NOTES: To save the italics and stuff, you just have to click "Save As" under "File" (when you're writing) and then click on Web Page, or something similar to that. I've been working really hard to get this chapter written ASAP, so I apologize if I forgot to answer any questions, if I forgot just post another review w/ it and I'll address it in the next chapter.
And as to referring to the Iliad, I don't know what you mean by the English versions not being quite correct, but I don't speak Greek so that's a close as I'm going to get. If you can name something specific that's bothering you, I'll try to change it. I know the spelling is different, since I think Hector would be spelled Hektor and Andromache would be spelled Andromake or something like that, but since most of the readers have seen the movie, I'm going by that spelling. I'm just using the Iliad as the background info, where she came from and the few story plots it has about her (such as her family etc.)
…
The voyage was peaceful and as Hector had predicted, they arrived in Troy after twenty-one days of sailing. When Troy was spotted the sailors let out a shout and Andromache came running to see what all the fuss was about. Hector intercepted her and led her to the front of the boat, Maira following closely.
"There's the beach, turn your eyes a little upwards and you can see the city," he told her. Andromache followed his outstretched hand and spotted the walls, just a tiny line in the distance. Hector continued. "At the top you can see a small shape, that's the citadel."
Andromache could just barely make out the shape. "That's where your family lives?"
Hector nodded. "All the royal family. The women's quarters- which is where you will be staying until we're married- are towards the backside, they overlook the mountains."
"Will they be coming to meet us?"
"They will send horses to the beach and we will then mount onto a chariot for the passage through the city. They will most likely be waiting at the citadel."
But he was wrong. Priam had sent an entire army of servants to help unload and escort them through the city. The ship was unloaded, Andromache's belongings put onto pack-horses, and the procession set out for Troy.
Hector rode on the lead horse with Andromache mounted on a horse beside him. Behind her rode Maira, and the rest of the procession followed, the servants each leading a pack horse.
"Why do we not mount a chariot here?" asked Andromache.
"It would get stuck in the sand," Hector replied. "Right outside the gates there will be one waiting." He was right, and he quickly dismounted and went over to help Andromache, who slid down and went with him into the chariot. The gates opened and cheers erupted, making conversation impossible.
Petals were thrown down onto their heads, and Andromache was amazed at the sheer amount of people. Thebe was so small compared to this. Hector smiled and waved, happy to be home. Andromache suddenly felt shy and wished for a veil to hide her face in as she saw all the people peering to get a glimpse of her. As if sensing her discomfort, Hector leaned down to whisper something in her ear.
She made a gesture that she hadn't heard him, and he shouted it again. "Don't worry, it is not far to the citadel," he yelled, and Andromache was just able to make out the words. She gave him a smile, grateful for his support. Turning around, she saw Maira riding closely behind and smiled at her, grateful for a familiar face in this mayhem. But the ride was soon over and before long Andromache was getting off the chariot and entering into the citadel, ready to meet her in-laws for the first time. She felt sick again, and nervously smoothed down her hair, which had gotten tousled from the ride through the city.
"You look fine," Maira whispered from behind her. "I'm here to make sure of that." She winked at Andromache, but the conversation was cut short as they walked up the steps to the throne room and Priam came out to greet the party.
"Hector!" He smiled, embracing his son and kissing him. "The gods have granted you a safe return."
"The gods have granted me more than that, Father," replied Hector, stepping back to let Andromache pass. "I present my betrothed, Andromache, daughter of Eetion king of Thebe."
Andromache hesitantly walked up the steps and Priam smiled at her. "My dear, it is an honor to meet you. Welcome to Troy," he said, and he kissed her on both cheeks. She smiled back at him, then let him lead her into the throne room. "My wife, Queen Hecuba." He presented Andromache to a lady with royal bearing, a touch of gray in her dark brown hair the only betrayal of her age.
"My dear, it is a pleasure," Hecuba embraced Andromache warmly and turned to her son. "Hector, the gods be praised you have arrived safely."
"The gods be praised indeed, mother," Hector said, kissing her. "Will you show Andromache to the women's quarters? I'm sure she wishes to rest awhile."
Hecuba nodded, but Andromache stopped them. "Please, I must see to my things first."
