By 10, Zeus had not shown still. The party raged on.
However, by 10:15, Hera's interest perked up a bit as a few guards brought in a unit of prisoners organized in single file.
Of course, she realized, wide-eyed. The guards would not want to miss the party. So, of course, they would bring the prisoners because no one would be at the prison to watch them, otherwise.
Her eyes rapidly scanned the faces, looking for a certain one in particular. When she failed to spot it, she slumped back down in her chair. Either he had died, or they had left him in the dungeon. She felt a bit saddened at the fact, but at least she could stop thinking about him now.
She felt a little lighter. It had been almost a burden, constantly having to fight against thinking about someone who you felt a bit of a...'thing' towards.
By 10:32, Hera was in much better spirits and enjoying herself at the party a little bit more.
The guard tried key after key, but none worked. Finally, he stepped back, drew his sword and cut the chains apart. Enamore, weak from the abuse he had endured, tumbled to the floor. He felt strong, armoured hands haul him up effortlessly over steel shoulders. He was carried through the dark dungeon up until they reached a room where he could smell all sorts of foods. His mouth salivated instantly, and his stomach grumbled its approval loud enough for the guard to hear.
The guard paused. He thought. Then he sat Enamore down at a table. He dissapeared into a door, came back with some food and pointed. Enamore nodded weakly. The guard went back into the room and came out with an enormous plate of food and a big jug filled with juice.
Enamore ate and drank heartily. His body unaccustomed to food and drink after so long, threw them up. But he continued to eat and drink until he was somewhat better. The whole time the guard just sat there, watching him in amazement it seemed. Probably he had never seen a man eat so much food, so fast.
"Thank you," Enamore muttered between mouthfuls. "Thank you," he said again, after he was done.
The guard picked him up again, and they continued to journey. The air was cool, the night was beautiful, and the streets were silent. Noises and lights could be seen coming from the palace where Hera and Zeus lived and reigned. The guard hefted Enamore behind him on a horse, and to Enamore's surprise, they began racing toward the palace.
11:10. No Zeus, but a much happier Hera. The party did not show any sign of dying down. No one had completely passed out yet, and the drinks flowed bountifully. Everyone was relaxed, care-freely enjoying each other's company. The atmosphere was so warm and comforting.
When they reached the palace, the guard got off and heaved Enamore off. He pulled a sword and placed the tip into Enamore's back, nodding toward the do. Go that way. Enamore obeyed the silent command.
The waitresses were coming around again with more drinks, when the door burst open, the cold flying in to enjoy the party. "Close the damn door!" someone hollered. There were roars of agreement from all around.
A chained man walked in, followed by a guard who prodded him in forward motion with a pointy-looking sword. The guard kicked the door close behind him, to everyone's satisfaction. Hera sat stiff, alert, and stunned as she instantly recognized the man. It was him. He had grown a bit of facial hair and had lost a bit of weight, but everything else was the same.
Her breath hitched, her throat drying, heart beating. He had not looked at her yet, so she did not know if the spark would still be there. But, deep down, yes she did. She knew. It would be. She was afraid to admit it.
And with fear, came anger. She had been happy, damnit! After she had reconciled the fact that he had died, she had felt peace, freedom! And now he was back to take it away from her!
She wanted to scream, shout, stomp, something! But, she remained calm and waited.
The guard led Enamore to the front of the room, all eyes on them.
When they got before Hera, the guard sheathed the sword. Enamore had not looked at her once, since walking in. The same deal as the day they met. He looked at the floor, respectfully, and bowed.
"Look at me," she commanded. Like the first day.
No tricks this time, no looking above her head. He looked up and directly into her eyes. The spark was as strong, if not stronger than the first time. They both shook violently in their souls, but so subtly in their bodies that no one noticed. Except for the guard who was now smirking behind his visor.
The sparks were still going off between them like fireworks. Hera finally looked away and at the guard to save herself from further future reactions that may occur above her control.
"Who are you?" she hissed at the guard.
The guard curtsied, drawing off his helmet. A golden-haired youth, with bluish-gray or grayish-blue eyes, and a Cupid bow mouth now stood before Hera, cocky as all can be. Several ladies fainted, others stared long and hungrily. Some older women tsked at the boy's arrogant posture as he put his hand on his hip, but they stared even more lustfully than the younger women.
"Eramis," Hera hissed, answering her own question.
"You look good." He smirked.