Title: Diamonds & Vipers
Chapter 1 … Deceived!
Summary: Hector, Briseis and Paris are taken captive by a an evil King bent on annihilation while visiting a strange land. By chance three other strangers suffer the same fate. Can they all join forces to obtain freedom? Or is death their certain fate? Fave pairings of course! Don't miss this romantic drama! (H/A A/B P/H)
Disclaimer: The characters of this story don't belong to me…sadly…but any of the other names are mine and if they bear resemblance to anyone living or dead is merely coincidence. (except for the city names which come directly from a map of Ancient Greece). This story is written for pleasure and not for profit. Oh and for any history buff's one of which I am not please excuse any inaccuracies as I am but a humble servant to my keyboard – so don't fret just enjoy!
Note: This is a different telling of how all our favorite pairings met. This is their meeting and adventure, their love and their future. If you don't like it don't read it – but remember – it's fanfic and therefore not real! But I hope you all enjoy and review for my hard work!
Cast of supporting Characters:
Aristarchus – King of Lampascus
Zenas – Prince of Lampascus – nemesis to Hector & Andromache
Silas – war lord of the army of Lampascus – nemesis to Paris & Helen
Titus – mercenary for the empire of Lampascus – nemesis to Achilles & Briseis
Miletus – servant to Hector in Lampascus
Demas – chief steward to Zenas (second in command of the army)
Paulus – chief steward to Silas
Cristos – chief steward to Titus
Odomus – servant to Zenas
"Hector you're in no condition to save us. Go – save your strength…I'll draw his attention."
"Andromache I'll never leave you, never let him hurt you again! I'll not leave you to his mercy or any other man for that matter. We belong together," Hector said in agony. "We leave this prison together."
"We'll never leave here alive. He'll make sure of that."
"Then we'll die together," Hector swore.
"I want us to live together," she finally admitted.
"Then help me to fight our way out of here."
"Briseis! Where is she! Where have you taken her!" Achilles yelled in anger into the darkness before him.
"You'll never see her again," the loud voice laughed. "Alive."
"Return her to me at once!"
"Are you prepared to fight for her? Die for her?"
"Achilles help me!"
"Briseis where are you! Where is she!"
"She is waiting for you – in Hades!"
"You'll never leave this place alive young Prince, you or beautiful companion."
"Helen stay behind me," Paris said trying to sound brave, but inside feeling terror at the thought of the ensuing sword fight.
"Paris you can't," Helen whispered. "You can't fight him. He's a warlord and you a Prince."
"If I don't he will sell us both as slaves!"
"Sorry young Prince, Helen stays with me. It is you to be sold."
"Paris no," Helen gasped in horror.
"Then it's a fight to the death," Paris warned as he too raised his sword, his hands trembling.
"This will be all to easy," the large man said raising his sword.
"Father when will this plan be complete?" Zenas asked impatiently. "When will we finally rule all!"
"Patience my son," Aristarchus said firmly. "This list contains the names of all the nobles in the empire. One by one each kingdom will fall and when they do I will come in and claim them as my own," he said looking up at his son with an evil glare. "And if they will not yield to me they will each of them die – in their sleep," he said with a laugh.
"I can't believe how well this scheme has worked so far. We have already laid claim to such great nations as Maronea, Therma and Delphi. But tell me father do you think Troy and Thebes will bend as well? Sparta even? I'm told King Priam and Prince Hector are cunning and have a great army behind them," Zenas said.
"I too have heard the stories of Troy my son," King Aristarchus said looking at a piece of paper that had names stroked out on it, Hector's next on the list. "But when King Priam's very household is destroyed he'll yield to whatever I wish like the other kings. His will be no different. Especially if he thinks his son is dead not…"
"Hector is mine," Zenas said firmly. "Mine to break. I don't care about the rest!" He spat angrily.
"Still holding the grudge? I'm sure mighty Prince Hector doesn't even remember it was you he bested."
"He will," Zenas said firmly. "Just before he dies he'll know it's me. What of the others?"
"Both Thebes and Sparta are sending their princesses here at our request. I'm told they are the most beautiful of women," the King said leaning back in his chair. "How is today's lot?"
"A handsome quarry," Zenas said showing his father a small bucket full of transparent gems embedded into pieces of rock.
"And no one will ever be the wiser as to what lay beneath my vast empire," King Aristarchus started with a laugh. "And when they do it will be too late. Have Silas and Titus made their choices? For your obvious one is Prince Hector."
"Silas has plans for Prince Paris and Titus on a stranger…Achilles."
"The great warrior?" Aristarchus asked with a laugh. "Titus always wanted a challenge. Let the festivities begin!"
"Father do I have to go?" Hector asked with a sigh. "Send Paris, this glory giving should be right up his alley. He likes the parties not I."
"The invitation was extended to you and Briseis as well. Sadly she shares your disdain for this new kingdom. Are you really so disinclined to go my son?" Priam asked softly.
"Father I just don't fancy a four day journey with…"
"Are we leaving soon?" Paris asked in glee, as he barged into their room.
