Page 43 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Well, I’m not planning on giving anyone a blowjob, so don’t bother.’ I jutted my chin at her as I silently screamed.
‘Maybe we should focus on the etiquette of Olympus, Hedone,’ Tee intervened, eyeing me warily. I shot her a look that said,Wait until I get you alone later, you grass. She just smirked.
Hedone’s answering smile flickered across her face like a hologram.
‘Of course.’ She pulled out a chair and sat back down with us. ‘We will practice today. I’ve enlisted a few individuals to assist with the simulated introductions and what you should be prepared for.’ I gulped and gave a slight nod. ‘A charming womandemonstrates confident and open body language. Her posture is upright, and her hands are relaxed but not crossed or tucked into pockets. She uses gestures when she speaks to liven up the conversation. Eye contact and a genuine smile are how she greets everyone.’
‘Okay, I can do that,’ I muttered, wondering if Icouldreally do that.
‘Beautiful women utilise their looks and sexuality to get what they desire from men.’
‘I don’t desire anything from men,’ I grumbled.
‘But you do, Persephone,’ Hedone answered with a slight smile. ‘You must be able to manipulate people in Olympus. It’s not like the mortal world. Most people here are arrogant?—’
‘Bordering on the stupid type of arrogance,’ Tee interjected, and Hedone let out a quiet laugh.
‘Exactly. You need to use your good looks and sexuality to get what you want. And why not? All’s fair in love and war.’
‘The only thing I want is to return to my life in London,’ I said as I briefly closed my eyes.
‘And we will make that happen, eventually. You need to play the game, for now, anyway,’ Tee soothed as she stroked my arm.I opened my eyes to see Hedone giving Tee a curious look. ‘Come on, Sephy. Let’s go and practice,’ Tee said, pulling me to my feet.
Ten minutes later, I found myself in a grand room reminiscent of a ballroom. It was a space fit for a princess; vast, and illuminated by the same magical daylight as everywhere else—staring up at the ceiling felt like looking at a sun-drenched, cloudless sky. Immense columns framed the perimeter, while bejewelled sconces dotted the walls, flickering with a magical glow. Like everywhere else, the entire area was constructed from star-kissed onyx, shimmering with luminosity.
‘Wow, what is this place?’ I breathed as I stared around the room.
‘It’s a defunct amphitheatre that converts to a ballroom,’ Tee answered.
‘Why defunct?’
‘Hades has, or had, no desire for gatherings since you left.’
‘Oh,’ I whispered, furrowing my brows.
‘Hey, Persephone!’ The stunning Titan, Thanatos, strolled across the room, and I squealed, running towards him, and throwing my arms around his neck. He released a throaty laugh and swung me around.
‘That is not the way we welcome guests, Persephone,’ Hedone said, quirking an eyebrow. I let out an exasperated sigh as Thanny set me on my feet; he tried, but failed, to stifle a smirk. ‘Thanatos, go. Come back in after Charon, as we discussed,’ the goddess commanded.
Thanny winked at me and strolled back out through the enormous doors. For the next half hour, Charon, Thanatos, and Tee took turns entering the room, appearing surprised and enchanted to meet me. My awkward smiles and uneasy handshakes were pretty pathetic.
‘You are inelegant and sound completely bored, Persephone.’ Gods, I was bored, so I gave a half-hearted shrug.
‘Watch and learn.’ Hedone pursed her lips at me. Charon re-entered the room, a relaxed smile on his handsome face.
‘Delighted to meet you,’ enthused Hedone as she held out her hand. Charon took her hand, courteously bending to kiss it.
‘It’s an honour to meet you, Lady Persephone,’ Charon’s deep voice resonated.
Her eyes remained on his as she spoke. ‘May I say you look so regal this evening,’ she purred in her sultry tone. ‘I hope you have a fabulous time.’ Then she turned to me. ‘You see, Persephone, as people are introduced to you, it’s essential to sound refined and majestic, as a queen should.’
‘But I’m not a queen,’ I complained.
‘Not yet.’ She shot me a look as if to saylisten up, and I clenched my teeth. ‘If a man approaches, extend your hand for a kiss. If she’s an equal, a woman will air kiss or shake hands; otherwise, they will curtsey; let them lead. Always remember to compliment them on something; flattery will get you everywhere in Olympus. As it’s a formal party, it could be their outfit, appearance, or jewellery. Whatever.’ She pursed her lips again and gave me adon’t sass melook. ‘Ready to try again?’
After another hour, my fake smile improved, and my level of sophistication met Hedone’s approval. ‘One more test.’ She winked at me, and I groaned softly, much to the amusement of the three Titans.
A strange, statuesque man entered the room. He was as tall as Hades, with a bald head and the face of an angel; his anthracite eyes locked onto mine, and I was transfixed. His skin was luminescent—as black as the night sky, twinkling with pinpricks of stars. He was awe-inspiring.
