Briseis continued to fuss over her hair until it was just so. Once it was perfect, she slipped a small flower in between her curls. The violet color stood out brilliantly against her dark hair. Finally, she slipped a violet gown on that flowed freely from her waist and dawned gold sandals with embroidered straps. When she was ready, she glanced over at Achilles who was staring at her.
"What?" she asked laughing.
"Nothing, you are just so beautiful and I cannot help but watch you," he replied.
"Well, if you continue staring, we will never be ready for dinner in time," she said clandestinely.
"And you never cease to amaze me," he said coming over and kissing her on her cheek.
Achilles picked a dark blue robe to wear with a golden yellow trim around the neck, arms, and hem. He also put on the crest of Phtia, his home. When he turned around, Briseis was not in the room. Becoming worried, Achilles wandered to the adjoining chambers of their room.
"Briseis?" he called out, trying to find her. "Briseis! Where are you?"
"I'm right here," she replied coming out of the nursery with Alex in her arms. "I went to go get this little one right here."
The baby bounced in his mother's arms, happy to be held and loved. However, the sight of his father sent him into sheer happiness as he squealed in delight. His dark curls bounced as he waited to be handed to his father.
"Looks like someone wants his father," Briseis said as she handed the baby over to Achilles.
Achilles took his son into his arms and marveled at the beauty of his child. Every day he watched as his son mastered some new task. From holding a small toy in his fist to trying to turn onto his belly, every bit of it fascinated Achilles. He gazed on his son with compassion and love. Alex peered back at his father with love and adoration.
"Da-da," Alex cooed in his separated wording.
Both Achilles and Briseis were stunned. This was their son's first word.
"Briseis, he said 'dada!' Alex knows who I am!" he exclaimed excitedly.
"Well, he loves you so much. Why wouldn't he know who his father is? See if you can get him to say it again," she urged eagerly.
Achilles turned to his little boy and said softly, "Alex, say 'dada' one more time for me. You can do it."
"Da-da!" Alex squealed again.
"He did it again!" Briseis said.
Alex then turned to face his mother, perplexed for a moment until he formed the words in his mouth and said, "Ma-ma."
Briseis could feel her heart well at the sound of her son crying out for her. A small tear formed in the corner of her eye and slipped down her cheek to her lips. Achilles wiped it away.
"Why are you crying?" he asked.
Briseis smiled and said, "My baby knows who I am and actually turned to me and cried for me."
Achilles smiled back at his wife and handed their baby back to her to hold. She cradled him against her chest and ran her fingers through his hair. With all of her heart she loved her son. Her bonding time was cut short.
"Darling, it's time to go to dinner," Achilles said.
"Alright, we're coming now," she replied. "Come on Alex, you're going to meet some of my family. They are your cousins."
Achilles, Briseis, and Alex all entered the dining hall to find that they were the first ones there. They took their seats and waited for their guests to arrive. Helen and Paris were the next to arrive. Both of them sat on the other side of Briseis. Andromache and her children were the last to arrive. They sat on the far side of Helen and Paris. Zuri was seated in her mother's lap and Astyanax at his mother's side.
"Well," Briseis began, "now that we are all here, I think that it is time for dinner to begin."
The trays of food were set before them. Fruits, vegetables, and meats of every kind filled platters of silver and gold. Pastries lined up at the end for dessert made the mouth water with desire. Everyone began eating and small conversation began.
"So, tell me of what has happened to the people of Troy," Briseis asked Paris.
"Well, we have moved the city to a new location. It is nowhere near as grand as my father's was, but it will suffice for now until we can rebuild our home," Paris said, turning to his cousin.
"Really?" Briseis asked, "Who is leading them, you?"
"Yes, until Astyanax is old enough to rule on his own, then he will rule the people of Troy like Hector would have," Paris said.
"You will be a good king, like Uncle Priam was. I'm sure of it. Astyanax will be kind and fierce like Hector was," Briseis said.
"Does Achilles rule the people here?" Paris asked.
"Yes, this is his birth land and these are his people," Briseis explained.
"And you are the queen?" Helen interjected her question.
"Yes, I am his wife which would make me queen," Briseis answered politely.
"You promised us an explanation," Paris said.
"Alright, I suppose that now is a good a time as any," Briseis said, "This began during the war, after I was taken prisoner by the Greeks. First I was taken from the temple to Achilles's tent. When I met him the first time, he promised me that he would bring me no harm. All he asked was my name. Sometime later he was summoned to the tent of Agamemnon to celebrate the victory of capturing the beach. When he left, two guards came into his tent, untied me, and drug me to Agamemnon's tent where I waited outside. Later, Agamemnon called for them to bring me in. He stated that I was to be his slave. Achilles was furious and almost killed the two guards right then and there, but I told him that no more men should die that day. I was taken. For a few days I was kept in Agamemnon's quarters where he teased me with taunts and threats. He never touched me, thank the gods, but when the men's morale became weak he gave me to them. The men beat me and were going to take my virtue. Achilles saved me from their brutality and took me back to his tent. I was angry and frustrated with men in general that I was rather harsh to him. He explained a lot of things to me about the gods and how they envy us because we're mortal. At the time I did not believe what he said, but it made sense later. Well, that night I took a knife to his neck. He told me to do it because everyone dies whether it is now or fifty years from now. Something right then changed in me and the hatred I felt for him melted away. He kissed me for the first time and it felt right. That night I gave my womanly virtue to him freely of my own will and I never regretted it."
