LYSSANDRA

Paris. The strange man had the name of an old foolish prince. I knew that the man had a accent familiar. I could remember at least my grandmother’s way of talking, the way she was speaking and behaving.

And now the man was right in front of me with a dashing smile.

‘’Nice to meet you’’I smiled fast and moved back to Adamantious.’’Why are you here again?’’

He blinked and moved his shoulders up.’’Yes,your…prophecy became true.’’

I looked at him with a dense look.

‘’That king Perseus will arrive in your temple today’’He said narrowly as he was looking back to Paris.

‘’What? Now?’’I panicked with a whisper and looked at myself. I was still wet from the river as the dress was common, wet like a river.

‘’Yes, and’’Adamantious made a long pause and looked at me and then Paris. Then at me and my dress.

‘’Why are you like that?’’He asked with a worried smile.

I couldn’t say where I was. He would be furious and I did not want that now. I fidgeted my fingers nervously trying to find a lie fast but Paris spoke first.

‘’Oh, it was a stupid man’’He said with a clap of his hands.’’A priest of Zeus maybe?’’He walked on my side.’’Trying to push her inside the water, poor prophet, luckily I was near her.’’

‘’And… why were you…’’He moved his gaze from him to me.

‘’Does it matter now? Perseus is coming I said, trying to walk back to the temple with a wind bringing a cold breeze against my skin.

‘’Wait’’Paris whispered behind me, showing a sudden dark cloak he was hiding behind his back and letting it rest around my body.

‘’Oh, thank you.’’ I gasped.

‘’Do not worry.’’

Adamantious moved now on my side with a tight grip on his sword. ‘’Let’s go Prophet’’ with his hand wrapped around me and we both moved away from Paris who seemed like he kept… following.

Adamantious noticed it and turned to the other side.

‘’Why are you still here?’’ He asked.

‘’May I come with you?’’ asked Paris with an interest, letting his fingers cup his sharp jaw.’’I wish to see the king of Argos in person. I heard quite the stories.’’

‘’Sure’’I replied fast before Adamantious would disagree.

‘’Lys...’’ He whispered but it seemed that Paris already looked excited.

We kept walking with Paris following us while Adamantnious kept grunting.

‘’What’s the matter?’’ I asked him.

‘’How can you trust him?’’He replied with a question.’’Who is he?’’

‘’Just a traveler, that I met earlier.’’

‘’And you trust him to follow us? What if he is one of Dion’s men?’’

‘’If it was…’’I tried to respond but I stopped as I had the previous thought rush in my mind. If it was one of Dion’s men Dion’s himself or one of the survivors of the house. I held my breath and turned to the chirpy Paris.

‘’He doesn’t seem dangerous.’’

‘’What if he is someone else then?’’Admantoius moved his head closer to mine. I pushed myself gently away from him as we were now all so close to the temple. On the left side, I could see a few horses from the village storming our way. We needed to hurry.

‘’Someone like who?’’

‘’Like a son of Perseus? An advisor of his?’’

I let out a chuckle.’’A man of the King? Watching me picking flowers?’’

Looking at his light eyes he had once more a serious look and I turned on where I was holding the hemlock and the apple. I offered the apple to him and he let out a sweet smile before taking it from my hand and having a bite from the same place as me letting his lips and teeth feist upon it. But his eyes opened wide before he spat it.

‘’Oh, that’s…’’He coughed.’’How can you eat it?’’

I raised my brow before him tossing the apple back to me. One more bite and I looked at him confused.’’ It’s delicious.’’

‘’It’s bitter.’’Bitter?

I raised my shoulders and kept walking to the temple.

I did not have the time to introduce Paris to the rest as Myrto found me and caught me fast to bring me to her own room.

She immediately began to panic as she was saying that Dion would come to see me too. Probably wondered if I was still alive.

She put my hair behind, dressed tight in golden ribbon as she washed my face. She gave me the official white tunic that I usually wear on celebrations and gave me the cloak.

