Thank you all for your reviews, and actually I was just thinking about that last night- the lack of romance in my story. I realized that they haven't been doing to well lately, so I will be writing in something soon. Not in this chapter, but maybe in the next one or the one after that. Hang in there ;) Anyways, here's the next one, enjoy!
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Briseis was awoken before dawn by a dark figure shaking her. "Wake up," the voice said softly, revealing the person to be her cousin.
"Cassandra?" Briseis whispered, squinting at her. "I thought we weren't going out today, you're to leave in just a few hours."
"We're just going to the walls, I want to speak with you."
Briseis stood up obediently and donned a small dress while throwing her cloak over her shoulders. "Is Andromache ready?"
"Andromache isn't coming," Cassandra said quietly. She didn't want to wake up any of the servants. "I wanted to speak with you alone." As soon as Briseis was ready she led her out of the palace, out a side door and through the streets until they came to one of the towers. Briseis saw then that she was wearing her crown under her cloak, and when a guard began to stop her she had only to remove her cloak for him to let her pass. Up the winding steps she led them until they came to the top, where two more guards were keeping watch. Cassandra gave them an order to leave them and they obeyed, though looking a bit uncertain. She pulled Briseis over next to her and pointed out the view.
The sky was a brilliant pink, though the sun had not yet risen. It would any moment though, for Briseis could see a pale light coming from over the hills. Apollo's temple was visible in the distance, a dark contrast to the deep blue sea behind it.
"I wanted to have the chance to speak with you alone before I left," Cassandra began. There was a pause, as if she were unsure of how to voice what she was thinking. "You know that I will never see you again," she stated.
Briseis nodded. "You'll never marry Othronus," she said simply.
Cassandra smiled sadly. "One blessing the gods have granted me. But that is not what I wish to speak of." There was another pause, then Cassandra took Briseis' hand and looked deep into her eyes. "I wanted to give you some words of advice before I left, but now I'm not sure how to begin. Briseis, you are a brave and talented girl. It has been a joy to be your friend, all your life you've walked in my shadow, sharing in my passion for the gods. Now you'll no longer be in my shadow, and you'll tread a path that I have never been on. Never lose your passion for them, Briseis; it is part of who you are. Your beliefs make you a kind and caring person, and I wouldn't have you change that for the world. Never forget that, love really does matter."
Cassandra pointed to the sunrise, which had come bursting over the hills. Apollo's temple was bathed in golden rays and glowed in the light, the water sparkling behind it.
"Serve Apollo, since that is your desire. Never forget to give that which is due to the gods, but never forget to live and enjoy the present." Cassandra looked deep into her eyes without blinking. "Life is short, Briseis, and all too soon your happiness will come to an end. Enjoy it fully while you can, promise me you will."
Briseis looked a little afraid, but she held her gave unwaveringly. "I promise."
Cassandra smiled. "You are still so young, but you have insights that others will not gain in a lifetime. Never blame the gods, and remember that whatever happens has been decreed a lifetime ago. Do not be quick to anger, and always remember that there are two sides to a story."
Briseis nodded, not able to speak. Her throat had tightened and tears were in her eyes.
"It has been a privilege and an honor to share a friendship with you. Do not grieve for my short life, in truth it is a blessing from the gods, though you've yet to see it." Cassandra looked down and spoke softly, barely loud enough to hear. "I won't have to witness it." Then she looked up and cleared her throat. "And when you learn of my death, do not weep for me. Weep only once for my departure, not twice, for life is too short."
Briseis nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. She choked back a sob and threw her arms around Cassandra, who was also crying by this time. And there they stood, for how long neither of them knew, Apollo's temple shining in the distance.
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Andromache awoke to an empty bed beside her and anger in her heart. She did not care that Hector had not returned that night- in fact she was rather glad of it- but their fight was still fresh in her mind. Her heart sank as she remembered what day it was and her hands trembled as she donned a light gown. A small knock sounded at the door, and Niobe entered.
"Cassandra has requested your presence in the south gardens, princess."
"Thank you, you may go." A sudden thought struck her. "Niobe, why did you lie and say you knew nothing of my sneaking out?"
Niobe smiled sadly. "Everyone deserves a time to say goodbye."
Andromache was genuinely touched. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure, my lady." Niobe left the room quietly and Andromache finished dressing. She left her hair down and put on no makeup; she didn't care how she appeared today. Besides, the kohl would run when she started crying.
Setting off quickly towards the gardens she ducked under the branches of a willow tree and found her friend sitting there on the bench. This had always been her favorite place in the gardens, it was out of the way so few knew where it was.
