Notes: I have researched ancient Greek wedding, so some of this is actually accurate. Some of the things I had to change to fit my story, such as Andromache's family not being there, but I played around with it. So it's not 100 accurate and you can't go around quoting this as fact, but some of the things are correct. I found out that normally weddings lasted three days and nowhere did I find mention of wedding gifts exchanged by the bride and groom, but I'm the author so I'm pulling rank and using artistic license. ;) Enjoy.

…

The next morning Andromache woke up at dawn, and quickly placed on a simple gown. She gathered a few symbols of her childhood- a doll she'd had since she was a little girl and a few other random toys- and set off to the temple of Artemis. She traveled alone- since she knew the way- and once there sacrificed her childhood toys as was the custom. Murmuring prayers, she cut a lock of hair and placed it on the altar, hoping to placate the goddess since she was leaving the virgin lifestyle.

A few hours later she returned quickly and found Hecuba waiting for her. The queen smiled at her and helped her undress for her purification bath. Sinking down into the hot water Andromache closed her eyes and let the maids do their work. Soon it was over, and she stepped out and wrapped the large towel offered to her. Briseis and Cassandra appeared, just in time for Andromache was soon to be veiled. Once the veil was on it wouldn't be removed until after the feast. Andromache stood in front of the mirror, staring at herself in her wedding dress. Maira had fixed her hair so it cascaded from the top of her head down the middle of her back. Andromache nodded, and Maira brought over the veil, placing it over her head so the ends just barely allowed for Andromache to be able to see.

"You look wonderful," Hecuba said warmly, kissing Andromache. "It's time to go."

Andromache looked up surprised, then saw that it was already past noon. Everyone else was ready, and they all accompanied her to the door of the women's quarters, waiting for Hector. They didn't have long to wait, for a few minutes later they heard a knock and a loud voice called out,

"May the maiden who is to be the bride of Prince Hector come forth!" Andromache didn't recognize the voice, but Briseis whispered that it was a close friend of Hector's.

The door was opened and Andromache stepped through, a bit nervous but happy nonetheless. He smiled warmly at her, then took her by the wrist and proclaimed, "In the presence of these witnesses I hereby claim this woman as my wife."

Andromache looked around and saw that the entire royal family was gathered there, the men in the hallway and the women all crammed into the hall of the women's quarters. According to custom, Hector led her to his chariot and they set off through the city, followed by the wedding procession. The people cheered and threw flowers, while young men and women danced in the squares. Andromache smiled happily and peered through her veil, trying to see everything that was happening. The newly married couple smiled and waved and the people cheered louder, happy to see their prince finally married.

After their tour around the city the reached the citadel and the wedding feast commenced, which would last until darkness fell. Priam and Hector sat in the middle of the head table, each with their respective wife by their side, and the feast commenced. Amid much laughter and joking, the courses were served and wine was brought out.

Andromache spotted Cassandra and Briseis sitting together, and both of them gave her a bright smile. She smiled back, wishing she could take off her veil and extremely thankful that the light fabric wasn't too hot. If it was made of wool I'd die, she thought dryly. Toasts were made to the newly married couple. Hector's friend, the man who's spoken before, commenced them and random people added throughout the meal. Paris stopped flirting with the women long enough to wish his brother and his new sister happiness, and finally towards the end of the meal Priam stood up.

"Honored friends, it is my privilege to present to you my son Hector and my new daughter Andromache!" The two of them stood up, amid much cheering, and Priam continued. "May the gods bless their marriage and give them many years together. May they have happiness and joy in their time together. May their marriage bed be blessed with many children and finally! May their love grow stronger with each passing moment until death comes to claim them. I drink to the new couple, Prince Hector and Princess Andromache of Troy!" A cheer went up and everyone drank to them, then Hector motioned for silence.

"I present to you for the first time in public, my wife Andromache!" he exclaimed, lifting the veil from her eyes and letting it rest on her shoulders. Loud cries of "The gods bless you!" and "Rich may your marriage be!" went up, and Hecuba stood up, motioning for a torch to be brought. Paris came forth, wearing a white robe and holding a basket shaped like a cradle with bread in it.

Hecuba led the way, lighting the halls with a torch, followed by Paris who brought the bread, Hector and Andromache after him, servants bringing the many wedding gifts, and finally the whole wedding party. She led them to the door of Hector's chamber, amid many jokes and good wishes, and Hector and Andromache passed by her into the bridal chamber. The door was shut behind them and the two stood together, listening to the sounds of the procession slowly leaving.

Hector turned to look at his bride, who was studying her new chamber. It was larger than her old one in the women's quarters, and it too had a balcony, but this one had a view of the sea in the distance. She turned around and caught Hector's eye, then blushed and looked down.

He cleared his throat. "I realize that my gift to you is a bit unconventional, and it normally wouldn't be given on the wedding night, but I'd still like to."

She looked up. "That's fine, I don't mind."

"Well, we have to leave the palace," he said, pointedly looking at her wedding dress.

