Cry of Cassandra

4 | Apollo

EDITED

Years. I've waited years. I'm not patient at the best of times, but I've waited. I've watched her grow and watched those around her. I have my two best crows always guarding her.

I have decided that I will tell her she is to be my Queen Consort, and soon. My patience is nearly at an end.

It will be worth it when I have her by my side, never mind in my bed. It isn't as if she would say no, either. I stand there, smirking, watching from the shadows.

I am eons old, I can wait a little longer. I have waited years, far more time than I promised her twin. What are a few more hours, if it gives her comfort?

I reluctantly sink back into the shadows...for now.

_________________________

She was quietly humming a temple hymn under her breath, as she swung a basket wicker absentmindedly. She looked and sounded happy, yet her eyes looked sad, tired.

Although she looked familiar, I couldn't quite place her. She was stunning, especially for a human. My breath caught as thoughts of what I could do to her raced through my mind. I shook my head in a daze.

She carelessly dropped her basket on the grass by the river, sitting under the shade of a lemon tree. I watched as she took of her sandals before slipping her feet into the cool water. She started pulling things out, quietly murmuring to herself as she did so.

Curious, I silently drew closer.

"Stupid, selfish Helenus! Leaving me with those idiot sisters of mine; as soon as they catch on, they shall all gang up on once more. Some twin! I hate him so much!" She started shredding the bread, throwing it at the water angrily, as I watched in amusement.

"Just because he wants to be a stupid priest for stupid Apollo," sighing, she absently wiped a tear away.

The tiny, fiery human intrigued me. Deciding I would reveal myself, I quickly went back to where the nearby village was and instantly changed my outfit and form to that of an Egyptian Prince. My features sharpened as my skin turned to a warm cocoa brown, my height shrinking slightly. My eyes turned to an amber brown while my hair; my hair shortened and darkened to a blue-black.

Not quite satisfied, I snapped my fingers, my face instantly decorated in traditional Egyptian makeup while I became weighed down with several pounds of jewelry. I attempted to appear "normal," ridding myself of my usual godly glow.

Satisfied, I strode over to where she was now squashing the poor cheese. After a moment, she must have realized that she had company.

Instead of shrieking as I had expected, calling for help, running, or even bothering to turn - all she did was ask "Yes?"

Surprised, I stammered, "I-I, er, was wondering if you, er, would be willing to share some your meal with a weary traveler..?"

Without hesitation she held out the basket, head down, almost as if to shield herself. "Do you fear me, when you have yet to gaze upon me," I asked surprised, and hurt for some reason.

"Why waste my time? You are a tall, wealthy, foreign lord. Whereas I am leaving now, as you should." Dusting of her still pristine silk stola, she readied herself to leave, sans food and basket.

I foolishly grasped her tiny hand, easily pulling her back to face me. "How can you know all that, without seeing me," I asked, casting her an admiring look.

Shrugging one shoulder carelessly, she looked over her shoulder, her mass of thick auburn hair hiding most of her face as she did so as she answered. "Your shadow was tall, your voice deep, you smell of rich food and exotic spices," she answered easily with a small laugh.

"My lady, even if you noticed all that without seeing me, you would have to be almost as wise as Athena..."

"To know all of that? Yes, I would wouldn't I," she said with a small smile. I just looked at her and waited.

Sighing, she must have realized that I wouldn't release her wrist until I received an answer I liked. Giving me a dirty look, she pushed her arm forward, then yanked it back, managing to release herself from my grasp.

Glaring at me, she bit out angrily, "The last one meaning that you are unlikely to need food, particularly since I saw you dressed as a beggar before." Before I could ask when she had glanced in my direction either time, she gave me a dismissive look, followed by a single nod.

She reminded me of the best of each of my sisters, Athena's quick intelligence, Aphrodite's overwhelming beauty, and my twin's innocent love of nature and ability to protect herself. And yet, she was more than them in her own way. She was her own person, her own individual.

"If you don't mind, I really must meet my family for lunch now," She said imperiously, much to my amusement. While I was thinking, she had disappeared into sultry Mediterranean air.

I will see you soon, I thought. I summoned Scamander, the local river God. "Who was that," I demanded eagerly.

"That was Cassandra a princess of Troy, you pig. Good luck," he hissed with a massive smirk plastered on his face. He snickered, muttering something unintelligible under his breath.

Seeing no need to stay and further "socialize", he sent a rude gesture my way before he merged with the waters once more, purposely splashing me. I would usually punish him for his insolence. I had something - someone - else on my mind though.

With a dismissive gesture towards the river, I started to carefully change my appearance as I trekked up the hills, deep in thought.

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