"You cannot!" Demeter said, aghast. "You are not trying to tell me- It's impossible." she snapped.

Persephone was no longer a maiden who quavered to her mother's temper, or tried to justify herself with trembling, hesitant words, however, and she stood tall as she met Demeter's eyes, wearing a sweeping spring green gown, a belt of her own flowers, and a crown of silver set with precious stones.

"I love my husband, mother, whether you would it be so or not," Persephone said, and her voice was light and soft as ever, but strong and sure as only befit a queen, "and I will take my place as Queen of the Underworld."