"With that exuberance," Hector lamented. "Please let the two of them go."
"King Aristarchus wants to show off the new kingdom he apparently rebuild and restored from the ashes," Priam said firmly.
"I don't pay tribute to men like that who brag for no reason…it wasn't founded in glory but from gold," Hector insisted.
"That is your opinion. You go and pay tribute as we would want the same in return. Show King Aristarchus the same honor you would want bestowed upon me."
"Fine," Hector said with a sigh. "We leave in an hour. Let Briseis know she has to come."
"I wonder what the women are like," Paris mumbled to himself as he left the room. Hector watched him go and felt his exasperation starting to grow.
"It will teach you patience my son," Priam said with a smile.
"If I don't kill him first," Hector said leaving the room. "We return in twelve days father," Hector called out as he left his father alone.
"I pray they pass swiftly my son," Priam said silently.
FOUR DAYS LATER
"What an odd welcome," Paris said as they entered the large gates of the newly founded kingdom. "Only the men to greet it's guests."
"If you call this a greeting," Hector said noting the small band of men looking at them with less than amused smiles.
"If I lived here I wouldn't venture out of doors as well," Briseis added. "Where are the children?"
"Where is our welcome? Is an open gate merely a welcome?" Hector wondered. They rode on a bit further until they came to a stop in front of the grand palace entrance.
"Welcome honored guests," a man said walking up to them.
"Thank you," Hector said extending his hand for the man to take. "I am…"
"I know who you are Prince Hector," Zenas replied as he looked at him crossly for a few seconds but decided not to reveal his true self to the Prince just yet. That time would come. Still he didn't shake or grasp the hand of the man before him. "I am Prince Zenas of Lampascus. Come and meet my father honored party from Troy."
"How did he know where we were from?" Paris asked quietly.
"Why did he not shake Hector's hand?" Briseis asked.
Hector was again struck by the odd welcome the King of Lampascus delivered to them but decided to put it behind him and just accept whatever he called hospitality and try to enjoy himself. He just prayed the days would go by fast.
"You honor us with your presence my lord Hector, Prince of Troy," the King smiled as he took Hector's hand on his and firmly held it, later that night at a small party. "My palace is yours for the next four days. Eat, drink and enjoy my hospitality."
"I wish to thank you for your hospitality, King Aristarchus," Hector said firmly. "But am at a loss why a King in such a distant land such as this has summoned such honored guests from so far. I am told that you invited royal families from as great distances as Sparta and Thebes. Tell me my lord, to what grand scheme are we to be witness to?"
"Scheme Prince Hector?" King Aristarchus laughed. "Simply to enjoy my new Kingdom. It's been a long time in the making and with the price of a lot of bloodshed we have finally seen peace. The time of rebuilding is over…now it's time to feast!" King Aristarchus shouted as he raised Hector's and his joined hands high into the air. Finally Hector too joined in the celebration and by nightfall all were joined in the revelry, not aware of the growing evil that lay beneath the cold stone façade of the grand hall they were in.
He watched the party of Troy enter the great hall but kept himself hidden. So far he had only had one minor altercation and that resulted in a man's life being forfeit, and for that he was sorry. He knew Titus was also watching him but he managed so far to avoid contact with Titus and he prayed it would remain that way until he uncovered the secret Lampascus has hiding. He knew something was amiss with Aristarchus and his band but was ill to put finger to his exact cause for concern. He knew of the stories but there was more. A survivor. A survivor who had made his way into his camp and just before he die, left behind a small bag of diamonds and gems and uttered the lone fateful words 'mining…slaves…Lampascus'. They haunted him still, much the way the dead child's eyes haunted his dreams each night. There was evil here and he had come to put it to rest – bring more attraction to his own pride and glory. But now something else caught his eye.
He dared to look back at her once more as she made her way into the hall. Prince Hector stood beside her. He was an impressive looking man to be sure and one that had won man battles and was feared for his greatness. The other he guessed was the younger Prince. But her. A Princess? He didn't believe so as she wore around her neck jewellery he had seen before on – a priestess, he asked himself in wonder? Could a woman with that beauty dedicate her life to a life of solitude and faith? Could the gods be that cruel? This complicated matters. Now his mind was torn between watching her and discovering and laying bare the secret of this evil nation.
"I'll have no say with her affairs here," he whispered to the wall beside him. "I'll watch over her and if and only if she needs my help shall I give it. For to give in to a woman like that would…destroy me," he uttered in misery. If only his eyes hadn't cast themselves on her. If only. He prayed that their paths wouldn't cross until her leaving. But that wasn't to be. The next two days he kept careful watch and thought all was safe for him until one night…two days later in the temple.
The next two days passed by with insignificance.
Paris enjoyed the company of the many visiting women and Briseis dedicated her time to her meditation and prayers, often preferring to be alone then with them or at any party. Once he was tricked into joining in some sort of game which of course he found out later was rigged and he lost. The second time he won and soon earned the quiet dislike of the army general Silas.
