CHAPTER 212: HER EAGERNESS

The next morning, Hades took a brief bath before stepping out of the bathroom, only to find Luna still fast asleep.

It was early, so it was only natural.

However, both of his wives had sternly told him to wake them before leaving.

That’s why, after putting on his clothes, Hades gently stirred the silver-haired girl, even though he felt reluctant to do so.

"Mm..." Luna frowned in her sleep before her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the familiar pair of eyes watching her.

"Hades?" she murmured, her voice rough and sleepy.

"Yeah... I’m leaving."

Luna rubbed her eyes, sitting up slowly as the thin blanket slipped off her shoulders. Turning toward the window, she noticed the faint golden hue spreading across the horizon—the sun had begun to climb the sky.

"But why do you have to leave this early?" she asked softly, her tone carrying the warmth of half-awake concern.

Hades chuckled, his voice gentle. "I’ll be meeting Mother on the way, remember?"

Luna blinked twice before letting out a tiny ’ah,’ realizing she was still caught between sleep and waking. "Right... do you want me to make something for you before you go?"

Hades shook his head and softly rubbed her head. "No need. Just go back to bed. I’ll say goodbye to Marilyn and leave."

Luna hummed faintly before gazing up at him again. "Then... will you bring me a gift when you come back?"

Hades’ lips curled into a tender smile as he cupped her cheeks. "What do you want?"

She leaned closer, her forehead brushing his chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had a list of things I wanted to ask for, but... for now, just come back soon. I’ll miss you."

Hades’ smile deepened. Leaning down, he pressed a light kiss on her lips. "I will. And when you’re fully awake, tell me what you want, okay?"

Luna hummed twice, her eyes already half-closed again, her body relaxing back into the sheets.

Hades quietly laid her back on the bed and tucked her properly. Watching her calm, sleepy face for a moment, he leaned down to kiss her forehead and murmured, "Take care."

As he stepped out of the room, he found Marilyn waiting outside. There was no trace of sleepiness in her eyes, and her slightly damp hair showed that she had just bathed.

"Oh, morning," Hades greeted with a small smile. "Did you sleep well?"

Marilyn nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes... Though I felt dizzy after dinner, I ended up sleeping quite peacefully."

Lately, she couldn’t quite understand her own body. Despite maintaining her diet and exercising properly, she sometimes felt oddly weak, and other times, her energy surged uncontrollably.

Hades chuckled and gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they began descending the stairs together. "You’ll feel all sorts of changes for a while. But no matter how often they come, don’t hesitate to tell me—or anyone else—if something feels off, alright?"

Marilyn’s steps slowed as she looked down, a tender smile touching her lips. "Alright..." she whispered softly, her voice carrying a quiet warmth that lingered in the still morning air.

They soon reached the ground floor before Hades turned toward her.

Taking her hands gently, he said, "I’ll be gone for a week at most. Until then, take good care of yourself. And if anything comes up, let me know. I’ll be back before you even realize it."

Marilyn’s fingers tightened around his. "Do you want me to pack something for the journey?"

Hades shook his head with a soft smile. "No, it’s fine. Just focus on your health for now—that’s all I want."

Marilyn nodded slowly, her eyes glimmering with warmth. "I understand. Then... have a safe journey."

She rose slightly on her toes and pressed a brief kiss to his lips before retreating in a hurry, her cheeks tinted red.

Hades chuckled to himself as he watched her rush up the stairs. Even after spending several nights together, she still became flustered so easily—it was one of the many things he found endearing about her.

Once she disappeared from view, he exhaled lightly and made his way out of the castle.

The cool morning breeze brushed against his face as he stepped into the compound. Standing near the path was Averis, her violet hair catching the faint sunlight.

"Good morning, my lord," she greeted with a polite bow.

Hades smiled, pleasantly surprised. "When did you arrive? You look quite fresh for this hour."

"Just now," she replied smoothly, her expression calm.

In truth, she had barely slept at all. The moment dawn broke and the sky began to lighten, she came down to wait for him.

Hades adjusted the strap of his bag and said, "We’ll head to my mother’s regional office at the edge of the capital first, then move toward Torseque."

"Understood, my lord," Averis replied, her tone composed yet quietly eager as the two began walking toward the castle entrance.

°°°°°°°

"Someone looks quite excited today?" The head maid teased as she stepped into the kitchen, finding the young lady busily moving from one counter to another, humming softly as she cooked.

Peri glanced over her shoulder at the black-haired elf and huffed, "I’m just preparing some food for my husband, that’s all."

The maid, Dallie, giggled behind her hand. "The young lady is all dressed up too, even though it’s still morning. Surely, the bond between you two is quite wonderful."

Peri let out a small, helpless smile. "If you think I’m dressed up, you should see Mama."

Dallie blinked, surprised. "Hmm? The Queen?"

Peri nodded, stirring the pot as she continued, "It was she who woke me up—already dressed in a fine gown, and she even braided her hair herself."

Dallie’s smile widened, her tone turning light and teasing. "Oh my... has Her Majesty finally decided to move on—" She suddenly cut herself short, realizing what her words implied.

Her cheer faded into awkward silence as the weight of the thought struck her.

Though it would have been a relief to see the Queen let go of her grief for her late husband... the one she seemed to be drawn to now was none other than her own son-in-law.

Peri sighed, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I haven’t seen my mother this excited to meet someone in a very long time."

It might have been unbecoming of her as a wife, but in truth, Peri felt genuinely happy seeing the bond between her mother and Hades deepen.

For years, the Queen had lived behind a quiet wall—untouched by warmth, her heart locked away ever since the loss of her husband. Yet now, she was slowly breaking free from that shell, letting herself feel again, allowing someone to see the woman behind the crown.

And that realization didn’t trouble Peri—it soothed her. It was as if a lingering shadow over their family had finally begun to fade.

"Alright, Dallie," Peri said with renewed cheer, tying her apron tighter. "Since you seem quite free, help me make some fruit tarts."

The elf straightened up with a playful grin and saluted, "As you command, Your Highness!"

Peri chuckled softly as the two began working together, the morning air filling with laughter, the sweet aroma of sugar and fruit, and a warmth that had been missing in the castle for far too long.

.....

Hades and Averis reached the regional office on foot. Both dragons moved swiftly, their strides effortless and unhurried, and in just an hour, they arrived at their destination—a sturdy stone building resting at the edge of the capital, surrounded by tall iron fences and the faint hum of morning activity.

"Should I wait outside, my lord?" Averis asked once they stopped before a polished wooden door inside the building. A soldier had informed them moments ago that his mother was waiting beyond it.

Hades paused, considering for a moment before nodding. "Yes. I won’t take long."

"Understood," Averis replied, stepping aside to stand guard near the doorway. Her expression remained calm, yet her eyes were sharp—keenly scanning the hall, the corners, and even the shadows that flickered from the lanterns nearby.

As Hades raised his hand to the door, he could feel the faint warmth of ether lingering in the air—his mother’s presence unmistakable. A small smile crept onto his lips. It had been a while since he had last seen her.

Without further hesitation, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

And instantly, he was engulfed in a familiar warmth,

"Baby!" Kaelith, with a wide smile, jumped on her baby, tackling him down.

Hearing the thud, Averis flinched but then seeing the scene inside she sighed and just closed the door.

Hades chuckled as he patted his mother’s back and said, "It goes without saying that you missed me, Ma."

Kaelith looked up, her lips pouting, "You didn’t miss me?"

Hades caressed her head, "Of course, I did."

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.