March

Three months have passed until Kassandra has good news. The region of Megaris is won and her father can return for a short time to see them. One cold misty morning, word reaches the city that the General escorts the wounded and a small group that has brought back the deceased. Much later the same day, long after the sun rays reach and warm the wet earth, the troops are spotted at the outskirts marching. People gather to welcome the victorious soldiers. Some of them secretly hope that those carried on their shields are not their loved ones. Still, the cheers overshadow any fear. Everyone is happy for the outcome, being a huge victory. The fallen soldiers died with honor, thus, they deserve respect and honors from the fellow Spartans. To be remembered as heroes. There is no place for sorrow and shallow grief. It's part of their ethos not to fear death.

The people welcome the few troops back warmly. There is music on the street and the singing voices echo throughout the empty streets reaching Kassandra's ears. She sets the hot pot on the limestone countertop and leans against the cold wall watching out of the window. She lingers there for a while before resuming the task her mother assigned her to finish before her family would return. Kassandra isn't allowed to get out of the house. As a result, she can't attend the assembly to her father's arrival. Instead, she awaits inside, busy into the kitchen having dinner prepared. At some point Alexios appears sweaty from the barracks. To her annoyance he greets her with a quick hug and rushes out again.

He is permitted to stay for the rest of the day with his family as tradition commands. A rare occasion that happens once or twice every few months. The victory must have raised everyone's spirits, including the pedagogues'. She is grateful for their decision. There will be plus two loving and friendly faces at the table tonight for a change. It has been awkward all thιs time, being alone with her mother after what happened. At first, it had been desperately insufferable. At the pleasant occasion where Myrrine wasn't insulting or yelling, she was constantly scoffing and frowning. Her tongue sharp and her tone stiff. Kassandra has been through the gates of Hades, emotionally, fighting Kerberos unstoppably since that fateful morning. She can hardly process the events and bear the harsh treatment. All this time, she does her best to breathe and operate with a blurry mind. No resistance, no talking back. She just needs it to stop and hopes that showing good behavior might help. It may halt Myrrine's ire. That's all the girl needs. To put this living hell behind her and fool herself into making her forget as if it has been just a nightmare. Anything else seems impossible to swallow.

A heavy sigh escapes her lips. She bites on them hard as though that could push away the unwelcome thoughts. Besides the actual pain, it does little else. Her mind races hard, fast and relentlessly, until the ache settles in her chest. In a matter of seconds, her heart almost stops from her sadness and every inch inside her freezes. All she manages is the numbness of her limbs and confussion in her brain. It happens to her a lot lately. It takes a while to recover and function again.

She is setting the table while her brother trains in their yard.

"Pater!" Alexios yells cheerfully and she wipes her hands in a cloth, brushing her chiton off dust and stands straight right in front of the door despite of the chilly wind that blows mercilessly on her face.

She has missed him. All this time he's away, she has suffered without him. He has been the only family member able to listen and understand her. The only one who already knows about Hyakinthus and may not jump to conclusions. Father and daughter share a unique connection, special and loving that raises her hopes. In an optimistic scenario chances are, that despite his possible annoyance and anger, he will give her a chance to explain. No matter what her mother has told him, he will grand her a chance.

Nikolaos appears. Wearing the usual grey wolf pelt on his shoulders over his red cloak. This time though, the dull color matches his eyes. He casts a sad glance at her and wraps her in a quick embrace. Then, leads his daughter to her bedroom despite his son's attempts to be the center of attention. He told his wife he would scold her privately, away from Alexios. However, once the door is closed, he embraces her again.

"Why?"

His voice is broken hiding pain and it's worse than any scolding he could do. He is disappointed with her and her behavior and who knows what he has believed already to stare at her like this. Her heart aches even more. She shakes her head with pleading eyes as if to refuse the accusations, but no words reach her mouth. She reaches out with her hands and he cups both of them with his searching her gaze.