"Don't worry, the servants will bring them into your quarters and your handmaidens can sort everything out there," Hecuba replied, taking Andromache by the hand and leading her through enormous passageways that Andromache knew she'd get lost in later. They finally reached a set of doors guarded by two guards on either side and passed through. "These are the women's quarters, Andromache," Hecuba informed her. "According to our customs, no man may enter this area. There are separate sleeping chambers, servant's quarters for the handmaidens, and a social room-" She led her into a large, open room with couches and looms placed in random places, "Here is where everyone gathers during the evenings, especially. The balcony is wonderful for getting a fresh breeze, and this room is usually the coolest because of the many windows. The sleeping chambers of the women are down this corridor, while the handmaidens' are down that one. We weren't sure how many women you brought with you, so we prepared a five of the rooms. If you need more just inform me and I shall see to it that they're ready by the time your women are ready to sleep."
"I only have one," Andromache replied.
"Just one?" Hecuba sounded surprised. "Well, do you need more? I can find you some girls if you'd like."
"Oh no, I'll be fine. Maira does everything for me, as long as there is someone to clean the apartments and prepare food."
"Oh, why yes, of course dear, we have servants to do that. But most of the women here have a few handmaidens, one for clothing, one for hair, and usually another for random purposes. But if you only have one … well, no matter. If you need more don't hesitate to ask."
Andromache was quickly becoming comfortable from this warm reception. "I will, thank you."
"Well, let me take you to your room. It used to be mine, you know. Years ago when I first came here- before I married Priam. It has always been used for the future queen, and no one else. Come."
Andromache was taken into a large, spacious room with rich furnishings and a balcony overlooking the garden below. In the distance she could see the hills Hector had been telling her about. "This is a beautiful room."
Hecuba looked around fondly. "Yes, I loved living in it. It's such a pity that the guest of this room has such a short time to enjoy it, in just a month you'll move to Hector's apartments."
Andromache felt uncomfortable again, but Hecuba quickly changed the subject. "Oh! It completely slipped my mind. Tonight there will be a feast, in honor of your arrival. You'll meet everyone there- my children and others who stay in the palace. I'll send a maid when it's time to leave, it will start in a few hours. Why don't you rest for a bit, I'll send your handmaiden in to unpack your things."
"Thank you," Andromache replied, flopping down on the bed. The blankets were soft and light, heavier blankets would not be needed in this climate. They were more of a covering than a source of warmth. She blissfully lay there, falling asleep until the sound of the door opening made her awake.
"Tired?" Maira asked, smiling.
"Mmm, not until I laid down to rest. Look at this room!" Andromache exclaimed.
Maira nodded, her eyes aglow. "All the rooms here are larger than the ones at home. Even my own room is larger, though it's made for two people. However, I was informed that all the other handmaidens have rooms, so I'll be alone unless someone else comes."
"Where are you staying?"
"Down the handmaiden's corridors, third door on the right."
Andromache nodded, "Good, I was worried I wouldn't be able to find you. Were you informed of the feast?"
Maira nodded, "I was. I don't need to start getting you ready for another hour, however. But I need to unpack your things and make sure that your gowns are in order. You'll need to change for the feast."
Andromache stood up to help her. "I know. Here, let me help you unpack. Not all of these are mine. Three of these chests contain my dowry, we just need to figure out which ones."
They checked each of the chests, finally coming upon the ones with the treasure and fine apparel in them. "Make sure nothing was taken by the sailors. My father sent three robes, five tripods, and a thousand gold coins."
Maira was busy counting. "Three robes, five tripods, and we'll assume that those are the thousand gold coins. I'm not about to attempt to count them."
Andromache tilted her head to the side, thinking. "Who should I give the dowry too? Technically it would belong to Prince Hector, since he's the one I'm marrying, but perhaps I should give it to King Priam since he is the ruler."
"Ask Queen Hecuba," Maira suggested, at a complete lost as to whom the dowry belonged to. "In the meantime…" she gestured to the other chests, and the two girls got to work taking out Andromache's many things. Maira put away most of the gowns, but left the fancier ones out on the bed. After they'd unpacked the rest of Andromache's things, they went over to look at the gowns on the bed.
"Which one?" Andromache asked uncertainly.
"I studied the women as we were coming in, I think this one would be good," Maira pointed to a rich blue gown inlaid with gold.
"This is the first time many will see me, I can't disgrace myself. Or Thebe," she added.
"You won't," Maira reassured her. "You know how to act, don't worry."
"What if they don't like me?"
