Thank you all for your reviews, and yes I have read Inside the Walls of Troy. I am basing Theseus's personality on that, I read that book when I was younger and I really enjoyed it. There are different accounts of how the kidnapping went- some say Theseus raped her and that Iphigenia was really their child but to save face Helen introduced her as Clytemnestra's daughter- but I always preferred this version. And considering Theseus' history and stories of his past, I think that her portrayal of him was extremely probable. There were a few things I disagreed with, like I got the impression that she was portraying Cassandra as an olden-day feminist and her portrayal of Andromache was completely off, but I did enjoy the book. I think she could have done a better job w/ Helen's character, however. But anyways, glad you're enjoying it.

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            The voyage was long but enjoyable. I'd never been outside Sparta before, so I was wide-eyed with wonder. Polydora made sure I wore my veil every time I was out in the sun, but I did so happily. Theseus treated me kindly and paid attention to me, something few people had ever done before. His soldiers were kind but aloof, as was proper. They treated me as a guest and made me feel very welcome.

All to soon the journey was over and we'd arrived in Athens. I quickly settled into a routine there and I soon almost forgot my life in Sparta. For the next six months Athens was my home. I was free to roam at will- being blissfully unaware of the general rules regarding captives- and Theseus gave me free reign. Polydora was a constant companion so as to make sure my chastity was not touched. She, too, enjoyed the customs in Athens. For the first time in my life, I walked the streets unguarded except for Theseus and Polydora. Of course, I still had my veil to protect my skin, but it made no difference. I saw what a market was like and I visited the stables. I watched ladies haggle over prices and fishermen bringing in their catch.

I was sure paradise must be like this.

Theseus never mentioned my beauty and never forced me to do things I didn't wish. He did not make me have a care for dirt or stains. I was not constantly reminded that my beauty was a treasure and should be treated as such, like I was at home. I was living in a dream, but a short dream that soon ended.

Soon after six months had passed, my father sent envoys from Sparta with the ransom. It was paid and Theseus released me into the soldiers' care. However, he insisted on accompanying me to the dock, where the ship was waiting to take me to Sparta.

"I hope you've not missed home to much," he said as he guided the chariot through the streets.

"I feel more at home here than I do back in Sparta," I said honestly, casting a glance at him through my veil.

"That's because I've treated you as you should be treated," he replied. "People always feel at home when they're treated kindly."

"Why did you?"

"Why did I what?"

"Treat me so kindly."

"Because you are a miracle, Helen. Your beauty is unsurpassed-" It was the first time he'd ever mentioned my beauty. "- and your nature is a kind one. The combination is not normal."

"Then why doesn't my father treat me as such?" I asked. By now Theseus knew everything about my family. My father's disregard for me, and my sister's love which I hadn't experienced in years. He knew of it all.

"Because he is a fool, Helen," he said softly. "A fool who sees you only as a means for personal gain."

"But I can contract an excellent alliance," I recited innocently. "Sparta will be enriched through my marriage."

"You should've been allowed to be a girl, Helen," was his only reply. "You've been brought up a woman, which was a mistake."

"Why was it a mistake?" I asked, curious. I wasn't sure I understood him fully.

"Because girls need to be allowed to be girls," he replied. "Girls should not be made to be women."

We had arrived at the docks and he handed me down, bidding farewell with just a few simple words. But it was the parting words which stayed in my mind for the voyage to Sparta, and for many years afterwards.

I had been allowed to be a girl, hadn't I?