Celebration

As we arrived at our home, we were greeted with a lively atmosphere of feasting and celebration. King Peleus, in honor of his son's return, had organized a grand party and extended invitations to all the kingdoms of the Greek world. However, amidst the excitement, Achilles couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. His mother, who held great significance in his life, was absent once again, and there was no information about her return. Although Achilles concealed his disappointment, I could sense the hurt he felt deep inside.

As the radiant sun gradually descended, casting a tranquil darkness across the sky, Achilles and I prepared ourselves in our private chamber. We meticulously adorned ourselves in elegant attire, paying careful attention to every detail. Achilles donned a striking white fustanella, a traditional Myrmidon garment that gracefully draped over his thighs. Its loose-fitting sleeves cascaded down his arms, revealing a glimpse of his hands. To complete his ensemble, he wore a resplendent golden vest, embellished with delicate black accents. Meanwhile, I dressed in a similar fashion, with a distinguished dark blue vest adorning my attire. Together, we presented ourselves in a manner befitting the grandeur of the occasion.

"So, how do I look?" Achilles stood before me, his arms outstretched, proudly displaying his meticulously chosen attire. His eyes searched mine, a hint of uncertainty flickering within them.

I couldn't help but suppress a grin, attempting to maintain a composed facade. His anxiousness was endearing, and I found myself chuckling softly at his self-doubt.

"Is it bad?! I knew I should have chosen the red one!" He muttered to himself, lamenting his choice of outfit. I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics.

His gaze shifted back to me, a single eyebrow raised inquisitively. With a gentle smile, I reassured him. "You look more than good, Achilles. In fact, I dare say Lady Helen may pale in comparison."

Achilles blushed, a rosy hue spreading across his cheeks, adding a touch of warmth to his already striking features. "You've already used that line on me you know."

"I know." I replied, closing the distance between us as I approached him "But that doesn't make it any less true."

Drawing him into an embrace, I wrapped myself around Achilles, feeling the strength of his arms encircle me in a protective hold. The sweet scent of ambrosia fruit, reminiscent of divine indulgence and our time together away from home, enveloped my senses, intoxicating and comforting all at once. I nestled my head against his chest, feeling the soft press of his lips and nose against the crown of my head, a tender gesture that filled me with a sense of belonging. His hands, firm yet gentle, grasped my back, providing a sense of security and affection.

Our enthralling moment was abruptly interrupted by a resounding knock that reverberated through the room, shattering the stillness. Startled, we immediately disentangled ourselves from each other's embrace, our hearts racing with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

As the door swung open, a servant, dressed in a meticulously tailored uniform, stepped into the room. Their eyes darted respectfully between us, their demeanor a delicate blend of deference and duty. With a voice that carried a hint of urgency, they delivered their message, their words hanging in the air like a weighty secret. "The King is awaiting your presence, Your Majesty," they announced, their voice tinged with a subtle tremor of reverence.

With a swift nod of acknowledgment, the servant swiftly retreated, leaving us momentarily alone once again. Achilles, his gaze fixed upon me, seemed to convey a silent understanding. Without uttering a single word, he extended his arm towards me, an unspoken invitation that I readily accepted without a moment's hesitation.

With a confident stride, Achilles led me through the grand corridors of the palace, his hand firmly clasping mine. The walls were adorned with intricate designs, and the floors were polished to a gleaming shine, reflecting the flickering light of the chandeliers that hung above us.

As we approached the dining hall, the sound of chatter and laughter grew louder, and the air was thick with the aroma of delicacies being served. The double doors loomed before us, and as we pushed our way through the throngs of people, we were met with a sea of elegantly dressed guests, their eyes darting towards us with curiosity.

Achilles' presence seemed to command attention, and as we made our way through the crowd, people moved apart, creating a path for us to walk through. The friendly smiles and warm greetings that greeted us made us feel like we were among old friends.

Suddenly, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned towards the head of the table, where King Peleus sat. As soon as he noticed us, he stood up from his chair, his regal presence commanding respect and admiration. With open arms, he welcomed us, embracing us both warmly, a gesture that spoke volumes about his affection for us.

"Ah, my beloved sons!" King Peleus exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine pride and affection as he kept us enveloped in his warm embrace. His eyes sparkled with paternal joy as he took a moment to admire our impeccable attire, his words echoing through the hall.

Aware of the hushed anticipation that had settled upon the gathered guests, King Peleus raised his voice, projecting it with regal authority to capture the attention of all.

"My sons," he began, his voice resonating with a mixture of admiration and reverence, "have emerged from their arduous training with a wealth of knowledge and skills that are known only to a select few. Tonight, I have gathered all of you here to not only celebrate their triumphant return but also to envision a future that holds even greater prosperity for all our kingdoms!"

