Chapter Five

The days turned into weeks with infrequent skirmishes Braxius had to fight in. But as a Prince of Troy, it was his sacred duty. So I worried for him when he went to battle. I still cooked in the kitchen, the busy work keeping the thought of the city's imminent demise at bay.

Who understands what really happened, right? I mean, the poem written by Homer is not based on Actual history.

Polyxena was also stirring up trouble in the Queen's court. Bitching and moaning how a "worthless, slut, the cook could ever be decent enough to marry Prince Braxius."

Her words through the servant grapevine.

But I shrug off Polyxena's influence with Queen Hecuba. The Queen can hardly stand the whiny bitch herself from what was said through her household. The only reason why she tolerates Polyxena is that I'm their mutual enemy.

Go figure.

Queen Hecuba wanted Polyxena restored in the Prince's palace. But from what Braxius told me after a meeting with his mother, he confessed to her how Polyxena refused to share his bed.

The Queen backed off on her demand but "Hopes that he will tire of his infatuation with me and then resumes trying to have heirs with the wife that hold the title of Princess."

The Queen's words to Braxius, not mine. Guess I won't be invited to any family dinners.

But throughout the squabbling with his family, Braxius has stayed steadfast and loyal only to me. So I couldn't help but eventually fall in love with the mighty warrior.

However, time is against us.

I'm working on kneading the dough for the flatbread I will make for this upcoming week's noon meals. Then the alarms ring out in the city.

Are the Greeks attacking us again?!

"Mistress!" Adrexa shouts down the hallway, "Come quick!"

Oh no!

I immediately stop what I am doing and run to the foyer. All the house servants are milling around, talking excitedly, but fear is in the air. The nervous tension is sickly thick, and I can't but start feeding into it.

"What's going on, Adrexa?" when I find the old matron.

"Grave news that the Greeks have discovered the source to our secret underground river and has poisoned it," she says worriedly.

"Poisoned it how?" my thoughts wandering to the different kinds of poisons the ancients had access to. Each one extremely painful and deadly.

At that moment, the doors to the palace open, and a tired-looking Braxius steps through. Since yesterday, he hasn't been home since being called into the war council with his brother Hector commanding the Trojan army.

Running up to him, "Is it true, Braxius? The Greeks poisoned the city's water supply?" I whisper, not wanting to cast more fear to the servants standing and waiting for the news.

Braxius takes my arm as we walk down the corridor to our room. "It is true, Jessa," Braxius whispers back. "We have a few days of freshwater remaining in the city."

Fuck!

"How did this happen?" is my next question.

"There is a traitor. And not just in the city. In the royal palace itself. Only a handful of royals and servants know the location of the source of the underground river. So when people in the city began dying of the plague, we sent scouts to the spring. They found carcasses from a herd of dead, diseased cows floating."

Anthrax!

Anthrax can easily be confused as bubonic plague because it causes almost the same symptoms with swollen glands that look like buboes. Still, it is just as deadly with no availability of modern medicine. I learned this in one of my history elective classes. Was extremely interesting to know but now that we all probably will suffer from the disease.

Not anymore!

"What's the plan?" I ask when we reach the sanctity of the bedroom.

"Hector is going to surprise our enemy tonight. Hoping to demoralize them enough for them to leave. I will be joining him." Braxius stares into my eyes firmly, telling me not make a fuss about him going to battle.

Scared about losing him to the Greeks, I step up and kiss him firmly on the lips. Braxius pulls me roughly into him with a growl and parts my lips with his tongue. Our breaths and tongues mingle, dancing to a fast tune that we can only hear.

My pussy becomes wet, and the desire for Braxius overwhelms me.

I need him in me now!

I break the kiss and take Braxius's rough hand, caused by the hours of holding his sword in either in practice or battle, and lead him to our bed.

Braxius is just as impatient to have my body as I am badly as I want his because he takes me by the hips and tosses me onto the bed. He doesn't bother to take off his leather breastplate and the leather tongs that protect his knees. Instead, he lifts the bottom of his linen skirt, revealing his engorged shaft. Ready to plunge into my already slick and waiting pussy.

