Crown of Seed & Shadow: The Garden Beneath the World

Book 2 of the Crown of Seed & Shadow Duology

Loving each other was only the beginning. Now they must discover what they’re willing to sacrifice to stay together.

Persephone has chosen Hades, but their love has not brought peace to the Underworld. An ancient imbalance threatens his realm, while enemies close in on his throne.

Saving his kingdom may demand the one sacrifice Hades cannot bear to make: Persephone.

For a god who once wanted only to possess her heart, loving his queen may mean giving her the freedom to leave him.

And Persephone must decide whether the life she fought so hard to choose is one she is willing to fight for at his side.

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Read an excerpt from The Garden Beneath the World

The moon was full in the star-filled sky as Hades made his way toward Persephone’s cottage. Nestled between tangled hedgerows and wildflowers, the little house glowed warmly in the darkness. Lilac and jasmine scented the night air. S

Hades stood at the garden gate, his hand on the iron latch, when the scent of ozone cut through the night.

“I wanted to see it for myself.” Zeus’ voice rumbled like a distant storm.

He didn’t turn. Hades exhaled slowly. “Why are you here?”

“After everything that happened, you are still pursuing her.” Zeus stepped from the shadows, his golden crown catching the moonlight. “She returned. She is your wife. The matter is settled.”

“Is that what you came here to tell me?”

Zeus glanced toward the cottage. “I came because I don’t understand why you continue to court a woman who already belongs to you.”

Hades turned then, slow and deliberate. “She is my queen. She is not a possession.”

“I have known many queens and many maidens,” Zeus countered. “I am well aware of desire. Once it is satisfied, there are others to fill the needs of a god. When she is here with her mother, there are others you can pursue.”

“We all know how you have conducted your courtships, brother. Feathers. Gold. Beasts. Whatever disguise suited you at the time,” Hades said. “Do you even remember their names?”

Zeus smiled. “I remember them. I loved them for a time. Isn’t that enough?”

His brother would never understand. “Persephone is the only one I want.”

Zeus stepped closer, lowering his voice. “And what will Demeter say when she finds you here? She will never forgive you.”

Hades didn’t flinch. “She gave Persephone this garden. She expected I would come to visit my wife.”

“You are Lord of Shadows. Do you believe Persephone would be with you if you’d given her a choice?” Zeus raised an eyebrow.