As his words hung in the air, King Peleus raised his glass, filled with the divine elixir of ambrosia, a symbol of immortality and abundance. The room erupted in a chorus of clinking glasses, followed by cheers and applause that reverberated through the hall, a testament to the shared excitement and hope that filled the hearts of all those present.

Achilles, his voice laced with a hint of concern, leaned in closer to his father, his words intended for only us to hear. "Father, what of Sparta? Have they not yet arrived?" His inquiry carried a sense of anticipation, his gaze searching the room for any sign of their presence.

With a sigh of disappointment, King Peleus lowered himself back into his seat, his regal posture unwavering. "No, my son, they have not graced us with their presence," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of annoyance. "And to make matters worse, they have not even bothered to send a message. It seems Agamemnon's notorious lack of manners has rubbed off on his brother as well."

In an instant, a spark ignited in the king's eyes, illuminating his face with delight, prompting him to rise from his seat with a newfound energy. Curiosity piqued, I followed his gaze, my eyes landing upon a figure that had captured his attention - Deidamia, a familiar face from the past. It had been years since I last saw her, and yet her presence still held a certain allure. Her golden curls cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face adorned with striking emerald eyes that glimmered like precious gems.

"Deidamia! How lovely to see you!" The king's voice resonated with genuine warmth as he enveloped her in a warm embrace, planting kisses on both her cheeks in a display of affection. "Is your father not accompanying you? I had expected to see him by your side." His eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of her father, a mix of curiosity and concern evident in his expression.

"No, my gracious King," she responded with a gentle grace, her voice carrying an elegant and sweet tone. Her eyes, filled with sincerity, met Achilles' gaze, prompting a soft smile to grace his lips.

"Achilles," King Peleus addressed his son, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Why don't you honor our delightful guest with a dance?"

"Of course," Achilles replied, his voice laced with a subtle tenderness. He delicately took her hand in his, leading her towards the center of the room where couples had already begun to sway to the music. While I suspected Achilles may have been feigning his enthusiasm for the dance, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the sight of them together.

As the future king, it was imperative for Achilles to secure a marriage and ensure the continuation of his lineage through the birth of an heir. Deidamia, with her exquisite beauty and the close ties between their families, seemed to be the ideal candidate.

While it was not unheard of for individuals to enter into same-sex marriages, the reality remained that, as a member of the royal family, Achilles carried the weighty responsibility of securing an heir. Despite the acceptance of diverse relationships, the necessity for a successor loomed over him, a duty he could not evade, particularly due to his royal status.

It was the one role that Deidamia could fulfill for him, a role that I, despite my affection for him, could not. The realization left me feeling disappointed in myself, even though I knew deep down that there was nothing I could do to change the circumstances.

"Aren't they just perfect for each other?" he King inquired, turning to me with anticipation.

"Absolutely." I replied, concealing my disappointment and offering a false affirmation.

"I never thought you'd lie to me, Patroklos." The King remarked, catching me off guard. I gazed at him, speechless, as he continued. "Ever since you and Achilles returned, I've noticed a subtle shift in your gaze towards him. It may not be overt, but it's enough for me to perceive." He smiled knowingly.

My attempts at forming words faltered, leaving me speechless and uncertain of how to navigate the conversation.

The King, perceiving my struggle, continued with a compassionate tone. "I understand that Achilles may not have an interest in Deidamia. However, as the future King, he carries the responsibility of producing an heir. Please know that his duty does not diminish his love for you."

"I understand." I replied, gratitude lacing my words, as we continued to observe Achilles and Deidamia twirl around the ballroom floor with effortless grace. Their movements were fluid, as if they were two halves of a whole, perfectly in sync with each other. The soft glow of the chandeliers cast a warm light on their faces, highlighting the joy and contentment that radiated from them. Despite my own feelings of disappointment, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the moment.

Deidamia and I stood at the water's edge, feeling the warm sand seep between our toes as the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean mesmerized us. The moonlight cast a gentle glow upon us, illuminating Deidamia's radiant blonde hair, which shimmered like Achilles' own.

As we gazed out at the vast expanse of the ocean, Deidamia turned to me, her eyes curious. "So, we've both known Achilles for most of our lives, yet we've only had the chance to meet a few times. How come?"

I pondered her question for a moment, my gaze shifting to the distant horizon. "When he visited you, I wasn't allowed to come. And you didn't frequent this place often either." I shrugged.

She nodded and let out a small hum, seemingly content with my response.

"And how long have you been together?" Her words hung in the air like a heavy weight, catching me off guard.

"How do you know that?" I asked, surprised by her sudden question.

"He told me," she replied calmly, her voice maintaining its soft and caring tone. "He told me while we danced." Her words flowed effortlessly, revealing a depth of understanding that surprised me. "Honestly, I'm not surprised. You two have known each other for so long, and I always sensed that his interest in me wasn't genuine. I'm just glad he's found someone as kind-hearted as you."

