Chapter 10

Eurydice hated Orpheus’s home. It was too large for her taste, mimicking some of the estates he had lived in in Greece, and there was a dreadful lack of trees, which was her number one complaint about most locations.

Unlike some stories told by priests and parents, homesteads in the Underworld were not provided based on a sliding scale of morality. Wherever someone ended up in the afterlife was entirely dependent on their comfort. Some souls refused to even become corporeal; others spent their days in the same body they lived their mortal life in. Aside from the greater estates owned by the gods—with the exception of Hecate, who also preferred a smaller, cozier home—the lands of the Underworld were dotted with everything from coastal cottages to sprawling manors.

The first time Eurydice laid eyes on Orpheus’s property, she viscerally fought to keep her initial reaction to herself. It was a near replica of the palace he’d passed away in, without the sprawling grounds. She forced herself to put on a wide smile and act pleased.

In the following few days, Orpheus and Eurydice fell into an awkward rhythm, something that disturbed Orpheus more than Eurydice. She was more used to her days consisting of slower paced activities, rendezvous with her friends, and spending time growing in one of her many gardens. Orpheus was having a more difficult time adjusting to the slower pace of the Underworld. He missed the endless parade of admirers he was accustomed to in the mortal world.

Eurydice was more comfortable in the silence between them, finding that any attempts at conversation always ended up with even more of an apparent divide. She’d only been living in his house for a few days, but she insisted on her own bedroom, another thing that she could tell was infuriating Orpheus. Jumping right back into a marriage she had no recollection of, sharing that sort of physical intimacy with Orpheus without her heart being in it, could only be disastrous.

Eurydice was out in the garden, the only part of the house she didn’t despise. The late afternoon sun was pouring in over the tall walls, creating an effective barrier between Eurydice and the rest of the world. If she was going to be living in this more populated part of Asphodel, she appreciated the little bit of privacy the garden gave her.

The garden was tucked into an interior courtyard surrounded by a peristyle. There was a dirt trail running up the middle, flanked by beds of flowers on either side. The very center of the garden had a fountain, carved with a likeness of Apollo. Eurydice had half a mind to break off the top of the fountain and bury the statue. Apollo and Orpheus split ways from each other years before Orpheus died—and Apollo met his end years before Orpheus did—but Orpheus still had a bizarre obsession with the deity.

Eurydice ignored the numerous benches and opted to sit in the flower beds, relishing the feel of the cool grass and dirt on her skin. It was one of the first times since Orpheus’s arrival that Eurydice felt genuine peace. Her gaze flickered towards the far wall of the garden and her beloved trellis. The vines, with a little bit of magical encouragement, were already fully intact and climbing up the stone. Eurydice thought of the hours Pan had spent hand-carving it for her, and her smile widened.

“Are you thinking about Orpheus?” A soft, dainty voice trickled through the air and snagged Eurydice’s attention.

“Telodice?” Eurydice turned around without standing, watching in glee as Telodice appeared in the garden. A column of yellow smoke started evaporating from a patch of daisies, and one of the flowers stretched taller. A flurry of petals fell down from the skies as the flower morphed into the shape of a woman, and Telodice gracefully stepped out of the flower bed.

“Eurydice!” Telodice grinned, holding her arms out for her friend. Eurydice jumped to her feet and ran towards Telodice, practically launching herself into the nymph’s arms. She hadn’t seen Telodice since the day of Orpheus’s arrival and was desperate to speak to one of her friends. Eurydice released Telodice andsmiled.

“This place is beautiful!” Telodice looked around.

Eurydice nodded her head bashfully. “It’s certainly something.”

“Oh, come on.” Telodice gawked, stepping around some of the ornate flower beds. “Who doesn’t want to live in a house like this?”

“It’s beautiful like you said,” Eurydice agreed easily while avoiding the question. “What brings you here?” Eurydice followed Telodice and settled next to her on a marble bench.

“Well, it’s been a week since you were reunited with Orpheus,” Telodice waggled her eyebrows with a salacious expression, “so I figured it was safe to pop in for a visit.”

Eurydice’s eyes widened, and she wasn’t able to hide the way her gaze flicked away from Telodice. A nervous feeling started building in her body, and her palms started to sweat.

I haven’t even let Orpheus hug me for too long.

It was perfectly normal for her best friend to assume that reuniting with her long-lost husband meant a week between the sheets, but Eurydice had nothing to report. Telodice leaned forward, sobering at Eurydice’s reaction.

“Do you mean that you… You two certainly… Is there something you want to tell me?” Telodice put her hand on Eurydice’s shoulder. Eurydice sighed heavily and turned away, pointlessly trying to hide her reaction from Telodice.

“Well, it’s been a little awkward, you know?” Eurydice muttered, unable to meet Telodice’s gaze. “I don’t remember anything about him. I only know that we were a couple, so jumping back into a relationship like nothing happened is difficult.”

Telodice looked stunned, her mouth dropping open. She turned to look at the entrance to the house as if she expected Orpheus to appear at the mention of his name.

