- Epilogue -

Achilles had told her that Odysseus would allow her family to come to Ithaca. Hours after she had been reunited with Achilles on the balcony, the king's fastest ships had set sail to Lathos. Was it too good to be true? The knowledge that she would be reunited with those she had left behind brought joy to Briseis' heart. When the ships had finally returned safely to harbor, Briseis had shed all semblance of dignity and rushed to greet them. Paris, Helen, their child, her friends – everyone. There had been tears of joy, excited laughs and finally, thanks to Odysseus as he had welcomed them to the island, proclaiming this a safe place for them.

The wedding had followed shortly. It was not a lavish affair but it was everything Briseis had dreamed off. Achilles hadn't wanted anyone else there but she had insisted that their family (mostly hers) and friends (again, mostly hers) be there. Yet there had been Eudorus, pale eyes proud as he watched his master take a wife. Odysseus was smirking and Penelope's gentle face played host to a warm smile as well.

That night, as she lay naked in Achilles' arms, she felt a smile drifting over her lips. She couldn't sleep... Joy and excitement ran wildly through her body. The life she had always dreamt of was slowly being formed. On this night, their wedding night, she couldn't sleep! Shamelessly, she thought to herself that she didn't want to.

"Beloved, if you keep shifting and moving like that, I can promise you that I'll have you on your back in seconds." Achilles' gruff, sleep-filled voice cut through Briseis' fantasies of the life she and Achilles would have. She smothered a laugh by kissing him. A low throaty sound came from the back of his throat as he rolled over on top of her, his large body hovering above hers. Even in the dark, she could see those two deep blue eyes gazing down at her. Then he was kissing her again and she let herself go completely.

In the darkness, Briseis heard him say that he loved her and with utter delight, she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him slowly.

"I love you too."