"And did I mention that he's never lost a duel?" Podes continued as he slashed through the air with an imaginary sword. "I can't wait to see him!"
Andromache sighed as she leaned over the window to gaze out at the sea. "Yes Podes, you've mentioned that. And that he'll command the greatest army in the East someday, and that he can tame any horse in the wild, and that he's at least ten feet tall. Or was it twenty? Apparently, he grows five feet every time you tell me his height."
Of all of her brothers, she was closest to Podes as they were closest in age. He was eighteen years old (though he wasn't acting like it) and Prince Hector had just become his new favorite hero. Podes simply could not comprehend how his sister could be less than enthralled by the thrilling tales of the great warrior and the splendorous Troy.
"I can't believe you don't even care, Andromache. He's incredible! Don't you want to marry Prince Hector?" Asked Podes, continuing the display of his excellent swordsmanship as he pretended to fight and stab the lion on a hanging tapestry his sister had woven with skill and care.
"If you don't, I will." Answered Prince Euneus, having overheard as he entered the room. Four years Andromache's senior, he too had made Hector his newfound idol. "Did you know he's never lost a duel?"
Rolling her eyes, Andromache turned around. "Yes Euneus, Podes was just telling me for the hundredth time."
"And he'll command the finest army in the East someday!" Euneus continued, extolling her future husband's virtues. "They say he's the bravest man in Asia, one of Ares' favorites in battle! If I could have but a slice of that glory..." He sighed dramatically.
"You'll share him with us once you've married, won't you Andromache?" Podes said as he and his older brother commenced an epic duel with weapons consisting of invisible spears. Usually, her brothers were relatively sensible, but as of late, any discussion involving Man-killing Hector had them acting as though they were five years old again.
Frustrated, Andromache burst out, "Of course brother, because it will be very easy to share him with all of you an ocean away!" She stopped as her breath caught in her throat. She would be so far from home, how would she bear it? From her family, her friends, her people!
Her brothers stopped their play when they heard the quiver in her voice. Andromache didn't miss the look they shared and regretted her words at once. She had not meant for them to know her doubts and insecurities regarding the match.
"If you don't wish to marry him, Andromache, there's still time to return the messenger from Troy." Podes said after a pause. "There are plenty of suitors in Cilicia and time enough to choose. Should we let father know?"
"No, no, I do want to marry him." Andromache lied earnestly. "I'm just a bit nervous, that's all. Please don't say anything."
"Thebe can do without the bride-price if that's what you're concerned about." Euneus spoke quietly. "You're the youngest and our only girl Andromache. We want only the best for you."
Andromache forced herself to form a cheery smile. "Which is why I will be marrying Hector, loved by Ares, the finest man in Asia with a city unrivaled in wealth. It will be a great honor. You need not be concerned, it was only a moment's worry."
"That's more like our brave little sister." Said Euneus proudly. "You'll show Hector we Thebans have as much courage as those stallion-breaking Trojans of theirs. Father took quite some trouble to arrange this match so mind you honor it."
"King Priam's greatest son for gallant Eetion's favorite daughter." Podes added, breaking into a warm smile.
Andromache laughed. "I might be a little more convinced if I weren't his only daughter." She said as they continued to banter back and forth. But grateful as she was for her brothers' kindness, Andromache felt even lonelier as they spoke. Who knew when she would ever see them again?
Over the next few weeks, wedding preparations kept the palace busy. There were robes, jewelry, guests, food, wine, and a thousand other minute details to tally over and plan, but Princess Andromache could hardly bring herself to feign interest. It all felt so surreal, as though she still had all the time in the world when she knew quite well that Hector's arrival was imminent. As servants dressed and redressed Andromache in the finest cloth, she found herself feeling unusually weary.
"Personally, I think you should go for the saffron robes." Said Pheleia, as she examined the fabric with a critical eye. Of all of the handmaidens, Pheleia had the best taste in these kind of things. "It really brings out the gold flecks in your eyes and makes you look absolutely stunning. However, we do not have enough cloth to do you justice. If you agree with the coloring Princess, I will consult your mother and we will trade with the Lycians." She sighed as she looked at Andromache. "What a pity all of your fine weavings were sold following the earthquake. To think that Thebe will need to trade for cloth when we have one of the finest weavers in all of Asia! Perhaps we shall trade you some better jewelry as well."
Andromache shook her head. "We can't afford that right now Pheleia. Saffron is expensive. I won't snatch away Thebe's precious resources right when we need it the most. That's why I'm marrying Hector after all. I shall do with the cloth and jewelry we have."
Pheleia smiled. "If you don't mind me saying, Princess, I'll marry him if you won't."
Andromache couldn't help but laugh. "That's what Euneus said." She said.
"You're marrying Prince Hector, because he is the finest man in Tros." Pheleia replied patiently, as though explaining something very basic to a small child. "They say Trojans are the best looking too. Who else would you marry? That coward from Chryse?"
"Chryse is close by at least." Andromache said, looking down. But quickly, she changed her tone. "Oh don't mind me, Pheleia. We all knew this day would come, I'm just...afraid."
"Of course you are. But if Prince Hector is half the man people say he is, and Troy half as great, you'll make yourself a new home before long. You're easy to love, Andromache. Be as good and sensible as you are now, and you'll have no trouble. The gods will bless your marriage." Pheleia said reassuringly.
Andromache was quiet for a moment. "Do you really think Prince Hector will be kind? I keep hearing how fierce and terrible he is in battle. I suppose I shall try to stay out of his way. I pray Aphrodite will be good to me."
"King Eetion has honored all the proper rites the gods and goddesses are due. They have provided, even with the earthquake. They will not deny his daughter happiness."
"Troy has been generous and the gods have been kind to grant us this opportunity." Andromache agreed solemnly. "I will try to make Hector a good wife, Troy a dutiful queen."
"The Trojans will be lucky to have you, Princess, as lucky as we in Thebe are now. You will do us proud."
As Andromache murmured a quick prayer to the gods, she could not help but wonder if that would be enough.
"Andromache," Her mother said one evening when they were alone. "How do you feel?" She asked.
"Fine." Andromache replied quietly.
The queen was silent for a moment. "The prophesies have all indicated this to be a good match." She said at last. "Of all the cities in the world, Troy is the one most blessed. Your name will be envied by women all over Asia."
Andromache nodded her assent, though she did not feel enviable. Quite the opposite, she envied the women who would would not have to leave their homes, who were free to marry ordinary princes who were not in line for the Trojan throne, women would not be placed upon pedestals, who did not have to behave like paragons of virtue.
But her mother's next words confirmed her fears.
"But all that comes as a price, my dear." She said seriously. "As the wife of the first prince, you will be expected to act as such, to show you will make a worthy queen." Queen Anaxandra continued. "You will be scrutinized and appraised, and your behavior must never be called into question. You have always shown good judgment, Andromache, and you must continue to do so."
Her mother had said nothing she had not expected, and she knew her mother meant well, but hearing the words spoken aloud sent a shiver down her spine. So this was how her life would be from now on. She would have to trade her family for a stranger's, the natural beauty of Thebe for the gilded varnish of Troy, and comfort and laughter for stiff, cold, politeness. "Yes mother." She answered obediently. "I will do just that."
"I know." Said the queen, putting a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. "I know you will have no trouble."