“I mean, girl, who says you need to be in love with him to sleep with him?” Telodice chuckled awkwardly. It was written all over her face that Telodice had no idea what Eurydice was talking about. “That man is beautiful. It doesn’t get more attractive than Apollo-blessed.”

The first thing that popped into Eurydice’s mind was Pan’s face—the rugged wildness of his features, a slightly crooked nose that had been broken in drunken brawls, dark brown eyes…

Oh my gods. Eurydice’s nervousness increased as realization dawned over her. You cannot start thinking about your best friend when Telodice is trying to talk to you about Orpheus!

“Yes…” Eurydice nodded slowly. “He is attractive, but I don’t necessarily want to jump in bed with someone only because they’re attractive.”

Telodice nodded slowly as if she didn’t fully understand what Eurydice was saying, a patronizing look on her face.

“That’s true.” Telodice looked around awkwardly. Her face lit up when she saw some of the flower beds, walking over to the gardens. “Tell me about these!” Telodice bent at the waist and smelled some of the blooms. “They’re positively gorgeous.”

Eurydice inwardly sighed in relief, grateful for the subject change, no matter how awkward it might be. Her heart lifted at the sight of her precious blooms. Eurydice’s face flushed as she leaned down next to Telodice, a wider smile on her face. If there was one thing she could talk about, it was her garden.

“These are peonies and that is sage.” Eurydice pointed out each delicate blossom, Telodice’s face equally thrilled. For the next ten minutes, Eurydice was lost in the ancient pleasure of sharing her excitement over something with a loved one. It was one of the world’s oldest sacred moments, for even Prometheus shared fire. Eventually, Eurydice led Telodice over to her favorite corner of the garden where Pan’s trellis was safety tucked against the garden wall.

“Pan made this for you?” Telodice’s eyes widened as she evaluated the delicate carvings and the intricate craftsmanship. “I didn’t think Pan was capable of anything other than drunken destruction.” Telodice scoffed, her head full of memories of the infamous god of the wild running through vineyards and forests drunk off wine and ambrosia.

“He’s not always like that,” Eurydice defended him sharply. “I mean, he’s like that a lot,” a smile crept across her face, “but he’s fun. He reminds us all what it means to be wild, you know? Children of the forest…” Eurydice broke off when she realized Telodice was staring at her with a confused expression on her face. Her brow picked up as Eurydice carried on about Pan’s attributes.

“Anyway,” Eurydice coughed sharply, “these are crocus blooms. I’m hoping for a little more rain, and they’ll bloom gorgeously.”

Telodice dropped back into the conversation without another word, and Pan wasn’t mentioned again. Eurydice was laughing at something Telodice said, her hair falling out of its braid and her cheeks covered with emerging freckles when Orpheus’s voice echoed through the courtyard.

“Eurydice? Are you out here again?” A chill went down Eurydice’s spine, and she noticed the speed at which her good mood vanished—as if a dark cloud had suddenly come up over her sunny afternoon. Telodice picked her head up and spun around, eager for a glimpse of the hero.

Orpheus was standing in the doorway to the main house, his toga gleaming in the bright afternoon sun. It was trimmed in gold, with elaborate patterns stitched into the border and decorated with pearls. Eurydice fought the temptation to roll her eyes.

I hate that ridiculous chiton. He looks like a child pretending to be Apollo in a school play.

Orpheus took one step into the garden, holding his hand up to see better. His bright yellow curls were practically cherubic, and Eurydice thought she heard Telodice audibly sigh. She looked at her friend, who had her hands clutched over her heart. Eurydice did roll her eyes a little bit at that.

Everything about Orpheus looked like he was truly Apollo-blessed, but his svelte stature cast a damning shadow over the garden path. Eurydice couldn’t help but notice that he wasn’t as strong as Pan… Pan was broad, thick, and covered in hair. Orpheus looked eternally like a young model for the sculptors—nearly hairless, tall, and lithe.

Oh, for fuck’s sake! Eurydice shook herself out of her reverie, damning herself for thinking of Pan’s body—her friend, of all people—when Orpheus stepped into the light.

“Eurydice!” Orpheus called out again, his voice notably tenser.

“Come and join us, my love!” Eurydice forced herself to sound cheery, cringing at the awkward high pitch that overtook her voice. She waved Orpheus over, but her heart fell when he shook his head. He tilted his head to the left, motioning for her to go to him.

“Can I speak to you privately, please, Eurydice?” Orpheus snapped.

Eurydice quickly spared a glance at Telodice, horrified to see the surprise and disgust on her face. Orpheus was being completely ignorant of the fact there was a guest standing in their garden and was snapping at Eurydice like she was a dog trained to heel.

“Now!”

“I’m coming, Orpheus,” Eurydice shouted, quickly turning to Telodice. “Will you give me just a moment? He’s been stressed recently. Forgive him. I think adjusting to the Underworld has been difficult.”

Relief and understanding flooded Telodice’s face, and she nodded rapidly. “Oh, of course.” Her voice was sickly sweet. “I understand that. It’s difficult for everyone. I’ll wait here. You go to him.”

Eurydice gave Telodice a tight smile and started walking briskly towards her husband, growing more irate with each step.