"What of when he killed Hector, your cousin? Did you not hate him then?" Paris asked, his face flushing with anger.
"I was angry with him, but I could not bring myself to hate him. I loved him so much. No matter what pain Hector's death brought me, I could now drown my feelings for Achilles. The night he came back with Hector's body tied to his chariot, I refused to share his bed because I was so angry. I curled up in a corner and cried. When Uncle Priam came to beg for Hector's body, Achilles let me come home and apologized for whatever pain he caused me. He also handed me this necklace," Briseis said and pulled up the shell necklace draped around her neck, "which was his cousin, Patroclus's. He cared for his cousin like a brother, so when he handed me the only thing left of his cousin; I knew he still loved me. Yet, I still returned to Troy and was welcomed home by all of you. At Hector's funeral I could not help but feel overwrought with guilt because I loved the man that killed my own cousin. That night I decided to leave Troy for good. I packed my things and left. When Achilles discovered that I had returned, we set said the next morning. We came here to his home and it became my home too."
"You say he protected you from so many things, yet you forget that my father brought you to Troy when your parents departed this world and protected you there as well," Paris spat.
"I realize that, dear cousin, and I will be ever grateful for uncle's kindness throughout my childhood. How could I deny my heart of its wants and needs? You say I was wrong in following it, yet you took Helen from another man. How could you judge me so?" Briseis asked.
"You know love, she is right," Helen said. "Love works in mysterious ways as I told you earlier."
Paris sat back and pondered everything that was said. He glanced over at Achilles and asked, "Why have you not said anything?"
"Because," Achilles replied, "I was not asked to say anything. But I do have something to say."
"Then speak," Paris said.
"I love Briseis more than I could possibly ever express. In every way, she is my match. I would do anything to protect her from anyone or anything that would harm her. When I met her, I was nothing more than a ruthless killer. After, I became the kind of person that would only kill if provoked," Achilles said. He then turned to Andromache, who had sat silent through all the conversation and said, "You husband was by far the best man I had ever fought or known. He cared for his country, countrymen, and his family. After he died, I prayed to the gods that they would not judge Hector for killing my cousin because he did not know that it was not me. I also prayed that they would forgive me for taking his life in vengeance and that one day I could bring myself to face his family and beg their forgiveness. I know that I have wronged you and your family and I do ask for your forgiveness."
Andromache sat silent for a moment before tears began to slide down her cheeks and onto the blanket of her sleeping daughter.
"I know that Hector would want me to forgive. In my own heart I want to forgive you as well. For a year I have been contemplating what I would say to you if I ever did meet you. At first I was angry and wished for your death. As time wore on, I found myself contemplating forgiveness, especially after Zuri's birth. Time is a healer of sorts, I suppose," Andromache said. "I do forgive you and hope that with time this family will mend itself and become one again."
For a moment, everyone in the room was silent as the events that had just occurred sunk into their thoughts. The only sounds were coming from the tiny infants in Briseis and Andromache's arms.
"I think that with time, this family will heal," Helen said, breaking the silence.
"I could not agree more with you," Briseis said.
With that, the tension in the room suddenly died. Everyone relaxed and even a few smiles broke from Paris's mouth. Achilles and Briseis glanced at one another, each knowing what the other was thinking. The time had come to make an announcement.
"Everyone, Achilles and I have an important announcement to make," Briseis said over the commotion of the room's conversation.
"What is it, dear cousin?" Paris asked, intrigued.
"Well, in a few months Achilles and I will be welcoming a new child into our house," Briseis said gleaming.
"Oh, that is wonderful!" exclaimed Helen.
"Indeed, what a blessed event," Paris agreed.
"A child is one of the most wonderful gifts the gods can bestow upon us," Andromache said.
"Indeed, well we have not introduced you to our first born. This," Briseis said while picking up Alex, "is our son, Alexandros."
"He is a beautiful baby," Helen beamed. "Might I hold him for a little while?"
"Of course, he needs to meet his cousins," Briseis said, smiling and handing the baby to Helen.
"Paris, he is such a darling. Come here and look," Helen beckoned to her husband. "Oh how I wish we were blessed with a child of our own."
"Maybe the gods will look down upon us with kindness now and give us the child we've been longing for," Paris said ruefully as he looked on his little cousin in his wife's arms with love.
"The gods have not yet blessed you with a child?" Briseis asked in concern.
"Not yet, Paris and I are hopeful for the future though. We have been praying to the gods and asking for a child," Helen said.
"Andromache," Briseis said, changing the subject to a happier one, "I believe that our boys will grow to be good friends. Astyanax will be like a big brother to Alex."