"Forgive me, dad. I swear... he didn't touch me. I was simply cold."

That part is easier to say even though not exactly true. The soldier's hands haven't wondered much any night. He didn't touch her anywhere except from her back which isn't anything intimate alone. She needs more than a few words to explain what happened and it would do the man no justice to claim otherwise. Nothing similar to the accusations her mother has fired at her happened between them. She remains a maiden and no act came close to change that. Hyakinthus was so gentle and decent that admitting the exchange of their first kiss would be unfair for his honor. Between the two she is the one to blame, she provoked more than he did and caused it.

"I'll return him his cloak. He must need it."

Her mouth parts in surprise. She feared her father would be furious with her recklessness. No matter how much he loves her, sneaking out at night to meet a nameless man, is a serious matter. She wonders whether he is calmer because she didn't try to hide it from him in the first place and her Hyakinthus has already met him in person to express his interest. It could be terribly awkward in any other case, just like it is with her mother.

She gapes at him and his solemn face brings a smile on her lips. He isn't even going to give her a talking. Could this indicate his support to her situation.

"You're not angry. Do we have your blessing?"

The Wolf nods with irritation on his otherwise earnest face. She can only guess what he may be thinking. That her Hyakinthus should be grateful that he approached her father, before all these. Maybe even be thankful that he had her father's approval or else he would be a dead man. Or that she should thank the gods that her father loves her so much that he could never raise a hand on her. Maybe all of that. Before she can decide or make more assumptions, her father's voice breaks the silence.

"He didn't reveal himself to you, yet?"

She shakes her head in response. A bigger sense of guilt surfaces. How could she be so easily persuaded to meet with a stranger and trust him? How could he feel so right whenever she is close to him? Discussing the situation with another person brings up important details she refuses to acknowledge on her own. She feels foolish. Her mind often tells her the same, albeit she silences it. Her lack of knowledge is wrong. She needs to know. Pushing her guilt aside, she ceases the opportunity.

"Will you tell me?" She asks. Big warm eyes turn on him.

Nikolaos ponders on it peering at her carefully with knitted brows. "If he didn't touch you as you say, then I won't."

It seems, he doesn't quite accept it as a fact. Her face falls. It is the first time her father hasn't any faith in her. It hurts. She cannot blame him, for being cautious with what he believes since she let him down and betrayed his trust already. She deserves the treatment, acknowledges it. Silence stretches for a few more moments until she recovers.

"I'll have to wait then. Is he in the city what if he's not?" When she replies her voice is small.

He notices and his eyes soften a little. "We'll see."

"Thank you, dad, and I'm really sorry."

"Be careful."

With that he exits the room and leaves her alone once again. It could have gone better, or it could have gone worse. Her body remains tight and motionless for a few moments while she struggles to push her emotions deep down. Clear her thoughts and regain a neutral composure before she steps out of the safety of her room to become prey to the vigilant and judgemental eyes of Myrrine.

Nikolaos is lying on his bed, exhausted and yet he is forced to listen to his wife's endless chatter. The subject is nothing other than their daughter's offense, a detailed retelling, possible consequences, suggestions of additional punishment. Myrrine is overwhelmed by the incident and unable to forgive Kassandra, yet.

"Your daughter is so immature. She didn't think of her reputation, the prospect of ruining her upcoming marriage, or her brother. That's what happens when you never scold her and always favor her!" She ceases for a long moment and he thinks she is finally done. He is wrong though. "Did she tell you who he was? He must be found and silenced before it's too late."

He sighs heavily rolling on his side to face her. "It's not as bad as you fear. I'll deal with him, no worries."

"I wouldn't be so strict. She is seventeen, I gather she is old enough to marry soon, as we plan to. You know better, the reasons I got frustrated."

"Trust me, Myrrine."

She sighs and grimaces. "Do I want to know who that boy was?" Shame is drawn all over her face and he smiles at her in response.