"Just give me a moment," she said, then looked around trying to find where Maira had unpacked her gowns. She quickly found them and grabbed a simple one of dark blue material, the same one she'd worn on her first night in Troy.

Hector politely turned around and she quickly changed. "I'm ready," she said, unclasping her hair and letting it fall down her back.

Hector came over with a band of fabric, walking around her and tying it across her eyes. "I want it to be a surprise," he said.

He took her by the shoulder and gently guided her to their destination, their progress slow because of her hesitation.

"This is a bit awkward," she complained. "You have no idea how unnerving it is to walk without being able to see."

Hector led her outside and Andromache felt the cool breeze on her forehead. "Is it far?" she asked.

"No, we're almost there," he replied.

A few minutes later the smell of horses stung her nostrils, and Andromache smiled. Moment later Hector stopped and gently untied the blindfold, and Andromache blinked in the light of a torch.

Eclipse was standing in front of her, looking slightly upset at having his rest disturbed, a giant ribbon tied around his neck.

"He's yours," Hector said, enjoying the happiness on her face.

"Oh, he's wonderful!" Andromache cried, running over to him. "I couldn't have asked for a better present."

"Well then, I'd think you'd better show your gratitude by removing that bow from his neck and letting him get back to sleep, he doesn't look to happy," Hector said, laughing.

She hurriedly untied it, kissed him on the nose, then rejoined Hector who extinguished the torch.

"Now it's my turn," Andromache said, taking his hand and leading him through the stable yards.

"Where are we going?" Hector protested as they passed into the unused area. "Nothing's over here."

Andromache smiled, seeing the torches that had been lit at her request. "Shhh," she commanded him, putting a finger to her lips. She led him into the paddock and up to the entrance that had been left open for them. She quietly pointed to a stall on the opposite end of the barn, facing them so it's occupant was clearly visible.

She heard his sharp intake of breath and his mouth turned down into a frown. "Whose is she?" he asked sternly, anger in his eyes.

"Yours," Andromache replied simply. "She's your wedding gift."

The frown left his face and his eyes cleared. "You jest."

Andromache shook her head. "No, I speak truth. She's yours."

"Oh, Andromache." Hector could find no words to describe what he was feeling. "You know me too well."

Andromache smiled.

"Thank you," he continued, looking in on the sleeping filly. "I've never received a better gift."

"I'm glad you're pleased, even though we both got each other the same thing," she said quietly to keep from disturbing the filly.

"Perhaps we are too much alike." Hector smiled down at her, fascinated by the strands of hair being gently teased back by the breeze. He hesitantly reached down to touch her face and she looked up at him, a relaxed look in her eyes.

"You told me once you feared me," Hector said softly.

She leaned against his shoulder, completely relaxed. "And it was true- once."

"Once?"

"Once."

He smiled then easily picked her up, carrying her back to his room where he gently and tenderly made her his wife. And she loved him for it, knowing that his strong hands could easily crush her bones and yet were so gentle when he held her in his arms.

"Now we are married, do you regret it?" Hector asked softly, playing with a strand of her hair that had fallen down her face.

"No," she replied. "It's not so difficult to marry someone that one trusts, after all."

"Do you trust me?" Hector asked, surprised.

"You made an observation about me once," she answered back. "I am naturally distrustful of men unless given a reason to trust them. Well, you've given me reason, so I've given you trust."

"All?" Hector asked shrewdly.

"No, only a little," Andromache said, smiling. "I was told you would earn all my trust in time, though, if that helps ease the pain."

"And I was told I would win your trust through time," Hector answered. "Perhaps we should listen to our respective advisors."

"Well, they've apparently been right so far."

"How so?"

"My mother, she said I would learn to love you."

"And have you?"

"Yes, I have," she answered simply. "If I could just wave my hand and make everything go back to the way it was before I met you, I wouldn't."

"I'm pleased to hear it," Hector answered seriously. "Do you know, you're not that bad, for a wife."

"Well, you're not that bad for a husband," Andromache retorted. "Though I suppose I've yet to make you angry."

"Oh, you shall," Hector warned her. "And I must warn you, I'm not a pleasant man to cross when I'm angry."

"Well, I'll most likely see that for myself, won't I," Andromache answered back.

"Since we're apparently stuck with each other for quite some time, I should think so," Hector teased.

"Well, then I'll tell you now I can't think of another man I'd rather be stuck with," Andromache smiled at him. "I'm not usually this talkative, so I decided I'd tell you now, otherwise I might never do so. Out of all the men I've met, I'd rather have you, without a doubt."

"And out of all the women I've met- and I've met many- I'd rather have you than any other. You're easy to talk to."

"Am I?"

"When you're not being difficult."

"That's a good thing to know," she answered snuggling close to him. He wrapped his arms around her and the two drifted off into slumber, enjoying the other's company.

Yes, Andromache thought blissfully. I would rather be stuck with him than any other man that walks this earth.