"I believe so as well. It will be like having Hector and Paris as children all over again. Remember that, dear cousin?" Andromache asked, laughing.
"Oh, yes. There was never a quiet moment in Troy with Hector and Paris as children. Uncle Priam had his work cut out for him with two boys as rambunctious as they were. Do you remember stealing Uncle's horse when you were ten years old, Paris?" Briseis asked.
"Yes, and I remember Hector chasing me with a stick and telling me to get off the horse. I also remember two girls off to the side, laughing at the whole display," Paris replied, smiling back at his cousin.
"Indeed, we were laughing, weren't we Andromache?" Briseis asked.
"Well, when something is amusing, one must laugh," Andromache answered. "How Hector would have loved to be here."
"He is here," Achilles said, speaking up for the first time. "Through your son you will always have him with you."
Andromache looked down at her toddler curled up in the chair next to her sleeping. She turned back to her cousins and nodded.
"The gods have blessed me with two pieces of Hector. I love them both dearly," Andromache said.
"We are a blessed family," Briseis said. "After so much unkindness, we have finally found peace."
"To peace," Achilles said, raising his glass.
"To peace," the rest of the room said in unison raising their glasses as well.
The feast went on into the night with much laughing and conversing amongst the family. What was once bitterness was replaced with love and understanding. It seemed as if the spirit of Hector walked amongst them, righting the wrongs they had done to one another in the past. As the night ended, the women took the little ones to bed and the men went outside to talk. Paris and Achilles walked out in the courtyards, discussing weaponry and horsemanship. After boring of that, they began talking about family.
"I see how happy you make my cousin. Briseis has not smiled like that since she was a child," Paris said.
"I love her," Achilles replied.
"I know you do. I see it in how you care for her. You would die for her just like I would die for Helen. My brother would want to see her happy as well," Paris said.
"Your brother was a good man. I never meant any harm to come to any of Briseis's family, but my cousin…" Achilles began, but Paris interrupted him.
"I know what you mean. You do not have to explain anymore to me," Paris reassured him. "If Briseis forgave you for that, she truly loves you with all of her heart."
"That she did. I am worried though," Achilles said.
"Why?" Paris asked.
"Before our son was born, Briseis had a hard time carrying him because she is so small. I almost lost her and our son four months before he was to be born. Briseis tries to do too much and it weakens her. I tell her to slow down, but she is stubborn and will not listen to me. I am worried that the same will happen with this child and I will not be near by to get help," Achilles admitted.
"We will stay until she gives birth then. That way, you have three extra people to keep an eye on her so she will not do too much. I would not want any harm coming to my cousin. We will protect her with you," Paris offered.
"Thank you, brother. I think having her family here will be comforting for her," Achilles replied.
"We are family now and families are there for one another, no matter what comes," Paris said. "You know, you are not the man everyone portrayed you to be."
"I was that man, but I'm not anymore. I do not fight unless I have a reason. Becoming a husband and father has changed my views," Achilles explained.
"Welcome to the family," Paris said, offering his hand.
Achilles grasped Paris's hand and embraced his new brother.
Back in the palace, the women were having their own conversations after the little ones were put to bed. They were gathered in Andromache's room.
"How did you do it, Briseis?" Helen asked.
"Do what?" Briseis asked back, confused.
"Tame the mighty Achilles?" Helen asked once more.
"I loved him. That is all I did was love him," Briseis answered, smiling.
"They say that no man was ever able to break him and make him follow a flag or king," Andromache noted.
"I am not a man, now am I?" Briseis asked, giggling.
"So, what was it like in his tent on the beaches?" Helen asked.
"I thought I would be afraid at first, but he never was unkind to me. His words comforted me in a way because I knew he was right. I also found that he was smarter than he led on and gentler," Briseis said.
"How was he gentler?" Andromache asked.
"His touch," Briseis said.
"His touch?" Helen asked, raising an eyebrow and giving a knowing smile.
"My first time with any man was with Achilles. I expected him to just push through and expect me to deal with the pain. Surprisingly he was gentle and patient with me, kissing all my tears off my cheeks and whispering reassuring things in my ear. He always asked me through my entire first time what I was feeling and if he could go a little further. Achilles is the most gentle lover," Briseis explained. "Now he always pulls his weight off of me at intervals so not to crush my petite form. I like the weight though, it makes me feel safe and warm."
"I thought he was a brute. It seems I was wrong," Helen said.
"That is what I thought until that first night in his tent with me in his bed. Now I see the way he holds Alex and I recognize the same gentle hold as he does with me," Briseis stated, smiling.
"All of this coming from our innocent little priestess cousin? Briseis, you have changed so much, but it is a good change," Andromache said.
The three women smiled at one another. They had been through the worst times of their lives during the war. Now, the mending had begun and a family had been reunited. Truly, it was a time of peace. No one knew what the future might hold, but they would soon find out.
A/N: This is by far the longest chapter I've written to date. I am generous for my devoted readers. I hope that this chapter was worth reading. Leave me suggestions for the names/sexes of Briseis's baby. I have an idea, but I want more input.