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The setting sun bathed the city of Sparta in a golden light. Magnificent Paris was on his way to meet with both red-haired Menelaus and long dressed Helen.
It had been a long day, the shadows of the political meetings earlier in the day still weighing heavy on the young prince's mind.
However, what surprised him most, was the invitation he received for a private meeting with the King and Queen.
The moment when white-armed Helen approached the son of Priam, the young man had to take care to hear her speak, so lost was he in her beauty.
And now that he stood before the private chambers, he trembled even more.
However, this was no time to be coy. And so, brave Alexandros opened the door and entered the most private dwelling of the spartan royalty.
“It seems our guest has finally arrived, my beloved.” The melodious voice of fair Helen rang through the room like bird cries at dawn. The daughter of thundering Zeus lay draped on her grand bed, clothed only in a soft cloth.
As Paris beheld Helen, brilliant among women, the young man was certain in his deepest heart, that even golden Aphrodite could not be more splendorous.
So in awe was the son of Priam, that he failed to notice war famed Menelaus, standing but a few feet away.
“Of course. Few could stand to ignore an invitation from you, my Queen. Especially when they are this smitten with you.” The King's response brought a small laugh out of the Queen.
Like his wife, Menelaus was dressed not in the robes of a king, but instead showed his proud body with only the barest thread preserving his modesty.
As Helen rose from the bed, Menelaus joined her side, their hands intertwining before they shared a tender kiss between each other.
The far wandering prince felt more and more out of place.
“Ahem,” his cough made the lovers turn to look at him, capturing him in their gaze. “You had asked to see me, oh Queen of Sparta?”
With a smile, fair Helen left her husband's side to walk towards Paris. Taking his hand into her own, she looked at the trojans face with a look of longing.
“Indeed, oh son of Priam. I have asked you here, because I cannot bear to be apart from you. The moment I laid eyes on you, Eros the source of sweet delights, set my heart ablaze with desire. It was surely the will of foam born Aphrodite, that you become as dear to me as my own husband.”
Hearing these words from bright Helen, made Paris glad. However, there was one thing that caused some unrest to the prince.
“If that is so, then why oh fair Helen, have you called your husband here as well?”
At this, the son of Atreus approached, placing a calloused hand on Alexandros’ shoulder. “When my Queen brought the news of her infatuation to me, we talked long and I came to a conclusion too.”
Spear famed Menelaus looked deep into fair Paris eyes. It was not the look of a warrior, but rather the eyes of one beholding the object of their desires.
“Because I too, have taken a liking to you, prince of Troy.”
Paris was taken aback. In his head, he still heard the promise Cypris had made.
The fairest of women shall be your bride.
Not only was it a shock to Paris that said woman was already married, but now famed Menelaus, master of the war cry, had fallen for his charms too?
“It seems that deceitful Aphrodite was moved in her schemes.” Helen mused. “For just like mortals are easily swayed by the will of the gods, so too are the gods bound in their nature.”
“Or perhaps it is her form of kindness.” Menelaus offered. “Consider what your disappearance would mean, Helen.”
“It seems that Aphrodite truly is of the people.” Paris said with a smile. “Who are we, to know the aims of the gods? Maybe she wished to avoid unnecessary violence.”
This made Helen laugh. Seeing her face scrunch up, made Paris’ heart beat faster.
“Your optimism and naivete truly is precious, prince of Troy. It would be unbecoming of war-like Aphrodite to consider the fortunes of men.”
Then, fair Helen brought Paris’ hand to her mouth and gave it a chaste kiss.
“Still, there may be another reason.” She took the hand of Menelaus as well, holding both to her chest. “I am daughter of Zeus, who holds the aegis. My dear husband, Menelaus, is beloved by Ares. And you, Paris, have won the favor of shining Aphrodite.
It may be that our union is desired by the gods themselves.”
Flame-haired Menelaus let out a small grunt. “Be that as it may, at this moment, I care not for the gods' design. You look as radiant as ever, my dear wife. And you, prince of troy, have a charm that cannot be denied. I wish to taste it both to my heart's content.”
White-armed Helen answered her husband with a smile, and led the men to her bed.
Before he could even realize, brave Alexandros was thrown on the bed, with the Queen and King of Sparta looking down upon him.
“What now, gentle Paris?” Helen asked. “Do you wish to indulge our desires, and let us sate yours in turn?”
With a flushed face, Paris answered quickly and without hesitation. “Nothing would make me happier.”
And thus, the three of them spend a night in happiness.
From this day forth, trade relations blossomed between the city of Ilium and the states of Achaea. Often, the young prince of Troy would visit Sparta, and it is said that no great war took place.
“How very unlike you, Aphrodite. Normally you delight in the chaos of war and ruining mortal lives.”
“Well, you would be terribly bored, otherwise, no darling?”
“I wonder if Father Zeus approves of you playing with the Fates' design this way.”
“Oh hush now my love. Besides, just this once, I wished to see a different ending to this tale. And if it spares my dear Aeneas some pain, then that is a plus too.”
“Aww, you have a soft spot in there after all.”
“She really is full of surprises. Then again, I never thought that us three would end like this either.”
“Indeed. My beloved Helen deserves to be spoiled by handsome men. After all, she is so very much like me.”
“Heh. Well then, how about we treat well-girdled Aphrodite to a show, oh god of many crafts?”
“As long as you don’t complain when I show you up, oh god of the golden helm.”