You are dead to me and I am dead to you. In each other's eyes, we both died the day you sailed away to Greece. My heart always told me you would come back for me and not let me out of your sight for weeks, but once I saw her, from my window, stepping off that ship, the excitement I had felt flew away with the wind. Though I have always told myself if anything ever happened to you, I would never love again. I thought I would never be able to move on without you, but I know I should. I should prove to you that I am strong and able to move on. I had never been weak, but always strong. I was not a girl who cried over silly things. I was able to shield my emotions and not let them get the best of me. Then you came into my life. I fell in love with you. It was love that was so deep, so passionate, that when you betrayed me, it aroused a heartache that causes me a pain worst, than any kind of physical pain. After you had left me alone in my despair, crying for many hours, the tears that had seemed endless finally ceased. I looked at the dagger that still lied on the floor from when you dropped it. I can still hear the echoes of the dagger hitting the hard, marble floors.

I blame you for everything. You caused Greece to come here. You dishonored your family, all for her! You made my heart shrivel into dust. You seduced me and had taken advantage of me. You saw the sorrow in my eyes. You knew I was hurt, but that did not stop your lust to take me, as you would do to a whore. You are just a lustful bastard who wanted my body, but not me. You have ashamed me for all eternity. I blame you for taking away the freedom I once had before I married you. Though I had no choice, but to marry you because of the pressure from my family, I had been able to escape and be independent. I would escape to different parts of Troy; from the city's streets to the beaches of Troy that are now infested with Spartans. When I escaped I felt like the eagle I once was; free, strong, and sure of myself. I had been sure of many things, but when you came, my life became complex. If only I had known that by marrying you it would cause a grief I have no control over.

Days have now passed since I last spoke to you. When I attend dinner I ignore you and speak only to your father, Hector and his wife. I have seen you look at me at times, but I ignore you. Briseis is dead and close friends of ours are too. How many more men are going to die Paris? Who is next? Tomorrow there will be a battle between your brother and the Great Achilles. What do you say to that? Are you willing to let your brother die for you? If he dies, Troy is sure to fall. The Spartans will show no mercy to any one, especially royalty. You will be killed, your father will be killed, and your precious Helen will be killed. Our fate will be decided tomorrow, but I do not care. I do not care if I die, I rather it be that way. When King Agamemnon steps on the streets of Troy and lines us up to behead us, I will look him in the eye, showing him I have no fear of death. As I have said before I am dead to the world and you.

"My Princess, it is time," A servant girl says the next morning. I look at myself one last time in the mirror. My dress is dark red with gold trimming. My hair is up with some escaped ringlets resting on my shoulders and around my face. I attempt a smile, trying to see the princess I once was. I sigh and turn around. The young girl bows down instantly.

"I am ready," I say and we begin to walk towards our fate. The streets are empty; the civilians are hiding in their homes or waiting to see their Prince fight a man who has never lost a battle. The day is warm with a sweet breeze. I stop for a moment enjoying the sensation of the wind blowing through my hair. I open my eyes again to find the servant with a puzzled look. I only smile and we continue on our path. When we reach the stairs I tell the servant girl to go home. I begin to climb up the steps when I hear someone coming down them. I do not stop; until I find myself face to face with Hector. I see the fear in his eyes.

"Epa," He whispers softly. I clung onto him. You have the greatest brother, Paris. I hope you know that. He wraps his arms around me and I hug him tighter. I pull away and look at him in the eye. He sees the tears forming in my eyes and says softly, "Epa please, do not cry. Not you too. You have always been strong and I need you to be strong now more than ever; not only for me, but for Paris, my father, and especially my wife." I looked up into his eyes, the same color eyes you have. More tears streamed down my face.

"I'll try," I managed to whisper. He smiled, pulling me closer again. "You are like a brother, Hector. You showed me kindness when he didn't. I do not know how I would have gotten this far without you."

"Thank you, Epa, for everything. I have always been honored to call you 'family'," He said into my hair.

I slowly pulled away to look into his eyes. I caressed his cheek, knowing he was the bravest man in all of Troy. I took his face into my hands and brought it towards my lips. I kissed his forehead, and then whispered onto his skin, "May the Gods be with you." I had to close my eyes. This man, your brother, had been kind to me all these years. Never once had he been cruel. Caring for me when you didn't. We were then interrupted by the sounds of Achilles cries for him. "Go." My voice was hoarse. He lightly touched my cheek before gliding down the stairs. "I pray you'll be safe." I said to no one, before climbing the rest of the stairs.

You were standing there alone, watching Achilles scream Hectors' name. My eyes then drifted to your father, sitting there silently; his mind far from Troy. Your brother's wife was trying to hush her child's cries. Every one was silent as if all ready mourning the loss of your brother. As I walked towards your father to show him respect, my train dragged across the floor, the only noise that could be heard besides Achilles screeches. You turn your head and look at me. I stop, frozen to the place I stood. I finally found the strength to move on to your father. When he acknowledge me I bent down to kiss his feet. "Epa, you have come," He remarked.

My head slowly drifted up and I said ever so softly, "Of coarse I have come. Hector needs us here with him." I saw the fear in his eyes, a fear I have never seen before." My King, do not fear for our dear Prince. The Gods will protect him," I said confidently.

"We must not say those things Epaphroditos, and if my son dies today, we must remember the sacrifice he has made for all of us." Your father had said my full name only once before, my attention was completely on him and it was the same for you. "If he dies today on the sands of Troy, I will be proud, for what better way is there to die, but to die not on some far off place, but on your own kingdom." I took your father's hand and kissed it.

"Forgive me, my great King." I said, bowing my head. His finger reached under my chin, lifting it up gently. He smiled weakly and I smiled back. I stood up and walked to the wall, looking down to see a muscular man, pacing back and forth waiting for Hector. The gates finally opened and we all watched, as the man we loved was about to face the man who was the son of a Goddess and known to be an extraordinary warrior.

For a few minutes all the men did was talk to one another then Achilles took his helmet off and threw it to the ground. Hector followed him. Achilles pulled his spear out of the earth and began to walk towards Hector. The battle began. There movements were like exotic dancers. Dancing a dance only they could master. We held our breaths as we watched Hector slip out of death by barely an inch. Soon their spears were broken and they drew their swords. Hector was tired, I could tell while Achilles was not. Hector tripped over a stone and we began to fear for his life. He slowly came up, but not without Achilles striking. The shields fell to the ground, all was left was sword against sword. Your eyes did not leave the sight of Hector as we watched a spear go deep into his shoulder. Andromache was now crying hysterically. She knew the death of her beloved husband was coming soon. Hector went down on his knees looking up at Achilles as if he was a god. Without a second thought Achilles drew his sword into your brother's heart.

He dragged Hectors' body away. No one's eyes left the sight of Hectors' lifeless body being dragged across the sand. Achilles looked back at us, mocking all of us. You looked as if you were sick to your stomach, many already were. There was something in your eyes though that scared me; a fire burning deep within, growing stronger. I know you want to avenge your brother. I do to. All of Troy wants to. Today is the starting day of Troy's downfall.