Page 94 of Raising Hell
He turned his head and kissed my palm before lying on his back next to me.
“Long ago, I would wager and watch the games of men.”
“My world has a lot of games you might enjoy. Football. Soccer. Basketball.”
“Explain them.”
He frowned when I talked about teams and points.
“These games are not feats of strength to the death? A test of battle skills?”
“Um. No.”
He snorted.
“Zeus must be bored.”
I debated reiterating what the furies already tried telling him—that the world hadn’t seen any gods in centuries—and almost laughed at myself for even thinking of trying. If Hades hadn’t believed them, why would he believe me?
“If Zeus is still paying attention, there are plenty of wars to entertain him,” I said instead.
Hades shook his head. “You're confusing Zeus and Ares. Ares was entertained by the wars of mortal men. Not Zeus. Zeus cherished his playthings too much to waste them on those petty games.”
“But he allowed the other games you were talking about?”
“Only a select few to keep the other gods happy.”
“You gods are a bloody bunch.”
Hades fed me another grape as he agreed.
“What about intellectual games?” I asked after I swallowed. “Do you like those?”
When he nodded, I explained checkers, which was something my uncle and I had played often. Hades was intrigued enough that he created a board and pieces based on my description.
“Can you please dress me?” I asked as I sat up. “I’d feel more comfortable and be able to focus.”
He gave me an unhappy look, but a new dress immediately encased me, boob band and all.
I lounged against the pillows as I explained the game and made my first play. He grasped the game immediately and beat me in a few moves.
“Well, that wasn’t fun,” I said, making a face.
Hades chuckled and reset the pieces. “This is a game I know, but not by the name you gave. There are others too. Would you like to learn?”
We spent the next while trying new games. The games of chance were the most fun and the only ones I could seem to win at.
After a while, my stomach growled for something more substantial than the snacks I’d been eating.
“Would you care to dine with Zotera?” Hades asked.
“Yes, please.”
I reached for his hand instead of waiting for him, and he moved us while we were still reclined on the pillows. Thankfully, when we appeared in the throne room, Hades wore his pants again.
Snuggled on his lap, I moved with him as he leaned back on his throne.
“Rather convenient, portaling us into a different position, isn’t it?” I asked.