It’s wild how the world is so quick to forgive men for their tempers, but may the gods forbid a woman ever has a bad day.

Orpheus was tapping his foot repeatedly as Eurydice approached him and she attempted a placating expression.

“Are you not feeling well, husband?” Eurydice couldn’t avoid the tense way she spit out the word ‘husband’. Orpheus practically grunted at Eurydice, refusing to look at her as he studied Telodice in the garden.

“What is she doing here?” Orpheus’s voice was full of contempt. It dripped with a hatred that shocked Eurydice. She had no idea why he would be upset at Telodice’s visit.

“Telodice? She’s my friend. I was showing her the garden. You’ve had an endless string of guests ever since I moved in. I didn’t think it would be a problem for her to visit. She’s not even inside.”

Orpheus groaned dramatically, crossing her arms over his chest. More bitterness took root in Eurydice’s chest as Orpheus’s expression twisted until it looked like this was the most annoying conversation he’d ever been a part of.

“I invited those guests, Eurydice, not you. I don’t know who that nymph is. Her…” Orpheus stuttered for the right word. “Her energy is all over the house. It’s messing with my process. I haven’t been able to write a stanza since I arrived. You know everyone’s expecting me to come out with new compositions.”

Eurydice forced herself to swallow her pride, shame, and embarrassment starting to build at the base of her spine. “Do you not even want to meet my friends, Orpheus? I was showing her the garden.”

Eurydice’s eyes brightened as she implored her husband to see how happy the project made her, beginning to speak faster as she sought out a way to bring them closer together.

“There is a whole wall of crocuses in the back and some wonderful poppy blooms that I think you’ll love! Why don’t we take a walk through the garden now, together? That might inspire you. You can meet Telodice and…”

“Eurydice, please,” Orpheus groaned, rubbing his hand over his eyes. “I don’t want to see the flowers,” he snapped, the last of the kindness leeching from his tone. “I want you to send Telodice home. Now.”

Eurydice’s heart cracked in her chest. All of a sudden, she felt like a child again, scolded by her parents. The casual way that Orpheus tossed aside her passions and an opportunity to share something—share anything!—together, tossed her further down the spiral she’d found herself in. A deep, swirling pit of shame and embarrassment started manifesting throughout her body, giving her the chills.

Of course Orpheus wouldn’t be interested in the flowers. He’s a famous poet. He’s Orpheus. You can’t expect him to care about the little things that make you excited. Eurydice’s internal monologue started to sound like Orpheus’s tenor voice. You’ve got to grow up sometime and be a wife, Eurydice. It’s time to put childish things away.

“You’re right,” Eurydice sighed. “I’m sorry, Orpheus. I’ll tell Telodice to leave, and I’ll join you inside if you’re not feeling well.”

“Don’t do that,” Orpheus groaned exasperatedly. “Now you look like a kicked dog.” He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. Eurydice said nothing as he wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged Eurydice closer to his body.

“I’m sorry, my love, my wife, my morning star…” Orpheus sing-songed, pressing a series of quick kisses to her cheeks and nose. “I just want you all to myself sometimes. I’ve spent my entire life dreaming of you again, and sometimes I can’t bear to share you.”

Eurydice melted, some of Orpheus’s words striking at the armor around her soul. He’s not perfect, but he’s a good man, Eurydice, you know this.

“It’s okay. I forgive you.” Eurydice gave Orpheus a soft smile. In return, Orpheus groped at Eurydice, squeezing her ass quickly before releasing her when she squeaked.

“Now, go let Telodice know that it’s not a good time for guests. Then, come inside and meet me in the great room,” Orpheus waggled his eyebrows, “and maybe you can inspire me a bit.” The innuendo was clear, and Eurydice cringed internally. Orpheus disappeared inside the house before she could respond properly, leaving her standing alone on the balcony.

You’ll find your footing together eventually. It’s going to take time. You don’t even remember being married, and you’ve spent forty years doing whatever you want, single and careful. There will be an adjustment period. Eurydice tried to convince herself the awkwardness between her and Orpheus and his attitude were merely symptoms of a sudden reunion after years apart—and not indicative of something more.

Telodice was waiting patiently on a garden bench, standing up and grinning when Eurydice approached her. She smirked, shimmying a little with a playful expression.

“Let me guess, do you two lovebirds need me to get lost?”

“Oh, um, yes,” Eurydice stuttered. “Orpheus isn’t feeling very well and is worried about something he needs to compose, so…”

“You don’t need to tell me twice!” Telodice laughed, throwing her hands up in the air. “You don’t need to give me any excuses either. If you need to go get bent over the back of a couch, then do it, Eurydice!” Telodice laughed harder, and Eurydice fought the urge to gag.

“I’m sorry Orpheus wasn’t very welcoming—”

“Don’t even worry about it!” Telodice scoffed, a small whirlwind of petals picking up around her feet as her magic started to envelop her. “It’s Orpheus,” Telodice gushed. “He’s so perfect, Eurydice. You do whatever you need to!”

Telodice vanished on the wind before Eurydice had time to respond, leaving her standing in the garden. She glanced over at the trellis with its crocus blooms, and her anguish started to boil into something more potent.