"That's another one I have taken from Silas," Paris boasted as he spirited the young woman away from the waiting hands of the large general. "Are you sure you like women?" He teased making the large man seethe with hatred and envy and the other men laugh.
Hector spent most of his two days in the grand palace. He tried to venture outside but was always stopped by Zenas, a man who was more than getting on his nerves.
"Why is it no one has offered us a tour of the great city?" Hector asked when stopped once again from venturing out of doors. "If this city has indeed been built from the ashes then surely you would want to show it off as much as possible," he tried to reason with Zenas.
"Why dwell on the poor when you can feast with the rich?" Zenas laughed.
"Are you saying your people are poor?" Hector countered.
"Why do you not enjoy yourself like your brother?"
"Because unlike my brother I am not so easily amused by parties and women," Hector said firmly. "I am more interested in a kingdoms people…the very heart of what makes a nation a nation."
"Then come and learn about my people from some very wise men," Zenas said directing him away from the now closed door. "You don't want to anger the King do you?" Zenas asked snidely.
"No I suppose I don't," Hector sighed, praying for a way to leave this wretched place and return home. He couldn't understand why during the next few days Zenas would go out of his way to make sure he didn't leave the palace, didn't talk to anyone other than guests or soldiers and why no one from the families of the men didn't come and at least meet the strangers from other lands.
Hector was still struck with the fact that each day a new party would arrive, spend a few days and then disappear. They make no mention of their welcome and when they leave no words are said either, Hector mused inside his mind. He tried to talk to the servants but none would say more than a word and that was usually yes or no. He still continued to be puzzled at the lack of children and women. Surely these men were married. But everytime he asked someone they would again say a few mere words and vanish. But he couldn't ignore the fact that every time Zenas looked his way he was scheming something – something that wasn't pure. The feeling would not go away, even when he attended another party with Paris did it not go away.
"You are so quiet these days brother," Paris said with a smile. "The King has been gracious and kind."
"A little too much," Hector said with a frown. "Something is amiss here but everyone is ill to talk about it. As if they are hiding a secret so terrible it will cost them their very lives."
"You are paranoid," Paris teased. "What you need is a little female distraction. Why do you not take one of them? They were brought in from the kingdom of Abdera to pleasure the men here," Paris said gesturing to a group of ladies standing around Hector and smiling, waiting for his decision.
"I know of the reputation of the women of Abdera," Hector said firmly. "And I don't want a woman that any man can have. They have beauty and nothing else," he said with a frown. "I want the one no man can have."
"Then you'll be interested in the party from Thebes my lord," Zenas said in sarcasm.
"Why is that Zenas?" Hector asked their host, the man Aristarchus would name his heir – his first born son. A man Hector felt ill will to since his arrival, constantly aware of Zenas's watchful and hateful eyes upon his every move. Something was amiss with him, but Hector was lost as to his true purpose.
"Because the women from Thebes don't take men…they are promised to them by their father. They have no choice. So good luck," Zenas said slapping Hector on the back.
"Promised," Hector said with a sigh. "Probably because they are so vile that no man would want to take them. Where are you going?" Hector asked Paris as he quickly turned to leave.
"I have heard the party from Sparta is making for the shore. And I have heard the women from there are beautiful and willing. None finer," he said with a broad smile. "So while you want one you can't have, I want one I can."
Hector just watched with an amused smile as his younger brother darted out of the gathering crowd of men and headed for the docking area to await what he hoped would be his fun for the night.
"And what do you have planned for the night?" Hector asked Briseis as he walked up to her in a quiet area. "Any eye here caught your fancy? I know a few more ships pulled into port today and another party arrived by land. Anyone with whom you are smitten?"
"I have no desire to bed with any man in this kingdom or any other one for that matter nor to join in conversation," she whispered. "There is an ill wind I feel."
"I have felt it as well," Hector said looking around them. "My mind tells me to beware but my heart says to be kind. I am torn at Aristarchus offer to stay here four days but inside I know I want to leave sooner."
"Must we stay them all? It's already been two," Briseis said slowly.
"On midday of the third night we head for home. One day has passed and we are into the second. We will leave tomorrow at midday," Hector said firmly. "There is nothing here for us worth staying longer for."
"Sounds fair to me," Briseis said firmly. "And Paris?"
"He can stay here on his own if he likes," Hector said lightly, knowing his brother wouldn't. "I think I'll retire for the night. If you need a guard tonight…"
"I make for the temple," Briseis said softly. "No one will bother me there. I need some peace to meditate and even though it's a strange temple it has a small room to the side and it offers me the peace and solitude I seek."
"See you in the morning," he said turning to leave.
Briseis watched him leave and then headed for the temple to pray, unaware that two sets of eyes kept careful watch on her every move. Watching – and waiting. But he saw her leave and noticed Titus carefully following after her. Now he feared his plan to avoid her would come to naught. For Titus had an evil look in his eyes and she was defenceless. He cursed the gods once more and made for a small dark colonnade beside the passageway to the temple and it's small room. He watched her go there everyday, wishing he could hear her words, look into her eyes as she said her prayers, hold her hand while she meditated. Why has she captured me so, he wondered inside? Still he knew that Titus was scheming and he had made a silent promise to her that he would protect her at all costs – he just didn't know it would cost him everything.
