Hades stomped around his study, his thoughts swirling as he tore through manuscripts. There had to be something related to resurrection that would give him a clue. How did Lexi come into such a gift? Perhaps, there was a divine pairing in her mother's lineage that could explain it. How was Lexi to fulfill her duties as the goddess of resurrection if she lived in the land of the dead? And, moreover, would an afternoon of fruitless research get him any closer to a solution? Night would fall and he would still be faced with the same dilemma.

Abandoning his books, Hades called through the speaking tube, requesting his lunch be brought to his study. If he didn't take in nourishment, his head would continue to spin, getting him nowhere. He knew Lexi would not allow herself to be bullied, not even by the gods, but the council members were not complete fools. Most were capable of engaging in lively debates, something he knew Lexi was skilled at as well. And if Zeus was involved...

"Damn." He cursed as he paced, stepping over books tossed carelessly to the floor. He knew Zeus would try to convince Lexi she had a responsibility to the gods, that Olympus was the only place where her gifts would do the most good. How would she respond to that? She was a highly principled woman. Would she attempt to bargain with him, as Demeter had on Persephone's behalf all those years ago? Would Lexi promise to live in Olympus if the council agreed to eliminate the minotaur hunt?

Hades stared at the bandage on his hand, stained with dirt and sweat. If only she hadn't seen it, she would not be tempted to bargain with her happiness...with his happiness. He tore the bandage from his hand and slammed his palm on the table, knocking another book to the floor. A light tapping interrupted his tantrum and he shouted at the door. "Come in!"

A face peeked into the room, smiling timidly. It was Sella. "I have brought the lunch you requested, your lordship."

Hades forced air into his lungs as he straightened. He probably looked beastly. "Thank you, Sella. You may bring it in."

She tiptoed across the room and set a tray on the table. On it sat a hearty slice of quiche, an orange that had been separated into segments, and a beer stein with thick foam clinging to the sides. The beer must have been Fiona's idea of a sedative.

"Is there anything else you wish, Lord Hades?"

Hades stared at Sella, wanting to tell her how much he wished Lexi was home sharing lunch with him. How he wished Lexi would choose him over duty. How he wished to never spend another day alone. "No, thank you." Sella nodded and scurried to the door, looking relieved to be shutting it behind her, but he called out before she had the chance. "There is something you can do, Sella. Will you see that my chamber is thoroughly cleaned, and burn some incense to get rid of that stench. I will be sharing my bed with Lexi tonight."

A wide grin spread over Sella's face that threatened to reach her ears. "Very good, your grace. I will personally see that your wishes are carried out."

When Sella had left the room, Hades picked up the stein, taking in the sharp scent of malted barley and imagining how pleasant life would be if all his wishes were carried out so easily.