"Cry, Trojans, cry!
Lend me ten thousand eyes,
And I will fill them with prophetic tears"
-Cassandra (William Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida)

I awoke to find flecks of sunlight playing merrily upon my face. Streaming through the light drapes, the rays illuminated the quiet room and gave life unto to a darkened hallow. It was a good day, I mused as my eyes opened to the world. I sighed, content with my life and turned my attention to my bed mate. Asleep and in peace, Creusa looked like a goddess unblemished and pure. Running a finger across her smooth arm, I dipped my head to kiss the pale brow. She stirred for a moment and buried her face in my chest, the golden locks of silken hair adorning my neck and shoulders. Soon her eyes fluttered open and Creusa gave me the most wonderful smile I had ever seen.

"Good morning"

She yawned and draped her arms around my waist. Snuggling in, she kissed my throat until I squirmed. Creusa let out a peal of silvery laughter and punched me lightly as I began to tickle her midsection. She gasped and broke into a giggle.

"Hey! Not fair! Aeneas, stop!"

"What do you mean 'not fair'? You started it!"

Creusa squirmed and eventually came to land on my chest, pouting.

"You deserved it"

I grinned and pulled her under me, kissing her full on the lips. She kissed back with equal passion and enfolded me in her embrace. We continued like this for a while, until my wife pushed me away and rose from the bed, he slender legs dangling over the side of the oaken cot.

"You know, Aeneas, two years ago, I could have only dreamt of this day. I really thought I had lost you"

I slid next to her and she laid her head upon my shoulder. Wrapping my arms around her, we stared past the billowing drapes into the distant Aegean.

"Creusa?"

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Promise never to leave me alone. Promise to stay with me until my last breath escapes me. Promise me you'll never let me wander blind and without guide through this world. Promise me-"

I felt the onset of tears and realised that my deepest fear was letting go of the one person who mattered most to me. I had realised then how much I loved her and how much she meant to me. Without Creusa, I was an empty shell. She placed a nimble finger upon my lips and took my hand into hers. I looked down at the clasped hands and saw how much larger mine's were. Yet ironically, it was I who needed security.

"I know your fear, Aeneas and I feel it too. I cannot bear to see you out of my sight for a moment lest you be lost to me once again. I cannot close my eyes at night fearing that I shall awaken to find that our bliss was a dream. Yet I also cannot open my eyes once asleep for if this is really is a dream, I do not want it to end. I love you Aeneas. And as long as I live in your heart, I am with you..."

In the distance a trumpet blared and a roar arose from Troy. Kissing my hand, Creusa rose and dressed. Moving fluidly across our chambers, she deftly tidied the room and headed for the door.

"But enough of our fears, My Lord. I must go and see to our breakfast so you better ready yourself. Today my father holds his games and a day like today is not one to spend in mourning"

I wonder now if Creusa ever realised how truly mistaken she was.

Creusa left me in a silence which soon became unbearable. I sighed and moved towards the balcony, looking over the splendour of Troy.

Decorated like a new bride, Troy was practically blossoming before my eyes. The streets were lined with flowers and many buildings hung purple drapes to accentuate the regal standing of Priam's city. The mighty gates were flung open and a steady stream of athletes flowed through them. Tossing petals of the most fragrant flowers, young girls lined the broad walkways welcoming all who entered. Music played upon every street and many performers, hired for the ceremonies, entertained the gathering crowds.

There was jubilation and there was joy. There was a blissful union in the games, a joining of all peoples wanting to congregate in peace and prosperity. Glittering like a flawless gem, the jewel of the Aegean shone like a beacon for hope in the world, its gaming complex the envy of Olympia.

Attracting far more competitors and awarding actual prizes to the winners, Trojan games set the standard for athletic competition around the budding Mediterranean. Although the Hellenes had their own games at Olympia, they paled in comparison to what Troy celebrated every three years.

Yes, today was a good day, I had thought. Everything was right in my world. Taking leave from the balcony, I headed into the room and donned my robe.

It might have been just in time, for soon Cassandra burst through my doors, crying. She was followed by her maid who wrung her hands in worry.

"My Lord Aeneas. The Princess is terribly distressed"

Tearing across the marble floors, Cassandra's tiny form grabbed me by the shoulders and shook violently.

"Troy burns today, Aeneas! Troy burns!"

I looked at her, more in shock than anything else. Her hair was wild and there were red scars on her face. I guessed she had been tearing at herself with fingernails. Even her gown, once a brilliant scarlet, was in mere tatters. It took time for me to come out of the stunned state I was in.

"What's wrong Cassandra!?"

I felt my voice rise, surprised. She continued to pull at my robe and dug her nails deep into my shoulders.

"They won't listen to me, Aeneas! Tell them to close the gates and bar all competitors! Troy burns! The fire bringer descends on the city today and we are lost, all is lost! Tell them to listen!"

She sagged against me and whimpered. Gazing up at me with her luminous purple eyes, she pleaded.

"No one heeds my call, Aeneas. But you'll listen, right? You'll tell everyone to stop the games. I know you trust me. You know I've never told a lie. Tell them Aeneas. Please tell them...my, my innocence..."

