CHAPTER 41 – ONCE AGAIN

Jack Frost had graceful stride, agile, but slow, like nothing could rush him. He stepped in the hall, dropping the temperature of the hall instantly. The younger gods and demigods who had only heard of him watched in awe, while the older ones watched, surprised that he had even graced the ball. His soldier brought up a throne and set it aside for him, getting rid of the one that had been prepared for him. "He has not changed. Still as feisty as ever." Zeus nodded. "I can see that." He took his seat, not saying a word to anyone.

The ice on the announcer thawed and he cleared his throat as if nothing had happened. He went on to announce the arrival of Zeus and he came down slowly, his heart joyous. Jack Frost sat closes to him on the right, but he didn't even look up to make eye contact or initiate any type of contact whatsoever. Zeus kept smiling at him like a fool, Causing Apollo to glare, his annoyance evident.

"Today, apart from the annual grand ball, we have a major celebration. Or two." Zeus said, adjusting his robes. "Today, after years and years, my son, Jack Frost has graced our occasion. I am indeed a very happy father." He turned to where Jack Frost sat and for the first time since he had come, since his banishment, their eyes met. Jack Frost's hard and unwilling, Zeus’s soft and pleading. Jack Frost broke the contact first, and looked down to his fingers, where his large jade ring was. He never wore it. But while he stood in front of the mirror today, Althaia’s likening of him to jade was the only thing he could picture. If he saw her today, he would give it to her. Zeus gave a small sad smile and turned away. "The other is the formal introduction of Hades' youngest daughter. She has been found to possess the shield, and today, we are going to unveil her to all of you." There was an applause.

Althaia's heart jumped in her throat. Jack Frost was there. Jack Frost would see her. He would realize. He would know. A maid ushered her out of the waiting room, where she found Hermes standing by the door. He looked at her. "He is here." She nodded. "You can't escape it." She hated to admit it, but she nodded. "Go now." She nodded again, knowing that if she tried to talk, she would cry. And that was the last thing she wanted.

The door opened, and she stepped in, her gown flowing behind her. She took a deep breath and looked up and from where she stood, she could see him. The unmistakable white hair. The scent… he looked beautiful. As always. She had never seen him in black, and this black today complemented him and made him stand out significantly. She fought back the tears and walked forward, her hands clasped together in front of her.

Jack Frost didn't bother looking up. Even when she stopped in front of the line of thrones, he didn't look up. The only time he looked up was when she passed by him, and her scent filled his nostrils. He looked up slowly, taking his time, as if preparing for what he would see. She was there, standing in front of Zeus, her teeth gritted, so she wouldn't cry. He blinked once, then twice, then thrice. "I hereby introduce you to Althaia." Snow suddenly began to fall, and Hermes shook his head. This is a disaster.

"Al-Althaia?" She turned to him, her eyes already bulging with the tears. He was standing, taking her in with his eyes. "How?" He looked at Hades and turned to her again. "Hades' youngest daughter? Owner of the shield?" His voice was low, and Zeus looked confused. "Is there a.." Snow howled dangerously, making the windows fly open, and letting the cold wind in. She was crying silently now, knowing she had nothing to say. She could have told him. Even if not in the beginning, she could have told him later. But she had been greedy. She didn't want to lose him and now, the hurt and disappointment in his eyes wrecked her soul. She sniffed. "Jack, I—" He vanished, the only trace that he had been there, the snow that helped violently outside, the ice where he had stood and his jade wing that she caught midair and held close to her chest. She knew she couldn’t stay anymore. "Excuse me." She managed to say amidst tears threatening to spill and fled from the hall. Apollo stood, ready to go after her, but Zeus stopped him. "Let the ball continue." He said and left the hall amidst whispers.

Jack Frost landed in his own palace, his feet staggering more from the emotional damage than anything else. Althaia was an Olympian? Hades’ daughter? He felt his heart break to pieces as he climbed up the stairs to hide where it was dark.

She was clutching the ring like it was life itself. His expression hunted her when she closed her eyes, and his voice rang in her ears when she kept it open. The door opened and Zeus entered, closely followed by Hermes. 

"Althaia. Jack Frost does not know?" She shook her head, her hair flying, and Zeus sighed. "Knowing Jack Frost, he is hiding somewhere like a child. In the dark. You have to go to him. He will not pull through alone." Hermes said, tucking his hands in his pockets. Zeus sighed. "I will send you there, my dear. And I hope with this, Jack Frost comes back home." She stood, the tears in her eyes standing. "Will you, really, take me there? To Jack Frost? Will you take me home?" Zeus nodded. "My dear, you will be in the winter kingdom in no time. She hugged him and Hermes smiled, genuinely for the first time. "Go get him back." She nodded and turned to Zeus. "I am ready." Before she finished her sentence, she found herself spiraling far and away.