"Thebes!" Hector spat as he started for one of the main entrance passageways. "Why invite people from lands so far away. And why just a select few? There is something else at work here. Something King Aristarchus is hiding from his guests and the world. Something evil I feel. But what?" Hector asked himself as he slowly walked through a quiet hall. "Perhaps I am simply paranoid. But Briseis feels it as well," he admitted with a sigh. "Or is it simply envy for a new King in his new Kingdom? Am I envious because Troy is…never…I'll never be envious of another man or his Kingdom, even one as seemingly grand as this. I think I need a drink," he said with a smile. But then his thoughts turned to the conversation he had earlier with Zenas. "I would never want a woman that was promised to me. I would want her to want me for her own…for…her to choose me and…" he said and then stopped, his breath caught in his throat as he gazed upon a vision of beauty in his path.
"Am I dreaming?" He whispered to himself.
"If you are then you walk a straight path for a man walking in his sleep," she replied, her voice light and musical.
Hector dared himself to take another step, closer to a woman that held his heart the second his eyes locked with hers. She captivated him, her spirit, her words, her beauty – her mystery. "Who are you?"
"Not a dream," she smiled at the handsome man in front of her, very aware of the warmth starting to flood her entire soul. "But you are," she whispered as she quickly turned and left.
"Wait!" Hector called out as he immediately followed after her. "I must know your name. Please just a name," he called to her in the faint light. He followed her into a darkened tunnel only to reach the end alone with just a wall in front of him.
"Can the gods be this cruel?" He cursed silently. "To present such a vision and then take her just as quickly? I shall retire in sorrow," he lamented softly.
"You give up to easily," the soft voice said from behind. She had told herself on the voyage over that she wouldn't fall for a foreign man that she was destined to belong to a Prince from Thebes or a very close neighbouring nation – not one this far from her home. But when she saw him the first time something inside her held her captive to him. She vanished for a reason but then cursed herself for wanting a bit more. Now she had her chance. But would it be worth it? Would she betray her oath to her country to be with a foreign man?
Hector turned on his heel and stood mesmerized by the woman in front of him. Strong in spirit he could tell, just by the way she held herself. But weak in heart he could tell, by the trembling of her hands and the lightly quivering of her lips. In his last few days he had decided that the nation of Lampascus was made up of Eunuchs and that there were no women to be found. But now…who was she? And from where? His heart burned inside of him to know. Know everything.
"I'll not hurt you," he said in a low soft tone as he took another step towards her. "Please don't leave again."
"I am not afraid of you," she whispered back, slightly lying to herself for in truth she didn't know what the man before her was capable of. But something inside her burned to find out everything she could.
"Who are you?" He asked in a slight daze, inches from her body.
Andromache could feel the heat growing between them and cursed herself for giving in so easily. The man that stood before her was more than handsome, he was powerful and strong he could have any kingdom he wished, and yet his heart was hers if she only asked for it. Was he a Prince of Lampascus?
"Please a name, I beg of you," Hector said as he heard voices behind them.
"Prince Hector!" A voice called.
"Prince?" Andromache asked with a semi-surprised tone. Now she knew he was powerful. "Of Lampascus?"
"Prince Hector of Troy," hector said lowering himself to one knee. "Your servant my princess," he offered in a kind way. "Ask what you will and it is my command," he offered.
"I ask only…" she started.
"Please a name. I beg of you. Don't leave me in torment for the night," Hector asked in haste not wanting to give her a chance to say no.
Andromache at first hesitate and then found herself giving in. In truth she wanted to know more about the man before her. "Andromache," she whispered as the servant was about to reach them. She gently lifted his hand and the rest of his muscular body followed eagerly, standing even closer than before. She felt his breath hot on her cheek as she looked up at him with a smile, her body on fire, her soul at war.
"Andromache," he said with a smile of his own, his heart starting to beat rapidly as her hand brushed against his broad chest. "Come," he said extending his hand. "Spend the night with me."
Andromache looked at him in surprise, her smiled immediately fading. "I thought you honourable," she said firmly, dropping his hand seconds before the servant reached them.
"I only…" Hector tried in his defence.
"Goodbye," she said firmly as she turned on her heel and left the room as the servant reached Hector.
"Wait!" Hector called out in vain only to have his path blocked.
"My lord," he panted in vain as Hector's eyes watched as Andromache fled the now quiet room.
"Miletus," Hector sighed. "Your timing as always is impeccable. Who said I was here?"
"Zenas said you might need my aid my lord," Miletus said finally catching his breath.
"I'm sure he did," Hector said angrily. "Keep an eye on him Miletus. I need to find someone," Hector said firmly, pushing past his faithful servant and trying to find where the woman who now held his soul in her hand had vanished too.