"Why wouldn't they?"
"Because I don't adore their prince like everyone else."
Maira laughed. "After three weeks on a ship with him, you still don't like him?"
"Oh, I don't dislike him anymore," Andromache reassured her. "But I don't love him."
Maira shrugged, "Well, are you still adamantly opposed to marrying him?"
"I was never opposed to it, otherwise I never would have left Thebe. I just didn't relish it. And I still don't, but if I must marry it might as well be to him. He will make a good husband, like everyone says." Andromache bit her nail, thinking. "Things could be worse," she finished softly.
"Come, time to get you ready," Maira said. She quickly and skillfully helped Andromache in her gown, then sat her at her mirror, her brow furrowed as she decided what to do with her hair.
"I know!" she exclaimed. "Close your eyes, I don't want you to look until I'm done."
"If you make me look like a monster…." Andromache said warningly, but obediently closed her eyes. It seemed like a lifetime before Maira finally gave her permission to look.
Andromache looked in the mirror, and barely recognized herself. Maira had pinned most of her atop her head, but had let the strands fall down her back. She'd threaded gold strands through her hair, letting some of them join the hair cascading down.
"You look ever bit a prince's wife," Maira said proudly.
There was a knock on the door, and a hesitant voice called out, "Princess Andromache? Queen Hecuba sent me to fetch you, she's waiting to escort you to the feast."
"Coming," Andromache called out. She gave Maira a quick hug and hurried out. Maira watched her go, proud of the woman who knew what was expected of her and – no matter her feelings – would act accordingly.
Andromache was escorted through the halls until she spotted Hecuba waiting anxiously for her.
"My dear, you look lovely!" Hecuba exclaimed. "I lost track of the time, we're just a little bit late. She quickly walked them through the halls until they came to a door which was opened for them, letting out a hum of conversation. As they entered the noise died down, and Andromache was uncomfortably aware of the scrutiny bestowed upon her.
The rest of the royal family was already there, seated at various places in the hall. Hecuba brought Andromache up to the head table, where Priam and Hector were already seated. They both stood when the ladies entered, and Hecuba led Andromache to her spot next to Hector then seated herself between her husband and future daughter-in-law. On the other side of Priam were his officials, none of whom Andromache recognized.
The servants brought out the food and Hector pointed out the different dishes to her, recommending some and vetoing others. After she'd taken all she wanted, he pointed out the different guests to her.
"That young man there, the one flirting with the maiden next to him, that's my brother, Paris. He is fifteen, a few years younger than you." Hector shook his head as his brother wiped a bit of jam off the woman's cheek. Andromache could easily see the resemblance between them; it was easy to tell they were brothers. "I have other sisters, but they're too young to come to the feast. You'll meet them in the women's quarters, however they are a good many years younger than you."
"Who are the men talking to your father?" Andromache inquired.
"The one nearest to Father is the head priest, a stupid man who's very superstitious. The one after him is the commander of the armies- he's fought for Father in every war we've waged. After him is Father's friend and advisor. He's kind but shrewd, you won't like him."
"How do you know?" Andromache asked, amused.
"He was the one who first suggested a political alliance between Troy and Thebe," Hector replied, a gleam in his eye.
Andromache smiled and bowed her head, acknowledging the hit. "I'm surprised you like him, then."
"Why?" Hector raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"To force one's prince into a political marriage obviously shows a certain… lack of favor, I should think. I wonder you should be in the habit of liking those who clearly do not return the favor."
Hector looked at her appreciatively, but was prevented from answering by the interruption of Paris.
"Brother!" Paris exclaimed, coming around the table.
"Paris, good to see you again," Hector said, embracing him.
"Forgive me, I wasn't here earlier otherwise I would've welcomed you. I had errands to run."
"I'm sure," Hector said dryly, knowing very well where his brother had been. "Paris, it is my honor to present Princess Andromache to you. Andromache, this is my younger brother Paris."
"A pleasure to meet you, princess," Paris replied, a little shocked at how beautiful she looked. His gaze lingered on her face a little longer than normal and Hector nudged him.
"Who's the maiden you were talking with?"
"Oh, she's the newly-wedded bride of some official, I can't remember who," Paris said dismissively. "Well-favored, is she not?"
"They usually are," Hector hissed into his ear, propelling him away from Andromache. "Don't, Paris."
"Don't what?" Paris said innocently, but took the hint and left.
