The sky was still pitch black as Alexa woke, seeing his eyes watching her in the darkness. Strange as it was, she didn't find it unsettling. She found herself more peaceful now and pushed herself up. She noticed she still had her bloody dress on, and her face must've shown surprise.

"There's a new gown there. You can get washed and dressed, I'll be outside." Achilles said shortly, standing up and leaving the tent.

Alexa frowned. He did not try and undress her, had not touched her. He did have honour. He reminded her almost of Hector. Both great warriors, both dangerous, yet with a genteel side to them. She liked that about Achilles. He was famous, nay, a legend, amongst men, yet there was so much more to him than would appear. He was proof that a man can be feared without being a monster. Doubtless to say, most other soldiers would have taken her again and again by now, but Achilles had not touched her. It also appeared he had not even slept but watched over her like a guard dog. In any circumstances, Alexa would be pleased, or impressed, but she found herself confused beyond repair. He was her enemy. He was here to kill her people- and he had. If she were a man, he would have slaughtered her by now. So why did she respect him, feel so… warm, towards him? It was inexplicable.

Alexa took the washcloth and peeled her dress off, wiping all the blood and dirt away. She instantly felt better, more human, once she was clean. She dressed in the simple blue gown, and sat back down, wondering what the hell to do now. Could she go outside? Was she still a captive?

Achilles entered the tent, and a faint smile appeared as he saw her wearing the dress.

"You look… less feral." He commented, and she scoffed at him.

"If you wish, I can take you back to Troy." He said gently.

"of course I wish. Why would I not want to go?" she said, seeing his eyes cast down. She felt like she'd hurt his feelings, somehow, but she couldn't stay in his tent forever, talking about the war and pretending they weren't mortal enemies.

"Of course. We should go while it's still dark. Most of the men will be sleeping."

"They'd all slaughter me for what I did to their king."

"I think you overestimate the amount of respect the men had for Menelaus. They knew they were only fighting and dying for his greed. He won't be missed."

"And Agamemnon? He'll want to avenge his brother."

"Not out of brotherly love. He's probably counting his blessings. You've given him the chance to take Troy once and for all." Achilles said nonchalantly, and Alexa paused.

"I didn't do it out of spite." She said, following him out of the tent and through the camp, whispering now.

"I know. One of my men told me what happened with Paris. He crawled to you on his hands and knees. You did it to protect him."

"I'd never put my country at risk for anything, but I… I wasn't thinking. I love my brothers more than anything. Seeing him about to die… it did something to me."

"Then you have more honour than any man in this war. You fight, you kill for love. Not for king, country. Not for glory, like me."

"I think I'd rather fight for glory. This war is only happening because two people fell in love. Love is… dangerous. Stupid. It makes people reckless."

"And makes people strong. You killed a king out of love for your brother. That's why your name will be remembered throughout the ages." Achilles murmured.

"I don't want to be remembered, you know that. I hope people forget my name. When they tell stories of this war, I hope they leave out Princess Alexandra, the foolish girl who killed a king."

"Not foolish." Achilles stopped, turning to face her. "You are many things, Alexandra. Foolish is not one of them."

He continued to make his way up the sand dunes, Alexa following behind him. They reached Troy just as the sun began to rise from the ground, streaking the sky with brilliant pinks and oranges. The air began to get warmer, and soon, they arrived near to the palace walls, out of the sight of the towers were the archers were. Achilles stopped, turning to face Alexa. She looked up at him, unable to find the words.

Achilles smiled down at her. The suns light made her skin look an ethereal pink-ish golden, her hair curling around her in gleaming curls. She was the most beautiful creature the gods had ever put on the earth.

"Will you be safe? Getting back out of Troy, I mean." Alexa asked, her eyes staring at the floor.

"Are you worried?" he asked, in an amused voice. Alexa glanced up, seeing a smile on his lips.

"It's common respect. I have no wish for a man who has protected me to be harmed."

"You should. It would be a lot easier for you if I were to be killed right now." Achilles said, leaning back so he was in sight of the archers in the turrets.

"No!" Alexa said abruptly, grabbing his arm.

Achilles stopped, his face in shock. Alexa had shown her hand now and revealed to him her feelings. A moment passed between them, no words needed to convey their feelings. Alexa felt so vulnerable and open, but something possessed her to speak truthfully. War and death had a strange way of making things feel intense, of life fleeting.

Alexa kept hold of his arm, and Achilles placed one of his large hands on top of hers.

"I don't want you to die." She whispered simply, her eyes searching his.

"Then I won't." he vowed. "Your wish is my command."

"I know I should. I'm betraying my country for praying for your safety. But I can't stand the thought of you dying out there."

"If there is one reason for me staying alive in this war, its making sure no harm comes to you." He murmured, one hand lifting and stroking her hair. Alexa's eyes closed softly, leaning into his touch.

"Goodbye, Achilles. May we meet again." She said softly, opening her eyes and looking up at him.

"If not in this life, in the next." He agreed. His head was inches away from hers, and Alexa felt the soft tickle of his breath against her cheek. She kept pulling him in with her gaze, until finally, after an eternity, his head bent as he lowered his lips to hers. Their lips met softly, then hastily as Achilles pulled her into an embrace. Alexandra finally understood everything. She understood why Paris put his entire country in danger, understood why men fought and died, for love. Alexa kissed Achilles back, hard, and they entangled in one another.

A voice made them break apart, and they pressed into the wall, hiding from two soldiers walking past out of the palace. Achilles had a smug smile planted on his face and Alexa pushed him away, checking the soldiers had moved on.

"You should go." Alexa urged him, though he seemed to not notice any urgency or danger. He offered her another lazy smile.

"I will see you again, Princess." Achilles promised, and then he moved away, his hand slipping from hers. Alexandra watched him head back towards the Greek settlement and entered the palace, wondering what she could possibly say to her family.