Zenas watched Hector rush from the tunnel stairs and down another corridor he thought the raven haired beauty had disappeared down.
"Enjoy it tonight Hector, for tomorrow this night will be all you'll have to remember of happiness and freedom. Miletus," he called out firmly. "I have a task for you."
"And what is it you seek here young Prince?"
"I seek women Silas," Paris laughed as he walked with the chief guard of the King.
"Haven't you had enough women?" Silas asked vehemently.
"Never enough Silas. Tell me what are the women like here in Lampascus? For I haven't seen too many that aren't strangers or visitors or servants?"
"Sadly our women are quiet and don't like to come out around strangers," Silas replied a little too quickly. Paris however, was too eager to see what Sparta was to deliver that he didn't pick up on the same feeling his brother and cousin had.
"And why is that?" Paris asked, his eyes fixing themselves on the entrance to the docking area. "They not like the men here?" He laughed.
"So it would seem," Silas said with a sigh. "But I hear Spartan women are very beautiful. None finer in all the empire."
"We shall see," Paris said with a glint in his eye. "Are you waiting for them as well?"
"For my companion for tonight," Silas smiled.
"Are you not married?" Paris asked with a frown as the boat finally pulled to dock.
"No," Silas said with a silent cringe. "Not any more."
"Well may your luck change tonight," Paris said watching a group of men starting to leave the boat and come onto the dock. Finally a group of golden haired women started to follow and make their appearance before the war lords of Lampascus. That's when he first saw her. Golden and radiant, like a glorious star in the inky black sky.
"See any you like young Prince?" Silas asked, he too eyeing the woman that stood before them.
"I do," he said firmly. But as he took a step forward, Silas put a hand on his shoulder and held him back. "I get first pick tonight young master," Silas said firmly. "I am warlord."
"But I am guest," Paris said shaking his arm off. "Therefore I get first pick," he said loudly walking up to the crowd.
Silas watched him go and silently cursed, now was not the time to make a scene.
"Can I pick now?" Paris said walking up to the guards from Sparta.
"Pick what?" One of them asked with a sneer.
"My comp…" he started and then stopped. "Someone to escort into the palace of course," he quickly corrected himself.
"You can escort me," one of them replied seeing the other large angry looking man staring down at her with a dark hunger in his eyes. His eyes locked with hers and she felt an immediate chill cover her entire being. But the man before her was young and handsome, nothing to be afraid of except for her heart. She was already smitten.
"Are you Prince of Lampascus?" Helen asked softly.
"Prince Paris of Troy at your service," Paris said extending his arm.
"Helen of Sparta," she answered taking it. "Thank you."
"I have waited for this moment all day," Paris said trying not to let his rapidly beating heart take over his already numbing brain.
"Then I'll do my best to make sure it was worth the wait," Helen smiled.
"It already was worth it," Paris said walking by Silas. "Night my friend and again thanks. I think I got the best one," he whispered as they walked by, angering the large man even further.
"Not a wise move my young Prince," Silas warned under his breath. "You'll get yours soon enough. And then you'll be sorry you crossed me. Both of you."
"So tell me all about Troy," Helen said as they walked into a private garden.
"I'd rather give you a kiss," Paris said softly.
"You don't waste any time do you," Helen said with a slight laugh.
"I leave here soon and so don't want to waste time…"
"Talking?" Helen teased with an amused smile.
"Talking," Paris admitted moving a few inches back. "Forgive me. I am captivated by your beauty and your words," he said looking up at her once again. "We can talk until sun up if that is your wish, fair Helen."
"Then give me a kiss first and then we'll talk."
"A fair compromise indeed," he said moving back beside her. He took her face in his hands and gently lifted it to his. "Now this was worth waiting for," he said finally tasting her lips against his.
"I do not understand the fighting," Briseis whispered to herself as she headed for the lonely temple. All the temple maidens and servants had made for the great hall and were feasting with the rest of the nation. All but two. Two that kept close watch over her every move.
"Princess Briseis," a voice called from the shadows.
"My lord Titus," Briseis said in a startled voice, not knowing why he called her so. "I did not know I wasn't alone. I have felt your eyes on me this visit."
"Are you surprised?" Titus asked smugly.
"I am surprised that you seek a woman who wants no man," she said boldly.
"It's such a shame for such a true beauty to be alone on such a festive night," he said taking a step into the light, ignoring her words.
She stared at the man before her and immediately felt herself stiffen as he took another step. There was something evil with this man but it was carefully hidden. "I want to be alone," she offered.
"I don't want to be alone," he countered meanly.
"I have come to meditate. Was there something you wanted?" She asked sharply as she spied the open passage way back to the grand hall and where she thought Hector still was and tried to make for it. Titus blocked her path.
"I wanted to make sure that you weren't alone on a night like this."
"I have no desire to bed with a man tonight," she said firmly as she took a step to the left to try to go around him once more.
"Actually it wasn't really an offer," Titus sneered.