I lift the hem of my skirt to my waist and let Braxius slide his body in between mine. Placing the tip of his cock at the folds of my slip entrance, Braxius plunges into me with one thrust. Fuck, he feels so good!

I am complete when Braxius is seated deeply in me. We start riding each other, with his cock rubbing my aching clit perfectly. There was no build-up when the first orgasm hit me. Instead, my pussy muscles squeeze and tug at Braxius's massive cock, while I'm crying out in pleasure.

"I'm not done with you yet, my little hellcat," Braxius moans.

Braxius pulls out of me and flips me over onto my stomach. He lifts my ass and dives into my soaking wet pussy again, making me groan with pleasure. "You like that?" he growls from behind as he starts pounding into me. He is slapping his hips into me while with the rise of incredible pressure that is about to break.

"Braxius, I'm going to come!" I yell as he reaches around me and presses a finger on my sensitive nub, causing me to explode.

I scream Braxius's name, my soul leaving me while in the distance, he is calling out my name. Hot semen shoots deep within me, Braxius's cum marking me as his. I collapse in a heap on the bed, with Braxius following me down and bringing me close to his. His dick staying buried in me.

Braxius kisses the back of me. "Such an acceptable wife," he murmurs. I chuckle and let his warmth soothe me. Then, with my eyes getting heavy, I close them and drift off to sleep.

"Wake up, my little hellcat," a voice whispered in my ear. "Time for me to leave."

"No," I moan. "Stay with me," I command.

Braxius laughs softly. "I wish I could remain, my little hellcat but duty calls. Get up and see your husband off to battle like the contrite little wife you are." With that I snort derisively.

" 'Little wife,' my ass," I tease him, but I open my eyes. The room is dim with torchlight, and looking out to the windows near the ceiling, the first stars are appearing.

No! It's not fair!

Sighing sadly, I move off the bed and fix my dress and hair since I have to present myself to my husband in front of the house in the foyer. Braxius watched me closely. "What?" I ask.

"Just keeping your image fresh in my mind when I go to war. You're the reason I fight so hard. Because I want to come home to you so I can create new memories," he tells me sincerely. It is times like these where I think my love for Braxius knows no bounds.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, I swallow hard, fighting back the tears.

Why am I such a coward? Tell him that you love him already!

But I can't do it! Knowing what I know, it hurts too much if I say the words "I love you" out loud.

Putting a brave face on, I turn to him, my fine warrior. "Ready?" I ask. Braxius walks over to me and links his arm mine, entwining his strong fingers with mine.

"Ready," he replies, studying me. I face forward, and we start walking together. Braxius opens the bedroom door for us, and we walk down the hallway like a couple on a date instead of one saying goodbye to them before going into a battle.

When we reach the foyer, Adrexa is already present, holding Braxius's helmet, sword belt, and blue cloak. Braxius releases my fingers and first takes the belt from Adrexa, buckling it on him. He then grabs the cape and starts fastening it to his shoulders.

I walk over to Adrexa and smile sadly at her while reaching out for his helmet. Adrexa returns the smile, gently handing me the helmet and turns away to head back to the kitchen.

I walk up to him, turning back to Braxius, who has finished placing his cape. I hand him the helmet, and he kisses me on the lips. "Be safe," I tell him.

He gives me a lopsided smile while placing the helmet on his head. Looking like the magnificent warrior he is, Braxius takes two small steps back and then performs a per-functionary about-face and marches out the front door.

Sighing, I walk to the kitchen, but I am restless.

I haven't taken a stroll in a while.

I walk through to the courtyard and out the garden door. The stars are entirely out now, but no moon tonight.

A favorable night for an ambush.

I start walking down the stone paths I am familiar with and head towards the outer palace wall. In the distance, a dark figure is in front of me. It creeps in and out of the shadows, leading to the exterior wall. Something about the way that figure move is familiar.

