Morning light spilled like honey. It bathed the courtyard of the Dardan estate. The gravel path glittered. Tiny golden specks. Like scattered gold dust. Olive leaves rustled nearby. A soft breeze made them whisper. Sharing secrets.
A chariot rolled into the courtyard. Melanippe vaulted down from her horse, landing nimbly. The leather of her Amazonian cuirass caught the light. She straightened deliberately and pressed her lips tight, scanning the entrance with practiced disdain; privately, though, her gaze kept returning to the doorway as if expecting him. Ainippe descended from the chariot with graceful poise, her long chestnut braid swaying as she moved.
"Princess, you're smiling," Ainippe whispered, leaning close. Her voice was low, teasing. "That wretched Trojan will spot it..." She stroked Wind Hoof's mane casually. Hiding her amusement. Wind Hoof snorted. A disgruntled sound. She'd pulled the chariot today. Clearly disliked the job.
Melanippe forced a stern face. She pretended nonchalance. "Hmph! Why would I care what he thinks?" she muttered. But the tips of her ears flushed pink. Against her will.
Just then, the main door creaked open. Aeneas strode out briskly. He wore clean, simple clothes. His tall frame stood imposingly in the dawn.
"Welcome to the Dardan estate, Princess Melanippe!" Aeneas said warmly, stepping forward. "It's your first visit, isn't it? Please, come inside to the hall!" He gestured an invitation. Turned to Ainippe with a genuine smile. "Welcome to you as well, Miss Ainippe."
The main house stood two stories high. Stone and wood. Plain on the outside. But a weapon rack stood in the courtyard corner. Neatly stacked with longbows and arrows. The air carried a scent of baking bread. From the distant kitchen. It blended with fresh herbs. A peculiar, homey fragrance.
Arinna came bounding up, already the estate's horsekeeper. She treated each horse with the same sharp, careful attention.
She took the reins expertly. Blood Moon and Wind Hoof. Her eyes sparkled as she studied the tall warhorses. Both were fine steeds. From the Black Sea grasslands.
Aeneas watched them. Felt a stir of desire. Maybe the domain needed more like them. Amazon horses were always superb.
Thaleia stayed close to Aeneas's side. She wore a simple Trojan gown. Her dark hair was tied back loosely. A few strands fell over her shoulders. She maintained a gentle smile. But her eyes held a flicker of wariness. The women formed a lovely picture. But Aeneas grew tense. He felt like standing on a volcano's edge. Ready to erupt.
Ainippe noticed Thaleia's closeness. A sly grin touched her eyes. She eagerly awaited Melanippe's reaction.
The hall was modestly furnished. A wool tapestry with the family crest hung on the stone wall. Wooden benches were spread with soft sheepskins. The air smelled of herbs and honey. But a warm tension thickened. With both women present.
Thaleia gracefully brought over a cup of honey water. She offered it to Melanippe. Her voice was soft. "Your Highness, the journey must have been taxing. Please, have a drink. It's honey from our own estate. Helps with the fatigue."
At the same time, she naturally moved to Aeneas's side. Reached out to smooth his collar. Her movements were gentle. Practiced. Like she'd done it a thousand times.
Melanippe's eyes narrowed. Her control slipped. A cold sneer escaped. "Can't the Trojan prince even fix his own clothes? Needs a maid to fuss over him? Did your fancy noble education skip basic self-care?" She immediately regretted it. Her fingers tightened around the clay cup.
Thaleia smiled in reply. She nodded, perfectly polite. "Caring for the young master is my duty. And my wish. Lord Aeneas works tirelessly for the domain. Sharing these small tasks is my lifelong honor." She deliberately used 'Lord'. Stressing her servant role. But her demeanor hinted at something closer.
Aeneas felt acutely uncomfortable. Gods, what did I do wrong? Thaleia, I'm glad you said that—but now? You're basically setting me up! Melanippe's gaze could shoot arrows. He cleared his throat nervously. Tried to defuse the situation.
Aeneas rubbed the back of his head. Awkward. A faint blush colored his sun-bronzed skin. He deliberately stepped back half a pace. Putting a little distance from Thaleia. Gave Melanippe a placating smile. "Hey, don't mind the small stuff. You're here now. Let me show you around!"
