to the bathing room. I desperately needed a bath, and then I would find Hades.
I ate the pastry quickly, then slipped off my clothes and walked into the warm, steaming water. It glittered crystal clear, and I felt the magic within it. Hopefully, that magic kept it clean; otherwise, I was using a swimming pool as a bath, and that was really iffy.
Reluctantly, I made quick work of bathing even though I wanted to linger, then went to the living room to check out the clothes I’d seen draped over a chair in the main quarters. He must have had Kerala deliver them.
He was considerate, given that he was the king of hell. I’d have thought these little things would escape him, but they didn’t.
I took some of the clothes—underthings and trousers—but put on the David Bowie shirt I’d changed into yesterday in my flat. It was clean enough, and I wanted the reminder of who I really was. I should have packed a bag of clothes, now that I thought of it. I’d been so obsessed with my plants, though. At least I’d planted most of them before Hades had shown up. He’d never be able to find them all.
Once I was dressed, I left the room to find Hades. Something told me he would be waiting for me on the front steps of the castle, so I hurried in that direction. When I stepped out into the miserable gray light of morning, it seemed like the sky was slightly brighter than it ever had been. Still dark and dreary, but maybe not quite so miserable.
My attention was caught by Hades, who stood waiting by Horse.
How had I known he’d be there? Were we more connected than I thought?
He was dressed in the dark, heavy armor that he wore when we left the city, and he looked like he was ready to ride into battle. He was terrifying in a way that made my heart race, but it wasn’t all fear.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked.
I nodded and descended the stairs toward him. “Where are we going?”
“Kamarina, in Sicily.”
“On earth? I thought you couldn’t walk upon the earth.”
“I can’t. At least, not freely. There are parts I am able to visit, such as your library, but special rules surround those places.”
“Why Kamarina, then?”
“It is a territory of the gods. There is an ancient temple there, built for the Oracle of Kamarina. It is imbued with our magic, and therefore, I can walk upon that ground.”
“All right.” I looked for Sally. “I want my horse, though.”
For a split second, he looked as though he might argue. Then he nodded, his gaze flicking to a servant who stood at the far end of the stairs. The servant nodded and hurried off.
Once we were alone, tension tightened the air between us. Memories of last night flashed in my mind, and I found I couldn't bear it any longer. I looked at him, meeting his dark gaze. “It meant nothing, and it won’t happen again.”
Something flickered in his eyes, unidentifiable…unless I was willing to acknowledge that it might have been hurt.
But no way.
I couldn’t possibly hurt Hades. He had no feelings.
He jerked his head in agreement, then stepped around me. I turned to watch him approach the servant who brought Sally. He took the horse’s reins, and the servant disappeared toward his post at the end of the stairs. When Hades turned back to me, his face was impassive.
I strode to him and stopped next to Sally’s saddle, gripping it with my hands and raising my foot into the stirrup. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Hades lifting his hands to help me get onto my mount.
“I can do it.” My voice was too sharp. Too harsh.
He disappeared from behind me, striding toward Horse.
Damn it. I hadn’t meant to sound like such a bitch. I shouldn’t care, considering that he’d kidnapped me. But still, after what I’d seen last night, I kind of did. I was just having a hell of a time processing what was happening between us.
We were enemies.
So why did it feel less so every minute?
I should hate him for what he’d done to me. And I did. At least, part of me did.
Whatever.
I shook my head, driving the thoughts from my mind. I still stood on the castle steps, and I used the added height to clumsily mount Sally, barely managing to swing my leg over the saddle. I reached for her reins