The Dancing Queen

5. Brothers and Sisters

"Goodbye sweet, innocent girl. Off you go into a cruel world." - unknown
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Song: Welcome Home by Sigríður
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Ophelia was now in some soft silk pajamas, fuzzy socks, and one of Zeus's fancy cardigans that looked more like a robe. She had loosely braided her hair back to get it out of the way but some unavoidable curly pieces framed her face.

Zeus has changed out of his formal suit and put on black slacks and a collared shirt, as he still had some business to attend to.

The ball was still going on but it was in another part of the castle long forgotten about by the two soulmates. To them it had felt like it was weeks ago.

"I'm h-hungry." Ophelia mentioned. She sat on top of the big bed.

"Well then let's get you something to eat." He exclaimed. "Your siblings are downstairs waiting."

"O-oh no! H-how long h-have they b-been waiting!?" She shot up. Ophelia had completely forgotten about her brothers and sisters and she felt terrible about it. Zeus on the other hand was more nonchalant,

"It's okay, not long. They'll join us as you eat some food."

"O-okay. C-can I h-have spinach and m-mushroom soup?" Ophelia looked up at Zeus. He just laughed and nodded his head.

He led her out of the room, always keeping his hands somewhere on her. She was too busy to notice as she tried to soak up all of the surroundings. He guided her through a long hallway and past a couple large rooms, to a staircase. Once they were down the stairs Zeus then led her to the main dining hall in his quarters. He didn't allow many people in his private part of the castle but seeing as the ball took up some major areas this seemed like the best option.

All of Ophelia's siblings (Mary, Emily, Victoria, Daniel, and Aaron along with their partners) had been waiting for over an hour in the private dining area after being escorted from the council room. The men were pacing while the sisters spoke to their mother over the phone trying to come up with an excuse why Ophelia couldn't speak. They were mostly avoiding telling their mother.

"Mother- Yes, yes-I know." Mary paused. "I will tell her. I have to go now." Their mother yelled through the phone. "Okay. Yes. Bye." Mary hung up.

"Mother is going to murder us." Mary exclaimed.

No one said anything, just sighed and rolled their eyes. This should be a joyous time, yet their mother was stuck in the

Ophelia and Zeus neared the private area. She noticed how the halls were much more dark in this wing of the castle. There was still so much detail and artistry but not a lot of life.

She looked up at Zeus while still following him. He held her hand tightly in his as if she would disappear. She noticed his dark features and the tattoos that peaked out from under his shirt. As his gaze dropped to her she saw him soften his features and smiled down at her. Her cheeks bloomed with red and she looked down but not before smiling back.

"It's right through here." He spoke to Ophelia.

She looked up and noticed two maids opened the large doors to reveal a big room with a giant gold chandelier. The walls were covered in gold and ivory. Her siblings sat around a mahogany table that was in the center.

They all stood up instantly out of respect for the king. Ophelia had the largest smile on her face as she let go of Zeus's hand and ran to her sisters. She hugged them with all her might.

Zeus felt a pang in his heart from the loss of contact but saw how happy she was even after being away for just mere hours. He hoped that one day she would greet him like that.