Thank you so much Tima and Bristol. That link really helped me out, I'd been doing tons of searches for it but nothing ever came up. Glad you're enjoying the story, it's a lot of fun to write. Enjoy, everyone!

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            Clytemnestra was married to Agamemnon, an old man that I didn't like at all. He had a cruel smile and yellow teeth, but she didn't seem to be bothered by that. Or at least, she didn't let me see that she was bothered. The bridal gifts were great and Sparta benefited from Agamemnon's generosity. It was at the wedding that I first met Menalaus, who was to be my husband- though of course I didn't know it at the time. Neither of the brothers were given much attention by me, and they reacted as was normal when they first saw me. It did not faze me, for by now I was used to it. But I kept thinking about the words Clytemnestra had said to me as she fixed my hair. For the first time in my life I realized that all the glances and whispering was because of my beauty.

            Clytemnestra was taken away and I soon adjusted to her absence. She had always been a sort of mother to me. My own mother had died soon after I was born and my father never regarded me. He never sat me on his lap or told me I was his princess. He was simply… there. My maids all revered me but none ever befriended me. Clytemnestra had been the one who'd loved me, the one who made me feel special.

            Ever since she spoke those words to me- when I was seven- I realized that my beauty made me different. I was never allowed to run or play in the sun. Whenever I went outside it was with an army of servants, with a veil pulled down to shield my face. I never rode a horse or practiced races like the other girls. I stayed inside, weaving and playing with my dolls. By the way I was treated, I knew that my beauty had a power to it, but it wasn't until I was twelve that I realized how truly dangerous it could be…

            The men were all out hunting and only a few guards had been left behind. I was inside, as usual, pacing around my room. It was the hottest part of the afternoon and I was bored. One of my handmaids was preparing a bath for me and the water looked cool and inviting. There was a stillness about the city that showed many others were inside avoiding the heat as well.

            A sudden clamor near the gate of the citadel caused me and my maids to look up. Shouting was heard and the sound of swords clashing together. Then, there was silence for a moment, though it was soon broken by the sounds of screams. I jumped up and threw open the doors, only to be greeted by a servant frantically running into the room.

            "It's Theseus, from Athens!" she screeched, slamming the doors and bolting them behind her. "He's come while there is no one to protect us!" Polydora, my handmaiden who was five years older than me, quickly grabbed me by my arms. She threw me in the corner and hissed at me to be silent. Quickly throwing a bunch of blankets over me, she ordered the other maids to drag the bath basin over in front of me. This having been done she quickly calmed everyone, ordering them to continue their weaving.

            The air was stifling under the blankets and I was sure I was going to pass out. The room was tense, though the handmaidens tried to act calm, and the silence was unnerving.

            A sudden bang on the door sounded, and we all jumped. I quickly became still again but I flinched as I heard the screams of the other women when the doors were slammed open.

            "Good evening, ladies," said a slightly sarcastic voice. "I have come to inquire as to where I might find the great beauty Helen."

            My heart pounded so loudly I could hear it in my ears and I was certain that Theseus could hear it as well. I was not frightened for my maids, for I knew that Theseus had a dangerous but kind reputation. But when he announced that he was searching for me, I felt my throat constrict and it became hard to breathe.

            "She is not here, at the moment," Polydora replied smoothly. "She is with the men."

            "A lie, though a quick one," Theseus' answered dryly. "Men, search the room."

            "You doubt the word of a woman, my lord?" Polydora said haughtily, trying to hide the fear she was feeling.

            "I do," he answered back calmly. "For I've never known a bath to be left alone in a corner. In my experience one usually only draws baths for bathing, since it does require a fair amount of effort."

            I felt a hand grab the blankets off my head and I screeched as the same hand caught my hair. I quickly stood up, glaring at the offending soldier.

            "Well, well," Theseus said, observing me. "I doubted correctly. It is a pleasure to meet you, fair Helen."

            "Kindly tell your man to release me this moment," I said coldly, turning my glare upon him. "I am in considerable discomfort."

            Theseus inclined his head. "You heard her," he said easily and I sighed as my hair was released. "Can't have your lovely locks ruined, of course. It would bring the ransom price down."

            I did not speak; I only glared at him. He looked back at me, amused, and finally spoke.

            "We'll take you-" he pointed to Polydora, "-as well. Can't have Helen's chastity ruined. Now, ladies, if you'll follow me…" Without glancing back at us, he strode down the hall. Polydora and I exchanged glances. It was quite obvious we had no choice. We reluctantly followed, his soldiers bringing up the rear. As we left, I quickly grabbed a few items. My flute, a necklace Clytemnestra had given me, and a small statue of Artemis. I would pray to her to protect me. Polydora had the sense to grab a few necessary items, such as lights cloaks to shield us from the sun and a few changes of clothing. Armed with these items we followed Theseus through the familiar hallways, now so empty of people.

            Polydora made me don my light cloak for the trek down to the harbor, where their ship was waiting. There was no struggle- Theseus had twenty soldiers with him and I could see more guarding the ship. The people of Sparta came to watch me leave and I ducked my head at their piercing stares.

            "Hold your head high, Helen," Theseus told me softly, walking beside me. "You've no need to be ashamed."

            "You are kidnapping me for my beauty, yes?"

            "Yes."

            "Then my beauty is going to grieve my father when he finds out I'm gone. It will tax the people of Sparta who will have to pay the ransom. I've ever reason to feel ashamed."

            Theseus cast an appraising glance at me. "You cannot help it, though," he pointed out. "You only ever need feel ashamed at things you have control over."

            I knew at that moment that I would never forget those words for as long as I lived.