Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! I really enjoyed reading them and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

As to the question if Andromache came from Egypt, I'm not sure. I know there was a Thebe in Egypt and in Greece, but my version of the Iliad doesn't reveal it so pick one. I believe the one in Greece is landlocked so by having Hector arrive by sea I effectively took a lot of artistic license or she is from Egypt. However, since Egypt is roughly 500 miles from Troy, let's say she's from Greece and I took a lot of liberties. I don't feel like making the voyage last for six weeks ;) And actually, it's not really in Greece either, it's very much north of it I believe. But yah, just use your imaginations J

IMPORTANT NOTES: Ok, when I wrote the first chapter I wasn't really sure where the story would go. Well, I've read the few fics that are about H/A and I've decided to take a different route than they did. It will be awhile before they actually fall in love, and I plan on this being a long story, so be patient. So for all you romantics that hope for it to happen soon, you're in for a long wait. I decided to be as realistic as possible since this is an arranged marriage and I've seen how it usually goes. Don't worry, it will happen though. I've also decided to write another fic. It will be a sequel to this one, and it will encompass the actual Trojan War. So this will end at some point before that. I was debating about whether to base the second story on the Iliad or Troy, but since most of the readers have only seen the movie, Troy is what it will be. So that's just a note for the future.

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Andromache quickly reached the feast room, took a deep breath to compose herself, and nodded for them to open the doors. The music was loud and the festivities were even louder. She nodded to people as they passed, forcing herself to smile to all the wishes of joy she received. Her mother smiled and her father nodded to her in greeting before gesturing to the seat between himself and Hector. The rest of the Trojan party were seated in random places throughout the hall, their clothes betraying them.

Hector was speaking with a Theban official, but when he saw her he stood up out of respect. She smiled tensely at him and took her seat next to him, trying to think of what to say.

"Did you have a safe journey, my lord?" she asked.

"We did, thank you. And please, for we are soon to be married, call me Hector."

"I am not in the habit of addressing unfamiliar men by their first name." His reference to their upcoming marriage angered her. I cannot get away from it, Andromache thought angrily.

Hector was stung by her sharp answer, but he didn't show it. "Well, I hope time will remedy our unfamiliarity, Andromache." He waited to see what her reaction would be to his addressing her by her name. He was disappointed, for Andromache did not show the anger she felt inside.

"Perhaps," she replied dismissively.

"You are not hungry?" He tried again to engage her in conversation. The whole time Andromache had only been picking at her food.

Recognizing his attempt at kindness, Andromache inwardly kicked herself. He meant no harm and we are to be married soon. Out loud she replied, "I am not tempted by food tonight, my lord."

The conversation effectively hit a dead-end there. Hector found himself despairing. This is the woman I'm to spend the rest of my life with, he thought, his heart sinking. Courageously, he tried once more.

"I'm told by your youngest brother that you like horses?"

Andromache gave him the strangest look, "I am not allowed to ride unaccompanied any longer, but when I was a young girl I enjoyed the pastime."

"You do not have anyone to accompany you?"

"Here in our city, it is improper for a woman to leave the city limits unaccompanied by a relative. I may travel anywhere inside the city with a guard, but outside the city it's looked upon as scandalous. Is it not also the same where you live?"

Hector thought for a moment. "It is, but my sisters are never lacking for a male relative to accompany them. I assumed with seven brothers, someone would have time."

"Five of them are married with responsibilities, and the youngest two have their own pastimes they enjoy."

"Perhaps we may go sometime once we reach Troy, I also enjoy horses and I would be happy to accompany you."

By the gods, is he never going to get off the subject of our marriage! Andromache thought angrily. Not only must he rob me of my family, he must also rub it in my face. "Perhaps," she said coolly, "I do not know if I should enjoy it quite as much in your city."

Ariana came up to Andromache, signaling that it was time for the women to leave the hall. Perfect timing, because Hector was beginning to lose his temper. I am to be married to a woman who hates me and assumes that she is the only unhappy one entering into this union.

Hector nodded to her politely, silently thanking the gods when she left.

"Hector." He heard his name and turned to see Eetion looking at him. "Come, sit next to me." Hector went over to sit next to the king and waited expectantly. "Give her time, Prince. She is leaving her home and her family forever."

"I'm sure she's a wonderful woman," Hector said lamely.

Eetion laughed. "I think that right now you're not so sure, you can see it written on your face. Do not worry, my wife was the same way when I first met her. Take a bit of advice from an old man, she will learn to love you."

"I do not believe that love can be learned, sire," Hector voiced his opinion. "It must be felt, at least according to what I've seen."

Eetion shook his head. "You refer to merchants and workers who marry the woman they choose instead of marrying for political alliance. It is no different. The only difference is that they feel love before they're married, because they've had time to nurture it. Because of many issues, the two of you do not have that time to nurture it and let it grow. But the moment a man and a woman marry, they are no different than any other couple. Love must be worked at; it does not come naturally. If you base love on an emotion than one moment you will hate your wife and the next you'll love her. No, it is not true. Love goes deeper than what you feel at that moment. It is the small acts you do for someone everyday without thinking about it. It's a father holding his crying child to let his wife sleep a little longer. It's sharing your emotions with your wife so she doesn't feel like she shares her bed with a stranger. Hector, I would not allow you to marry my daughter if I wasn't absolutely sure that she would love you. Take my word for it, I've seen many of my sons married, both for political reasons and their own personal choice. There is no difference."

Eetion smiled at him and then slowly made his way out of the hall. Hector sat there, long after the last candle had been put out, thinking about the words of his future father-in-law. Somehow, marriage to Andromache didn't seem quite so bad anymore.

I apologize for the short chapter, but I wanted it to end on that note. Besides that I want the next one to take place on the day they leave, and since it'll be a long one I didn't want to combine the two. The next one will be up soon.