Expressing gratitude, I replied, though with a hint of scepticism, "Thank you, but you don't really know me."

Unexpectedly, she let out a chuckle, interrupting the conversation. "Actually, I do. He simply couldn't stop talking about you throughout the entire evening."

Those words echoed in my mind, creating a resonance that stirred a flutter of excitement within me. Achilles had been incessantly discussing me with someone. Although I couldn't quite fathom the reason behind it, the mere thought evoked a delightful sensation akin to a swarm of butterflies dancing in my stomach.

"So," she inquired, her curiosity piqued, "may I ask how long you two have been together?"

I hesitated for a moment before answering, "Quite a while now. Although, I'm not entirely certain if we can truly consider ourselves as being together. It's more like we've been going with the flow without actually discussing the nature of our relationship."

"Trust me, you most certainly are," she assured with a light chuckle, and for a brief moment, we found solace beneath the tranquil night sky, the gentle lapping of waves soothing our spirits. However, her tone soon shifted, becoming more serious than I had ever heard it before. "I'm going to assume you know about mine and Achilles' plan?"

"Yes," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, conveying my acquiescence to her query.

She gazed at me intently, her eyes probing mine, seeking confirmation of my comprehension of the significance of their plan. "And you do realize how crucial it is?" she pressed, her tone serious and unwavering.

I nodded firmly, my resolve unwavering. "Yes, I do," I affirmed, my voice steady.

Her next question was more pointed, more direct. "So you won't stand in Achilles' way? You won't try to dissuade him from carrying out his duty?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension

"I won't," I said firmly, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination. "He needs an heir, and you are the one who can provide him with one. It's as simple as that," I stated, my words resolute and unwavering.

"Doesn't it bother you?" she inquired, her voice laced with a hint of sweetness, as if she were trying to gauge my true feelings.

"It does," I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "But as Achilles' sworn companion, it's my responsibility to assist him in making wise decisions, not just for himself but also for his kingdom. I cannot allow my emotions to cloud my judgment or distract me from my duty," I explained, my words measured and resolute.

"I'm glad to hear that," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "Now I understand why Achilles holds you in such high regard. You possess an inner flame that's hard to describe, but when you speak, your words are filled with passion," she remarked, her tone admiring and appreciative.

"May I ask you something?" I questioned, my voice tentative. "Does it not bother you that your sole purpose in Achilles' life is to bear his child?"

She turned her gaze towards the vast expanse of the horizon, her hair fluttering slightly in the wind. For a moment, she remained silent, lost in thought, before finally responding. "Scyros was once a poor and insignificant island before King Peleus took it over," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "We used to produce furniture and household items, but the quality was abysmal. However, when the King arrived, he didn't deprive us of our freedom or force us to work for him. Instead, he recognized our potential and provided us with the resources we needed to create masterpieces. And look at where we are now. We have never thrived like this before, and we have become the greatest carpenters in all of Greece. The palace where you reside, my father built it with his own hands. And even though I was born after our island began to prosper, my father never forgot to remind me of how much the King has done for us," she explained, her voice filled with gratitude and reverence.

"So, you are undertaking this responsibility out of a sense of indebtedness?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity.

She turned her gaze towards me, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Yes," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "I owe my entire life to the King. Without his intervention, my family would have languished in poverty, and perhaps I would never had been born. By fulfilling my duty to bear Achilles' child, we not only strengthen the connection between our families, but we also gain even greater power and influence," she declared, her voice growing resolute. "I cannot disregard the debt I owe to King Peleus, and this is the minimum I can do to repay him for all he has done for us."

In that moment, I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for her unwavering loyalty and recognition of the profound role that King Peleus had played in shaping their lives. It was a testament to the power of gratitude and the lengths one would go to honour the debt owed to someone who had irrevocably altered the course of their existence.

As the night progressed, an icy chill descended upon the atmosphere, causing a shiver to run down my spine. The darkness seemed to intensify, casting an eerie ambiance over the surroundings. It was amidst this chilling backdrop that I caught sight of Achilles emerging from the shadows along the shore.

A mischievous grin played upon my lips as I couldn't resist the urge to taunt him. "Did you enjoy your leisurely stroll by the beach?"

Achilles returned my banter with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Indeed, I did," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction. "And how are you two getting along?" he inquired, referring to the newfound camaraderie between myself and Deidamia.

We exchanged nods, silently acknowledging the bond that had formed between us. Achilles couldn't help but break into a smile, his approval evident in his expression. However, our moment of tranquillity was abruptly shattered as one of our soldiers approached us with a sense of urgency, his footsteps quick and resolute.

"Your Highness!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency. "The King demands your immediate presence!"

I turned to Achilles, a sense of foreboding settling in the pit of my stomach. Though I was unaware of the details, a deep intuition told me that something was gravely amiss.