A proud woman like her, is unlike to swallow and bear humiliation. Even though she is offended double of what Kassandra did, it's not the solemn reason behind her rigor. He sees through her, past her rough exterior. He has been able to read her since they were young, long before they married. He can tell what lies beneath her rage and disappointment. Fear for her son's life. The fate that could befall him if the Agiad king considered him a threat. She is right. Nikolaos worries, too, but he balances his emotions and pushes them aside with more ease than she does. He values choices before taking action. He has been carrying lives and the fates of all Spartans on his shoulders long enough. Sacrificing a life to save another isn't fair. Experience has taught him this lesson the hard way. It's best to at least try to find an alternative. One that may be risky, but doesn't necessarily doom a person. The thought keeps his hopes alive. He could attempt to talk to his wife, revealing the truth. She deserves to know, but she may be unable to understand. Her judgment may be clouded and cause a reaction far from what their family needs at the moment. Inhaling, he decides against it.

"There is no reason, she hasn't gone as far as you fear. Let her be. She fell in love and made a mistake. That's all."

She scoffs. "One chance. She will have some freedom, though has to prove she deserves my trust."

He presses his mouth against her forehead and falls back closing his eyes. The message is clear, he agrees and has nothing to add, so his wife eventually lets him close his eyes in silence to rest. Though, rest is hard to come.

The next day, Philothea and Alkmene make yet another attempt to visit Kassandra. To their surprise, she is finally allowed to meet with other people.

With her father's presence, her mother relaxes a bit and isn't as strict as before. Kassandra wonders whether her friends suspected it or they were just lucky. They are gathered in her room where they discuss in hushed tones and catch up. They are shocked of her news and honestly have little to offer other than emotional support. It's enough. Sharing it with others is a huge relief. She is happy for that. She was alone, cut out from the world all this time. Discussing with the girls is refreshing at least. She can finally say in detail what happened and be believed. Without facing judgement or pointing fingers. On the contrary, the girls are thrilled. They share her joy she is in her first real relationship and the guy shows prospect and good signs. Besides being secretive, he doesn't seem to have ulterior motives. His behavior is sweet and caring. She shouldn't be in this situation. On the contrary, she deserves to be joyful and live the moment. One day, she will be forgiven and she will go out again, meet him again. She hopes that day isn't so far. She could wait a lifetime just for the promise of his touch, but the situation is more urgent and complicated than even she wishes to admit.

Her friends give her courage and strengthen her faith in him. Their support brings a smile on her face after so long and their kind teases raise her spirit.

Two weeks later, Nikolaos has one council after the other getting ready to depart for a new mission. In the meantime, everything in the family has been quiet. Kassandra behaves exceptionally and Myrrine relaxes. The state at home is just as it had been before the incident and better. He is relieved there is no unrest before his departure. Hoping it'll stay the same during his absence. Kassandra is anxious to stay alone with her mother. She fears retaliation will start again as soon as her father leaves. She has no courage to reveal her concerns. She only tries hard to be as obedient as she can, more than she has ever managed to be, in hopes Myrrine will forgive her.

The sun has vanished behind mount Taygetos when Nikolaos comes to see his daughter. He is leaving just the next day and he finally asks for the cloak. He doesn't say it, nor does he have to. Her soldier is back again rebuilding her hopes. She dares to ask her father a favor. She pleads him to allow her to meet the guy tonight under his supervision stunning him with her bold request. Instead of answering he shakes his head with a stern face. Asking and begging repeatedly promising the necessity of a short conversation, she reasons out with him. She doesn't care, as long as she has a chance to meet the man. It doesn't really matter how she will manage to reach out. She has to talk to him. Their time is running short and she knows her mother won't get her eyes off of her ever again. Nikolaos glares at his daughter while she talks. Although, her puppy eyes sway and convince him in the end.