Cassandra got right to the point. "We don't have much time, but I wanted to be alone with you before I left." Andromache sat down beside her and Cassandra took her hands in her own. "You know that this will be the last time you see me."
Andromache nodded.
"Don't fear it, I shall have an easy passing. I just wanted to tell you not to cry about it, because your happiness will all too soon draw to a close." Andromache looked at her curiously, but said nothing and Cassandra continued. "Do not blame Hector, or even Father, my life has been decreed since before I was born. And I know you're fighting with him."
Andromache smiled ruefully. "He left last night and I haven't seen him since."
Cassandra flicked her head and Andromache was once again struck by how much she reminded her of Hector. He'd do the same to her often. "You've got a temper. But grant me a small request."
"Anything," Andromache said sincerely.
"Do not fight with him over my sake, or any other sake. Your life together will end soon, don't waste it by arguing."
Andromache nodded, a fearful look in her eyes.
Cassandra leaned forward, intent on impressing upon Andromache with how important her words were. "Enjoy this life while you can, it will end too soon. Promise me that. Promise me you'll take time every now and then to think upon how happy you are. Promise me you'll lock away happy memories of your life here and you'll never forget them, for as long as I you live."
"Yes, I promise," Andromache whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"You'll go through many trials and your heart will break again and again, but if you hold onto memories of happy times you'll be able to survive. And you must survive. So hold onto those memories tight, Andromache, for you'll need them when it most matters."
Andromache nodded, choking back a sob.
Cassandra smiled, though her eyes were bright also. "Andromache, you are the most understanding person I have ever known. Never change that, it is your greatest strength. You've taught me so much about seeing another person's point of view, and I'll cherish that lesson for as long as I live. Always remember to forgive, because some things just cannot be changed. Fate will lead them to happen, don't waste time by hating." Cassandra pulled her friend in a hug and the two girls sobbed together until a servant calling for the princess Cassandra interrupted them. Cassandra held onto Andromache for just another second, whispering in her ear, "And do not be ashamed to wear your crown, you'll bear a son, have no fear."
And with that, she hurried off to the servant who was calling her, leaving behind a stunned Andromache. She steadied her breathing and wiped her eyes, then stood up faintly smiling. "Sweet Cassandra, you know me too well."
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The family was gathered on the beach, petals still in their hair from their descent through the city. Everyone had come out to farewell the princess, though they'd kindly allowed the royal family their privacy on the beach. The ship was ready and all that remained was for the engaged couple to mount it. Cassandra said her goodbyes, making her way down the line.
"Father," she began, respectfully bowing her head.
"Cassandra." He pulled her into a hug. "I pray every day you shall find your happiness with Othronus and bear him many children. If it is the gods' will, I shall see you again." She smiled sadly and clung to him tightly for a moment, then moved onto her mother.
Hecuba was sobbing, and could only pull her daughter into a hug. They held onto each other for a moment, then Hecuba tenderly placed a kiss on Cassandra's forehead. "You have my love forever, my darling."
"I know, Mother," Cassandra whispered.
Hector was next and he pulled her towards him gently. She clung to him fiercely, and even in her sadness Andromache was amazed at their likeness. They could have passed for twins, had Cassandra not been so much younger than Hector, but the resemblance was still there. "If you are truly unhappy with him," Hector whispered. "Just send word and I'll come to retrieve you."
Cassandra smiled. Dear Hector, always so kind, even in duty. "I'll be fine," she whispered, moving onto Paris.
They spoke their goodbyes and Cassandra said goodbye to Polyxena and Laodice, who were now respectively fourteen and ten. Finally Cassandra came to Briseis and Andromache who were standing together. She pulled both of them into a hug at the same time and the three girls clung to each other, each of them sobbing. They held on until Othronus cleared his throat and then Cassandra gently pulled away. She kissed both of them and gave them one last hug, then allowed Othronus to take her by the hand and lead her to the ship.
She stopped though, and turned back for a moment. She did not look upon the royal family, but at the great city behind them. Sadness showed in her eyes, though everyone assumed it was because she was leaving, and her mouth moved, though no one heard her words.
"It's not so invincible as it may seem," she whispered softly, almost to herself. Then, with a final, loving look towards her family, she mounted the ship but opted to stay on the deck. And she stayed there, alternately gazing at her family and the city, both of which held so many happy memories. When they finally passed out of view, she closed her eyes, giving thanks to the gods.
I shall always remember Troy as it is, not as it will become.
And for that she was grateful.