"You'd force yourself on me? In here?" Briseis asked in shock.
"The gods smile on me in here Briseis, not you. You are not their servant here so they don't protect you," he said firmly. She tried to take another step around her but he caught her arm and pulled her close. "Tonight they have given you to me."
"I am a guest," she said trying to pull herself free.
"You are a gift," he said moving in close to kiss her. His lips brushed her cheek and she felt his hot foul breath on her face.
Briseis slapped him hard across the face and tried to pull herself away. But Titus held her fast. "I come here to pray not for this!" She spat.
"You can do both!"
"Let me go!" Briseis shouted in vain as Titus just laughed and held her struggling body close to his. "You're hurting me," she yelled.
That was all Achilles could stand. He felt his whole body cringe at her pleas and knew he had to stop Titus from doing anything further. It would be his doom.
"Funny where I'm from when a Princess asks you to let her go a man usually complies," a stern voice from the other side of the room, cloaked in shadows said firmly.
"Show yourself," Titus said firmly. "This is no Princess," he spat. "She's a servant of Apollo!"
"But still a lady," Achilles said stepping from the shadows.
"I don't know you," Titus offered. "I have invited everyone along with Prince Zenas but I don't remember welcoming you."
"Yes I missed that party," Achilles snided. "Let her go."
"I don't remember inviting you into our kingdom stranger," Titus said with a frown, his grip starting to loosen on Briseis's arm. "Therefore I don't have to listen to you."
"Well I was invited," Achilles snided.
"By whom? I know all the Prince's and war lords King Aristarchus extended an invitation to," Titus said firmly. "You're not one of them. I saw your ship…it had a black flag. Now tell me…"
"I owe you nothing save my name and my land," Achilles taunted as he walked a step closer. "But I asked you to do something and I expect it do be done."
"You are giving me orders? In my own land? In my own palace?"
"Careful lord Titus," Achilles mocked. "You are a simple mercenary not a Prince. Zenas is the Prince. You are his steward."
"I am his equal!" Titus said, his grip finally letting go of Briseis now bruised arm. "Is it a fight you want?"
"I want you to take your leave and let her meditate in peace," Achilles warned.
"What are you to her?"
"A guardian," Achilles replied. "But to you…" he said stepping in closer. "Make sure we remain strangers."
Titus stepped back and looked at Achilles square and knew it was not the time to fight. That time would come he would make sure of it. "We will finish this," he whispered to Achilles. "I believe that you and I are not that different. I believe you and I kill for the purpose of killing. We will meet again."
"Pray we don't," he said as Titus turned to leave.
Briseis and Achilles stood in the quiet stone temple for what seemed like a silent eternity before she dared to speak. She looked at the man before her, tall and brazen, handsome to a fault and just as headstrong. But something in his eyes when he gazed upon her was more than kind, smitten perhaps? Weak? A man like this? A man obviously relishing in his own might and glory? Love? Would it be possible for such a man?
"I thank you," Briseis said turning to leave, very aware of the feelings the man before her stirred in her very heart, feelings she had decided long ago to bury and forget.
Achilles quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back, pulling the spirited beauty into his realm once again. How is it she affects me so, he wondered inside? How is it she captivates me like none other before her. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Achilles asked in a soft tone, a tone not matching the demeanour of the warrior in front of her.
"It will heal," she said looking away.
Achilles rolled up her sleeve to reveal an already darkening mark. "Swine!" Achilles cursed as he let the fabric fall back in place.
Briseis looked at him in surprise. "I have seen you here…felt your eyes but didn't think…why wait to reveal yourself now?"
Achilles looked at her but didn't, fear kept him from telling her the truth. The truth of being turned down by such a spirited and beautiful woman. He told himself he would stay away until…until she needed him. He told himself that time would never come. But now it finally had. He had to be strong. He couldn't give in now. That would mean certain doom for both of them.
"Tell me," Briseis asked firmly. "Why…Who are you?"
"Achilles," he whispered.
"Achilles?" Briseis asked in wonder. "I have heard stories."
"They are all false," he smiled. "But you…Briseis," he said, testing her name, as if saying for the first and last time in his life. "Why do you come here alone? It's not safe with all these hungry men around."
"To pray. I know the temple might be foreign but my gods are with me always and they know I long for home," she said in a soft tone. "I thank you for your help," she said pulling away from him. "But I require it no further," she said in a firm tone, turning her back and quickly rushing to the foreign alter. She wanted only to stand before it to catch her breath and pray the golden hair warrior would leave her, stop tormenting her soul as he was.
"But I shall be here to give it," Achilles whispered as he stepped back into the shadows and stood breathlessly and watched her. Finally a woman that matches my spirit and will. Could I be so blessed? Is my life curse finally lifted? He asked in doubt. He stood silently in the darkness and watched as Briseis finally made her way to a small room with a single candle in it beside a small open window and knelt down.
"I shall never let us be alone," Achilles whispered in the dark.
Briseis heard his words and closed her eyes as she felt them water. "And we shall never be together," she uttered in silence.