Not long after that, he finds himself at the barracks, walking with fast strides. His fist is clenched and his jaw tight, but he keeps his head high. Eyes trained to scan the environment without being raised suspiciously for others to notice. Fighting with his consciousness since he accepted this ridiculous request, he sighs and curses his adoration won over his logic. He hasn't figured out yet how a man like him can be so soft and weak when it comes to his daughter.

He walks down the corridor bypassing the rooms. Stealing a glance only at those with a prospect of being occupied by the man he seeks. His feet finally take him at the war room, where the officers study and design tactics. Approaching his target discreetly, he tenses up, but continues closing the distance.

"Commander. An hour before midnight, you know where." Nikolaos whispers in his ear passing beside him.

The younger man gazes at him wide-eyed for a while before masking his face with a smug grin and resumes reading the scroll in his hands.

Nikolaos stands, hands clasped behind his back, only paces away from the couple. His jaw tight and his chest heavy. Bearing consciously the weight of their choice, as he dreads they will be seen. He prays they are getting away with it, or else the consequences may be dreadful. He was swayed not only by the love for his daughter, but also by the need to verify her words. He weighted his options while he struggled with the decision he took. He will keep a closer eye to determine whether the man deserves his trust and support. Otherwise, he ends this right away. This weakness can serve as a test, one that has been delayed. Appearing a solid quiet protector, he pins a sharp eye on each figure, reading them. Attentive and imposing like an eagle.

"My Hyakinthus." She mutters under her breath continuing in a louder voice. "You are well. I'm sorry for everything."

She holds out his cloak and he reaches out to take it, in a slow motion. In the process, his hand brushes against her skin. A warm much needed touch, reminder of better days. A small token of affection concealed in the move that reminds her of their connection. It warms her heart in the cold windy night.

He sighs with regret. "I got you in trouble. Forgive me."

"Don't think about that. Rather the time left. Seven weeks until the Hyakinthia."

"I know."

"You promised me..." She trails out and she doesn't need to speak the words. His reply follows.

"I know."

His voice remains sweet and calm. He is optimistic, whereas she has freaked out. She is scared and desperate. She wonders why he doesn't see that they are running out of time. Normally, they should form a plan. He should ask for her hand in an official visit. But most importantly, he should show his face. Talk to her about his life, just like she did, to get to know him. Pass some time together, like a normal couple would in the light of day. A walk by the river, a meeting up in the mountain to see the sunset side by side. She has heard so many experiences from others, so many beautiful things from her friends that she has never lived. Her heart beats fast in anticipation in the mere thought.

It seems wise to remind him of his promises. He is aware of the things they go along with.

"Nothing is as you said."

"I know." He exhales with a hint of discomfort, but stops there.

She takes a deep breath swallowing her pride. "What are we going to do?"

"I'm working on it. You may not like it."

Her eyes well up. He is letting her out again. He chooses to do his tricks or give up and let her in the dark waiting. She doesn't want to cry in her father's presence and holds back her tears. It's already humiliating that he can listen to their whole conversation. She feels too stupid already and when the first sniff is heard, she drowns in shame.

Hyakinthus takes in a slow breath. "Do you believe in miracles?" He asks releasing the air in his lungs with his whisper.

She shakes her head. "No."

"You have to." He notes and squeezes her palm momentarily. "Have faith. I'll fix everything eventually. I promise."

"How? You've said this again among other promises you broke. The first, I don't even know your name yet."

"Unfortunately, we are going for the alternative plan. Thank Zeus that kept us away from that mistake."

"Kassandra..." Nikolaos calls to remind them, they have already bent his tolerance.

Indeed, he has heard enough. His daughter loves the boy very much. To the point where it would break her heart if anything went wrong. The fact terrifies the Wolf. He could never bear her sorrow especially in case he had a part in it. Like he does. He is responsible for letting this happen. He could have ended it long ago. He prays he didn't choose wrong that day or he will end up killing the man. Watching them together as an observer to what has been their meetings for months, he wonders if he ought to watch her. It would be easy to.

