Briseis felt coldness and weariness overcoming her. If she were to continue waiting, she would not be able to hold it. Just about to attempt to push herself up, Briseis gasped as Achilles lifted her up in one quick motion. They travelled up the stairs quietly, through the empty hallways that hollered the sound of their footsteps back at them, and finally, they went back once again, into the comfort of their bedroom.
As he set Briseis down on the bed, Achilles tilted Briseis' chin, and kissed her lightly on the lips, before advancing towards the bathroom. He gathered water and a cloth, after which he peeled the armor off his mascular body.
"It's lucky that Aretha did not cut too deeply for the wound to be too severe." Achilles said. But he frowned when he noticed torn skin and blisters on Briseis' feet, coupled with bruises and cuts all over her.
Briseis marveled at Achilles' calmness, whilehe was cleaning Briseis' cut. A pang of guilt went through her that she had misunderstood her own husband, that she had not trusted Achilles much enough. Briseis stared at Achilles. She wanted to tell him... But he longs for a boy! she reminded herself. Should she expose this prophecy, would he still want her as his wife?
She stopped Achilles' hand. "Achilles," she started, "It's going to be a girl." Briseis averted her gaze from Achilles, and wondered if he now wore a joyous or disappointed expression. But he was silent, and that was what worried her. She waited patiently for his reaction, but each second seemed to stretch into minutes.
Rapid knocks on the door broke the tension, and Achilles answered it. Thetis rushed in, then embraced Briseis. "Goodness, child, how badly hurt you are! But you and your child are safe, that's what matters most." Thetis said in a hurried pace. Sensing the tension in the room, she more calmly and solemnly said, "After the mess...I suppose you two should sit down and talk." The couple watched Thetis leave, and silence regained its position again.
"I'm sorry, Achilles." Briseis continued with a voice that was forced not to shake. "That day, when I ran away, I dreamt of Cassandra. She told me that the baby was a girl, and some conflict would arise from this. So I thought... Maybe you wouldn't want this child."
"Wouldn't want this child?" Achilles asked. "Briseis, it is not as if we will never have another child again, if you are so firmly decided on giving me a boy. If we have a girl," Achilles continued, placing a hand over Briseis' womb, "She would be as lovely as you."
Briseis still looked at Achilles, unconvinced. She felt he must've been consoling her, that he had hidden his feelings of wanting a son. Achilles sighed. "If you are so insecure about my love for you..." Achilles took Briseis by the wrist, pulling her off the bed and out into the entrance hall, where everyone had returned, and announced, in a booming voice, "I shall tke this woman as my wife, on a wedding day next month!" There was much clapping for joy, for the end of the war, and for the marriage of Achilles and Briseis.
"Achilles, there is no need to, I'll believe you-" Briseis started, cheeks already flushing, though she was overjoyed. Achilles simply ignored her, and led her back to their quarters again.
--
A month soon passed without a trace. There came much chattering in the town square, and within the premises of the palace. A promising feast awaited to be served. Guests were all dressed to the nines, waiting intently for the couple to arrive.
More nervous than she had ever been, Briseis fingered her jewellery, wondering which to wear, while Ariadne powdered her face. Briseis donned a golden robe, half-concealed bu a semi-transparent layer of golden sash. She finally decided on a simple golden necklace, on which there were symbols of the Sun, Moon and stars. Ariadne stuck the golden pins in place for Briseis' hair.
As Briseis waited with a pounding heart, she looked at the cut on her upper lip, which seemed to never heal. Who was that in the mirror, staring back at her? She had never seen herself in such radiant makeup before. The bangles of her hand jingld as she lifted a hand to shift her hair in place. A knock sounded on the door, and a handmaiden whispered, "It is time. Oh, the prince does look perfect! You must come and see for yourself, Lady Briseis!"
Quickly placing the golden chiffon material over Briseis' head, Ariadne guided Briseis to the door, due to the fact that it was not totally clear to see the path with the hindrance of the headdress.
Briseis slowly descended the steps, her sandals echoing in the empty hallway. She was led to a door that she had never opened before, and beyond it, a large hall presided. Briseis watched the two servants slowly push the doors open, and Briseis slowly walked in, very conscious that all eyes were on her. And right there, at the front of the hall, stood Achilles, tall and proud, in a robe that complimented his tanned skin -- tones of gold and ocean blue. He had a braid on one side of his hair, and he stood, folding his arms as he waited for the arrival of his beloved.
They went through the rituals, and sat on the thrones; entertaining guests and watching them enjoy the feast.
At alst, they had a spare moment, and Briseis pulled Achilles to a corner where no one could see them. Achilles lifted Briseis' headdress, then bent down to kiss her lips. "You look beautiful tonight." he commented.
Briseis simply smiled.
--
END
A/N: Blue Eyes At Night Thanks, I changed the last line.
And thank you to EVERYONE who reviewed!!!