I carefully follow the dark figure I can now determine is wearing a cloak. The person is definitely sneaking about and does not want to be seen. Stopping every couple of feet, looking frantically behind them. When the figure stopped, I stopped near the trees lining the path. Using the shade as cover.

No torches were lit in the area the stranger is leading us to. Nothing but total darkness.

I haven't been to this part of the palace before.

We must be close to one of the outer walls because of a loud creaking noise of old misused hinges.

They opened one of the doors. Why?

I slowly creep in blackness of the trees, hiding behind one that is across from the noise. Peaking around the tree, there is suddenly a burst of light, a few lit torches running through the open door.

When the light finally lands on the cloaked figure I was following, I immediately spin my body around and use my hand to cover my mouth in shock.

Polyxena!

"You have done well, cousin," a male voice says.

"Thank you, my lord, Odysseus," Polyxena purrs in response.

So, this was the Trojan Horse?! That Fucking Cunt Polyxena!? I need to return and warn EVERYONE!

But I know it is over. This is the end of Troy. But it is not too late to remove the people I care about to safety and to be with Braxius.

Slipping quietly through the grove of trees until the torches are far behind me, I am back on the stone path and start running like I was back in a track meet. I run fast because I know lives depend on it!

Reaching the home to me for these past few months, I barge through the garden door and the courtyard is deserted. I run into the kitchen, yanked open the door, grab the torch hanging on the sconce, and run down the stairs to the servant's quarters.

I start screaming "THE GREEKS ARE HERE!" down the corridor while banging on the wooden cell doors.

Each door starts to open, "MOVE! THE GREEKS ARE HERE! LEAVE NOW!" I scream like Paul Revere. Adrexa leaves her room and stares me up and down with confusion. I'm trying to catch my breath and explain to her what I saw, but breathing hard and talking does not mix.

"I...saw...Polyxena...admit...the...Greeks" is what I manage to get out.

"Polyxena?" Adrexa says incredulously. "Why would she betray her city?"

"Her...cousin...Odysseus," I heave in explanation.

"Everybody to the secret outer door NOW!" Adrexa barks. Servants start filling up the corridor, passing between Adrexa and me. Young Aeneas passes by me and I quickly grab and stop him.

"Aeneas, you will grow up to be a brave, strong man one day. Remember to be kind," I tell him while giving him a kiss on his cheek.

"You're not coming with us, Mistress?" his voice squeaking in fear. His cherub face looking a little sad.

"I will catch up with you once I find Prince Braxius," I explain.

"Go now, Aeneas!" Adrexa commands the boy. I give the child a confident smile and a little hug. He hugs me in return.

I'll never see him again.

"Adrexa, go with the servants. They need someone strong to lead them away from Troy," I command her.

"My place is here, Jessa. I serve the Prince, and I serve you, the new Princess." Adrexa is staring at me with defiance. Got to give to the old broad. She has spunk.

"I have to go save Braxius. Which means I need to fight my way through the city. Do we have any extra uniforms here to where I can pass as a soldier?" I inquire.

"Why would you want to dress like a soldier?" Adrexa seemingly perturbed by the notion of a woman dressing like a man.

"So I won't be molested or raped by the invading Greeks. If I die, I will die as Braxius's wife. Not sold as an enslaved person. Okay? We don't have much time! Are you going to assist me or not?" I demand.

"This way Princess." My response must have mollified the mighty Adrexa.

Too bad Homer didn't write a poem about her!

We found an old uniform with a leather breastplate, leather knee tongues, and a helmet Braxius wore as a child. I kept my sandals on since I don't think the Greeks will be worrying about my feet!

I quickly put on an old linen shirt of Braxius's with a belt. I've been able to undress Braxius the few times we were together, so I knew how to get everything on me without help. While I was getting dressed, Adrexa searched for an old sword and belt, which she found in the Prince's armory.

Handing me the sword, I place and buckle it around my hips. The weight of the bronze sword was heavy on my hip. I pull the sword out of the sheathe to determine the condition. Not a hint of rust and decay, meaning Braxius took time oiling and sharpening his weapons so that they stayed in mint condition.