Hector felt his hopes starting to fade as he slowed his pace to a walk instead of a run and then finally stood still in a small garden area outside the main palace entrance. She was gone, vanishing as quickly as she came. "I didn't mean it the way it sounded," Hector said in vain as he walked a little further into another garden, the cool night air starting to bite into his exposed flesh. He slumped himself down onto a nearby cement block and looked up into the starry heavens. "I would say sorry," he said loudly.
"A man as strong as you? Sorry?" A voice said from behind.
Hector turned himself around to see Andromache standing before him, the moonlight casting a surreal glow around her body, holding her captive to his stare. She cursed herself for following him, cursed herself for wanting more than a few mere words with the handsome Prince. But she did and gave in to her heart instead of her mind.
"Yes. Yes I am sorry," he said quickly. "For I didn't mean that you spend the night in my bed," he said in a tormented voice as he rushed to her side. "Please forgive my arrogance Princess Andromache," he said taking her hand in his and holding if firmly. "For I spoke with my heart instead of my head," he said taking her hand and holding against his strong chest. "It beats rapidly for you."
Andromache immediately felt her body flood with warmth from his very touch. His heart was strong and beating rapidly against her hand as it lay pressed against his solid chest. She looked up at him with a look of anticipation and fear. Just the touch of his hand on hers sent her body into a trance like state, unable to move from its place.
"I'll not hurt you," Hector whispered softly.
"I'm not afraid," she said, feeling her body betray her words with it's trembling.
"Why are you trembling? It's not that cold," Hector said with a frown. "Do I frighten you still?"
"No my lord," she said looking away. "It's the…the thought of…"
"Then think no more," he said in torment. "Please erase my foolish words from your memory. I would never force anything on you."
"I am here for four days," Andromache said quickly, praying to change the subject, anything to distract her from her present train of thought.
"And I leave tomorrow," Hector said, closing his eyes as if in pain. He opened them up and stared into the eyes of a woman he knew held his future in her hands. "Tell me anything and I will do it," he said quickly.
"Why must you leave tomorrow?"
"There is evil here," he said firmly. "I feel it everywhere. King Aristarchus is not what he seems. His land not what it appears. Where are the women and children of Lampascus? I have been here two days hence and not heard a child's voice or a wife's call. Prince Zenas is cunning and his war lords Titus and Silas are plotting as well. Take your leave. Come with me to Troy," he begged suddenly.
"Troy?" Andromache asked in surprise. "As what your wife? Or your trophy?" She asked pulling away.
Hector inside cursed her headstrongness but found himself attracted to it more than any other before her. She was worth the fight…worth more than she'd ever know. "Don't judge me like the others," he said touching her shoulders from behind and standing close behind her, his breath hot in her ear. "I'm not like the others you want to put me with."
"I have been invited here as a guest," Andromache said firmly. "I'll not come to Troy or any other place for that matter," she said coolly.
She cursed herself inside for being so biting but she didn't want to give in to his advances too fast. A man like this she knew and could feel he liked the chase, like the pursuit. Inside she wanted to know everything about him and something wanted to run off with him this very minute. Thankfully reality pulled her back to earth. Back in front of a man she was instantly in love with. A man she knew she would lose come sun up.
"Then please sit and talk with me…about anything," Hector said guiding her to a small stone stool.
"What do you want to know Prince…"
"Hector, please just Hector," he asked in a weak tone. "For I am but a man before you. Nothing more."
"What do you want to know Hector?" Andromache asked with a warm smile, unable to bring herself to look away from his loving gaze, his eyes quickly burning themselves into her heart. "I'll tell you anything."
"And I want to know everything," Hector said quickly. "What do you think of our host?"
"I think he is a pompous man," Andromache started and then quickly stopped. "I'm sorry," she said looking away. "I'm sure a Prince such as yourself is used to being in the company of proper women," she said quickly standing up.
"Wait," Hector said reaching for her arm and pulling her back down. She landed very close and could feel her skin once again go up in flames just by being so close to him. "If I wanted a woman like all the rest I wouldn't be here with you right now."
"Why are you here with me? I'm sure a Prince…"
"Because I want to be," he finished in a deep husky tone. "There is no where else on earth I'd want to be. Please stay with me a bit longer."
"I'll stay all night if you ask," she dared.
Hector looked her in the eye and knew it was a challenge. A challenge for his honor and a test of his true self. "I would be more than honored if you spent the night right here with me and told me all about your kingdom. Where are you from?"
"Thebes," she replied. "And I would love to spend the night here with you."
"Thebes?" Hector asked with a frown. "Are you already promised to a husband then? For I have heard…"
"No," she smiled. "At least not yet."
"Shall we retire inside?" Paris asked standing up and offering his hand to Helen. "It grows cold outside and I want us to ins…"
"Very bold young Prince," Helen said softly.
"If you want me to leave then just say the word," Paris said firmly. "But please don't. For to utter such a saying would break my heart into a thousand pieces of which it would never mend."
