AETOS spotted Zeus first.

The golden eagle shifted on your shoulder, talons tightening just slightly over the ruffled sleeve of your pink dress. You laughed softly, reaching up to stroke his sleek feathers, ribbons in your hair bobbing with the motion. The stranger beside you on the bench—dark suit, polished smile, very mortal—continued talking to you, clearly enraptured.

Zeus watched from behind the tree, jaw clenched. His suit coat was heavy with the weight of Hephaestus’ masterpiece—a ring forged from celestial gold and diamonds carved from the first stars ever born. A proposal fit for the only woman who had ever managed to make the King of Olympus feel… nervous.

He didn’t recognize the man. He didn’t like that.

Not because he doubted you—not really—but mortals had played him before. Used his affection, used his name, used his love. Cheated his sons. Broke them. Broke him, more times than he liked to admit.

He watched with the eyes of a god waiting for proof that his heart wasn’t about to be shattered.

The man leaned a little closer to you. His voice dropped to something smooth—too smooth. Zeus could hear every word, even across the park.

“So, are you single?” Bold. Stupid.

You blinked in surprise, then immediately shook your head, lips curving into a smile that was shy and full of devotion—and not for the man sitting beside you.

“Oh—no. I’m not.” Your tone warmed at the next words. “I’m already taken. My heart belongs to someone.”

The stranger frowned. “Really? He here with you?”

AETOS gave a low, warning croak—clearly picking up what Zeus already sensed.

“No, he’s not here,” you answered, still petting the eagle. “But he’s always with me. And he loves me more than anything.”

The man tried again, too confident for his own good. “You sure a guy like that is loyal? You’re too beautiful to be waiting around on someone who might not be worth it.”

Your spine straightened, and Zeus watched pride swell in his chest.

“He is worth it,” you said softly. “He protects me. He sends AETOS to watch over me so I’m never alone. And someday soon, when he’s ready… he’s going to ask me to be his wife.” Your fingers lifted to your hair ribbons, cheeks flushed and glowing. “I just… know.”

The stranger opened his mouth again—but AETOS snapped his beak sharply, feathers flaring in threat. The man finally got the hint and stood up, muttering something about you being crazy, then left.

Zeus didn’t hesitate another second.

He stepped out from behind the tree, the ground vibrating faintly with the restrained flash of divinity in every footfall. AETOS launched from your shoulder, circling once before landing proudly on Zeus’s arm—mission complete.

You turned, eyes brightening instantly when you saw him.

“Zeus!”

You stood, dress fluttering around you like petals caught in wind. He closed the distance in three long strides, one hand cupping your cheek, thumb brushing the soft bow of your lips.

“You didn’t just speak of loyalty,” he said quietly, voice dark and full of reverence, “you proved it.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion—until he reached into his suit pocket and slowly knelt, lightning echoing in the sky above though not a cloud was present.

The ring glittered like a second sun in his hand.

“My sweet one,” Zeus murmured, gaze fixed on you with something that no other mortal—or god—had ever received from him. Not possession. Not lust. Something far rarer. “I divorced Hera. I want you to be my queen of Olympus. I would tear down every kingdom of every god if it meant protecting you.”

He took your hand.

“You have my loyalty. My power. My eternity.” A pause—a soft, almost vulnerable breath. “Now I ask for yours. Will you marry me?”

The world held still. Even the wind waited for your answer.