Her sweaty face turned on me and took a good look before almost passing out. ‘’You are beautiful’’She whined and moved down to my lap.

‘’Come on now’’I laughed and told her exactly what she would have to do. If Dion arrived then he wouldn’t be without his men.

There was still a crying look on her face. Looking back her fingers were trembling when she was fixing my hair.

I held her hands tight to stop it.

‘’It was not your fault’’I said.

‘’I saw him falling asleep,’’ Myrto whispered. ‘’I saw everyone being in bed and…’’

‘’It was not your fault,’’ I repeated.

‘’You could have died.’’Her big eyes opened with tears. ‘’We…could have died and now…’’

Crying was not the time. I moved my fingers now on her chin, lifting it to look at me.

She could see everything, meaning that she could not forget.

‘’Do you remember what I said when I found you?’’

She nodded.’’The work won’t be decent,’’ She said, telling my words.’’The work will have you may be beaten or killed. But I won’t force you to stay or do anything that you don’t want to.’’

I nodded.’’So?’’

Myrto wiped her tears and stood on her feet.’’I will begin’’

When I walked out of the room I saw the others waiting for me. Except for Alexios who seemed to be taking both the little girl and Leon my hirs arms and moving them to his side of the room. Paris remained there, looking at the statue of the temple.

There was a sudden cold expression from him but it quickly changed when he looked at me as if he was trying to charm me.

Oh, that was his plan.

Perhaps he was on Dion’s side. I found Thais near me and leaned to her ear.

‘’You see him?’’ I whispered.

She turned to him and her cheeks flushed as he moved to me with a fallen look.

‘’Who is he?’’

‘’Keep an eye on him please.’’I pleaded.

She did not seem to be mad about it as she kept looking at him with a wicked smile.

Me, Adamantious, and Thais walked outside with the sun heating my cloak as four pale horses and one dark one at the front were riding right at our side

As the dark horse was moving closer I could see it dressed in gold chains but unlike the other horses, it did not have an eagle but a woman. A woman with carved snakes for hair as she was screaming in agony.

The rider of it had silver hair with small dark stripes remaining on the top of his head while down to his forehead, there was a golden crown. His eyes were holding the bright sky, locking up the color of them. His olive face did not seem to have any scar, unlike his arms which were half covered with a blue cape. His tunic was painted in red and on the top of his left shoulders was a badge of lightning. His sandals were painted in yellow, his wrists and ankles chained with his ring finger having one golden ring with the word Andromeda carved on it.

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He was old but he was not common. Every second he was coming closer it almost felt like a storm was accompanying him, ready to bring thunder in the temple.

But then, a smile appeared between his white beard and his horse stopping near the stairs of the temple.

Everyone got on their knees, even Adamantnious while Paris seemed to hide behind one of the pillars/

I was about to bow but he did it first. A king lowered his head to me.

‘’Oracle Lyssandra.’’His heavy voice was peaceful even if he commanded respect.

I forgot how to breathe but the angle of my eyes found Dion and his men smirking behind him.

I managed to take a deep breath before bowing to him.

‘’King Perseus,’’ I said, looking down with a gentle smile. Lifting my eyes I turned to Dion.’’Archpriest Dion.’’I held my fake enthusiasm while I started pinching my fingertips.

‘’What an unexpected surprise to see you here.’’

‘’We have the order to help the king to the village. Guide him to the crucial times.’’

He kept looking at me, trying to see any missing detail. His smile faded when he noticed that I was unharmed.

‘’Of course’’I said, keeping a smile and turning to the king.’’Seemed that your father said the sign of your entrance last night. As a follower of his son, I must say we are grateful.’’

Perseus' eyes snapped and let out a heavy chuckle that almost seemed charming.

‘’Perhaps but…’’The grin faded.’’I heard about an accident on my arrival. Seemed my father was rather upset. Four people passed because of me…’’

Taking the guilt of a thunderstorm? Was he trying to play the act of the son of Zeus so well that he would rather take the blame? Or did he believe it? Or did Dion say something to him about me?

