I am the Reincarnation of Helen of Troy

Chapter 13-What you see isn't always what you expect.

At first, the vision that appeared was indistinct. The edges were blurry, fog like, as I struggled to see. I was aware that I was still making out with Theseus, but it felt more like a memory than an action that was currently happening. My mind was completely focused on the flashback that was finally becoming clear.

It was dark, the only light visible emanating from the torch lights at the palace. Helen, my former self, was being pulled down a long hallway. Theseus had a hold of my wrist, his large hands easily wrapping around my wrist. He put great effort into being gentle with his hold, which surprised me. The palace seemed to be devoid of any other life; no servants or guards were scurrying around running errands. Our footsteps echoed across the floor, the noise deafening in the cool night air.

Suddenly, the hallway disappeared, leading up to a set of stairs. I eyed them dubiously, wondering what Theseus had planned. He only shook his head, grinning a little, before leading me up the steps.

The steps ended suddenly. I glanced around, confused. "What are we doing, Theseus? It's a dead end." My voice sounded nervous. "Don't fret, my lovely Helen." He grinned a little, trying to reassure me and gave my hand a quick squeeze before letting go. My skin suddenly felt cold from his lack of touch.

He turned around, pushing on what I realized was a door in the ceiling. I watched in curiosity as he pushed the heavy door aside with a low grunt. "What is this, Theseus?" I asked, a little excitement brewing inside me.

"Let me show you." He again grabbed my hand, and I took hold of it eagerly, loving the sense of warmth I felt.

Distancing myself from the vision for a moment, I began to realize that Helen and Theseus's relationship was different in this flashback. They seemed to be getting along so well, and Helen almost seemed to... trust Theseus. It was the completed opposite from the first flashback I'd witnessed where Theseus had announced that he had captured Helen at the feast. She, I, had been murderously angry at Theseus for taking her away from her family. But now, she seemed to want to be with him. Enough so that she was willing to sneak around to secret parts of the palace with him at night.

Theseus lifted me up effortlessly through the hole in the wall before easily hauling himself up, too. I realized that we were outside. The chilly desert night air bit at my exposed face and arms, goose pumps instantly appearing.

Observing my surroundings, I realized that we were on a rooftop garden. The different perfumes of different flowers filled my senses almost immediately. The different smells were wonderful, all combined together. I breathed deeply, taking it all in.

The garden itself was small compared to the palace gardens down below. But it was quaint and had charm, making me love it even more.

"Do you like it?" Theseus's voice was so close. I jumped a little in surprise, turning quickly. He was right beside me, studying me intently with his brown eyes. "It's-" I tried to find the right words to describe this little paradise.

"Beautiful." I ended lamely, wishing I had a better word to describe the garden. "Your beauty outshines every flower combined, fair Helen." I felt myself blushing at his compliment. I started to look down before he placed a finger under my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"Theseus, I-" The words wouldn't come to me, my mouth tongue-tied. What exactly did I want to say? I wasn't sure. Theseus took advantage of my silence. He gently wrapped his strong arms around my thin waist, closing the foot of distance that had been separating us. We were so close to each other, his masculine scent overwhelming me. I found myself enjoying his touch, the warmth he provided.

"Lovely Helen, over the past couple months, I feel like we have become closer. You don't constantly try to escape anymore, and you don't scowl every time you see me. You almost act friendly."

I gave a short, humorless laugh. "You're pushing your luck." I warned him. But I didn't pull away from his hold on me. I was curious on where he was going with this.

"Maybe." He grinned a little, his trademark smile I'd become accustomed to over the past few months. "But, I've been thinking a lot lately." "That never leads to anything good." I scolded him. He ignored me, continuing his speech as if I hadn't interrupted.

"And I've wanted to try something for a long time now. Please keep an open mind." He looked deep into my eyes, seeming to try and convince me to listen to him. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. "And what is that?" I asked him, cautiously. I got the feeling we were treading on thin water.

"I have to show you." He said. I waited. He took a deep breath, seeming to steady his nerves. My heart began to beat quickly. He leaned down slowly, stopping only a couple of inches from my face. He seemed to gage my reaction. He must have been encouraged by what he saw because he smiled a little before closing the distance between us.

His lips met mine, and my body instantly tensed. I was torn between the pleasures my body was feeling and my head, which kept reminding me that he had kidnapped me. He had taken me from my family, from my home.

Theseus didn't seem to notice my hesitation, or, if he did, he chose to ignore it. His arms tightened around my waist, drawing me closer until my body was pressed up against his.

My head lost the internal battle as I gave up and wrapped my arms around his neck. I drew him closer to me, deepening the kiss. He groaned a little in pleasure, whispering my name. I moved my hands to his back, feeling the strong muscles underneath his tunic. My fingers traced patterns on his back as he began to kiss my neck, my cheeks, my nose.

How had things come to this? When I'd first arrived, I'd wanted nothing more than to leave. But now, I realized that I had feelings for Theseus. I asked myself if I even wanted to leave, and I found myself indecisive.

"Helen, stay with me." He whispered, kissing my temple, my forehead, intimate gestures that had me taking shaky breaths. "Be my queen. Be the queen of Athens for all the people." I realized I was silently crying, the tears rolling slowly down my cheeks.

He pulled away so he could make eye contact with me."You're intelligent, and brave, and you have more bravery than any woman I've ever seen before. And you're so beautiful Helen, the people won't be able to not like you." He seemed genuine in his words. I imagined a future in Athens. Being a queen and ruling by Theseus. For a moment, I could imagine it, but the image quickly disappeared as I remembered my family. My mother, father, my brothers and all my friends in Sparta that were missing me, wanting me back home. I couldn't betray them. I had to get back. But having Theseus here so close made it hard to think.

"Please Helen?" His voice sounded pleading, almost desperate. I could only shake my head as the tears continued to steadily flow down my cheeks. I was torn, my heart feeling like it was pulling me in two different directions.