Love of the Mortal Kind

Summary: An AU Briseis and Achilles story. What if the only way to end the Trojan War is to give the priestess and niece of Priam, Briseis to the greatest of Greek Warriors, Achilles? Their union will end the bloodshed between the fighting nations. But how are they to be married when they can hardly stand each other? And what of Briseis's vows to Apollo? Find out in Love of the Mortal Kind.

AN: I am using a script from online and it appears to be the director's cut one, so don't be upset if some of the words are different from the movie.

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I sat in my room, my hands running over the smooth robes of Apollo. Today would be my first day as a servant to the mighty sun god. I smiled in anticipation. And also in glee thinking of what my older cousins Hector and Paris would say when they would return.

For many weeks they had been across the Aegean Sea in Sparta, working on a peace treaty with the Spartan King Menelaus. Oh how I had missed my beloved cousins who were more like brothers to me than cousins.

I smiled fondly remembering past times of us growing up. I giggled thinking of when Paris has been foolish enough to steal Uncle Priam's horse to take for a joy ride and to impress the young woman of Troy. Uncle Priam had been furious but luckily Hector had smoothed everything over just as he always did.

I can only pray Paris didn't cause trouble while he was in Sparta. That's the last thing we need, a woman showing up at the palace in nine months carrying Paris's illegitimate child. It would cause an uproar in Troy, and not a good one.

Hector hopefully was able to keep him in line, and hopefully there wasn't anyone there whose beauty enticed Paris. For when Paris wants something or someone he does not stop till it or they are in his possession.

It was an admirable quality if only it was used for good. Like diplomatic uses, helping with treaties and stopping wars. But alas that is asking too much of the handsome prince. At least he is not heir to the throne.

Hector shall be a great king when his time comes. Intelligent, crafty, fair and just. A great warrior. The best of all the Trojans, maybe the best in all the known world. No man could compete with Hector.

I looked up as the doors to my bedroom opened and Acnes, my handmaiden, poked her head in. I smiled and beckoned her in as she shut the door behind her.

"Good morning your majesty." She bowed her head respectively as I blushed and waved her up. Even after all these years of having a title it still was an embarrassment for friends to call me by my stature which I only held because of being related to royalty.

"Good morning Acnes. How was your evening?" I asked curiously as I stood and we started the daily routine of her dressing me. I felt extra excited for today I would be wearing my robes for the first time. I would be showing them off to everyone as we waited for Hector and Paris to arrive from Sparta. There were due back any moment.

I shivered in pleasure as the light material slipped over my head and rested against my body. I ran my hands over the dress smiling broadly.

"Come let me comb your hair." Acnes coaxed as she led me to the bed. I sat down formally as she sat behind me and started moving my prized ivory brush through my curly dark auburn hair. I hissed as she came upon some rather nasty tangles. She chuckled as my head was jerked back.

"It's not funny." I complained staring ahead, even though I could not stop a small smile from gracing my face.

"Alright it is a tad bit funny, but you wouldn't be laughing if it was happening to you."

"Of course not your majesty." She answered in a jesting tone. I opened my mouth to respond but was cut off by the sounds of drums and the faint screams of cheers from the city. My eyes widened.

Hector and Paris have returned!

I jumped from the bed and looked over myself jittery.

"Do I look alright?" I asked turning to Acnes as she nodded, a pleased smile on her young face.

"You look splendid your majesty. Don't forget your crown." She said as she reached and placed the silver crown upon my head. A veil was draped behind it as she arranged it quickly. She looked me over appreciatively, admiring her handiwork no doubt.

"You look like a true priestess of Apollo." I smiled pleased, my heart swelling with pride, as it did whenever I thought of my now fulfilled life as a servant to Apollo. The drums became louder as I bounced in place.

"I must go and greet my cousins. I shall see you later Acnes!" I rushed to the door hearing her high pitched chuckled behind me as I raced through the halls. I bounded past servants who diverted their eyes or shared amused looks.

I stopped as I came around a bend and found myself amongst many different people. But through the haze of them one deviously handsome man stood out.

"Paris!" I called out joyfully rushing down the stairs as his brown eyes met mine. He smiled broadly walking forward, his armor glinting in the bright sunlight. He grasped me by the shoulders and kissed each of my cheeks.

"Briseis! Beloved cousin, your beauty grows with each new moon." I looked down feeling my cheeks light up. I looked up though as Hector came towards me, arms outstretched.