Helen looked into the earnestness and the eagerness of his eyes and knew he wanted something more than a simple night of pleasure. "I bet you say that to all the girls," she said standing up but not taking his hand.
"Never again," Paris said firmly as he rushed up to her side. "My life you now hold in your hands Helen," he said softly. "Please…please let me…"
She heard the soft pleading in his voice and knew she wanted to spend the night in his company as well, to feel his skin on hers, taste his lips once more. "I…" she started and then stopped. "I want to."
Paris felt himself smile from ear to ear and leaned in close. "I'll never look at another," he said firmly.
"And I'll never want another," she said bringing his lips to hers.
Achilles watched in silence as Briseis said her prayers but found himself unable to turn away from her. He didn't think Titus would venture back but something inside him didn't trust Titus and told him to stay with her until she had left, see her to her room and then when she was safely inside make his way back to his room – alone. Alone, he said closing his eyes. Will I always be alone? He was certain she had vowed herself to never bed with a man and yet his body ached to have hers on top of him, to feel the warmth of her touch, the feel of her skin on his. He cursed himself for such impure thoughts in such a holy place but knew that to close himself to his feelings would be to close his true self. For he was smitten – even the fates couldn't stop that now. His eyes opened once again and turned back to her.
"Briseis," he whispered into the dark once more. Will she listen to the stories? She's heard them. Will she judge me as the rest do? As a man who simply wants…and yet that is what I was…and now? Now I am cursed.
Briseis felt his presence even though she didn't see his body before her. Achilles was still there – watching over her like he promised he would. Her guardian. But she dared not leave. Surely he'll get tired and want to leave, she tried to convince herself inside. Surely he'll tire of waiting for something that…that he'll never have? She closed her eyes in sorrow, knowing she had made her vow and her promise but…but to break it? Would she ever forgive herself? He was a killer. A man who fought for his own glory. Oh yes she knew the stories…his reputation…the kind of man he was. But his eyes and touch told another story. Kindness? Not possible, she told herself. Not a man like that. But still there was something. When he looked at her she knew there was something. "Achilles," she whispered into the dark for the last time. She closed her eyes and soon the darkness over took her, into a world of dreams – dreams of a man she knew she'd never be with. And for that she was truly cursed.
Hector and Andromache stayed and talked through the night and when the sun started to come up Hector actually cursed the sun god for taking away his time with a woman he wanted to spend eternity with.
"Please don't stay here," Hector begged as the Lampascus servant Miletus approached them. "Come with me. Then you can return to Thebes from Troy. That's all I ask."
"Do you have proof?" Andromache asked quickly.
"No," Hector resigned. "Just a feeling inside. I'm sorry I cannot offer more."
"How do I know your words are not just a trick?" Andromache asked, once again on guard.
"I'd give you the sun if you asked for it," Hector promised.
"I promise I'll be careful," she whispered.
"Please…" Hector started.
"I'll stay here four days hence and return to Thebes," she said softly.
"I'll come for you," he said taking her in his strong arms and pulling her close. "Our souls are joined," he said bringing his lips to hers. "Forever," he whispered as he started to lightly taste them. Sadly his moment of glory lasted only a few seconds before she pulled away and stood before him. "My lord thank you for the engaging night of conversation," she said with a smile as Zenas started to approach.
"Do not go with him," Hector warned. "Please."
"My Princess," Zenas said nearing them, cursing at the sight of them locked in embrace. He looked at Hector in disdain and then extended his arm to Andromache. "How was your night of conversation?" Zenas laughed, trying to hide his angry jealously over the night she spent with Hector instead of him.
"It was most delightful," Andromache answered with a smile that instantly angered and enraged Zenas all the more.
"Care for a tour of the city before breakfast?" He asked smugly. "With a man that can do more than just talk?"
"A tour would be appreciated," she said with a less than sincere smile. She turned back to Hector and burned into her memory his handsome face, but tormented look. Then she was gone.
Hector watched her vanish from his sight and wanted more than anything to rush after her, grab her from Zenas and take her with him. But she had made her choice and it wasn't him. In truth she didn't know him and Hector couldn't fault her for being suspicious of his words. But he wanted her – wanted her to trust him more than anything. But in his heart he knew they would never be parted for long. As soon as they were home he vowed to himself to make preparations for Thebes. She would be his bride, one way or another – whatever it took.
Zenas laughed to himself as he looked at Hector and knew the mighty Prince had been defeated at the hands of a woman. Oh just wait, he said pulling Andromache closer to him, making Hector seethe even more. Just wait until you become part of my evil plan…then you will know pain greater than this. He looked back at Hector and offered up an evil smile and wink. Soon you will fall mighty Prince, you, your family and those that side with you. All will fall before me he said inside as he looked Andromache. And no one will be able to stop me.
Dear readers…okay so I had to upload and post because I got no reviews. Does this story suck that much? I wanted this story to be long with lots of adventure, romance and drama. So if you want lots more of this sure to excellent adventure please review. I'll post chapter two if I get a good response. Thanks so much!