Melanippe heard his soothing words. Her brow furrowed slightly. She suppressed her feelings. Took a small sip of the honey water. The sweetness tasted oddly bitter on her tongue.
Ainippe stood behind Melanippe. She also held a cup of honey water. Watched the three of them silently. Amusement danced in her eyes. This was even better than she'd hoped.
The awkwardness thickened. Then Achates poked his head through the doorway. He broke the tension. "Young master, Miss Ainia is ready. We can visit her now." The timing was perfect. Like a planned rescue for the flustered Aeneas.
Ainia's room lay in the estate's wing. Sunlight fell through the window lattice. It pooled on a simple bed. The air held the clean scent of herbs. Bronze medical tools sat neatly in the corner. Belonging to Physician Oenone. The whole space was spotless. Quiet. Like a temple's healing hall.
The group entered the room. The Amazon warrior Ainia rose at once to greet them. She was recovering well. A healthy glow warmed her cheeks. She clasped Melanippe's hands warmly. Gratitude shone in her eyes. "Princess, the care here is wonderful. Lord Aeneas arranged Lady Oenone's treatment himself. I'll be fit to wield my spear again soon."
Ainia went on, wonder in her voice. "The herbs here are so effective. Lord Aeneas even used precious wine for my treatment. So generous..." The 'wine' was actually strong alcohol. For disinfecting.
Melanippe frowned, puzzled. "Precious wine? What is that? Why use wine for treatment?" She looked at Aeneas. Her eyes were full of confusion.
Aeneas saw her confusion. He couldn't help but laugh. "That's not wine! It's disinfecting alcohol. You can't drink the stuff. If you want wine, we've got other kinds." He scratched his black-and-gold curls. Added, "The alcohol cleans wounds. Stops infection."
Melanippe grew more confused. "Disinfecting"? "Alcohol"? What were these things? This Trojan prince always came up with baffling new words.
Thaleia stood to the side. Heard Aeneas being praised. A gentle smile touched her lips unbidden. The young master is so brilliant. He creates all these marvels. Seems the Amazon princess is impressed too... A thread of worry wove through her. But what can I do to stay by Lord Aeneas's side forever?
Melanippe took a deep breath. Forced calm. She patted the warrior's shoulder. "Good. Your recovery is the Moon Goddess's blessing. We'll arrange your return to Colonas soon. For proper rest." But her gaze drifted to Aeneas. Held a complex appreciation. This Trojan was truly different.
Ainia looked at Aeneas. Hesitated suddenly. "Lord Aeneas... recently made a longbow... an incredibly powerful one..." Her face flushed. Guilt churned inside. Lord Aeneas healed me with such kindness. But... for the Amazons, I had to tell the princess about their secret weapon...
Aeneas blinked in surprise. Then laughed. "Ah! That's the newly crafted longbow. It's for infantry, really. I made one specially for Melanippe too. You can try it later."
They returned to the hall. Lady Aresya greeted Melanippe warmly. Surprisingly, the usually stern Melanippe seemed shy. Chatting with Aresya.
Aresya suggested eagerly, "Why don't you young folks visit the river valley town? Take a stroll. See a different part of the domain. It'll be fun! Aeneas, show them our town's vitality!"
Euryalus by the door winked at Nisus. Teased, "I bet a Drachma today'll be interesting. Nisus, you think the young master can handle this?" Nisus shot him a sharp look. "I'm going to tell Mother you've started gambling! And you dare bet a whole Drachma?" Euryalus's face fell instantly. "You're right, I'm wrong… please, don't tell Mom — I beg you."
The escort included Achates, Nisus, Euryalus, and Sergestus. They naturally fanned out around the group. Achates watched their surroundings steadily. Nisus and Euryalus exchanged amused glances now and then. Sergestus trailed at the rear. He rubbed his father's bronze ring. Watched Thaleia walking with Aeneas. Felt a swell of contentment. Melanippe? She was a princess. Only a noblewoman of that rank could become Lord Aeneas's wife. Thaleia... It didn't matter! As long as she was happy!