“What makes you think Demeter is the only one with any say in this?” Zeus said and actually looked at his brother to try to meet his eyes for the first time in the entire encounter. Granted, the look was one of determined mischief, but there was a slight sparkle of challenge in his eyes. Getting around Demeter was going to be a challenge and one that Zeus was willing to meet with a certain, “bring it” attitude. Then he looked back at the statue. “I've actually had about quite enough with our sister's petulant selfishness in terms of her daughter. Is Persephone not my daughter as well? Am I not both father and King? Really, she's being ridiculous.”
Then Zeus scratched at his chin thoughtfully, this was going to require some deceit most likely. Shame it had to come to this but really, Demeter brought it on herself. “I've tolerated her other refusals, thinking perhaps someone more suited would come along.” Then he chuckled lightheartedly and patted his brother on the back, “And who more suited for my daughter than you, Brother.”
Sure, Persephone's life would be limited to the Underworld. But she would be a Queen, something she would never advance to on Olympus as Zeus had no intentions of replacing Hera. “You have my blessing,” he said and patted one final time before pulling his hand away and crossing his arms over his chest. “You shall have Persephone as your wife by any means necessary.”
And he genuinely meant it. He'd deal with Demeter if he necessary as well. He was her King, and he'd just reminder her of that fact if he needed to. Hades may have drawn the worst of the lots between the brothers, but he deserved a quality wife as much as he and Poseidon did. If that happened to be one of Zeus' daughters, then even better.