he seemed to have forgotten the pain at the news of his reward. “We must show thanks to the gods for their gift! You will be given the great honor,” *pause for dramatic effect,* “of being our sacrifice!” The man’s eyes bulged at my words and then winced as Hades removed his sword with a sickening suctioning noise. 

The audience was silent as the grave. It was time for the real fun to begin. I turned my attention to the crowd. “Everyone, let’s give this man a hand for his noble sacrifice for our kingdom and for our unborn prince!” I didn’t mean to slip in a gender, but it was too late to take it back now. I could only hope with everything I had that Hades was right. 

The applause began slowly building. Too slowly, so I added, “Hm… there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm over this tremendous blessing. I fear we may anger the gods. Perhaps we shall need to offer more sacrifices to ensure they truly understand just how thankful we all are?” Finally, a wild roar of applause broke from the audience. 

I nodded to Hades, letting him know it was time for the sacrifice. He pierced the man’s stomach, dragging his blade from the sternum to abdomen. The man wailed and thrashed as he helplessly watched the gargoyles untangle his bowels, spilling them out to either of his sides. Once again, this wasn’t ideal, of course, but I needed to make a statement and this certainly fit that bill. 

I needed complacency. From the looks on the onlooker's faces, that was exactly what I'd get, at least for the rest of the day. 

When the man reached the sweet spot between death and barely clinging on to life the gargoyles lifted him from the ground and flew him overhead ensuring everyone got a chance to view their handy work. Blood rained down over the crowd earning a range of sounds from giggles to wretches. Finally, the beasts dropped the man into the fiery pit below.

“Let us all rejoice in this most momentous day! Remember to show the gods your thanks any chance you get! The mortals have turned their backs on us, but the gods are on our side!”

I didn't look back as I strode away. I could only repeat the same prayer that my child would be okay.