They both turn their heads at him and back at each other. Not that it actually matters. They are all shade figures in almost total darkness. The young man takes a single step closer, his hand finding hers and gripping it.

"Goodnight and don't fear. As long as I breathe, you're not losing your freedom to Pausanias." He assures with a light touch and immediately lets go.

Her heart skips a beat. She wants to believe him, the way her heart does. The same way she trusts him blindly all these months. Her need for optimism is high in order to erase the irrational fear that has settled in. For some reason, she has an ominous hunch about her future, sensing that the fates won't let her be happy. Or her excessive worry may make her overreact. While she struggles with these thoughts, Nikolaos's heart warms just one bit with the statement. A noble promise nonetheless given the circumstances. It sounds selfless the way it's said. If only it's honest, he can breathe with relief again.

She smiles joylessly. "Goodnight. I'll miss you." The last sentence is said in a low voice for his ears alone.

"I miss you, too." He whispers before he turns to leave.

Father and daughter walk home speechless. Both consumed in their own worries and sharing just a bit of unease. Neither knows how to break the tension. When they are finally back into the safety of their house, Nikolaos relaxes and manages to offer her a weak half smile. She thanks him and kisses his cheek before vanishing into her room with her shame.

June

A week before the Hyakinthia and all the men return to the city. The military operations are put on ice. The Athenians respect this sacred feast not to anger the Gods. Kassandra can't rest assured until her Hyakinthus sends something. It hasn't been long since the last time, but he was sent somewhere to fight. Also, she is to turn eighteen in two days and she is extremely anxious. She is waiting for a course of action. Whatever that might be, provided that she escapes becoming the king's bride. However, she has no word from her soldier. Her heart beats rapidly every single day and most of her nights are restless. Anxiety is consuming her bit by bit.

Her father is back home well thankfully. She has managed to persuade him to grant her a few more days of freedom. He delays giving his promise to the king officially until the celebrations. He has pledged to talk to his daughter by the Hyakinthia, claiming she isn't ready. Pausanias wants to announce it by the end of the celebrations. The Wolf's hands are tied. He has only managed to obtain these few extra days and nothing more. He informs his daughter and she doesn't take it well. She writes a short message passing the news to Hyakinthus, carefully written in case it falls into the wrong hands. She places it at the usual spot and finally relaxes the next day when it's missing and in its place, there's a beautiful small red blossom

She expected him to reach out, yet there is no sign of him for the next hours. Besides stress and pressure, she feels the tightness all over her body as fear has gripped her heart and almost erased every hope. What if he decides to back down? Knitting new baskets with her father all morning, doesn't help her mood much. She used to love this tradition, whereas she is tense. Keeping her hands occupied doesn't halt the racing thoughts from conquering her mind. The sun is still high in the sky. Nikolaos is seated at the bench in his yard holding a huge basket with flowers. Kassandra carries more fresh blossoms to place them in when a man arrives handing Nikolaos a letter. She watches silently as her father thanks the man, calling him Diodoros, and has a worried expression upon reading the message. He rolls it and hides it inside his clothes.

"The man is mad." He mutters and resumes his task with the flowers.

She doesn't ask. It must be something with his job and she has learnt since she was a young girl that military matters stay out of their house. Actually, it is one of Myrrine's rules for some reason.

When they finish and fill the basket, Nikolaos heads for the barracks while Kassandra goes to her room to change. Her eyes glean with joy the moment she spots a small bouquet of bright magenta dianthus on her windowsill. She runs and takes the flowers in her hands. The smell is lovely and they are wonderful. She closes her eyelids with a smile, places them in the empty vase, and rushes to the apricot tree.

She searches and finds a small well-hidden piece of paper. 'Tonight.'

Her heart beats loud in her chest and unusually fast. Her beam is so wide that it's painful. Suddenly, her happiness crumbles down. She was out when he putted the message there. She could have seen him placing it, however, she wasn't observant. She never is. She hardly pays attention to whatever happens around her. There are plenty of things she doesn't notice and many times she regrets it. She shakes her head and walks back inside before anyone sees her.

