Eugene couldn’t help but scowl a little at Hades’s retort, though he tried his best to control his expression. He knew what the God was trying to do and he was determined not to let it work, even though he felt himself inching toward not being able to control his anger for much longer at all. Since when did the God of the Underworld have any interest in him, let alone now that his thieving days were over and gone?
He resented the accusation. Of course he did. How could he not? He still had adventure in his blood, though he had to admit to himself that he hadn’t used it in a while. But he also knew Hades was trying to fire him up, to work him toward an endgame that Eugene was apprehensive of.
As it turned out, the former rogue did not have to wait long to find out. It was all he could do not to leap to his feet. No. But how could he doubt such nasty terms from Hades. The breath hissed through his teeth and he turned his gaze, hooded with anger, toward the God.
“What good would that be?” he growled, knowing he still had to fight this. What would Gothel want with them anymore, anyway? Nothing logical, though a voice still prodded at the back of his head, revenge. “Rapunzel doesn’t have what she wants anymore. I made damn sure of that.”
“Did you?” Hades asked, but not as if he was suprised.
Hades put out the nub of his spent cigar and flicked it into the grass, and sat up straight looking Eugene in the face. His face was no longer to any degree smug in victory, it was contorted in a scowl.
“Gothel wants up here, and I can make that happen Eugene! What do I care what she does when she’s here?! Her free time, as little of it as she will have, is hers. All that concerns me is she has to serve me in order to obtain what she wants. Now, I’m willing to settle for you, though I have to say you are a lot less of an asset.” Hades grabbed Eugene’s chin in his thumb and forefinger gripping it tightly, “Don’t think I’ll hesitate to do what I have to do, I’m building an army and Upperworld casualties are not my concern!”
He shook Eugene’s chin in his hand and let go, just for the effect of it. Then he stood, turning his back to him. Hades felt there was little doubt that Eugene would ‘see the light’ as it were, but if not it was a long drawn out process to bring Gothel back.
“Also, if you think Rapunzel’s power is permanently gone by any means, I have to say you certainly are naive.” Hades peered at Eugene over his shoulder.