Chapter 42: Chapter 42

/Lukas POV/

It was frustrating how always someone or the other interrupted us. There was a guard outside the room who was reminding us to get ready for the dinner. I sighed but nodded my head and shut the door.

Even though I wanted to talk it out with Talia, we had no time. I noticed that she was busy picking her clothes for the event. With that, I turned out and got my clothes. I needed to make an impression.

Most of the demons love to show off even though they don't have much. These kinds of Balls are appropriate for this kind of silly things. I never noticed or cared for it, but now that I had Talia with me, I had to make sure that I was outstanding.

I specifically ordered a handmade tailored suit. A sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the outfit. It didn't take me long to slip on the three-piece suit. The blazer was cinched at my waist just like they used to do in England. I patted at the pocket, checking for my phone.

I took a quick peek inside the bedroom only to notice that Talia was still inside the bathroom. Women. As it was safe, I walked towards the dressing table and checked at my attire. I stared at my hair as it was unruly when I noticed the gel on the stand. Using my fingers, I styled it back, a single strand escaping and falling on my forehead.

"Cara" I knocked on the bathroom door. If she was going to take a while, I can atleast go down and save us a seat. Most of the times, they are reserved, but I hated the sitting arrangement.

I knew that Li Changying was also going to be there for dinner, so I didn't want to sit anywhere near her. That's the last thing I wanted. Talia would be annoyed as well. We were already too famous for bringing the first demon child to the world.

"Hmm?"

"Is it going to take long?"

I heard the shuffling sound from inside and shower was turned off, "Why? Are we late?"

I almost hid my smile at the way she was so panicked about it. Like anyone could do better than her. She was handling it well considering how everything was suddenly thrown over her shoulders.

"No...don't worry. But I want to reserve a seat for us. So I'll just go down. After you are done, come downstairs."

Her voice was breathy, "In the living room, right?"

I shook my head. Why would the dinner be in the living room? She didn't know that. So I bit my tongue.

"No...it's in the dining hall. You know what just come downstairs they'll show you the way."

"Oh okay" She mumbled, and I heard her footsteps retracting and the sound of the shower being turned on. I stilled as the soft humming sound echoed from inside.

Shaking my head, I walked out of there. It was better for my sanity.

***

Hades was already seated at the head table, and the entire dining hall was busting with demons. Why can't they be late? I sighed.

As soon as I stepped near the chair, Hades waved over at me. I glanced to my side, making sure he was calling me. Walking towards him, I noticed Li Changying in the corner, arguing with someone. I was not even surprised to see that. She never gets along with others which are quite weird.

"Looking for someone?" Hades raised his eyebrows, swirling the drink in his glass. Trust him to start drinking before dinner.

I bobbed my head, my eyes going towards the table. The dining room was gigantic. It could easily fit five hundred guests. Mostly there were only twenty-eight of Kings and Queens, the original rulers of Hell. But due to ongoing war in some Hells, the figure is unknown. As a tradition, the original twenty-eight Kings or Queens of their Hell along with their family were invited.

"A decent table."

Hades snickered, patting at the seat beside him, "Don't worry. I asked your seat to be beside mine."

"How generous of you!" I rolled my eyes while pulling a chair beside him. He could have told me earlier and saved a lot of trouble. But then again, Hades has always been a bit of sadist, enjoying seeing people troubled.

"I try" He bowed down mockingly and raised his glass.

"Why did you start drinking already? Did Persephone threaten to take your phone again?"

Hades gave me a dry look, "Hilarious. That's not it. I'm just so done with this! I remembered it was my turn last week and since then it's been a wreck city here." He took a deep breathtaking a sip of his drink, "Persephone is mad at me for not calling her back home soon. We both haven't slept a wink for a week"

"Wow, that sounds stressful."

"You have no idea!" He exclaimed

I looked around and noticed that the dining hall was lighted up. Even for someone who knew about the Ball a week ago, he did well. There's usually gossip about it, but no one was saying anything. Or maybe they are all scared of Hades.

"Enough about me. I can't believe you! How come you never mentioned to me you had a mate?"'

I sighed softly. I should have known he would ask that. He was one of my closest friends and drinking buddy. Leo was jealous of him for that.

"It's a long story."

"We'll talk it over drinks then."

I hummed, "Sure."

That's when the bell rang. Persephone stepped beside Hades, and they both stood up. It was time for their speech.

Where are you, Talia? I thought, staring at the stairs. Just as I was about to turn my head away, I noticed her. For a while, I forgot to breathe. She was a vision with her long peach gown, her hands holding them on sides. Everyone was gawking at her, and I couldn't blame them.

She shyly slid by my side, and I smirked at the fallen looks on some of their faces. Take that!

"You look gorgeous" I whispered leaning closer. Her cheeks went red.

Persephone smiled at Talia, and then they began their speech. It was too long for my liking, but I tried to keep my eyes open. First, they went on about their vision, contribution of Greece and then the theme of the Ball.

"Now we begin" Hades raised his glass in the air. Everyone followed his lead as our glasses were filled with wine.

Just as we were about to start, the loud banging sound made my ears ring. I followed the audio only to notice a man stumbling his way to the dining hall. He was drunk, his face drenched with sweat.

"Brother?!"

"Brother!"

Hades stood up. Persephone narrowed her eyes at the intruder.

I stared back at the person again and squinted at the brunette curls. Of course, it was Zeus. He was difficult to recognise at first sight. But why was he drunk? He managed to make his way towards Hades, bumping into chairs a few times and apologising several times.

"Hades...I'm so drunk" Zeus giggled, falling over his brother's shoulder. Persephone made a face.

Talia shifted closer to me as Zeus was reeking of alcohol. She had lately become sensitive to certain smells. I noticed that she was trying to figure out the scene in front of her.

"Lukas" She nudged at my elbow. I turned towards her.

"Who is he?"

"Zeus"

She squealed, "What? The Zeus?"

At her voice, Zeus turned towards her and his eyes widened. He was quiet for a while, blinking his eyes at her. Talia shifted in her seat, suddenly aware of his attention.

"I know you..." He slurred, pointing his finger at her to which Talia frowned. She stared back at me.

I raised my head at Hades, "Is he going to be okay?"

"I apologise for this. If you all, please excuse me" Hades lowly said while trying to balance his brother. Few of them were trying to help, but Zeus slapped them away and frankly no one messed with him after that.

Zeus shook his head, "But I don't wanna leave."

"Brother, you can rest in the guest room. I won't send you back."

Zeus stared back at Talia, mumbling under his breath, "I know- I know you."

Why would he say those words? There was no way he would know Talia because she was just a mortal.

Hades gave me a pleading look, "I'm sorry about him. He just needs to sleep it off."

"But-"

Hades grunted, "Enough brother, we need to get you to the room. Let's go."

After a few seconds, Hades managed to wrap his arm around his brother and drag him towards the room. Persephone sighed at them and turned towards Talia.

"Don't take him seriously. He's going through a hard time with Hera. He'll be fine."

I stared back at Zeus, highly doubting that.

***