Tears streamed down her lovely face and a terrible fear was inherent in her eyes. Trembling against me, Cassandra's frail form soon felt limp against my chest and she slumped towards the floor. The diminutive princess landed in a heap, and soon, was barely conscious.

I knelt low and placed a hand upon her brow. Checking to make sure she wasn't running a high fever, I lifted her to my bed and let her rest upon it's warmth. For years, Cassandra's latent talent had developed unbeknownst to most of the court and even though her twin was now famous for his prophecies, the true flair for foresight rested with Cassandra.

As the nurse dashed away to gather help, I sat next to Cassandra's unconscious form and sighed.

Was I the only one who was inclined to believe her? Did everyone, while paying their reverence to Helenus, forget that Cassandra also spoke of the future? It baffled me to know end when I saw the two speaking the same words, yet everyone seemed to only show disdain towards the little soothsayer. Was she mad like they claimed? Or was she really the wisest amongst us all? These questions shook me deeply and a feeling the gods were at work.

What could Cassandra possibly tell us that the ones above wanted to keep secret?

Stroking her forehead as she slowly regained consciousness, I smiled when her eyes fluttered open to look directly into my own.

"You do believe me..."

There was an awe in her voice, an astonishment and thanks.

"I never said otherwise..."

She sat up and leaned against the bed frame. Looking at me with her luminous violet eyes, her gaze bore into my soul and arose a deep unease in my chest. Her eyes, like liquid fire, held my gaze and wouldn't let me look away.

"So you're going to tell father to stop the games, right?"

I sighed and pulled away from her gaze.

"No"

She was silent for a moment and then rose from my bed. Turning to look at me, all I saw was disappointment. She saw me as weak and powerless, much like herself. After finding perhaps the only one who'd listen to her, Cassandra instead found a soul like herself; incapable of changing the world around him.

"You know, for a moment I thought we'd be able to stop what will now happen. But Alas, what will be will be. If only I were born blind to what I see..."

She hurried out of my room, tears beginning to stream down her lovely face once again. Her words tore into me and left a guilt which bled from within. Sighing, I rose and followed her to the door.

"Cassandra...I didn't mean-"

"Just...just leave me alone, Aeneas. I really don't need your sympathy"

With that said, she scampered across the hallway towards her own chambers. I had half a mind to follow her, if it wasn't for Hecuba running from the opposite end of the hallway. Tearing past me with the briefest of worried nods, she followed the little princess into her room and disappeared behind it's wooden threshold.

I was shaken by what had happened and couldn't bring myself to pass off her words as symptoms of madness. Trudging down the hallway with steps slow and nervous, I made my way to the dinning hall where the members of Priam's family had gathered to enjoy breakfast. All of his forty-nine sons sat around a massive horseshoe table with his thirty daughters and their husbands. It was chaos, as the servants ran from table to table, depositing cheeses and meats before each occupant. I saw Creusa seated apart from them all, two empty chairs on her side. Her head snapped up as I entered and as of yet, she hadn't touched her food.

"My Lord"

She called me over and I came to sit next to my wife, the aura of serenity around her bathing me with calm. All anxiety about Cassandra faded away as Creusa slipped her fingers into my palm and squeezed. Lifting my hand to her lips, she kissed the back of my wrist with a tenderness that sent a shudder down my spine.

"You seem worried, Aeneas. What is it?"

I ran a hand over my face as a servant heaped steaming broth into my bowl. Looking past her into the direction of Cassandra's room, I sighed deeply, turning her hand around to place my own lips upon her palm.

"It's Cassandra. She been acting-"

"Mad? I know, Aeneas and it distresses me. Ever since she returned from Apollo's temple a few nights back, her hallucinations seem to have gotten more violent. I cannot possible imagine what has gotten into her"

"They aren't hallucinations"

Creusa seemed perplexed.

"You don't seriously believe her? Do you?"

I took a sip of my porridge. Finding it too hot for my tastes, I blew on the scalding mixture until it cooled. Looking at Creusa as I sipped, I could feel my brow crease.

"I have no reason not to believe her. If Helenus can see into the future, so can she. I do not see why everyone calls her mad when all she does is-"

"Oh try to use reason Aeneas. You know all she speaks about is impending doom, and I for one cannot see what the fuss is about. Today we celebrate the greatest games the world has ever seen. They testify to Troy's prominence over the Aegean. And unless the gods will against it, we shall live like this for centuries to come"

"It is the gods who scare me, Creusa. I do not think the Troad is in their best interests"

She slapped my cheek in a most mocking manner.

"Oh do hush, Aeneas. Such things should not even be thought of."

I had an answer for her, I really did. It was just the unexpected presence of Hector and Deiphobus which stopped my thoughts and forced me to concentrate on them. Dressed immaculately in their armour, the two towered over my wife and I, beaming.

"So his highness has finally awaken has he? For a second we thought you weren't participating..."

It was the powerful voice of Hector. He clasped my shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze. Deiphobus laughed and slapped my back as well. Irritated, I looked up at them, no trace of humour upon my face.

"I am not competing"

"WHAT!?"

