Page 22 of Thorn & Ash

Trivia smirked as if she could sense where Prue’s thoughts had turned. “I mostly serve as a messenger between realms. I also oversee the village of Erebos.”

Prue frowned. She had never heard of Erebos before. “And what position do you seek in my court?”

“I was thinking a Countess might be fun.” Trivia grinned.

Prue stared at her. Was she being serious?

Trivia waved a hand. “Honestly, we can discuss the particulars later. If you feel strongly about a certain position, I can be flexible. So, what do you say? Will you accept me in your court?”

Prue eyed the woman over once more, trying to read her. But she was an enigma. Her confident posture and expression revealed nothing. It unnerved Prue and made her believe this woman was keeping secrets. So how hard would it be for her to lie about wanting to serve Prue?

Even so… This goddess had a reason for wanting to work with Prue. And she wouldn’t find out what that was unless she played along.

Plus, it might be beneficial to add more allies to her court.

Forcing a smile, Prue nodded. “All right. I accept.”

“Wonderful.” Trivia clapped her hands eagerly and turned to the wardrobe before flinging it open. “Let’s get you dressed.”

“No, no, I can dress myself,” Prue said quickly.

“I know you can. But I say we dress you like the goddess you are and knock Cyrus on his ass when he sees you. That would be a sight I’d love to see.”

Prue found herself chuckling in bewilderment as Trivia sifted through several satin ballgowns. “Aren’t you… afraid of him?”

Trivia laughed, but this time it was harsh. “Of course not. He’s the devil and the ruler of this domain, yes, but he’s just another arrogant deity like all the others.”

Prue frowned. “But you’re a goddess, too.”

Trivia snorted. “Only on a technicality. No one gives a shit about me like they do all the others.”

“We do. The witches, I mean.”

Trivia’s expression softened. “Yes. I know.”

Silence fell between them as Trivia dug through the wardrobe, finally pulling out a deep purple dress and laying it on the sofa in front of her. “This will do nicely. Come, there’s a shift on the bed for you.”

Prue approached the bed and found a lacy shift waiting for her. She raised an eyebrow at Trivia, who chuckled before turning away. Prue dropped her towel and slid the shift on, then approached the sofa with the dress on it.

Without preamble, Trivia grabbed the gown and slid it over Prue’s head before fastening it up her back. It was just a few shades darker than Prue’s eyes and cascaded to the floor in sweeping rivulets that reminded her of a rushing river. The gown was sleeveless, and the neckline plunged almost all the way down to her stomach. The fabric clung to her every curve, feeling like a second skin. This dress left nothing to the imagination.

It was a bit revealing for Prue’s taste. She was hoping for something more regal and elegant to announce herself as queen. Then again, if she was hoping to rattle Cyrus, this gown would certainly do just that.

Prue sucked in a gasp as the bodice tightened around her chest, making it hard to breathe.

“I know,” Trivia said with a chuckle. “But it’ll be worth it, I promise. Your bosom will be impossible for the great king to ignore.”

“What is he to you?” Prue asked, trying to distract herself from the pressure along her ribs. “I mean, why are you doing all this?” She tried gesturing to the dress, but Trivia slapped her arms back into place.

“I’m doing this for the good of the realm,” Trivia said tightly. “I may not be able to change who rules this domain, but everyone can agree we are better off with someone who gives two shits what happens to the people here. And as of right now, Cyrus—or whatever is controlling him—does not.” She cocked her head at Prue, considering. “But I have a feeling you do.”

So, Prue wasn’t the only one who noticed Cyrus’s altered behavior, then. She wondered if Cyrus’s brothers had noticed, as well. Would they try to take the throne from him while he was in this state? Mona had warned her that the Underworld was in danger, and Prue expected to find walls crumbling and volcanoes exploding, screams echoing around her… But so far, the Underworld had been quiet.

“What do you mean by the people here?” Prue asked. “What kind of people? Demons, you mean?” She thought of the rebellious subjects Lagos had mentioned.

“Some, yes. Others are souls who have fully transitioned to the afterlife.”

“You mean they don’t go to Elysium?” From Prue’s life among a coven of witches, it was understood that evil souls went to Tartarus while righteous souls went to Elysium. But something told her it wasn’t that simple.

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