As Hades approached, she noted the look in his eyes and heard the intake of his breath. Damn! It hadn't even occurred to her to alter her physique. She was always in her natural form when in her hall, and the few times she went out among the mortals she was under the cloak of darkness upon her steed. Even should someone spot her and Helhest, they wouldn't live long enough to tell anyone about it. The horse carried Death, after all.
Used as she was to geing gawked at, Hel stood still for the scrutiny, chin raised proudly, but only for the first few moments. She was almost surprised to see that while he was certainly taking in her physical appearance, he showed none of the usual signs of being revolted that most did. Of course! Mentally she smacked herself, as she should have realized that he, like herself, had likely seen more horrors and gruesomeness than most of their peers who dwelled in the light. She was further suprised to see Hades bow before her. Hel wasn't sure she could ever recall someone bowing to her position.
"Then you must call me Hel." For perhaps the first time in her life, Hel was feeling appreciated for who and what she was, with no judgments one way or the other. The only other times she'd just been accepted as she was she had been with her family. Now she didn't even have them. Had she been privy to the knowledge that part of Hades was actually jealous of her, it no doubt would have completely floored her.
For herself, she was thinking how magnificent a king he was. Approachable and likeable from what she had gathered so far. What it must mean to rule without people being afraid to even look upon his features! The Underworld was always frightening enough for a new arrival. A half-rotted queen seldom did much to alleviate those fears. She'd learned to compensate with her kindness, and sometimes it actually worked.
It also appeared she needn't have worried about Hades patience, as he invited her to his palace, putting the Norse queen even more at ease. "Other than the matter I am here to discuss, I have nothing pressing. I would be honored to be escorted to your palace." More than honored, truth be told. What Underworlder wouldn't want a glimpse of another's dark realm? Perhaps he would even give her a small tour, at least pointing out some items of interest on the way to his home.