Thank you all for your reviews and suggestions, sorry I left you guys after such a sad chapter. But good job to the people who figured out the timing, that the baby wasn't Astyanax. Poor Andromache. Anyways, I'm keeping your suggestions in mind. This chapter's been waited for, enjoy!

…

At Andromache's request they took the ashes and buried them at the top of their hill, a little ways back in a secluded grove. No one knew of the grave except them and the two planted a little grove of flowers as a tombstone. No other sign marked the grave so it would remain a secret.

Hecuba was a great comfort to Andromache; she shared her own experiences of losing children and assured Andromache that it wasn't her fault. In time, Andromache came to believe her and finally stopped blaming herself. And though she wasn't ready to conceive again, she didn't shrink from the thought as she first had when she'd lost her baby.

Peace reigned and Priam opened negotiations with other hostile cities. Percote- a city located in the Hellespont- accepted the proposal and Priam instructed Hector to get ready to leave. Paris was also to travel with them; Priam hoped that Paris could get a little experience under his belt and perhaps mature a little.

Hector returned their chamber late one evening and found Andromache enjoying a glass of wine on the balcony. Briseis was there with her- Cassandra being in bed with a slight case of the flu- and was explaining to Andromache just how one became a priestess of Apollo.

Hector joined them and listened to Briseis tell of her plans. Everyone had assumed it was just a phase she was going through, but her determination to persist had changed their minds.

"Of course, it takes a very long time for one must memorize rituals and prove one's dedication before being accepted. And the process cannot be started until one is at least twenty-one years of age." She stood up and kissed Andromache and Hector. "It's late and you now have company, Andromache. I'll retire now, goodnight." With that she left, refusing their offers to escort her.

Hector turned to Andromache. "I leave in a week for Percote, Paris and I go to negotiate peace settlements with them."

"You father has had enough of war?" Andromache smiled.

"It appears so," Hector said, not hiding the relief in his voice. "He's getting old and I think he wishes to pass the kingdom onto me with no conflicts looming."

"How long will you be?"

"Two weeks or so, depending on how the negotiations go."

She nodded, aware of that disappointed feeling again but knowing that his traveling was to be expected.

"However," Hector paused, looking at her face. "Father's given me permission to take you with me."

Her face lit up and he laughed. "Are you in earnest?!" she cried happily.

"I am. I believe he wishes you to make sure Paris stays out of trouble while I am in meetings. It won't be an easy task, but it will just be for the daytime."

"It won't be any trouble, we'll have fun together," she said. "What is Percote like?"

"You'll like it, I've heard it's lush and green, with many gardens and footpaths into the hills."

"And the ruler?"

"Alas, I fear he'll find no favor with either of us. But I won't sully your ears with the gossip I've heard of him, you can judge for yourself."

…

Exactly one week later, they set sail. It would take no more than a few days to arrive and everyone was excited, Andromache most of all. Maira did not accompany her- Hector didn't want to impose too much upon the king of Percote- so Andromache had no maidservant with her. Paris didn't think this was at all proper.

"But how will she arrange her hair?" he protested. "There will be feasts, of course."

"I'm skilled enough to manage it myself, Maira has taught me a few tricks," Andromache replied, touched at his concern.

"Still, Hector, it's not really nice of you to force her to submit to a strange woman's administrations." Paris and Andromache weren't particularly close, but she'd never remonstrated him for his loose morals so he had a good opinion of her.

"Yes, Hector." She playfully switched sides. "I don't like strange women."

"There you see!" Paris cried triumphantly. "Very inconsiderate of you."

Hector dipped his hand in a nearby bucket then flicked some water at her and she laughed.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," he said, unconcerned.

Andromache shook her head and teasingly muttered something about cruel husbands. He heard her and said calmly,

"Considering it was the cruel husband's initiative that got you permission to accompany us this trip, I'd be careful. This could easily be your last voyage with the said cruel husband," he retorted. She laughed but backed down.

"Don't let him get to you, Andromache," Paris encouraged her. "He's all bark and no bite."

"Funny, I seem to remember a certain prince that was unable to move for a few days after that 'all bark and no bite' brother gave him a certain lesson about invading the women's quarters."

"Well, aren't we quite the hypocrite. I seem to remember a certain man barging- and quite loudly too- into those exact same quarters. It seems we're more alike than you care to admit, brother." Paris grinned cheekily and Andromache raised her eyebrows at her husband.

