The Reluctant Prize

As they approached the gates of the Greek camp, Helen's demeanor changed, her anger and indignation slowly giving way to a deep sadness. She looked at Diana with a mixture of desperation and pleading in her eyes. "Diana, wait," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have something to ask you." Diana slowed her pace, her expression unreadable. "What is it, Helen?" she asked, her tone neutral. Helen took a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears. "Is Oenone, Paris's old wife, weeping so much for him?" she asked, her voice cracking with emotion. "I... I apologize. I didn't mean to cause this war. I apologize for that too." Diana's expression remained impassive, but a hint of mockery crept into her voice. "Just say that to the people next time, your majesty," she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. She gave Helen a mocking bow, her eyes glinting with amusement. Helen's face fell, her eyes filling with tears as she realized the gravity of her situation. Diana straightened up, her expression cold and detached once more. With a swift motion, she handed Helen over to the waiting Greek soldiers. As Diana turned to leave, Helen called out to her, but Diana didn't look back. She walked away, her task complete. The sound of Helen's sobs and the murmur of the Greek soldiers faded into the distance as Diana made her way back to Mount Olympus. She was greeted by Hermes, who was lounging against a pillar, a mischievous grin on his face. "Well, well, well," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Look what we have here. The reluctant prize catcher returns." Diana rolled her eyes, a wry smile spreading across her face. "It was a pleasure, as always," she said, her voice dry. Hermes chuckled. "I'm sure it was," he said. "You have a way with people, Diana. I'm sure Helen will be... entertaining." Diana shrugged, her expression neutral. "I just did my job," she said. Hermes leaned forward, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "And what do you think of Helen?" he asked. Diana's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I think she's a pawn in a much larger game," she said. "A game of power and politics, where her beauty and charm are used as leverage to further the interests of men." Hermes nodded, his grin growing wider. "You're a clever one, Diana," he said. "I'm sure you'll go far in this world." Diana's smile faltered for a moment, before she turned and walked away, leaving Hermes to his musings. She had a feeling that her journey as a demigod was only just beginning, and she was eager to see what the future held.