At the same time, Nikolaos goes to meet him. Diodoros is in the room along with Markos. The three men discuss in low voices and cease the moment he walks in. They are being careful, good he thinks and approaches the table the men have been gathered around. They bow their heads in respect and offer tight lipped smiles. He notices the unease in the two crossing out only one who is yet confident.

Kassandra's Hyakinthus greets the Wolf warmly. "General. Time to fully reveal my plan, but first. Assure Commander Markos that you accept my proposal to marry your daughter."

"I do, unofficially. King Pausanias will claim her at the Hyakinthia unless you do something sooner."

"Markos, you heard it. You may go not to raise suspicion. Thank you, again." The young man states, whereas, for the first time, there are small hints of discomfort.

He lacks his grin and his usual chuckle. His forehead is slightly furrowed, it has some feint lines and generally seems uncharacteristically furrowed. He doesn't appear happy of what he has to say next. The Wolf fears he will equally dislike what he is going to hear.

"Alright. General, we will discuss soon. Good luck, brains." Markos wishes with a small tease to raise the spirits before leaving the rest three men alone.

"I'll take my leave as well, to avoid being seen together. Diodoros will inform you about everything. We will communicate through him for the next few days." The Commander says building a pretense and leaves immediately with a false irritation.

"What kind of meeting is this? Tell me, Diodoros, honestly, he is afraid I'll dislike the plan and left, isn't he?" The Wolf asks with a stern face.

"General, I'm just the messenger. He wanted to make the introductions and assure all the parts." The young man pauses, swallows struggling to find the right words and goes on with a grinace. "He isn't himself lately, he could be dreading your refusal. You can call it off anytime if you disagree. Although, I doubt it would stop him, he certainly has an alternative plan to run on his own."

Nikolaos examines the younger man. He crosses his arms over his chest staring hard as his jaw clenches. "You speculate or you are aware? He will sneak in, take her and marry her secretly, won't he?"

Diodoros's eyes go wide and his cheeks flush red with discomfort. The knowledge of their moves, is unsettling. In case the Wolf wants to call this off, he can make it impossible for them to go on on their own. A dreadful possibility, as the older man seems displeased already.

The Wolf motions with his hand for the soldier to go on as he was supposed to, dismissing the previous statement.

"Within the next days, he will cause a minor scandal. Most importantly, remember, you'll have to get furious with him as you would normally do and demand he takes responsibility. To make it more realistic you could beat him up a bit. Brains insists on it actually." Diodoros begins and continues explaining the plot, asserting that the girl is going to be sheltered from every slander.

Nikolaos listens carefully. By the time all the details are said, he is convinced, he is taking the biggest risk in his life. Pondering on more than the situation and focusing on the man who is marrying his daughter, he is less and less calm. Brains they call him. He certainly is a fox. He can rival Odysseus with his schemes. Nikolaos thinks with unease. He is putting his faith in the man's words that will lead to his beloved daughter's marriage. What if his soon-to-be son-in-law has other motives, some hidden cause? It may be all a huge fraud. Nikolaos prays it isn't or he will commit a crime and take the man's life.

He shakes his head and sighs. "Tell your friend, he is mad."

Diodoros chuckles. "I do, more than ten times a day."

The same night. Kassandra walks to the tree where he is standing. She falls into his arms and he swirls her around. He lets her down, holding only her hands, and presses a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank Hera, you are alright." She breathes out, face upwards.

He squeezes her palms and smiles. "I will always return to you."

She cannot see it, but she can feel it. Maybe she has a wild imagination, but she believes they are so connected she can sense his reactions. She steps on her tiptoes to reach him. She tilts her head and halts mere inches from his lips. She is almost eighteen, why doesn't he make the first move? Didn't he miss her like she did? She waits. His warm breath falls on her skin. He doesn't lower his head. Her lips land on his chin, just like the first time, for a lingering kiss. She can't reach any higher.

