Well, here's the next installment. I can't believe I am actually updating! Wow, I am so proud of my self and by the way happy reading!

Part 3

Thalassa walked down the long hall until she met Paris who was running towards her in a great hurry.

"Uncle, why are you running so fast?" Thalassa asked as Paris nearly passed her.

"My father has returned with Hectors body!" He said breathlessly as he started running again.

Thalassa dropped to her knees still holding Astyanax and thanked Apollo for his help in bringing her father back to Troy. After moments of kneeling Thalassa rose to her full height, held her head up high and still cried tears of joy. She hurried her way down the hall to the royal throne room where her grandfather, Priam, sat.

"Grandfather, is what Paris is telling true? Have you brought the body of my father home?" Thalassa asked running to Priam's side.

"Yes, my dear Paris is right and we have even gained 12 days of peace. The great Achilles said so himself." Priam whispered with his eyes glowing

Thalassa could feel her eyes welling up with tears and this time she did not hold them back.

"Where is your mother?" Priam asked looking at the doors to see if Andromache was trailing behind.

"In her chambers, why?" Thalassa asked wiping away a tear that slid down her face.

"I had figured once Paris had told her the news that she'd be here in any moment. What is taking her so long?" Priam asked with his eyes filling with worry.

"When I visited just before I came here she wanted to ready her self for the day. Maybe she is still doing that and Paris is unable to tell her the news." Thalassa suggested with a shrug of her shoulders.

"Yes, I believe you must be right." Priam agreed patting Thalassa's hand.

On the 12th day all Trojans assembled to watch Hector's body burn. Andromache sat beside Briseis holding baby Astyanax and crying silently. Thalassa sat beside her mother trying her best to be strong like her father would want her to be but the sight of her beloved father burning broke her and she wept harder than she did when he was killed. The night sky shone brilliantly and Thalassa watched as the glowing embers floated up to the stars. It was beautiful yet horrifying.

Thalassa was confused with the feelings she felt. She felt anger, relief, regret, hopelessness and most of all she wished she could strangle Achilles with her own two hands. But wasn't Achilles the one who allowed 12 days peace and gave her father's body back to them? Thalassa was confused with every emotion and thought that she felt and thought of.

When Thalassa returned to her chambers for the night she had her maid fetch her favorite lady in waiting, Apollonia. Apollonia was Thalassa's best friend and she always had a king and comforting word for everyone she met. Apollonia was the only friend Thalassa had and she needed her more than ever.

"Apollonia, thank the gods you came!" Thalassa said racing towards her friend as she stood in the doorway of Thalassa's chambers.

"Of course, Thalassa how could I refuse you?" Apollonia asked wiping away a tear on Thalassa's face.

Thalassa smiled back at her friend and led her towards her table. There they sat down and Thalassa told her every emotion and thought that occurred to her. Apollonia waited and listened patiently until Thalassa was finished and nodded her head.

"Look deep inside your heart and not your head to answer your confusion." Apollonia suggested.

Thalassa sat silently trying to listen to her heart but it did not speak.

"Apollonia, it is telling me nothing. Are you sure this is the path I must take?" Thalassa asked earnestly.

Apollonia nodded and patted Thalassa's small hand before leaving her in the silent room. Outside she saw as far as the beach where Greek soldiers sat beside fires that glowed brilliantly in the night. Thalassa looked at them with dread and hatred. It was their entire fault. Her father would still be alive if they hadn't come but it was also Paris' fault. He brought Helen from Sparta and cursed Troy and his older brother. Deep inside Thalassa knew it was wrong to blame Helen and Paris but it made her feel better if she could rest it on their shoulders.

Don't worry I'll have the next installment up soon. Hope you liked it and REVIEWS! Would be nice. Oh and please and thank you added to that.