"Briseis." He said warmly as I embraced him, savoring in the security his arms brought me. He smiled and kissed one of my cheeks.

"A servant of Apollo now?" He asked looking me over carefully. Uncle Priam emerged at my side.

"The young men of Troy were devastated when she chose the virgin robes." I blushed even harder, how those three could compliment a woman. I smiled faintly as Uncle leaned down and placed a tender kiss to my forehead. He and Hector did not stay long as they wandered off. Paris reached for my hand and dragged me forward.

"Cousin, there is someone I want you to meet." He explained as I arched an eyebrow. What could Paris have done now? I didn't have time to ponder my thoughts as he led me to a woman.

Or was she a goddess?

She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Radiance just glowing from her. She was slender and tall with honey colored hair. With sea blue eyes the lit up lovingly as Paris came into view.

Pairs nudged me forward as the woman looked me over with curiosity.

"Briseis this is Helen, Helen this is my favorite cousin Briseis." A slow smile came across Helen's face as she nodded.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Briseis; Paris has told me so much of you." She said charmingly, her voice light and airy. I gawked at her. She couldn't be…but she was.

Queen Helen of Sparta.

Or at least she was Queen Helen of Sparta. I don't know what she is anymore or why she is standing in my home. She looked uncomfortable under my scrutinizing look. I shook my head and broke away from my trance. Sending a glare to Paris I smiled weakly at the lovely woman.

"It is an honor to meet you as well Helen." She smiled in response as Paris took her hand.

"Come Helen there are others I want you to meet. Briseis we shall talk later?" He asked placing his attention on me. I nodded. Oh we would talk. Talk of how he could be such a fool. He nodded and he and Helen disappeared into the crowd.

I shook my head and sought out Andromache. I found her standing in a corner of the vast room rocking her and Hector's infant son Astyanax in her frail arms.

"Cousin." I greeted coming to her side as she smiled at me before looking back down at her darling little boy.

"Hello Briseis. You looked lovely in your new robes." I nodded and fiddled with the helm of my dress nervously.

"Have you meet Helen?" I asked as her rocking paused for a moment, she briskly nodded.

"I have." She answered guarded. That was not a good sign.

"She is Queen of Sparta is she not?"

"Was Queen of Sparta. Not anymore. Not since she ran away from Sparta with Paris." I sighed; of all the things Paris could do he had to do this.

"What does this mean? For Troy?" I asked fearfully. We had only just come into a time of peace and I was not ready for war. Andromache looked up at me and answered solemnly.

"Her husband is Menelaus whose brother is Agamemnon who wants Troy for himself."

"Does this mean…?" I trailed off gulping as she nodded slowly looking down at her son. He wrapped one of his chubby fingers around one of hers. She softly responded.

"War. Yes it does."

I took a step back breathing in raggedly.

How could this be?

Would we really be brought to war because of Paris and his lust of Helen?

Would hundreds of thousands die all for Paris to have his fun and then eventually tire of the former queen. Just as he had tired of all the others he had once pursued like a hawk.

Suddenly my safe and sheltered world was breaking apart at the seam and all I could do was sit back and watch helplessly.

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I looked out to the sea as the full moon shone brilliantly over Troy.

I was out on my balcony in my bare nightgown as the soft sea breeze caressed my cheek.

Dinner had been an awkward affair. All of Troy knew that Helen was in Troy and all knew that no good would come of it. So dinner had been quiet with Paris trying to make his beloved woman feel at home among us Trojans.

I had to give him credit for trying for it was not an easy feat. While no one was rude to Helen no one was warm and welcoming either. Andromache acted cordial as did I and most chose to ignore the former queen's presence at the table as we ate.

But one thing had been apparent. Paris seemed to genuinely care for Helen. And not in his usual way of acting like a sweet lover till he beds the poor girl and then leaves her for his next fling. But actual caring. He sent loving glances to her throughout the meal. He held her hand and he whispered into her ear making her giggle like a small girl.

If anything good should come of having Helen in Troy it will be at last Paris has finally found someone to love him. Maybe she can help him mature into someone as strong as Hector.

I looked up to the heavens and held my palms up as I prayed silently to Apollo.

Dear mighty Apollo, protect Troy from those who come to seek and destroy us.

With that I turned away from the sea and slipped back into my soft bed. I buried my head into my pillow.

Perhaps tomorrow before dawn I shall head to the temple on the beach and pray again.

Yes, that would be a grand idea.

With that thought in mind I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

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That's it for chapter one! Please be kind and read and review! I do not own Troy.