II. The King of the Underworld

“Uncle! You’re going to be late and make me late!” I called out to him from downstairs of our 3-bedroom house, making us both breakfasts in our kitchen. We needed to leave in fifteen minutes, and he was still in bed. I heard him groan as an acceptance yet remain in his bed. I lived with my uncle for as long as I could remember. My brother Max had moved out a couple of years ago. He didn’t jell well into our loving family home. We owed our lives to Dorian and I would never forget it. I could hardly remember the murder of my parents or what really happened. Time was truly a cure to anything. I had to appreciate what I had, and my uncle was all I needed. “Uncle please get ready; I really don’t want to be late.” He groaned again. By the creaking of his floorboards, I could tell he finally began to get out of bed. Thank god. Although he was the head of our company, I didn’t like taking advantage. Turning up for work late was no exception. We worked for U.O.G. – Unity of all Gods, in a giant glass building, sky-high, reaching into the early morning clouds. Thousands of people worked with us, the whole place was like a maze. It was a difficult job. We had to keep Earth, Underworld, Olympus, and all the Gods at peace. My attendance in the office wasn’t as important as Dorian’s. He had to keep things efficient. The Gods were counting on him. I simply did the paperwork and small tasks I was given by my uncle. I enjoyed working at U.O.G. I was good at my job. I liked the stability we had. I enjoyed being able to have dinner together at the end of the day and breakfast every morning. I enjoyed my life as it was. “Uncle, the car is here!” I called out for the last time, before getting into the car and waiting for him there. Dorian had worked hard his whole life to be able to afford anything and everything, and he does. A private chef, a driver, dinners with the gods at expensive restaurants on Earth and Olympus. He lived the high life while still being modest.

After almost ten minutes of waiting he rushed out, locking the door, and getting into the car with a mouth full of his toast. I turned on his iPad checking today’s schedule to make sure they hadn’t missed out on anything. As I scrolled through it, I noticed Hades name under 3 PM.

“You’re meeting Hades at 3 PM. King Hades of the Underworld?!” Completely amazed I sat with my mouth wide open. Though the gods came around for meetings every once in a while, it was Dorian who usually travelled to the Olympus and Underworld to meet the gods. I had never met one in person. I wasn’t allowed to attend any of the meetings that Dorian was invited to either. I always wished. I wasn’t asking for a lot. I simply wanted to be near one, maybe shake their hand. Feel special for a second.

“Yes.” He replied sternly. He fixed the cuffs of his blazer, avoiding any eye contact with me. You could hardly see the grey poking through at the root of his hair with his hair already a fair blonde colour. Though he was my uncle, we looked nothing alike. I couldn’t tell if he was grouchy because I kicked him out of bed, or if he was sick of me talking about the gods like they were pop stars on the radio. Again, I wasn’t asking for a lot. I was okay with being who I was and doing whatever Dorian wanted me to, but surely being his niece, I deserved to be invited to at least one meeting with the gods. I enjoyed the work I was doing, but I wanted more. Some responsibility, above paperwork.

Once we arrived at the office, I watched Dorian’s every move, hoping to get a glimpse of Hades the King of the Underworld. I hoped to drop in on their meeting and hopefully meet Hades myself. The chances of that happening were slim, but I wasn’t going to let it go.

“Afternoon Miss Lockwood. How is Mr. Lockwood today? He looked rather distracted this morning.” Allison was a friendly co-worker who did a job similar to mine. Some time ago I thought she would be a good match for my uncle. She had short brown hair and was in her early 40’s without any children or a husband. She was quiet and sweet, but my uncle didn’t seem to show any interest in women for a long time. She had shown some interest in Dorian but didn’t bother making any advances.

“Hello, he was a bit cranky this morning. He had a meeting with Hades, so maybe he’s just stressed.” I smiled rolling my eyes. Uncle was usually cranky in the morning. “I’m sure he will be much friendlier after his lunch.” Allison nodded her head in acceptance, before placing a folder of paperwork on my desk.

The clock was ticking away slowly but it finally reached 2:55 pm and the elevator doors opened. Time seemed to stand still as Hades smoothly exited the elevator. The office had never been so quiet. All eyes were on Hades. I was eager to approach him, but that disappeared once I laid my eyes on him. Nerves paralyzed me. His tall physique was intimidating. One hand in the pocket of his trousers, the other brushing through his dark hair. I felt my mouth run dry instantly. He approached Dorian’s office door steadily when I peeked another look. His eyes quickly scanned the room, as he placed his hand on the handle of the door before his eyes landed on me. I felt all of the oxygen sucked out of my body, as I ducked my head a little, to avoid eye contact. I felt my heart beating out of my chest, as I tried to control my breathing. What are the chances he looks at me instead of the tens of people behind me? Maybe he knows who I am? I shook my head. That’s ridiculous. I’d seen a couple of other Gods in Dorian’s office before, but Hades looked different. He looked like a King.

After an hour of silence and everyone waiting patiently for Hades to leave the office, I heard Dorian’s office door open. I lifted my head to take my last look at the King, when I noticed Dorian looking around the office, before finally spotting me and waving at me. Please don’t do this to me uncle. I know I asked for it, but I take it all back. I quickly brushed my hands across my hair and nervously pretended to be doing work. I felt both of their shadows cast over me as I nervously looked up at them both standing by my table.

“This is Eve, my niece.” I quickly rose from my seat in front of them. Do I bow? Do I shake his hand? I had no idea what to do with myself. I felt selfish making eye contact with Hades. Who do I think I am?

“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir.” Hades offered me his hand with a friendly smile. I placed my hand in his and he bowed his head. Suddenly I was overwhelmed by the images of the titan attack when I was little. I quickly yanked my hand out of his grasp, as my heartbeat accelerated.

“Are you alright Miss Lockwood?” Hades stared at me, insulted by my rude behaviour. I was one of thousands of people honoured enough to meet a God, a King, let alone shake his hand and introduce myself, and I had the audacity to behave this way.

“Yes, I’m so sorry. It was a pleasure to meet you, Sir.” I quickly began walking away giving myself a minute to figure out what had happened. It was so clear like I was back there again. I had almost forgotten all of it and was unable to remember my parent's faces until that moment. My hands were trembling, and my view was spinning out of control.

“Actually Eve,” I heard my uncles’ voice, as it echoed inside the walls of my chest. “we came to talk to you for a reason. Could you come with us please?” My uncle said walking towards the elevator with Hades. My heart was trembling, and my hands were shaking, but I followed them.