‘’Gods are showing their love in such strange ways King Perseus,’’I said, bowing once more.

There was laughter coming from him as he petted his horse. A heavy honest laugh.

‘’My oracle was right to come here’’He said.

I arched my brow.’’Your oracle?’’I asked.

‘’Yes, she said about this place being haunted by monsters you see…’’

That was half true. There was a story that there was a monster being hidden in one of the caves near the forest. Once in a while, it was getting out, destroying houses, and..

No.

‘’Does your oracle believe that it had something to do with last night’s incident?’’

Dion chuckled.’’Earlier it was a gift, now it is an incident?’’

I gulped as I watched everyone bowing on their knees, not having the strength to talk.

Then, someone moved closer to me. ‘’An incident can also be a gift’’Paris said, moving closer to me. ‘’Maybe your father King Perseus.’’ He turned on the king as he did not even bow. But Perseus did not seem to care or be worried about it.’’Wanted to show you the dangers of this village. In a cruel way.

‘’And you are..’’Dion narrowed on his appearance.

‘’I am one of the temples’ followers’’He announced.’’I am devoted to the God of light’’He said, finally moving his head down.

There was a twitch of Dion’s smile as Perseus nodded in agreement and turned to me. ‘’Correct, and my oracle did suggest that I delay my new conquest until the winter solstice.’’

What?

Six moons?

There was a whispering laughter coming from Paris as he was now moving away slowly.

‘’You will fight the monster?’’I asked with interest. If he stayed for so long, I could not do anything with the king on the watch. With Dion’s people and soldiers moving around.

‘’Oh’’He scoffed.’’I am not the man that I used to be Oracle. As much as I wish I was I believe that this monster needs someone on the side of your God’’

He made a long pause as I felt the wind turning stronger.

‘’It seems to be a serpent you see, Apollo’s sacred animal.’’

I nodded like I knew it already but I saw Dion and his men laughing.

Is Apollo seeking revenge? The people would say, we might ask the priestess for forgiveness or we have to go to the temple of Zeus.

The king was expecting me to solve it. But I could not speak to him and that meant.

I turned to Dion. Surely he expected it.

‘’You care about the common people here King Perseus?’’ I asked.

‘’The common people are the ones who suffer the most, Oracle,’’ He explained.’’Every prayer is a gift to my father and me and in return they want protection. Don’t they need at least that?’’

It was the opposite of what I was expecting a king to be. Or, it was another act. Then again, I needed his blessing, his order. I needed to succeed.

‘’The arch priest’’He finally showed that Dion exists around him.’’Suggested that he will handle him but however.’’

I shook my head. I saw Adamantious looking down, petrified as if he was regretting what he decided for me. Thais seemed excited for adventure, for a hero's journey. I looked up slowly to Paris who was surprisingly grinning.

The time has begun. I will take everything.

‘’I accept your order, my king.’’I grinned at him.

The king had now left with Dion’s men but he stayed still glaring at me, surprised.

‘’You are alive…’’

‘’Of course I am.’’I replied shocked of telling such a thing.’’Why shouldn’t I?’’

‘’We both know the reason,’’ Said cruelly. There was a grin curling around his face.’’Now, tell me, where are the other two? The shy whore and the mute?’’

Admantious stood up and was ready to attack but I halted him instantly. I turned to Thais whose blade had been shown right close to her body. She was ready to fight. But not today.

‘’You can go inside’’I told them. Thais nodded and disappointed with a grunt she left but Adamantious hesitated with his eyes watching me.

I moved my lips with no voice coming out from it, telling him’’I will be alright.’’

In the end, he moved back to the temple too. I looked at Paris who was now moving a few steps back too. Why was he still here? He said that he was a follower of Apollo.

‘’So interested in my pupils arch priest?’’I returned to Dion with a grin.’’I did not expect you were that kind of man…’’

‘’Are they hiding the daughter and the mother?’’ His eyes were drunk with rage.

Mother? I looked down. The mother died. She definitely died. She was inside.