They bellowed their reply in unison and the whole hall fell into a dead silence. A sudden flush had come over my cheek as the two warriors gazed upon me, mystified. There was a second of silence before I was barraged with a tide of inquiries.

"What do you mean 'not competing'?"

"Yeah. How can you not compete? You're a definite win for the horse races"

I sighed.

"You guys, I just don't feel like it"

Hector sat down next to me and placed a hand on my forehead. The powerful warrior was genuinely concerned.

"Are you feeling sick, Aeneas?"

"No. Its just-"

Creusa gave Hector's hand a swat and pushed him away from me. Rising, she centred her diminutive form between her brothers and blocked their access to my person. There was a seriousness on her face I had seen before and the two brothers suddenly shrank back. Creusa's wrath was well known throughout the palace, and not many would dare confront her, even if she stand a tiny five feet.

"Back! Back away you two. Leave him alone. If he says he's not competing, your questioning wont make him change his mind"

There was a slight pause as the two brothers lingered.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let him eat in peace!"

It wasn't until she physically pushed them away that the two left. Turning to face me, she dipped her head low and placed a kiss upon my forehead.

"Now, you eat in peace while I get ready for the ceremonies. It would be wise if you joined us too, Aeneas. Everyone will be there and maybe your heart will lighten upon seeing the cheer and jubilance of a city's pride"

I swallowed and agreed. Giving me another kiss upon my forehead, she swept past me.

"Oh, Creusa?"

"Yes Aeneas?"

"Check on Cassandra please. I'm really worried about her"

A warm smile spread across Creusa's loving face as she nodded her consent. I turned back to my breakfast as the daughters of Priam concluded their meals and headed, like Creusa, deep into their chambers. Every four years, just like this, there was a private competition between the princesses. The basis was beauty and the prize usually included a young athlete's love. I smiled and shook my head, not knowing that Hector and Deiphobus had not left completely.

As Creusa had cleared out, the two moved in to come sit before me.

I looked up to see each grinning broadly and sighed.

"I haven't changed my mind, gentlemen"

It was Deiphobus who spoke first.

"You cannot afford to not compete, brother-mine. This year is slotted to be the best Troy has ever seen. The bounty is rich and the people are happy. It would be Troy's honour if you competed and took home the top prize. Think about it Aeneas, you know you're the best at the Horse races and can easily beat whatever Asia Minor and Hellas have in store"

Hector simply nodded. I shook my head.

"I have no personal skill with horses. You know that. If my mount weren't of divine breeding, I would cross the line last. I find it unfair to pitch godly steeds with mere thoroughbreds"

"Aeneas, you really don't give yourself enough credit. Modesty is good and all, but going out and claiming what is yours is what makes a man memorable. Plus, your goddess born. I fail to see how you cannot have some traits superior to most men"

Again, I shook my head, the bitterness returning to my mouth.

"Please, stop. I haven't seen my mother in two years and I reckon she's forgotten me. I do not doubt she's off igniting love in some breast and ruining a nation because of it. I apparently fall on her list of things to do when terribly bored"

"I still don't see how that makes you any less her son"

"Hector, please. I really don't want to talk about this anymore"

The heir to Troy's throne raised his hands in defeat.

"Ok, I give up. So, one last time. You're not competing, right?"

"Yes. Happy?"

"No, not particularly"

There was a sour smile upon his face, and Deiphobus seemed disappointed. The two rose silently and left, leaving me alone in the now empty room.

I looked down at my porridge and saw that it had turned cold. The sad thing was, I had only eaten a few spoonfuls. Pushing the bowl away, I arose from the seat and headed back into my chambers, praying that there would be no further tension in the day's unfolding.

As usual, I would be wrong.

A/N: Ok, I would like to take the time to thank all my excellent reviewers. You guys are great, you know that? I would also like to take the time to address some concerns/comments/ect.

Scorpio- Heh. I couldn't believe how I twisted that story out. :D

Ani- Umm, to tell you this or not to tell you this? The Aeneid takes place after Troy happens and all that is ever told of the city is it's downfall. Very little is spoken of Aeneas's past and the events that led to his marriage with Creusa. The story is more about looking forward (To Rome), than it is looking back (To Troy)

TrojanPrincess- I always thought the two had a special relationship too. I'll try to develop that a bit more as the story goes on (As I've started to above)

Konrad- Yes, the Greek names are the ones I use anyways (in Real Life) so they naturally flow onto the page that way. Plus, Minerva and Juno are two names I never got used to.

Hildegard- Ditto on the age statistic. Again, I cant bring myself to write about underage kids. As you might have noticed, I corrected the tunic fabric in the last chapter.

Maria- Hector Jealous? Is that the way he comes off? I never noticed. I personally think Hector is the greatest guy in History. It just a pity how his name came to mean 'bully' in the English language. If anything, it should have been 'Achilles' or 'Ajax'...or something.

Psyche- Those names are familiar. Where have I seen them before? Thanks for the compliments.

Once again, I thank all of you. And as usual, more reviews boost my ego winks. Next update, my little tribute to the Olympic Games Trojan Style Grins