"He does have a point," she said.

"I believe a retreat is in order," Hector said, grinning sheepishly.

"You know, you beat me for entering the women's quarters," Paris mused. "Perhaps-"

"You are welcome to try, Paris," Hector said with a dangerous glint. Paris grinned but shook his head.

"I may be reckless, but I'm not a fool."

Andromache laughed, knowing that they would have a wonderful time on the voyage. Hector watched her out of the corner of her eye, happy that she was finally joyful again. She hadn't been quite the same after losing the baby, but it looked as though her spirits were finally healed. Or at least almost.

I suppose it'll never quite go away, Hector mused.

…

They arrived four days later and were greeted by a large party of royals and officials. Andromache stayed close to Hector, feeling a bit lost in all the people, and Paris followed behind the two.

"Welcome to Percote, Prince Hector!" a large man with three chins exclaimed. Andromache heard Paris snort with laughter behind her. "I am King Dardius, lord of this city."

"We are honored," Hector inclined his head. "This is my wife, Princess Andromache and my brother, Prince Paris." Andromache took note of the way he used their titles; he didn't normally.

Dardius led them to a group of chariots and horses, and they proceeded through the city. Hector drove a chariot with Andromache holding on tight beside him- she'd never really liked chariots- and Paris rode behind them, every so often coming up beside Andromache to point out something or other.

"I bet he could balance a plate on his stomach instead of using a table." Paris nodded towards Dardius and Andromache bit her lip to keep from laughing.

"Paris!" she remonstrated when she'd gotten a hold of her mirth.

"He's on his third wife, you know." She didn't. "I've heard she's a meek little thing, not much older than you." Andromache shuddered.

"The poor girl," she murmured. "He must be at least sixty."

"And probably five times that weight," Paris said, grinning wickedly. "She's been his wife for the past three years, I believe, ever since he lost his second wife," he continued.

"What happened to the first two?" Andromache was almost too afraid to ask.

"Well, I heard-"

"Paris!" Hector said sternly. "There are some things that ladies are better off not knowing."

"We know more than you give us credit for," Andromache informed him

"Yes, you told me that when we first met. That you knew I'd have mistresses," he said teasingly.

She blushed. He'd proven her wrong. "Well, the majority of husbands have them. And I assure you, their wives are not clueless." She added an afterthought. "And sometimes they're happy when they do."

"Andromache!" Hector was shocked. "Really, you shouldn't be talking about such things."

She shrugged, "It's true. And it's not as if they're secrets."

"Well, let's pretend they are," Hector said pointedly.

By this time they'd arrived at the palace, which only had a small wall surrounding it. Ours is much better, Andromache thought. The furnishings were extravagant and the servants many, as if he was trying to impress them with his wealth.

A young girl, who looked about Andromache's age, came up to them and Dardius introduced her as his wife, Methisa. She smiled shyly and Andromache felt pity for her, knowing what her life was like. They were led to a small table and they all relaxed on the chairs. Dardius ordered wine and refreshments brought in, and Andromache quickly engaged Methisa in conversation. Taking advantage of the distraction, Dardius turned to Hector.

"I was not aware you were bringing your wife," he said softly.

"I hope it does not cause any problem," Hector replied. "She shall keep Paris company while we are in negotiations."

"Oh no, there is no problem," Dardius replied hastily. "We have more than enough rooms. However, I had arranged for certain… entertainment so I wonder if you would prefer me to house her near my own wife, who's at another side of the palace."

Hector felt himself stiffening. "No, she will room with me," he replied coolly. "There will be no problem."

"As you wish," Dardius shrugged. "Shall Paris be wanting-"

"No," Hector said quickly. "He too shall be fine. I trust he's rooming near me?"

"The next room over," Dardius nodded. "And I don't want you to miss out, if you don't trust your wife to be across the palace, I can have the room on the other side prepared, so you can still-"

"Thank you, no. She will room with me." Hector's voice left no room for discussion.

Dardius shrugged but nodded. As soon as the party had partaken of the refreshments he led them to their quarters. "Dinner is in a few hours, I trust you are tired from the journey. A servant will come to escort you when it is time."

He left, taking Methisa with him, and Andromache surveyed their new quarters.

"Where's Paris?"

"On the room to the left," Hector replied, peering out the balcony.

