The next morning, Andromache waited in dread for the inevitable to happen. What could she do to prevent it? Beg and plead and promise again what she hadn't been able to keep? But he was a warrior; it wasn't in his nature to show mercy. His requests had been simple, and now he would think her unable even to keep his good name.
Oh, she had only been taking a walk, no real crime in itself. But it had been outside and unescorted and in the middle of the night! She could only imagine what he was speculating. That she had a lover no doubt, with whom she had been unchaste scarcely a week before her wedding day. He would have told all of his shipmates who were no doubt spreading those hideous rumors this very moment, adorning and embellishing them until all would know her as nothing but the most common of whores. No one would believe her of course, why should they? They would have no reason to question Hector of Troy and it was always the woman to blame. It took a lifetime to build a reputation and only a single night to destroy it.
She went down to breakfast with a heavy heart. Making excuses and hiding in her room was not an option. She had been a coward last night. He would not leave thinking her a coward.
Briefly, she had considered warning her father and mother of what was to come, but Pheleia, or perhaps a goddess disguised as Pheleia, had checked her.
"If Prince Hector has something to say, let him say it himself, my lady." She had said, and Andromache had conceded.
When she saw him, she only flinched and avoided his eyes but otherwise gave no indication of a change in manner. Prince Hector, for his part, revealed nothing, courteous and grave as he had been at their first meeting.
"I trust there were no problems last night." King Eetion said warmly, as he set the best portions of the meal in front of his Trojan guests.
Andromache tensed, but if her betrothed noticed, he did not show it.
"None at all." Prince Hector replied without sparing her a glance. "Your hospitality is legendary in these parts. I am honored by your generosity."
Her father laughed. "Well spoken, Hector of Troy. Zeus, lord of xenia, holds the sacred bond between guest and host above all other laws. It must never be violated. Remember that, friend. Honor the gods and they will bring honor to you."
Prince Hector gave his assent and they continued to eat - bread dipped in wine, figs, and olives - but Andromache had no appetite.
She had expected him to call her out in front of everyone, to embarrass her out of the open, but now, this waiting seemed worse. Why must he drag it out and torture her this way? How long until he revealed her misconduct and bring about her ruin?
Dimly, she heard the voices sound around her. King Eetion spoke in praise of her, Prince Hector politely agreed and she flushed with discomfort. Unwisely, she glanced up to observe the expressions of the rest of the Trojan delegation - he must have told them after all - but their faces gave no indication of a change in plans, no signs of contempt for the silly princess, or even impatience that they had sailed so far only to waste their time. Her eyes must have lingered a second too long because Prince Aeneas caught her gaze and responded with an amused smirk. Andromache quickly lowered her eyes, embarrassed and suddenly angry. But why shouldn't he be amused? Hadn't he seen her make a fool of herself last night? And he would be fortunate enough to see her be made a fool of again soon.
But by the end of the meal, still nothing, not even request a private audience with her father. The Trojans returned one by one to their quarters and as she saw Prince Hector leave on his own, a moment of recklessness seized her. She excused herself without drawing attention and followed him out. After all, what further damage could she do to her reputation? She had nothing to lose.
She walked quickly to catch up with him and took a deep breath. "Prince Hector," she said as steadily as she could. "Forgive me for being so forward, but may I ask you something?"
He turned around, surprised. "Princess Andromache. I apologize for frightening you last night. You are alright?"
She had not prepared for this reaction. Lowering her eyes, she said softly, "You have nothing to apologize for. My behavior last night was most inappropriate. As is my speaking to you now."
Hector paused. "Did you hear everything we said?" He asked at last.
"I - I did not mean to." When he did not reply, she steeled herself and raised her head. "I knew it was untoward of me, but I wished to take a walk outside to clear my head, and I'm afraid my feelings got in the way of my better judgment. That was all, I swear it by the gods. And when I heard you approaching, I knew you would think ill of me so I hid. But then you stopped and began speaking to Prince Aeneas, and I could not escape without your hearing. I should have revealed myself then, but I couldn't, and - " She stopped and realized she was rambling. How unfortunate that she, clear-thinking, circumspect Andromache could be so stupid at the most inopportune times?
"I apologize," she continued after a moment. "It was wrong of me. And I should not have run away. It was cowardly and most ill-judged. When will you speak to my father?" She finally asked.
"To break off the engagement?" He asked evenly. As a warrior, courage was one of his key values and there was something to be admired about the way she looked him in the eye, unflinching as she awaited her sentence.
She did not reply.
"Only Aeneas and I know about last night. No one will accuse you of anything base. Your reputation need not be ruined." He said quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"I have sisters, Princess Andromache, who are not always wise. I have no reason to disbelieve you. I don't see the need to end the betrothal."
Andromache was confused. "But what one may condone in a sister is not so acceptable in a wife for whom you payed so great a bride-price."
"You were imprudent perhaps, but I do not think you are generally so. I love Troy beyond all else, and I would like my city to have a queen worthy of her. You are known throughout Troad for your clear judgment and modesty and I would not like to discredit all of that because of last night."
"But reputations are often ruined by one night." She persisted.
"Yours needn't be."
She examined him for a moment to see if he was in earnest. He gave her no reason to believe otherwise.
"Thank you. I do not deserve it. I know I broke my promise to act with the highest level of discretion and to make you a good and dutiful wife, but it will not happen again." She lowered her eyes modestly. "I'm afraid I should not be speaking to you. I will make my leave."
She bowed her head and they exchanged goodbyes.
How was this chapter? Any thoughts?
*Remember guys, women weren't supposed to leave the house in this society. And if she's suspected of being unchaste, it would be the end of her squeaky clean reputation, and how much would she be worth then? Hector has a lot of choices but he's paying a lot for her, and you expect nothing but the very best from something so expensive, and she knows it, poor thing. Also, I'm not really trying to make either of them modern or anything (although I might not be able to help it) but I want them to exemplify all that's best of their society's values without appearing weak and boring.
=)
