Disclaimer: not mine, don't sue
Dedication: Maia for being herself… and Gretchen for generously loaning me her fantastic writing style.
One thing you learned today: You are a prince of Troy.
Your life is a lie.
You are not Alexandros, you are no shepherd… you are a prince of Troy.
And you will pursue the life you have been unfairly denied, you will regain your birthright that has been stolen from you.
One thing you learned today: You are intrigued by Prince Hector, the eldest son of Troy.
The first time you laid eyes on him, your heart palpitated so rapidly you were afraid it would jump out of your chest.
Paris unconsciously laid his palm across his heart, his eyes blinking erratically.
He could feel, see the baleful glares directed at him and somehow, it only served to make him even more excited, thrilled.
He had to get to know this Prince, this son of Troy that glowered at him with such predatory sexuality.
And you vow to yourself that the next time he looks at you, it will be one of desire.
One thing you learned today: You discover the dizzying depth of your infatuation.
You have to admit you are utterly obsessed when you willingly forgo the pleasures of the flesh in order to spy unsuccessfully on Prince Hector.
Paris frowned to himself, a pout playing on his lips as he emerged from behind an ornate pillar to find his prey lost.
"Why are you following me?" A voice hollered from behind him.
As Paris gasped, startled, he was slammed against the pillar by a brutal hand that gripped him by his neck.
Clawing desperately at the hand that was choking him, he croaked unintelligibly, focusing all his tumbling emotions into his eyes.
You allow your mask to slip away and you stare at him, pleading with him to see the intensity of your feelings, to see you.
And you crumple to the ground when he wordlessly, expressionlessly drops his hand and leaves, without a backward glance.
One thing you learned today: Troy is not built in a day.
You bid your time, you plan your strategy.
And even you have to marvel at the sheer ingenuity and audacity of your plan.
Gazing at him intently, focusing all your attention into every word he ever said.
Brushing by him deliberately, darting out of reach before he could get a stranglehold on you again.
Breathing heavily, licking your lips daringly at him at every opportunity.
Sauntering past him sensually, swaying your slender hips seductively, silently inviting him to your chambers.
You are playing with fire… and you are playing to win.
One thing you learned today: Even the mighty Hector has a breaking point.
Hector cornered a willing Paris, shoving him against the luxurious, decadent bed in Paris's chamber.
Falling gracefully onto the bed, Paris leant back, his eyes beckoning Hector.
"Why did you come back?" Hector cried, his voice breaking, his breathing harried, hopeless.
"For you." Paris moaned into the vicious, forceful kiss.
One thing you learned today: Questions should be left unanswered.
"I do not trust you," Hector growled, his eyes violent, forbidding.
Paris simply stared back at him, limpid, fathomless pools of darkness mocking and consoling Hector at the same time.
"Why did you come back? Your return will sound the death knell for Troy." Hector shook his head bitterly.
Circling his hands over Hector's neck, Paris drew Hector towards him.
Placing fluttering, butterfly kisses on Hector's eyelashes, Paris whispered, "Who knows what the gods have decided for us?"
"Let us simply enjoy this moment the gods have conferred upon us."
One thing you learned today: Hector can laugh.
You have never even witnessed a hint of a smile on his face before.
Every time he looks at you, his eyes are so full of self-loathing, of repulsion, that you are tempted to gouge them out.
That thought has been banished from your mind forever.
Paris ignored the distracting rumbling in his stomach and concentrated on writhing exultantly under Hector's skilful tongue.
An unexpected sound ripped through the air.
Paris and Hector froze.
And Hector started to laugh uncontrollably, his gleeful guffaws reverberating throughout the chamber.
Crimson staining his cheeks, Paris glared at Hector, his dignity badly bruised.
However, gazing at the tiny wrinkle lines that were appearing at the corner of Hector's eyes and the crinkled look of mirth on his face, the edges of Paris's lips too began to quirk up.
One thing you learned today: Hector cares for you.
"Catch!"
Paris shrieked as he jumped sideways, causing the heavy sword to land heavily on the ground.
"Are you trying to kill me?" He glared at his brother, his hands resting upon his hips in indignation.
Looking disapprovingly at Paris, Hector merely motioned towards the sword.
Gingerly picking up the sword, Paris swung experimentally with it.