Sheathing the weapon, I look at the old woman who's been like a surrogate grandmother to me since landing in this period. She's holding the helmet, and I gently take it away from her while giving her a soft peck on the cheek. "Thank you for everything Adrexa," I sincerely tell the woman.

"You were an honor to serve Princess Jessa," she says in kind. Then, trying to not cry, I don the heavy bronze helmet; a little snug on my head.

At least it is not too big.

I walk away from Adrexa and head to the front door. I glance at everything around me one more time because I know this palace and the city will be destroyed by the Greeks and nothing will bring back the beauty and splendor of Troy again.

I return my focus to my mission when I step into the foyer and open the enormous, ornate wooden double door. I need to find Braxius and then get the fuck out of here before all hell really breaks loose!

Walking out onto a small, paved street, screams are coming from the palace. Turning my head, a great conflagration has begun because flames are licking around the balconies!

Shit! Out of time!

I run the opposite way. The streets are lit by torches as I head towards the direction that I assume would take me to the outer palace doors leading into the city. Running, the landscape starting to tilt downwards.

Shit rolls downhill, right?

I keep moving, the road leads into a vast square with a beautiful fountain squirting jets of water. The yard is filled with panic servants and royals alike, carrying torches for their masters. Cries of children and mothers sobbing in fright. Not understanding what is happening.

Looking beyond the crowd, the palace doors are open, and no guards.

Not good.

Run through the square, I'm dodging the erratic movements of the panicked crowd. Ducking and weaving until I arrive at the giant doors that are opened to the city below.

"Fuck," I whisper when my eyes land on the mass hysteria happening right in front of me. People are trying to leave, the streets packed with their worldly belongings. Some are pulling carts. Others are using horses and oxen to drag the carts.

The roads and alleys are all jammed with no one moving! It is like being stuck on the Cross-Bronx Expressway because of a significant accident, and a Yankees game is playing. You won't be going anywhere for hours! It is utter pandemonium!

An idea pops into my head. Noticing that the buildings are built against each other, I look up and note the roofs are flat. "Looks like I'm hurdling," I say to myself as I make my way to the first house.

Testing the door handle to determine if it is locked, I can open the door. "Hello!" I yell. No reply. I run up the two flights of wooden stairs and find my way to the second-floor balcony that is open with a small ledge dividing the balcony to the next house.

I take a few steps back, and I start my hurdling. I was never good at hurdling in track, but the walls here are much lower. Hence, I'm able to fly over the roofs of Troy until I hit my first major obstacle, which is a street causing a wide span of air between the current building I'm on and the next.

Shit! Not going to make the jump!

Looking down below, the foot traffic has significantly lightened. I hurriedly make my way down through the house. Then, stepping back onto the street, I start quickly jogging, following the downward tilt of the road that will eventually take me to the city gates.

Many other people are attempting an exodus through the main gate. But everyone is moving, and in addition, these people are only taking things they can carry, not unlike the assholes at the top of the road near the palace.

I weave in and out through the crowd, the vast city gates looming ahead of me. But these gates are shut and sealed with a heavy bar. I also know a commander in front of a small group of soldiers with spears pointed out to the crowd.

You have got to be fucking kidding me!?

"Get back!" The young commander screamed to the group. "You cannot leave and abandon Troy!"

Stepping quickly through the bodies because I wear a royal uniform, I lower my voice a few octaves. "The palace has been sacked by the Greeks and is now on fire!" I tell the commander while pointing back up the hill.

"Why are you here, your highness, and not with your regiment?" the commander states gruffly.

"I was ordered by my cousin Prince Braxius to monitor the palace defenses. And to report to him immediately if those defenses fail to order the Trojan army back into the city!" Hoping my bullshit story worked. But, instead, the young commander is eyeing me, unsure whether to believe my lie.

"What's your name, commander?" I demand.

"Exius," is the response.

"Once I find my cousin Prince Braxius, I will let him know that Commander Exius has caused the destruction of Troy. Because he wouldn't let me through the front gate to deliver my message and have the Trojan army return!" I scream at him.

