Planetary Kings 6: Jupiter

King Zeus of Jupiter

King Zeus's birthday celebration was a grand affair.  Bright, happy music filled the lavishly decorated hall as the guests danced and mingled.  King Zeus walked amongst his friends and compatriots, his Queen at his side, talking merrily with everyone.  His boisterous laugh could be heard throughout the hall, but even when he was silent he stood out in the crowd.  King Zeus was almost a foot taller than everyone else there, broad-shouldered, with long red-brown hair tied back in a low ponytail, brown eyes, and a thick beard and mustache.  He wore robes of emerald green for the occasion and his tall, golden crown.  His wife, Queen Hera, was tall, though not as tall as Zeus, with long, wavy, glossy brown hair and green eyes.  She wore a lovely green and gold dress that fell over her full curves just right.  When she went to fetch some wine for the two of them, King Zeus surveyed the room for a moment.  He was pleased to see that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves - until he noticed his daughter standing alone with her eyes downcast.  She was nearly a woman now, tall like the rest of her family, strong and graceful; so why was she alone?  The crowd parted around him as he went over to his child.
“What's the matter?” he asked gently when he reached her.  Princess Helena startled at his voice.
“Oh, nothing, Father, I. . .” she started, then sighed at the look on her father's face.  “I just wish someone would ask me to dance,” she admitted softly.
“None of these young men have asked for a dance?” King Zeus asked in surprise.
“I think I intimidate them,” she said sadly, and a brief look of amusement crossed King Zeus's face.
“Well, my darling girl, you did blow a hole in the east barracks during your last training session,” he observed with a chuckle.
Princess Helena flushed in embarrassment.  “It was an accident!”
“I know,” King Zeus said with a smile, “but it was also a very large hole!”
She looked angry for a moment, then began to giggle.  “Yes, it was,” she agreed.
“Well, if these boys are too scared to approach you, then why not have a dance with me?” King Zeus said, offering his hand.  His daughter smiled and accepted it.  “And you know, there is no rule that says that you can't ask one of them to dance,” King Zeus observed quietly as he spun Princess Helena around the dance floor.  She looked up at him in surprise for a moment, and then smiled again and nodded.  He smiled in return, glad to see her spirits raised.  “Might I suggest the Captain of the Guard?”
“Jason?” Princess Helena glanced around the crowd for him, but couldn't spot him.  “Well, maybe; I do like a man in uniform. . .”