It was now the evening of the banquet. People were nervous and anxious about what will come after, it was the announcement on who will the king choose as a groom for Helen. What they didn’t know however, that the king didn’t choose at all, instead, he agreed with Thena’s plan, making Helen choose herself, and making all the other suitors swear that it is fair and they will protect the marriage, whatever the cost…
I was now entering the hall again after an extensive time in the garden. There, I saw Druig, standing alone in the corner, eating some peanuts that were served by the palace.
“Enjoying yourself?” I sneered at Druig.
He looked at me with confusion and shrugged. “What? It’s nice to relax sometimes, you know?”
I shook my head in amusement, and Me and Thena stood beside Druig, waiting for the event to unfold. “Things would be interesting in just a few moments…”
The king then entered the hall with Helen following him solemnly. All the guests had stood up, gathering around the king. The king sat on his throne, and scanned the entire hall. When he saw me and Thena, he nodded, as if thanking me about the suggestion that Thena gave.
“Suitors from all over the Hellenic world…” said The king suddenly, making the atmosphere rather tense. “I must be honest with you, I cannot choose between all of you…”
Loud murmurs started to appear as the king said that one man was about to protest, but the king continued to speak.
“So I’ve decided… I will let Helen choose herself.” announced the king, which shocked the entire hall. All of a sudden, the ones who had no hope to be chosen by the king were hopeful that Helen would choose them.
The king stood up, and spoke again. “Therefore, I ask all of you, to make a vow, that whoever Helen chooses, there will be no fighting, and you will swear that you will protect their marriage, even if it means war…”
The entire halls were silent, they didn’t know what to decide, but soon, one spoke. “I… Agree to the condition, My King.”
Soon, others followed, they had no other choice, it was their only chance to get the hand of Helen of Sparta, the most beautiful lady in the entire Hellenic world.
The king nodded, and he brought a horse to the hall, intending to sacrifice it in front of everyone.
“Sacrifices again…” I murmured. “At least it wasn’t a little girl this time…”
The king then slit the throat of the horse, and the blood of the horse touched the ground, sealing their vows.
“Then, we may begin,” said the king, nodding at Helen.
The girl then walked forward, scanning every one of their faces, their bodies, and their clothing. Many men showed off their muscles and biceps, many just stood nervously, and many stood proudly.
It was an awkward and painful process, it was almost an hour, and Helen couldn't decide at all. She had looked at every man in the room, but then, she stood in front of me, smiling smugly.
I already know what she’s going to do. And I shook my head, telling her to not do it.
Thena and Druig was standing beside me, amused at the scene.
Thankfully, she only clicked her tongue in disappointment, she murmured something about everyone else in here wasn’t me, and walked away from me.
“She got a crush on you.” teased Druig.
“You think I don’t know that?” I scoffed. “Just shut up.”
Helen then walked through every single man again, but this time, she stopped in front of someone. It was Menelaus, the brother of Agamemnon. She offered her hand to the man, and the man smiled, kissing her hand ever so gently.
Menelaus was handsome, he was strong, and most importantly, he is the brother of Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae.
“Good choice.” Thena hummed.
And so, It was done. Helen chose Menelaus, and he will be the future king of Sparta.