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He leaned over to hug her. "Any man who vies for you will not care a whit if you can even recall the servants names, let alone assign them duties. You're too lovely to worry about anything when you'll please your man simply by existing."
"I might as well be a fresco if only my appearance matters."
"An artist could create wondrous frescos with your image, and probably will, but you're too lively a girl to be as silent as a woman painted on a wall."
She sighed to concede the point. "True, I've never been the retiring sort, but now, everything is different."
"It doesn't have to be."
Her brother was handsome with a lively sparkle in his blue eyes, but he saw only the surface, and she hoped it would be enough for other men.
* * *
Leda ran to welcome Helen home. She hugged her and smoothed the curls from her daughter's forehead to study her expression. "Did the beast beat you?"
"Only when he caught me at the river, but I'm home, and we needn't speak of my wretched captivity ever again."
Castor and Pollux kissed their mother's cheek, and she hugged them both tightly. "You've rescued your sister, and there's not a mark on either of you handsome heroes. Your father will want to hear every detail, but I'm happy knowing only that you're all home safely."
Hearing the commotion, Tyndareus strode into the courtyard, swept Helen off her feet and spun her around twice before setting her down gently. He turned to his sons. "I would swear I told you to find Helen and then summon more men, yet you dared to set her free yourselves? I don't know whether to be proud or angry that you disobeyed me."
"Proud," the brothers replied, their grins wide.
"It was an easier challenge than we'd expected," Castor added.
"Not all that easy," Pollux argued.
"I want to hear it all," Tyndareus answered. "You must be hungry, and we'll talk while we dine."
As the men entered the palace, Helen caught Aethra's hand and pulled her close. "This charming woman is Theseus's mother, Aethra. I want to show her how much warmer our hospitality is than her son's."
Taken aback, Leda stared a long moment at the petite woman. "Welcome, my lady. You'll be an honored guest, and your wisdom is sure to enrich our lives. "
Aethra looked past Leda to the beauty of Tyndareus's palace. "I'll not thank you until I'm certain you're sincere."
"Isn't she a joy?" Helen asked. "I've brought along a maid for her who'll need pretty clothing and sleeping quarters. Come, Emalia. My mother needs to see you."
The shy girl took only a single step away from her brother. "My lady, Oron will also need useful work."
"Have you cared for horses?" Helen inquired.
He shook his head. "No, but I can learn."
"Of course you can," Helen assured him. "Find the stables and tell the boys working there I said you're be made welcome. They know I come there often and will see how they behave towards you."
"I'm on my way," Oron replied, and he jogged away without looking back.
* * *
Leda had Aethra shown to a fine room and directed her serving maids to find Emalia clothing and to provide her with the necessary instructions. Grateful to be alone with Helen, she ushered her to the bathing room. "Whose clothes are you wearing?"
"A dead woman's. Burn them or give them away, I'll wear only my own clothing now." She tore away her borrowed attire and stepped into the tub. It was painted with charming fish that appeared to be swimming in the sea.
Serving maids filled the great terracotta tub with hot water. Leda dismissed them and pulled a stool close. "I'll never forgive myself for what's happened to you. Never."
The rose scented soap was soft against Helen's skin, and she spread the lather over her arms. Her bruises were too faint for her mother to notice, but she needed no reminders of how badly Theseus had treated her. "It wasn't your fault, Mother. I shouldn't have gone to the river alone, and Theseus shouldn't have leaped from his boat to catch me. His name should be forever cursed, but we shouldn't brood over what can't be changed."
Leda had to swallow hard. "You're not to blame for any of this, dismiss the thought immediately. Theseus abducted a young Spartan maiden dancing at a sacred temple, and the gods will punish him for such despicable sacrilege. I wish we could simply forget this outrage, but first we must be certain there are no unfortunate consequences."
