CHAPTER 40 – THE GRAND BALL

The Olympus palace was bathed in light, decorations, and flowers. The Olympus palace was a glamorous mansion, and it shows even more in the preparations for the ball. Althaia stayed in her room all day, not caring about anything or anyone. Apollo had tried hard to get her to talk to him, and once when he had grabbed her shoulder, she had slapped him. He didn’t stay away completely but tried to be more subtle. She sat in front of the dressing mirror. In a few hours, the ball room will be filled to the brim, and she would be formally introduced to everyone god of Olympus. She hated it here. And she felt guilty for feeling that way because Zeus and Hera adored her. Especially Zeus, and it felt that it was more for the fact that she was who she was to Jack Frost, than the fact that she was Hades' daughter. Sometimes, it felt like she was getting the love he couldn’t give to Jack Frost. Sometimes, he came and asked about him, how he had turned out, what he liked, and she would talk and fantasize about it, till she cried. He would then comfort her, obviously close to it himself, and then leave her. But she wouldn’t stop. She wondered what he was doing, what he was wearing, whether he was sleeping. And she would imagine him coming through the window, kissing the side of her lips like he had done before the ball. Whenever she was served meat, she would cry and cry till it was no longer edible and then send it away. Now she sat, watching the maids behind her go helter-skelter, bringing her clothes, her jewelry. Jack Frost had taken his time to comb her hair, and it had never looked so beautiful. She swallowed as she watched her reflection in the mirror. The last time she had, Jack Frost was behind her, smiling at her, watching her. She closed her eyes and let the tears flow.

Jack Frost was laying on his back, his hair splayed out on the bed. Pink snowflakes fell from the ceiling, each falling on his skin and staying there for some time before it fell away. He closed his eyes to his imagination of her, the night after her confession, when he had brought her food, and they had on her bed. He tightened his eyes, and he was there, in her room, her scent filling him up. Who would have taken her? Why did they choose her? Why her? He turned over on his side, his hands on the sheet, caressing them. He imagined her sleeping on it, her hair....he stood up. It was some time before the Olympus ball, and he had to be there. He missed her. He missed having her around. His heart felt like it wasn’t there, his eating and sleeping had stopped and there was nothing to quench his pain.

"You look exquisite, my dear. So exquisite." Hera was patting her hair. The maids had wanted to pile it, but she had made them let it down, just like Jack Frost liked it. "Her dress was gold in color and fell in waves of silk, but it only dulled her the more. Jack Frost's pink had fit her more. It was safely tucked away, and sometimes, she brought it out. "Everyone is here. It is almost time. My dear. You will wait in the waiting room. Once the announcer calls you, you can come in." Hera said and kissed her forehead. It was warm, but she would choose Jack Frost's cold pressure any time of the day.

The gods of Olympus were standing around, each wearing expensive gold laced or diamond patterned dresses and coats. Some were already drinking and chatting and stood in groups, others were alone, just like Apollo. The announcement came and a lot of them turned to it. The large arrangement of thrones was for only the big gods and it was mostly meant for Althaia's introduction. He started with the announcement, each god coming to after his name, and taking the seat with his element sign on it. A seat bearing a snowflake stayed empty and no one called the name of the owner. "The god of the underworld, Hades." He was already seated and was one of the few gods who didn’t need an introduction. Apollo was seated right beside him, and they exchanged a curt nod before going back to their business. "Last, but not the least, The god of..." The announcer gurgled and stopped talking all together. The gods turned to where the messenger had been standing, and there he was, in solid ice. A strange man took his place and in a loud voice said. "The king of the winter kingdom, the sole guardian to the treasure of Winters, the god of frost, of winter, and of ice, the god of mischief, his highness Jack Frost is approaching the hall."

Althaia's breath caught in her throat. Jack Frost? Jack Frost was here? He couldn't be. He can't be. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest and she felt her head started ache. What was he doing here? Why did no one tell her he would be here? She turned to exit the waiting room, but the maids stopped her. "I am sorry, my lady. You are not allowed to leave." She turned away and covered her face in her palms. Why was this happening?

"He is here." After centuries, my son is here." Zeus was teary eyed as he watched from the top balcony, as the announcer finished his introduction of Jack Frost. Hera was by his side, nodding and agreeing to him. " I know. How much has he changed?" Zeus shrugged. "We will see for ourselves; I am sure." Hera nodded and turned to watch the scene below.

Cold wind blew across the hall and the main door of the ball room opened slowly. A small amount of snow blew across the hall, and slowly, Jack Frost stepped in, wearing Jet black robe laced with diamonds.