Chapter 21

Briseis POV

It's amazing how life seems to go on, even when one as loved as Hector was no longer among us. When Uncle and I reached the city, Helen, Andromache and Paris had swarmed to me, tears in their eyes as they saw Hectors wrapped body. I had embraced each of them in turn and assured them that I was well. Paris had, of course, persisted with his questions, but I had waved him off every time, insisting I wanted to be alone. Now, after seven days and nights, I was finally alone in my room with no one but my thoughts to disturb me. I sighed as I rolled over for the umpteenth time trying to make myself comfortable. Since returning to Troy, my bed had not been as comfortable as it was and the days seemed longer. I absently fingered the empty space next to me. He slept on the left side I thought as the silk sheets rippled under my finger. The whole week I had been back at Troy, my mind had been plagued with memories of Achilles. How he had made love to me and held me close. How we would talk and argue, yet somehow agree. I quickly wiped away the tears that threatened to escape from my eyes, and thus betray my heart. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Soft, but still audible as it echoed in my rooms in my rooms. Sitting up quickly, I wiped the tears from my face and made myself presentable.

"Come in" I said once I was ready. A second later, Helen peered from behind the door and glided into my room. She was as elegant as ever, adorned with many jewels and baubles. She was quiet for a moment, before joining me on the bed.

"I know why you've been so unlike yourself lately" she said quietly with a wind chime voice. My heart skipped a beat how could she have known? I asked myself as I tried to stop the dread I felt showing on my face.

"And why is that, cousin?" I asked, attempting to sound normal and tired

"Because you fell in love... with Achilles" She finally lifted her head and looked me in the eyes. I gasped as the words left her mouth, the truth in them ringing as loud as bells. Recovering quickly, I tried to deny it

"I don't know-"

Of course you know, Briseis," she cut over me "you know exactly what I'm talking about, so don't try to deny it" I shut my mouth as she looked at me. The determination and certainty in her eyes was alarming compared to her normally docile orbs.

"Tell me what happened" she said and I looked away. How could I tell her that I had betrayed my country, my family and Hector by allowing myself to feel something other than hate for Troy's greatest enemy? She stayed silent next to me and after a long debate with myself, I opened my heart for her to see. She listened with rapt attention as I told her about my capture, the knife, the leaving and the day Achilles had slain Hector. By the time I finished my tale, the tears I had suppressed flowed freely and I no longer tried to stop them. She pulled me into a tight embrace and I cried into her shoulder. When my breathing had returned to normalcy, she pulled away slightly and brushed my tears away

"I understand, Briseis. I went through the same torment when I first came with Paris. We cannot chose who we love for it is the will of the Gods" She put her hand on my shoulder and smiled at me "There are many doors in Troy, if you find the right one then you may be reunited with your Achilles" I looked at her and said nothing. She was going to help me go back to Achilles, to the man I loved. How could I possibly pass up an opportunity like this? Then a thought entered my mind

"Please do not tell Andromache, Helen. I don't think I could bare to have her hate me if she found out" Helen nodded and led me to her rooms. I slipped on one of her gowns and made my way to the stable. I knew there was a passage somewhere around here; I just had to find it.

Find the door open to the lovers lost, and lovers will reunite once more. I'm coming Achilles