The next morning both Paris and I awoke early. Just as the sun wa beginning to rise in the East. I watched as Paris put on his armor once again. This time time it felt different, there was so much riding on this duel between Menelaus and Paris. I could feel the anxiety hovering around me. I was worried for the man I loved, I never felt this way when Menelaus went into battle, there was a small part of me that always hoped he would die and never return to Sparta. Allowing me to become queen in my own right. But the fates never seemed to smile down on me. I was dressed in a simple white tunic, a multicolor sash wrapped around my waist. I pulled my cloak on, tying it around my neck. My hair hung down to my waist. The wet nurse had come in early this morning, as Hermione would be getting up soon to feed. I hoped that in the future, I would be able to feed my own children at my breast. That the past would not repeat itself, and my labors would be easier with future children. I walked over to where they were sitting and sat beside her. Touching her small head, I leaned down and planted a kiss on her small head.
"Soon we will be free my darling, and then we can truly live our lives," I whispered. She turned her head to stare up at me with those beautiful blue eyes. The same blue eyes that Pollux and I had. I could see the curiosity in her eyes, and I also saw the love in her eyes. That pure love that every child has for their parents. I would do anything for this beautiful daughter of mine, I would go to the ends of the earth for this child. I stood up and Paris came to stand by my side. He took my hand and planted a kiss on it.
"Are you ready to do this Helen," Paris asked. I looked over through the curtains, the curling smoke of the Greek camp could be seen on the horizon. I felt a heaviness settle in my stomach. Everything will change after today. And I knew that after today, even I would be different.
"Yes Paris, I can no longer allow myself to fear Menalaus. It is time for me to stand up and fight back, just like the Spartan woman I am," I replied. Paris leaned in and planted a kiss on my temple. It was a sweet and gentle thing.
"Then let us go, we will meet Pollux and Hector in the stables," Paris replied. He hadn't mentioned his cousin Aeneas. Would he not be there? To see the duel between Paris and Menelaus. We left our chambers and made our way down the corridor.
"What about Aeneas? Will he not be joining today's battle," I asked. Paris led us down a flight of steps toward the servants quarters. I still had much to learn about the Trojan palace.
"My father thought it best to send Aeneas to Andromache's father. To plan for supplies and men to come into the city through the tunnels. We wanted a contingency plan if Agamemnon goes back on his end," Paris said simply. I felt both relief and anxiety mix in my stomach. It was a strategic move on Troy's part to do this. But it also meant that Priam did not have faith in his son to win the duel with Menelaus. We reached the stables, Pollux and Hector were already there preparing their horses. We walked over to them and Hector took in my appearance with a raised eyebrow. But he did not look surprised that I was here. Though Pollux did look surprised.
"Helen, what are you doing here? This is not the time to be here," Pollux asked. Pollux took in my appearance. Paris kept his hand in mine, intertwining our fingers. Paris was standing behind my decision to attend this battle.
"Helen wishes to be there when I challenge Menelaus today," Paris said. The soldiers who were working the stables let out a collective gasp. Clearly they were not expecting a woman to be out on the battlefield. To witness the slaughter that we all expected to come.
"You must be joking. Surely having Helen out on the battlefield is not a good idea. Especially with how unpredictable Agamemnon is," Pollux said. He crossed his arms and stared at me. Knowing that this was my idea, and not Paris'. I let go of Paris' hand and went to face my brother. I will stand my ground on this matter.
YOU ARE READING
Beautiful War
Historical Fiction*All Characters are based of off Homer's great work the Illiad You have heard my name before. I am the face that launched a thousand ships. The face that destroyed a city. Many men have told the story of Helen of Troy... That is me. But they never t...
