Although Hector did not notice the woman, the ever observant Paris did. However, due to his brother's anger he decided to remain silent. As soon as they reached the palace Hector grabbed Paris' arm and dragged him into a storage rooms and closed the door.
"What in the name of Apollo to you think you're doing? If you want to sleep with young maidens fine, I do not care, but other men's wives?" Hector said, sounding disappointed.
Paris simply shrugged.
"You cannot do this brother. I saved you tonight, but I will not always be there to defend you" Hector continued in a serious tone.
"I know" mumbled Paris, staring intently at his feet. "I will try."
"Good" Hector said gently.
He reached out and gave Paris' shoulder a squeeze. Paris looked up and smiled. Then he embraced his brother in a tight hug.
"It's good to have you home" he said.
"It's good to be home" Hector replied breaking the embrace. "Now, go to bed."
Paris nodded and headed for the door.
"Alone" Hector added raising his eyebrows.
His brother turned and gave him a grin before walking out the door. A moment later Hector left the storage room and headed for his own bed chamber. He removed his tunic and crawled into bed, and fell asleep immediately, exhausted from the night's adventure.
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Paris waited until late afternoon the following day, to tell his brother the bad news.
"Brother" he said as he entered Hector's room. "Let's go for a walk on the beach."
"Alright" Hector agreed, reaching for his sandals.
A few moments later they made their way out of the city gates and across the field.
"I have some unfortunate news to tell you" Paris began, nervously fidgeting with the edge of his tunic.
"Oh no" he said looking towards the heavens. "You didn't..."
"No, no, no" Paris replied quickly. "What I have to tell you actually concerns you and not me...for a change," he added with a laugh.
"Really?" Hector said puzzled, letting the cool sea water run over his feet.
They both removed their sandals and began to walk down the beach. The sun had just reached the edge of the horizon, sending rays of pink and orange across the clear sky.
"It's about Andromache" Paris began.
Hector stopped walking so fast that Paris nearly crashed into him.
"Um...well...when we were walking up the palace steps last night, I saw her um..."
"Yes" Hector replied, a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"Kissing a man" Paris said quickly.
Hector gazed out across the sea towards the setting sun for a long time.
"There will be other's brother" Paris said in an attempt to cheer up him up.
"I know" Hector replied sadly.
When the sun had sunk below the horizon they began heading back towards the city. By the time they reached the gates it was twilight and the moon had risen.
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"Hector, Paris, there you are" Hecuba cried as they reached the palace's main chamber. "You missed dinner, and we had important guests over."
"Sorry mother" they muttered in unison.
"Well the least you can do is go and introduce yourselves. They are heading towards the front doors, so hurry" she said slapping Hector gently on the arm.
Hector sighed and led the way back down the hallway.
"Ah and here are my sons" Priam said to the guests as soon as they rounded the corner.
"Hello Father" Paris said rushing forward.
Hector simply nodded.
"I have some guests I'd like you to meet" Priam said pushing Hector and Paris forward. "This is Sardis, the jeweller."
A tall thin man with brown curly hair stepped forward to meet them. He bowed to the princes. As soon as the man turned away Paris stole a glance at his brother. His face was expressionless. Paris smiled to himself, realizing that his brother had forgotten the name.
"And this is one of his daughters, Andromache."
Hector looked up in surprise. As she approached them he could now see that she was even more beautiful up close. She had long wavy chestnut brown hair, smooth tanned skin and deep soulful brown eyes. When she smiled at them Hector thought that he was going to collapse. His stomach was in a tight knot, yet some how, to his own amazement, he managed to speak.
"Hello" he croaked and then cleared his throat, incredibly embarrassed.
Andromache bowed slightly.
"Um...where is your husband...or lover?" Hector asked looking around.
"Husband?" she replied.
Her voice was soft and quiet.
"Yes" Hector continued. "My brother saw you on the steps of the palace last night" Hector adverted his eyes, "kissing a man."
Hector looked up to see a confused look spread across her face. She stared into space for a moment before shaking her head and smiling brightly.
"Oh no," she replied sweetly. "That was my sister."