Ariadne's string

Chapter 3 Part 1

I stared at the ceiling of the stables. I was so tired, exhausted from a day of doing nothing. After the arena, we were brought back to the stables, while the monarchs had a feast. I've been trying to sleep since then, with no luck. The rest are asleep, and I can hear their shallow breaths. I keep hoping to see Theseus, but I doubt that'll happen. I was stupid to think we were on the same side. He's probably told half of our plan to his father already. I scolded myself for trusting him, for trusting anybody on this unknown island.

I sat up, playing with the pieces of hay at my feet, going over the plan in my head. Maybe, I could do it without his help. Maybe I didn't have to though, I thought, as I heard footsteps. I couldn't hide my happiness to see him. I stood, only to be greeted by Phaedra, the young princess. I smiled, happy to see her as well. "Hi." I said. "Hi. I can't sleep, and I don't know where Theseus is. Can I stay here?"

"Of course," my heart filled with warmth. "Come on." I beckoned her closer, wrapping her in a blanket. I don't know if it was a good idea; people would come looking for her. But for now, I laid down next to her. "You don't know where Theseus is?" I asked gently. She was already half asleep, her face covered in her long hair.

"No," she murmured. "He wasn't at dinner, I think because he had a fight with father."

She closed her eyes, and I assumed she was sleeping. I thought about her words, wondering what could've happened.

"Are you going to kill the Minotaur?" Phaedra whispered after a few minutes, her eyes still closed. I stroked her hair, wondering how to reply. Kids valued honesty, so I told her yes. "How?" I wasn't really sure either, but I was a lot further than I was two days ago.

"Well, Theseus and I thought of a plan together, and he said he would bring me my sword and a torch."

"How are you going to navigate through the labyrinth? Nobody can make it out. It was designed like that." I swallowed. The words of the little girl were making me worry. Theseus hadn't said anything like that. He just mentioned it was a maze.

"Don't worry about that. Go to sleep."

"But you'll escape, right? You promise?" She opened her eyes again. "None of my sisters are as nice as you. Can you be my sister?"

I wanted to cry as I hugged her, but I had to stay strong. We fell asleep, hugging. I'd never wanted a little sister more.

***

I woke up to darkness. It wasn't day yet, and I wondered why I was awake. I realised Phaedra was gone, and I quickly sat up, wiping my face. I couldn't see anyone else awake, but I heard voices. I stood up, using the moonlight to see. As I left the stable, I walked up to the lake, where I was yesterday evening with Theseus. Sure enough, I saw him and Phaedra talking in hushed tones near the rocks. He sounded angry. I slowly crept closer, making sure to be quiet, and hid behind a tree. I could clearly hear their conversation now.

"What were you doing? You could have been caught! It's dangerous out here." Theseus was upset, I could tell. I stared at the reflection of the moon in the lake as I kept listening.

"I couldn't sleep, and you were gone! You just disappeared," Phaedra's voice turned small. "I thought you left me."

There was silence, and I assumed he had hugged her.

"I would never leave you. You know that. Just remember to be careful. I love you."

"Love you too," she sniffled. They were so sweet together, I wanted to be part of their family so bad. Then I remembered who their family was, and I quickly stopped thinking about it altogether.

"Can you do me a favour? Tell Ariadne to come here, and then run home, ok?"

"Okay." I watched her run off, and then I stepped out from behind the tree. Theseus looked slightly startled. "Sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop." I said.

"It's okay. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow. Let me come with you to the labyrinth, I can help."

"No. Your offer is touching, but I can't let you do that. You're already betraying your family and island, the least thing I can do is make sure you don't get caught. I'll do my best to fight, and if you secretly bring me a sword and a torch, you can still keep your life if I die."
He sighed. I sat down in the same place as the night before, barely listening as Phaedra ran back to Theseus, telling him I wasn't there. He assured her I was safe, and then sent her back. He came to sit next to me and I leaned over, resting my head on his shoulder. He tucked the loose hair on my face behind my ear. "We still have to discuss what happens if I survive."

"You will have to leave as soon as possible. Minos will want you dead."
"Yes, and once he discovers you helped, he will kill you too. Are there any ships available?"

"A couple, but we don't have a crew. And we can't leave Phaedra. I can smuggle you out, but I'll stay here."

"No," I looked up at him. "You're in as much danger as I am. If you're not leaving neither am I."

He took my hand, smiling. I tried to think of a plan. "Do you think there are any servants or friends willing to leave?"

"You're right. I'll ask around."
"Even if I don't make it out, you and Phaedra can sail to Athens. I'm certain my father will welcome you."

"You will survive."

We sat in silence, listening to the river. "Phaedra likes you a lot, you know," He whispered after a bit. "I like her too. She's very stubborn."

Theseus laughed softly. "That's her."

We finally decide to go back so I can rest, and he walks me back to the stables. As he left, I murmured, "Thank you. For everything."