"Hold it firmly," Hector said sternly, bringing his own sword swiftly and smoothly in a downward arc.
"Why are we doing this when we could be putting our time to much better use?" Paris wheedled hopefully, an impish grin on his face.
"So that when you are in danger, you can defend yourself," Hector replied shortly, his eyes unreadable.
"Why will I be in danger?" Paris wondered aloud.
"As a prince of Troy, you will always be in danger!" Hector snapped. "And I cannot always be present to protect you!"
At the realization that Hector wants to protect you, a huge grin lights up your face, radiating with brightness and happiness.
One thing you learned today: Hector loves you.
Hector moaned blissfully as Paris licked his toes.
An insanely ecstatic look glazed his eyes as a toe disappeared into Paris's diligent mouth.
"I love you." A soft murmur drifted across the room.
"What did you say?" Paris immediately abandoned the toe and scrambled up to face Hector.
Groaning at the loss of contact, Hector snapped, "Nothing."
"I heard you." Paris crowed, his eyes filled with delight and pure pleasure.
"And I love you too," he continued soothingly, pressing his lips to Hector's pursed lips, savoring the reluctant, slow opening into his mouth.
One thing you learned today: He completes you.
In his kisses, you find yourself once again… you who had been lost ever since that fateful day the gods spoke to you and told you who you really were.
In his love, you are completed.
One thing you learned today: Hector loves you no more.
He has made a choice.
"I have a son now," Hector said softly, his eyes flitting and settling on everything except his brother's pleading eyes.
"Nothing has changed," Paris protested, bewildered, taking a step towards Hector.
Nearly stumbling backwards in his haste, Hector risked a brief glance at Paris and steeled himself, his heart.
"Everything has changed."
And it is not you.
One thing you learned today: Hector will pay.
You will make him pay. You have made him pay.
You have stolen Helen from Menelaus and forced Hector to save you.
Hector's eyes betrayed him.
Paris knew that Hector would never allow him to return to Sparta, where he would be torn apart by the ravenous jaws of Menelaus's men.
And Paris thought savagely that he would welcome such a death, because it would haunt Hector for the rest of his days.
A spark of victory constricted Paris's embittered heart, piercing him with poison whenever he gazed upon Hector and remembered who he had chosen.
One thing you learned today: You have wronged him.
You have lost all honor today.
And it is worth it. It is worth losing every shred of dignity you have, every piece of possession you own, simply to know that Hector still loves you.
Paris clung to Hector's leg, his vision clouded by a haze of crimson.
He was lost in a mirage, unaware of the mocking eyes, the taunting voices, the pain assaulting him in every part of his aching body.
All he was conscious of was that Hector would protect him, save him.
And when Hector pulled him to his feet, all Paris could see in his eyes was naked, raw love.
And you willingly surrender yourself to that all-encompassing love that night.
One thing you learned today: Love can start a war. Only death can end a war.
You do not dare to venture out into the killing fields, you are fearful of meeting the eyes of those you have doomed.
Hidden, shrouded in his room, Paris could still smell the stench of death, reeking to the heavens.
And alone in the darkness, he wept… for the deaths of Trojans… for the loss of innocence, laughter… for creating this horror that could not be slayed.
And he lived for the moments when Hector returned from the fields, with grimy, blood-splattered clothes and chilly, accusing eyes.
"I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry." Paris whispered like a mantra, interrupting each sensuous kiss.
He continued this refrain until the frowns faded from Hector's face and warmth returned to his eyes.
Cupping Paris's face, Hector kissed the salt off his lips and Paris swallowed heavily, painfully, the guilt inside him lessening, the overwhelming burden of self-hatred diminishing and disappearing in the presence of Hector.
He fills your heart, your soul… and at that moment, you realize you were never really, truly alive before you met him.
One thing you learned today: Hector is dead.
He has given his life for Troy, for you.
Paris shuddered violently, his nails drawing trails of blood from his palms.
And he vowed to the gods that he would avenge Hector's death.
One thing you learned today: Achilles is dead.
You have fulfilled your promise to Hector.
And now, you have nothing more to live for.
Paris smiled amid the smoldering, burning ruins of Troy.
"Wait for me, my dear brother. I will join you soon."