She lowers her head. "You didn't miss me."

He hears the bitterness in her voice. Clear as day. Pressing his lips together, he swallows hard and fights back his emotions. He must get used to it if he wants to accomplish his plan. No matter how hard it is, he has to learn to look into her eyes and deny her.

"On the contrary, you have no idea." He sighs and his palms cup her cheeks. "Let's not risk. We can kiss when we're engaged."

"When?"

"Meet me tomorrow at sunset at the spot we first met."

"In the light of day!" She exclaims and covers her mouth.

He nods. "Everything is ready, in two days..." He lowers his head so his forehead leans against hers. His lips part and he closes his eyes. "We will be betrothed." He finishes regaining his composure.

"The fourth Hyakinthia will be our lucky one." She intones, beaming.

"This time you don't need me to save you from anyone."

He hears his own voice saying to cheer her up and give her courage and almost hates that he's giving her false hope.

"Wrong. I do."

He chuckles. "Only from me." He finishes in a more serious tone than he intended, but she doesn't seem to notice.

He wraps his arms around her tightly and she melts into his embrace burying her face into his chest. His chin rests on her head as his gaze hovers over the trees into the night sky. He says silent prayers for the days to come, begging for forgiveness from the Gods and pleading for their aid. He holds her, drowning in the comforting sensation of love. He is going to preserve this moment in his heart and carry it in his fondest memories. Paying attention to her relaxed and even breathing he is taking note of every small move she does. She is feeling secure and she is already lost in the moment, entrusting him blindly. Her face buried into his chest, she hardly bothers to worry for anything. She is focused on the beginning of a new life. One without the fear of marrying a man she doesn't like, without the shadow of duty looming over her. She dares to be hopeful and already imagine what could happen the next day.

As they are both inattentive, neither notices the figure that finally moves away from the window vanishing into the darkness of the quiet house.

She awaits him, pacing up and down the river edge in anticipation. It's the day she will see him at last and learn who he is. Even though it seems like the perfect birthday gift, he had to do this long ago. Sometime he will have to explain why he delayed it, but she has forgiven him either way. At the moment, she is impatient, it's high time she sees him. They are mere days if not just one night away from the king claiming her.

"Chaire, Kassandra." The voice startles her.

She looks up to find an unwelcome face staring back at her. The voice sounds familiar in a way, but thankfully it's not the same. She ponders on forming a response or staying silent. They have never met and she wouldn't know him normally if it wasn't for his unusual promotion. The question is how comes he knows her. She wonders, but fights the urge to ask. She doesn't like him and she also wants him gone as fast as possible. She hesitates for another moment thinking how she should address him.

"Commander Brasidas. What are you doing here?"

"You're not in position to ask, young lady." He notes with the same grin she saw on his face that first time and steps closer.

Is he trying to impress her? Scare her? Or does he honestly believe she fancies him just like all the other girls her age do? She wonders. He dares to overstep every boundary and stand right in front of her way into her personal space. This man is infuriating. The way he believes he commands everything and intimidates anyone. He thinks too highly of himself, it's evident and therefore annoying.

She hardly refrains from rolling her eyes and she refuses to respond. She crosses her arms over her chest when he jolts forward in a quick move and kisses her lips. Her reaction is immediate. She pushes him back about to start yelling at him. When the damage is done. A commander, about her father's age, is right behind him watching them. He wears a stiff expression, looking down on them through furrowed brows.

"The two of you, be decent." The older man exclaims. "Commander, you disappoint us, and you, young lady, you disgrace your father."

She freezes. She is caught in what appears to be an intimate moment in the eyes of the older man. Shame builds up inside her as she was seen during an improper act, but mostly anger. At the same time, Brasidas turns around on the spot and tries to talk his way out.

