Helena

Chapter 2

  I turned around and saw Alastor standing at the threshold. We were friends ever since my father bought him as a slave. My father believed he had potential and raised him in the art of war. Alastor was rapidly raising in rank, perhaps almost the rank of my own father. I ran to him and hugged him. His hair was brown and cut short and his bright green eyes shined brightly against his tan skin. He had become masculine from all the training and grew taller. 

" Helena, you are ... so tall ". 

I laughed. 

" Height probably has nothing to do with what you really want to say " I teased. 

As a child, Alastor played important roles in my life. He was always my best friend and the shoulder to cry on during all my hardships. He walked around the room inspecting the trunks. I sat down again in the chair. My father had arranged him to marry a girl from a very wealthy family and I know that this was a subject he was hoping to discuss with me. 

" Have you contacted Messonia yet?" I asked. 

He gave me a look. 

" I know she is the not the one obviously. But how could I destroy your father's wishes for me to marry her". 

He walked to me and handed me a small figurine, no doubt a representation of her.

I looked at her. She was slightly overweight and plain looking. The cheeks drooped down and made the wrinkles increase. I laughed. She was definitely not pretty and I handed back the figurine. 

" Your father told me to keep in mind of the immense wealth that comes with being attached to the Xanthe line". 

I nodded. My father offered me many suitors. I declined them all and my father would never try hard to make me like them. 

I took Alastor's hand and pulled him down to another chair. 

" My father does his best for us. However, it is our choice to accept his help and offers". 

My mother came in running. " Alastor! Alastor! I cannot believe you are here. Perfect timing as we are to be moving to Egypt soon. You and Helena shall be seeing each other more often" she said winking towards me. I blushed and looked away. My mother had wanted my father to arrange the marriage between Alastor and me. Sadly, Alastor is still a slave and my father refuses to free him. Thankfully, Alastor never found out about these discussions. 

" You are correct Lady Theodora. I will see you in the morning for the departure". 

My mother sadly smiled. 

" Good, good. There are only a couple more things to pack and we will be ready. Oh my dear Helena! Your father will be so glad to see you" my mother said. 

She picked up a few trinkets from the boxes and left the room. 

I continued the conversation with Alastor from where we left off. 

" Messonia will bring great happiness to you. I hope you will accept it". 

" Lady Helena, your mother expects you well rested for tomorrow " the slave interrupted. 

Alastor made a small nod and I willed myself into my chamber. The small sounds of the wind and conversations of people nearby will surely be missed. I closed my eyes and fell into deep sleep.