The Princess of Sparta: Heroes of the Trojan War by Aria Cunningham Read Free Book Online

them out.
    Helen shivered. Her wardrobe offered no protection against the night chills. But that was not the cause of her discomfort. Left alone for the past hour in the inky blackness of full night without a soul to share her vigil had left Helen plenty of time to dwell on her current predicament. When the Priestess deemed the time was right, she would enter the temple and beseech Aphrodite’s help in securing the man of her heart. And Helen had no idea which man that might be.
    The chiming of cymbals rang out accompanied by rhythmic clapping and the sweet voices of the Goddess’ initiates. In a burst of light, the girls emerged from the temple adorned in garlands of myrtle and white flowing dresses similar to Helen’s own. They formed a chain that wove around the princess in an elegant infinity symbol, one end around Helen, the other bending around the temple entrance.
    The girls chanted in rhythm to the music, their voices united in a spirit of youthful energy and anticipation. Helen thought she recognized some of the faces that passed her by. Astyanassa was there. As was Clymene, her doe eyed chambermaid, a girl of twelve years. None of the initiates were older than Helen, a fact that reminded the princess she no longer belonged in their company.
    The circle broke as Tryphosa emerged from the Temple. Helen’s trembling returned, this time from awe at the priestess’ lush beauty. A long dress of crimson accentuated Tryphosa’s womanly curves. Her sandy locks were pulled high on her head and cascaded down her back in spiral waves. Her plump lips pressed together with a knowing smile, one that invited all manner of speculation of what naughty thoughts it suppressed. She was exquisite. The Goddess had bestowed many favors on her chosen one.
    Tryphosa spread her arms wide and the initiates divided into two lines creating a tunnel between Helen and the priestess. With a flick of her delicate hand, she motioned the princess forward.
    Helen adopted her father’s cool confidence, pacing herself as she walked sedately toward the temple entrance. The girl’s giggles followed her as she passed. Reaching into satchels tied to their waist, they tossed blood-red poppy petals over her head. By the dim light of flickering torches, the portico seemed to rain blood.
    “Who approaches the Altar of Aphrodite?” the priestess demanded in a deep voice that made her chest heave.
    Helen bowed her head. “A humble child who would share in Her secrets of Love.” The soft kisses of petals trickled down her neck and gown.
    “Such secrets are not for the ears of children,” Tryphosa declared, her azure eyes narrowing as she studied her initiates with a frown. “If you step into Her realm, you will be a child no longer, but a woman fully grown. The transformation does not come without a price. Are you prepared to pay the toll?”
    Helen straightened herself. Fully erect, she stood eye to eye with the priestess, equal in height and stature. “My heart is pure, my body chaste. I offer my Innocence at Love’s burning altar. Do not hide your face from me, Goddess Divine.”
    According to ritual, she should have been ushered into the temple immediately, Eros’ secrets confided in the newly raised woman’s ear. But the priestess blocked the entrance, a strange look crossing over her beautiful features.
    Suddenly, Tryphosa threw back her head and cackled like a crone. It was a terrifyingly mocking sound.
    Helen froze. Even the initiates tittered nervously behind her. The torch light flared high by some unseen force, and when the last note of the priestess’ cry died off, an eerie silence permeated the portico.
    “Shoo. Begone!” Tryphosa shouted to the girls, and the initiates scattered like the wind. Once alone, the priestess beckoned Helen forward.
    Helen made no move to follow, shocked by the awesome display.
    “Don’t be shy, Princess.” Tryphosa beckoned again. “You asked to see the Goddess’ face, and you will soon learn she