Priam stood up, waiting for the chatter to die down, then began his speech. "It is my honor and joy to present to you my soon-to-be daughter, Andromache. I could not have asked for a better wife for Hector and it is my joy to welcome her to Troy. I shall save most of my words for their wedding celebration, but let me say this. I have lived many years and seen many different types of courage. I have seen men die to protect their families, mothers face starvation so their children may live, and maidens choosing death rather than shame. I have also seen women leave their homes to come to a strange city, to marry a man they'd just barely met and I say to you, these women have no less courage than the greatest warriors on the battlefields. I drink to the health of Andromache and Hector, may they live long and happy lives!"
Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the betrothed couple and as Priam sat down, the chatter slowly picked up again. Andromache turned to Hector, "I shall retire now."
He nodded, spoke a few words to a nearby servant, then stood up to escort her. "We have just been announced as a betrothed couple so it is proper for me to leave with you," he said, silencing Andromache's protests.
"You cannot enter the women's quarters," she said as they walked down the long hall in the direction of her chamber.
"Do you know, a man has once entered those chambers?" Hector said, knowing very well she wasn't aware of this.
"Who?!" Andromache exclaimed, surprised. "Your mother sounded so firm when she said it's against your laws."
"It is," Hector replied. "Paris was beaten with a stick when we caught him."
Andromache was stunned, "But all the women in there are his relatives!"
"You forget the maidservants," Hector said, laughing at the memory. "I believe it was a servant of some cousin of my mother, Paris was infatuated with her and wished to prove his 'undying love.' I believed his bruises quickly cured him of that."
"Proof then, that love does not last," Andromache said wisely.
"You don't believe it does?"
"Love has often been compared to a flame. Flames die eventually. Some last longer than others, but eventually they all burn out."
"Wrong. Passion has been compared to a flame. Love is not based on passion," Hector replied.
"Then what is love if not a flame, my lord."
"It is a choice," Hector replied firmly. "Passion does not always accompany love. Passion is not a choice, but love is. I choose to love my brother even though he dishonors himself by his actions. I choose to love my father and respect his wishes. And-" he paused, and turned to look her directly in her eyes. "- I choose to love you, because you will be my wife. Andromache, passion is that flame you refer to, and perhaps our marriage will not have it. But I swear by the gods I will love you, because you are my wife and that bond is sacred. I bid you goodnight," he finished abruptly, and left. Andromache suddenly realized they had reached the doors to the women's quarters without her even realizing it. She stood there slightly stunned for a few moments, reflecting on his words, then entered into the quarters and quickly went to her room.
Meanwhile Hector strode back to the feast room, hopeful of catching Paris and persuading him to remain in the palace tonight. He passed his mother, and stopped her for a moment.
"Hector, you escorted Andromache back to the quarters?" she asked him.
"I did, and I have a question."
"Then ask, my son," she said, a loving smile on her face.
"Mother-" he paused, not quite sure how to word his question. "Will you accompany me to the gardens?"
She agreed, patiently waiting for him to decide how to word his question. Hecuba decided to make it a little easier for him.
"How are you getting along with Andromache?" she asked gently.
"As well as can be expected," he replied, grateful for her starting the conversation. "King Eetion said something to me before I left. He said she would learn to love me."
Hecuba nodded, waiting for him to continue. He did.
"But she doesn't seem to be learning very well," he finished lamely.
She laughed. "It takes time, my son. You have only known her for a few short weeks. Give it time."
"Yes, but she still refers to me as 'my lord' never by my first name!" Hector exploded, letting his exasperation show. "I addressed her as Andromache since I first met her, hoping to make her more comfortable with me, but she still addresses me so formally!"
Hecuba smiled, "My love, don't be so frustrated. You are a man, you have different ways of thinking than she does. Keep treating her as you are, she'll warm up to you."
"I find it slightly annoying to think that I'm going to be married to a wife who calls me 'my lord' or 'Prince Hector'."
"Darling, I refused to call your father by his first name until six months after we were married," Hecuba said sweetly. "And I still call him 'my lord' when I'm upset with him. Grow accustomed to it, you'll most likely be hearing it for a long time." She kissed his cheek then left to go back to her room, leaving a speechless Hector in her wake.
Six months, Hector thought, despairing. He then grew determined. She'll be calling me Hector by three months if I have to kill myself getting her to do it.