Four people died.

The mother was alive? I could make the kid lie but a mother? And she was sick. If she was still alive.

‘’Oh?’’ Dion laughed as I heard footsteps coming from behind me, noticing one of his men with a face of disappointment.

‘’Nothing’’He admitted to his superior, looking down. Of course, he wouldn’t find anything. Myrto hid everything before they even arrived. Including the girl.

The man rushed away from the temple as his face was painted in a color of shame.

But Dion did not have it as he jumped off his horse and rushed to me. Instead of doing the smart thing and backing away, I took a step closer to him.

‘’You think you can pull the act out now? ‘’He leaned to my ear as he whispered with a hiss.

‘’The monster will devour you slowly. Or...’’He took one breath before he started sniffing me.

‘’Maybe your poison will kill him first now won’t it?’’

My eyes darted. Did the scent of the flowers stay?

‘’Maybe the monster won’t eat you. Maybe if you get down on your knees and beg for my mercy’’ I looked up to him and now I knew that it was no time for flattery.

Dion laughed.’’There she is…pathetic com[

Paris started coughing as he pushed Dion far from me, making him fall to the stairs.

Dion panicked as his eyes turned on him.

‘’You little filth.’’

‘’Are you trying to anger the God of light more?’’He asked Dion.’’Perhaps you should go to find the snake’’He suggested with a simple smile on his voice but his voice could say otherwise. His voice had venom. Charming beautiful venom.

‘’I am sure he would be pleased with someone like you’’He sighed dramatically.’’Hurting his own people like that.’’

Dion gritted as he now stood on his feet. ‘’It will not be my choice to show your fate is it now?’’ His gaze back on me with a face heavy on shame and anger.

He took his horse and rushed away. Now it left only me and Paris who leaned closer to me with his flirty look.

‘’Are you alright?’’ asked Paris with a genuine tone.

Chill down my spine as I walk a few paces away from him. He was far too bright and cheerful with his twisting personality.

‘’Of course I am’’I lied. I was terrified. Killing a monster? Me?

Looking at him he had a skeptical gaze on his face.

‘’Can you tell me something?’’I asked waking him up from his thoughts.

‘’Of course’’He laughed.

‘’Are you a spy?’’

Paris stood stunned before he started giggling.

‘’One of his men?’’I asked again.’’As you saw you won’t find anything so you can drop your act.’’ I tried to move away but his fingers found the tips of mine.

‘’Will it be a lie if I told you that I am interested in your gifts?’’His voice whispered into my ear, making me shiver with disgust. Why was he so close?

‘’Clearly’’I arched my brow.’’If you were a believer you wouldn’t be so casual with me’’

He was trying to make me fall for him. He had features that even magical beings would be jealous of. Maybe if Aphrodite was real she would be envious.

After that thought, a flying dove passed with surprising speed from my side and got down to Paris’s shoulder.

‘’What are you doing here?’’He asked the dove before his finger started petting its head.

‘’That is…’’I took another look at it and I remembered the mark on its chest.

‘’Is yours?’’

‘’A friend of mine,’’He sighed as the dove flew away. A friend? Was he just insane or he was trying to make fun of me? Paris turned back on me, moving even closer now. I could smell the scent of spring flowers coming from him as if he was bathed with them. So rich that it could make your mind dizzy. And I could still remember the warm skin of his tracing to mine. ‘’So, where were we?’’

I smiled at him before taking one more step away from him.’’If you ever want to see me, the temple is open to listen to your struggles.’’

And to make money. He did not seem to have anything important around him so that would mean he won’t return. not without any other reason but spying.

‘’Oh?’’ He tilted his head to the right, making his long curls fall close to his clothes.

I took one more deep breath before letting myself free from his soft grasp and lowering my head, looking at his dark shadow. For a moment I imagined that his shadow had a smile and looking directly at me.

‘’Then again, thank you for today but I must get going.’’

‘’Will you be there tomorrow?’’He asked me but I had already walked far away from him to respond.