Alexa saw Paris in the temple, and she paused in the doorway. The temple was usually only frequented by the priests or priestess, and the most religious of the people within the palace. Alexa made a habit of avoiding the place, lest one of her fathers religious zealots tried to convert her. It was a beautiful, peaceful place though.
The palace had been constructed long before her time and her fathers time, but her ancestors had a penchant for symmetrical architecture. Each stone was perfectly cut and placed, each pillar was selected carefully and stood tall and proud. The windows were high up in the walls, and the sunlight glinted in through the wooden grilles. This particular temple was dedicated to Athena, with sacred images of her carved into the wall. Thousands of white, half melted candles decorated the altar, each one carrying different prayers and thoughts from those that lit them.
Sighing, Alexa walked in and joined Paris, kneeling next to him. He didn't greet her, but they sat in silence for a little while.
"Everybody hates me." He said, rubbing his forehead.
Alexa looked at him. He still had a baby face, so young and innocent. So different to Hector, who was now a man with a wife and child. Paris was still a child himself. Alexa knew this war would change him, shape him into a man. She just hoped he would be honourable, like her father. She hoped he would be strong, like Hector. Most of all, she wanted him to stay alive.
"They don't hate you."
"The Greeks and the Trojans. Even our own people despise me."
"Our people don't hate you." Alexa sighed.
"They might not hate me, but they do not like me right now."
"They don't need to like you." Alexa snapped. "They need to respect you. You are their prince. You can be the saviour of our land, brother."
"After dooming them in the first place."
Alexa took one of the long wooden sticks placed in front of the altar, lighting it on fire and spreading it to the candles.
"Even Helen must hate me." Paris said, and Alexa shot him a look. She knew this mood of his, had seen it many times. He was stewing in self-pity and hatred. She knew she wouldn't be able to comfort him.
"Brother, I love you. But if you say that again, I'll slit your throat myself. We're all here because, as much as it pains me to say it, you and that woman love each other. So much, that you've doomed yourselves for a few days of happiness. Do not taint it by saying she does not love you. She loves you so much she has brought death to our doorstep."
"How can she respect me? When even you are out there fighting, and I stay inside and cower."
"Then join the fight. He's not going to stop, so you may as well face him." Alexa said. As much as she wanted to protect her brother, this was no time for nice words. He needed to know the truth, and that was that war was here.
"You are right, sister. When did you become so wise?" he said, placing a hand on top of hers.
"I'm not sure. Soon after I gave up sewing and took up the sword, I think." Alexa said, standing and patting his head before walking out of the temple.
She looked out of her window, closing her eyes. The breeze hit her face, the cool air soothing her flushed skin as a face popped into her mind. Bold, blue eyes, a golden mane of hair. Soft, full lips.
Everyone knew Achilles name, but his face was a far sweeter victory to know.