That did the trick because Exius turns a pale color and orders, "Let this soldier out!"

The soldiers behind Exius quickly remove the sizeable wooden barricade that keeps the doors locked. I began walking forward when the heavy door opening is barely spacious enough for me to slip through.

When I do slip past to the outside, a fire is blazing in the distance. The din of battle is splintering the night air.

I start running towards the sound, hoping I'm not too late to save Braxius from Troy's fate.

The battle was happening about a quarter-mile from the palace walls, which didn't take me long to arrive at the pace I was going. Reaching the field, there is a cacophony of sounds with swords clashing and men screaming in agony.

The chaotic sight of men fighting and grappling each other, each in a dance of death, was hypnotic in firelight caused by the Greek tents going up in flames. The stench of blood, and fear was everywhere, permeating the air I was breathing.

I will never forget what death smells like.

Drawing my sword, I take a deep calming breath, and I charge into the fray.

I slip through the melee easily because each warrior is distracted with fighting their own enemy. I head into the center of the fight, catching Braxius fighting a giant Greek warrior. And then a shot rings out.

"Hector is dead! Prince Hector is dead!" I turn to the clamoring man, wearing a Greek uniform, who is still shouting about the death of poor Hector. He is pointing to a man in a Trojan uniform, with a sword sticking through his gut and the tip going out his back. And according to the poem of Homer, it was Achilles who slays Hector.

The Greek holding the sword spearing Hector's body is a brute! He has an extensive square body with tree-trunk arms and legs to match.

A soda machine with legs!

He grins sadistically at Hector, taking pleasure in Hector's pain. With a mighty pull, the man I am assuming is Achilles, yanks and twists the weapon, pulling out some of Hector's entrails. I immediately close my eyes and try not to gag.

I have to get Braxius out of here!

"HECTOR!" Braxius screams in anguish. Opening my eyes, Braxius run towards Achilles. Running towards his death.

NO!

Braxius and Achilles clash. Both men are mighty warriors, but I can surmise Achilles lives for war. Braxius is not thinking, lost in the pain of his older brother's death. His emotions are making his moves wild and sloppy.

Achilles is only toying with Braxius, taking in the delight that he understands he's about to kill another prince.

Over my dead body!

Without any thought, I run over to the two fighting men. Remembering my soccer days from my youth, I perform a perfect slide in the grass behind Achilles. Then, I use my sword to slice the tendon right about his heal. The one that is named after him.

The mighty Achilles drops to his knees in a roar of pain and anger, but he is able to catch my movement in the corner of his eye and swings his arm out. And I am unable to dodge his sword.

An explosion of godawful pain runs through me. Falling backward, I am numb as shock floods me. Looking down at my chest, Achilles' sword impaled me!

Fuck! Does THAT hurt!

Braxius uses the moment of Achilles's fall and attention on me to his advantage. He neatly swings his weapon, lit like an avenging blade of fire. The affect caused from the burning tents surrounding us, and removes Achilles' head from his neck.

It was Braxius who killed Achilles, huh?

My thoughts are becoming fuzzy, my head is light, and the pain ebbing away due to blood loss. Braxius ran over and kneels down beside me, holding my hand. He is seeing a young soldier and knowing I'm about to die.

He still doesn't realize it is me.

"Thank you, soldier," he reverently states.

"I love you, Braxius," I say quickly before I won't be able to have the chance to tell him. My was lifeblood slipping away, and my body was weightless, no longer tethered to the ground.

"JESSA?!" Braxius exclaims in shock after hearing my voice while rapidly removing my helmet and his. "WHY!" he screams at me in anguish and fury, tears falling down his face.

A few tears of sadness of my own escaped my eyes. Precious drops for missing many years of happiness with this man.

"Because I love you. Be happy, Braxius," I tell him, and then I am exhausted. No longer able to fight, my eyes close on their own volition. And everything becomes nothing, fading away to blackness.

To Be Continued....