Thalassa

Chapter 4

The next day, Caliya AND the slaves came to prep Thea, and she thought she looked equally ridiculous as the day before. This time, her tunic was a violet colour and her jewellery was just gold, but still extravagant. Caliya was determined to sort out Thea's hair , so once her hair had dried, she set her down on a wooden stool and took large pices of each side of Thea's head and twisted them into a bun, and secured it with a small piece of purple silk.

"There, look how much more of your beautiful face we can see! Just wait till your father and Mikalis see!" What did Mikalis have to do with anything? He would probably just laugh at her. But why did that matter?

The slaves had spent all day decorating the hall, and it had payed off. There was food in every corner and a long wooden table was decorated with fruit and flowers. Cushioned benches were dotted around the room and huge vases - depicting Greek myths and heroes - full of wine, were lined up. There was not guest who didn't give a nod or word of approval as they entered. Caliya was fluttering between guests and was clearly very pleased with her wonderful feast. When Mikalis and his parents entered, Caliya grabbed Proteo's hand and led him over. Thea watched as Caliya hugged Jannis and Irini, Mikalis' parents. She then shook Mikalis' hand before pointing at Thea and taking Janis and Irini. Mikalis walked over to Thea.

" Your mother is in high spirits!" And he laughed.

"I'm aware, Mikalis. She's been like this all week." Thea said half-heartedly. She was watching her parents and his in deep conversation. There was a lot of smiling and laughing, perhaps an abnormal amount.

"So is this your new appearance ?" Mikalis asked, grinning.

"I don't plan on making a habit of it, if that's what you mean. You don't have any idea how uncomfortable all this stuff is. I don't understand how my Mother wears it all the time. " Thea replied.

"Are you okay? Your just staring behind me?"

"Oh. Sorry, Mikalis. I just have a feeling something's up, you know?"

"Ah, I'd just ignore it and carry on. Besides, look at this food! It's like supper time on Mount Olympus!" Mikalis was gesturing at the mountains of food, like he was showing off a grand kingdom. Thea laughed, took his hand and started to pile her food. She may have to behave like a lady, but she wouldn't eat like one. Soon everyone was sat at the long table, engaging in conversation while filling themselves up with delight after delight. After a while, Proteo stood and asked for silence. He glanced at Thea, with an almost apologetic look.

"Dear friends, my wife and I would like to welcome you to this feast! We would also like to make an announcement! We have decided who our daughter, Thea shall marry!" 'Of course!' Thought Thea. She thought herself a fool for not deciphering her Mother's behaviour sooner. The dress up - to get her used to wearing clothes as a wife would. The lessons - to learn the skills a wife would need. The over feeding - to (and this made Thea sick) build her up to bear good strong children. She would do anything and everything not to be married off. Now all that was left to find out was what man would be wifeless.

"After much thought, we have chosen Mikalis, son of Jannis and Irini!" Proteo's voice boomed across the hall. She heard Mikalis gasp beside her, and without looking at him, or anyone, she left quietly and went to her room. She couldn't marry. And Mikalis? It was just out of the question. She didn't hear Caliya call after her as she left. Of course she wouldn't, it was her glorious feast and it would only embarrass her and disturb the pleasantries. But Thea heard her come upstairs and soon she was standing in the doorway.

"You don't know how lucky you are! We are letting you marry someone you already know and care for! He is only two years older, other girls have to marry men twice their age!" She exclaimed.

"Lucky? Im loosing my freedom, I don't want to marry and Mikalis doesn't want marry me! He is my best friend, not my husband!" Thea shouted.

"Thea, do not raise your voice at me! And the we have decided! You're the children, you don't have a say. You will marry who we want you to marry! And to think, you're so un gratuitous considering we've chosen Mikalis!" This was the life Caliya wanted. She was just like the girls by the training ground, wanting nothing but to be a good wife to a good man. Thea wanted her freedom, she wanted more. Tonight, she decided she would do what Mikalis suggested. She would escape.

"You know what, mother, I can now see how kind you were. I'm sorry for loosing my temper. It's just a big step. I promise I will marry Mikalis and make you and father proud!" She said in a little girlish voice, similar to the little voice Stellius used that gave him incredible power over Caliya.

"Oh. Well. I'm glad you've seen sense, Thea. Now why don't you go down, apologise to Mikalis, Jannis, Irini and your father and we can continue the feast. Tomorrow we'll start the plans. It's exciting isn't it?!" And we that she was back to fluttering and she was off downstairs. Thea waited till she knew Caliya would be back in the hall and she changed in to a chiton, wiped off her makeup, took off the jewellery, grabbed an extra chiton and plaited her long hair, tied off with the silk from earlier. She then sneaked into the hall, found Mikalis and hugged him quickly, before he could say a word.

"I'm sorry. Thank you for being my best friend, Mikalis. I will miss you." And with that she left and walked out of the house. After she set two bare feet outside, she started to run, faster than she ever had before. Mikalis started to chase her, shouting "Thea, wait, I will come with you! Wait!" But she continued to sprint. Mikalis was forced to stop. She was gradually disappearing into inky darkness, stolen by a starry night.