Achilles
The night approached so fast that the sky was shaped in a deep charcoal black. The stars twinkled brightly, casting a soft glow over the chaos of war. It was beautiful and oddly peaceful, even amidst all the death. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, and I was jolted from my thoughts. King Priam's presence sent a wave of emotions running through me.
"What are you doing here, fool?" I asked, feeling a mix of frustration and concern.
"Foolishness, perhaps. But I pray to the Gods that you return my niece," he replied.
"Briseis?"
He nodded, his expression mixed with surprise and understanding.
I struggled to conceal my disappointment. My love for her ran deep. She held my heart and soul entirely. "She is mine, I love her," I confessed, the intensity of my feelings strong in the pits of my voice.
I noticed the shock on his face, his eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Then you'll do what's right," he urged.
"Give her to my enemy?" I could hardly comprehend the idea.
"I am your enemy, not hers," he reminded me gently. "Both family and enemies can show compassion."
As I understood his words, I caught sight of Agamemnon approaching, and my heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. The last thing I wanted was for harm to come to the old man. The King. Her uncle.
"I granted him peace; he came for Briseis."
"You had no right to grant any peace." I noticed the sword in Agamemnon's hand. I didn't have time to speak to warm the King.
Priam was thrown to the ground, choking on blood as the blade ran through him. The pool of blood around him disgusted me. I felt rage and helplessness mingling into a raging storm within my chest. My mind screamed in protest as the horrific scene unfolded. With each desperate heartbeat echoing the profound injustice of the moment, I feel myself getting sick to my stomach.
"No, no, no!" Briseis cries out, her voice filled with pain. I can see Agamemnon watching her pain with a sickening satisfaction as she tenderly rubs the face of the dying king, and the sight breaks my heart.
"Come, girl. I'll take you to bed with me," he commands, a glint in his eyes.
"Briseis is under my protection," I proclaim firmly, my voice low and filled with a burning hatred. "I will never let her near you."
"You're not King Achilles," he snaps, his expression mocking.
"No, I am not. But if you want the support of my Myrmidons, you will leave my girl alone," I respond, my voice unshaken.
"Your girl?" he replies, scoffing mockingly.
"Yes, by her consent," I clarify, my gaze unwavering.
"You really think I need your help?" he challenges, his arrogance apparent.
"You don't need me to join Hector's men," I reply, my confidence rising in my chest.
He laughs, a harsh sound that reeks of evil. "Achilles can't be controlled."
I roll my eyes, unwilling to engage further with his arrogance.
"You just saved this war. Hector will believe you orchestrated this victory."
"Tell him what you must," I hiss the words.