"And like the moon, we must go through phases of emptiness to feel full again."
-unknown
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Song: Rays of Hope by Oneke
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Ophelia sat by herself in the gardens. She wiggled her toes in the soft lush grass, her shoes long forgotten about. Her hands were busy twisting little wild daisies into the shape of a crown. They were a late blooming flower and were at their peak in the royal garden.
The last couple of days she had been spending a lot of time alone. Zeus seemed to be dealing with important matters since King Poseidon left. She found entertainment in dancing, baking and going to the gardens but she couldn't bear to be alone any longer.
She was lost.
Ophelia had never spent so much time alone. Usually she was with someone who told her what, when and how to do it.
She sighed and stood up from the ground. Her cotton dress was only slightly dirty but it was barely noticeable as it was a tan color. The completed flower crown was in her hands. After looking around she walked over to a marble statue of a woman that stood in a bed of flowers. Everso gently, she reached up and placed the crown on the head of the unknown woman.
She smiled, satisfied with herself. Deciding it was time to go inside she turned on her heels and followed the trail.
It was a beautiful day. The type where just being outside makes you feel alive. It wasn't particularly warm. There was definitely the fall chill in the crisp air but subconsciously she knew it would most likely be the last day she wouldn't have to wear a coat outside for sometime. Though no one told her to put shoes on or wear a sweater. No one but Zeus ordered her around like that. She wasn't used to not being told what to do. For some reason it added slight anxiety into her day.
She looked around and observed. Ophelia was near the castle entrance. Unlike most days the grounds were quiet. There were no landscapers and no scurrying maids. She was able to hear the birds sing and the nearby water crash. She felt the sun kiss her skin, the goosebumps slowly went away.
With one last deep inhale of fresh air she turned to the door and went inside.
Just like the garden, it was quiet inside. Even near the kitchen which was unusual. Normally anytime someone passed the kitchen they would hear maids gossiping and smell all the fixings being made.
Ophelia continued on her journey. After much contemplation she decided to see Zeus. He told her everyday to come visit him in his office if she needed anything and she had yet to go fearing someone would be in there or that she would be bugging him too much.
Guards stood silently in the corners of the castle. They were the only ones she saw on her way up. She dragged her fingers against the historic walls as she made her way through.
Finally she reached his office quarters. Her hand hovered over the door. She second guessed herself and started to think of just leaving.
'But you're so lonely,' she thought and knocked on the door softly.
"Come in." Zeus called out.
He sat with Ajax and Ares. They discussed work as usual when they were interrupted by a soft tap on the office door. He usually didn't spend this much time with them but they were prepping for the beginnings of a war.
YOU ARE READING
The Dancing Queen
Roman d'amour*Ophelia June Clarke* She was soft, sweet and nice. Her mother sheltered her from the world while the rest of her siblings got to venture out. *King Zeus* He was the great ruler of the skies and western land. He had led his people to prosperity...
