Ruined(Eternal Monarch)

~Juno’s POV~

After breakfast, I went to the hall to assist with some tasks. I haven’t even purchased a dress for tonight. I’m just going to wear anything I feel like wearing. When I arrived at the hall, I realized that they did not want assistance; everything was in order. My thoughts strayed to the boy this morning and the man from last night as I sat. These two individuals have now taken up residence in my mind. I’m concerned about the man from yesterday. I checked the time and returned to my room to change and refresh up for the ball. I despise the limelight. I know that I’m late and that Greta and her people are still working on their make-up, but I don’t want to bother them. This makes me quite uneasy. I’m already nervous on the first day. And to think that this ball is just going to be there for three days. In the end, I’m doomed. There’s a chance Alex is in that hall tonight. Is it safe to say that I’m prepared to face Alex? I am now with Rex. It should make no difference that Alex is present. Greta brought a beautiful red dress that could only be fit for royalty. I was in awe when I examined the gown. If this is the first dress, only God knows what the next two days will bring. The following two days’ thoughts made me chuckle. The next two days may not happen. We are both aware that I have horrible luck with balls. That hall contains my past, present, and future, as well as my doom and hope. Thus, I doubt there will be any over the next two days. Just like I was seven years ago, I may find myself the center of attention once more today. I know I’m no longer 18, but I just happen to be that girl whose future was ruined after a ball, even though I’m not that girl anymore. Today, history may choose to repeat itself. My hope is to run into my brother so he can catch me if I fall. For me, this ball might be a source of hope or a source of doom. Whatever happens, I pray that I will be reunited with my brother. Kindly grant me my brother, moon goddess. I was standing outside the hall with Greta and the two maids when a song began, and Greta motioned me to enter, my gaze fixed on my king, my husband. I chose not to look elsewhere, ignoring the curious whispers of others who desired to know who I was. I locked my gaze on my mate, on my world. I hope and pray that it is a ball of hope. Then I noticed Rex clutching the hand of the man from yesterday. Whispering something to him. The man’s eyes were crimson as if he was about to burst into tears as he stared at me. After that, the gentleman approached me. He stood right in front of me, silent for some time before breaking the silence.

“May I have the honor of having this dance, my lady?” The gentleman inquired.

I was a little perplexed. I was supposed to dance with Rex first. I cocked my head at Rex and he gave me a nod. Why would Rex want me to dance with this man first, rather than him? I don’t understand? I brushed that thought away. The gentleman bowed slightly in respect, and I grasped his hand in mine. I’m not sure what I feel for this man, but it’s an odd sensation. I’m not sure how to interpret it. The music continued, and we began dancing. The man then resumed speaking.

“You are a queen now, huh?”

“And who are you?” He remained silent. Rather than that, pose another inquiry.

“I was hoping we’d find our mates together, but you beat me to it,” he stated.

“Excuse me, who are you?” Still no communication from him.

“No one significant.” He seemed irritated and walked away, leaving me alone on the dance floor. Please, goddess, spare us another day of humiliation akin to the one we endured seven years ago. Just as I was about to make a move, another person came to a complete stop in front of my puzzled and bemused expression.

“May I have the honor, my lady?” I looked at the individual who had inquired.

That was the young boy from this morning. However, my gaze was drawn to the man, who was now conversing with Rex. Then I locked my gaze on the young man in front of me. I extended my hand and immediately recognized him. He was tall yet had the appearance of an 18-year-old. My head was buried in his shoulders.

“You should have seen me first, Zeus, before choosing an 18-year-old body.

“Juno!” he gasped.

“Did you intend to wow me with that boyish, toned body?”

“I’m hurt,” he said.

“I’m merely stating the truth.”

“You smell good, as always.”

“Stop it!”

I wanted to end the dance, but I was also concerned for his safety because if I could see right through him, it’d only be a matter of time before Rex notice him. Why on earth would he choose an 18-year-old teenager’s body?

“We need to talk about us, Juno.”

“What about us?”

“I am your mate.” As I stared at him, I was a little unsure of what to think. He continues to believe I am his mate, but debating with him will be fruitless.

“What is a mate, Zeus?”

“A soulmate is a woman chosen by the moon goddess to be your wife, and, of course, the one with whom you will mate.”

“Zeus,” I addressed him.

“Mmmm.”

“Can you tell me what I smell like?” He began sniffing about and then responded.

“Earthly.” I let out a frustrated groan.

“You’re well aware that you can’t fool Rex, aren’t you?”

That is what I stated in an attempt to divert the subject.

“Just don’t say anything to him until I mark you.” He made a lighthearted remark. Then he continued, trying to annoy me even more, “You haven’t shifted. How pathetic!”

“Are you trying to use my inability to shift against me or should I leave you nameless?”

“You are courageous and reserved, the polar opposite of what I heard. According to what I’ve heard, you were a scared little kitten.”

“Perhaps the timid little kitten has matured into a lion. What do you want?”

“You.”

“Too bad. I have the king, my true mate, Zeus.”

“Plus me. Because Rex and I are twins, you are responsible for warming my bed tonight, or I shall wreak havoc.”

Slap!

“Now listen to me. I won’t help you if Rex decides to chop off your head. I am not Zeus, your mate.”

“You are, and if we mate tonight, I will acquire certain abilities, including some of Rex’s.”

“Just who have you been talking to, Zeus?” To be honest, conversing with him is a waste of time. I need to leave since I’m not sure how Rex will react when he learns the boy is Zeus. I’m feeling a little depleted at the moment. My brain is beating as though something terrible is about to occur. As I approached the entrance, I heard a voice echoing behind me.

“May I have the privilege of dancing with my Luna?” That tone of voice. I whirled around in fear.

Alex!

I saw red. A sarcastic sneer on his face was the last thing I registered. Then everything became completely black.

I knew it. I just knew today wasn’t going to be any different.