"Commander, forgive us. I understand you are in a difficult position. I take responsibility. I'm to blame, there is no reason to tarnish her reputation."

She hears him say, however, her anger doesn't cease one bit. This was not meant to happen. This was his fault. She is furious. She got in this position because of him! And he isn't a man to admit he took advantage without being given any hint of concession. She is about to speak up, the only thing that makes her contain her rage is the possibility to get rid of the king once and for all if even the smallest whisper reaches his ears. Still, the injustice of facing irrational accusations and being blamed for an act she didn't desire to participate in the first place, encourage her boldness.

She tries to explain and point out the unwelcome advance, indifferent of Brasidas's presence. To her surprise not only he doesn't deny it, he emphasizes he was the reckless one. However, the older man doesn't appear willing to reckon any excuses. No matter what Brasidas says, the Commander doesn't listen. He is determined to bring it forward and sends her away.

After a long, failed attempt to negotiate. She is allowed to return home and she can only think of her soldier. Her Hyakinthus would reveal himself today and Brasidas ruined everything. Avoiding Myrrine, she goes straight to her room slamming the wooden door behind her. She collapses on her bed and hides her face into her palms sighing and groaning in frustration as silent tears run down her cheeks.

The next day, she awakes with her mother's voice. Myrrine is furious again. This time, Kassandra doesn't have to open her eyes to understand. She knows what it's about. The Commander has reached her father and somehow her mother heard it, too.

"Frivolous girl. How could you be so naive? At least tell me, was he Brasidas of Sparta all along?"

She blinks from the shock. "Mater? No, that idiot-"

"You're not ashamed to admit you were seeing men? Well, it all ends here. You'll learn your lesson. Marriage will force you to comply. And to think I was counting on you to protect your brother. "

"Mater?"

Myrrine ignores her daughter. Nikolaos enters the room, face stern and his wife rushes off believing he will take charge to punish their daughter after this disaster. The girl watches her father with wide eyes, holding her breath.

"Kassandra, you are free from the king. It is settled to marry Brasidas." He says standing beside the bed.

"No." She whispers with disbelief and freezes for a moment longer to process the news. "Dad, please. Do something, he... he kissed me without my consent. I pushed him back right away. I don't like him, he's arrogant." By the time she finishes, her eyes well up with tears.

"Sweetheart, I know. He admitted it in the room to me and the whole Gerousia. The Commander that witnessed it confirmed it. Although..."

"Then what's the matter?"

"Accusations came forward. It was the only way to preserve both your reputations."

"What about Hyakinthus? He asked me from you. We... he... you accepted." She struggles to force the words, her brain is shutting down. Her eyes are pleading him.

"The Gerousia voted. You and Brasidas would be traduced and they chose to cover the scandal."

"But..." The only word that comes out of her mouth before her body surrenders to her restrained sobs.

She is not a state matter to vote for her marriage. It's her life, her future. How could those men choose for her? Seal her future in an instant like it's nothing.

"General, you requested me."

The young commander comes to stand with his hands clasped behind his back. His back is perfectly straight, his body strong and proud contrasting with the black eye on his face and the swollen cheekbone. Nikolaos glares at him and paces closer, failing to scare the younger man even after what happened between them.

"My daughter is crying her heart out all day. Give me a good reason not to strangle you right now with my bare hands."

"She will be happy, soon."

Nikolaos's fist lands on the table. "When? You understand what we did?" He hisses in the lowest possible voice throwing his hands in the air.

"It was the only way. I had to blackmail myself." The younger man pauses and emphasizes the next words. "I'm very close to secure the safety of your children."

"You depart in a week. You're lucky you came alive the previous time."

"Scamps die hard." Brasidas says with a grin and bows before leaving.

NOTES: Ooops! Here it is, as promised to a special friend and loyal reader (only a liiiiiittle late). Thank you for the support! I hope you enjoy! I expect many reviwes and detailed comments in this one! I know the kind of judgment I deserve for this.