"Are you sure you don't want me in the room to the right? I'm sure it would make it easier for you." Andromache said wickedly, satisfied when Hector spun around quickly.

"You heard that?!"

"Please, everyone could hear that buffoon," she replied scornfully. A teasing look came into her eyes. "But by all means, my lord, if you wish to room alone-"

"Don't you dare," he replied coming over, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Oh, but the… entertainment has all been arranged!" she protested seriously. "And poor Paris, having to miss out on such an offer."

"Not another word," he said, coming closer.

"But they're such lovely girls-" Hector had reached her and grabbed her by the waist, effectively securing her in his grip.

"You were saying?" he said warningly.

She looked up at him mischievously. "- and you would have such a good time with them-"

He tickled her and she gasped, trying to get out of his grip.

"Stop!" she said laughing. "This is a serious matter! Your satisfaction is at stake-" Another jab in her sides effectively silenced her and he led her out to the balcony.

"Stubborn woman," he said, smiling.

"I'm not the one that's refusing-" He once again cut short her sentence and with one last jab to her sides, finally allowed her to wriggle away.

"That's not fair," she complained.

"Define fair," Hector pointed out.

"You're stronger," she continued her protests.

"You talk more."

"So?"

"Without your gift of speech being used, we wouldn't have my strength being exercised, would we?"

Andromache smiled but said nothing. He gently pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist, and the two gazed out over the city.

"Not nearly as lovely as home," she mused.

"Thebe?"

"Troy."

"That's your home?"

"I live there, don't I?" she replied.

"Just because one lives somewhere, doesn't make it their home," he said wisely.

"Then what does make a place one's home?"

"A feeling."

"What kind of feeling?"

"It's the feeling you get every time you see the walls in the distance. It's the exhilaration the first time you step into the city after a long voyage. It's the satisfaction you feel when you walk into your room and see all your familiar things in their places. It's just a feeling," he finished simply.

Andromache smiled at hearing his description. "Do you always get that feeling?"

"Always."

A sound of laughter interrupted their thoughts, and the pair looked downwards and spotted Methisa with a baby child. They were playing in the garden, Methisa was making a crown of flowers while the baby girl toddled around, falling every few steps.

Andromache smiled sadly and Hector noticed. "Still grieving?"

She nodded, watching them silently. The baby had returned to her mother, clinging to her long dress. Methisa picked her up, smiling happily as she did so. Setting the flower crown on her head, she kissed the tiny nose of the little girl. The girl wrapped her arms around her mother's neck, comfortably leaning against her body. Methisa danced lightly around the garden, gently rocking the baby to sleep.

"Such a sad life," Andromache murmured softly. "That child is her life. You can see it."

"Jealous?"

She shook her head. "I'd be the most hateful woman in the world if I begrudged her that baby. My time will come, if it is the gods' will, and you will have an heir. But I don't need a baby to keep me alive. Look at her. If that baby dies she'll die with her. There is the only bit of love she ever receives, for her husband certainly doesn't give her any."

Hector pulled her close and she leaned against him. They watched the pair down in the garden, each pitying her with their entire being.

"Do you remember when I told you that some women are happier when their husbands are not at home- when they're out with other women?"

Hector nodded and Andromache continued.

"She's one of them. When he's gone she's free to be herself without fear of rebuke or criticism. The only love she gets is from a little infant, barely able to walk on its own. That's the kind of life that I fear with my entire being."

"Slavery."

She nodded. "To be used, not loved. To be lusted after, but not wanted. To be beautiful and yet not have it noticed by the one who matters most."

Hector was quiet, listening to her words. She was so young and yet she spoke as if she'd lived a lifetime. She was naïve yet experienced at the same time and she had such insight into others' hearts.

"I promise you, Andromache, while I walk this world you will never know such a life. I'd give my life to protect you."

"I know," Andromache said, looking trustfully into his eyes. "And you don't have to die to prove it. You proved it by living and loving me, from the very first day I met you. Death is nothing but the end of life, it proves nothing. The life people live before their death proves who they are."

He kissed the top of her head as they gazed down at Methisa. A man's voice broke the stillness of the moment and Methisa quickly ran inside. A harsh voice was heard and Hector shook his head.

"Poor girl," he murmured.

"She should kill him," Andromache whispered harshly. "I would."

"I'll remember that," Hector teased. "That's a good incentive for me to retain my good nature."

"And if we have daughters and you try to marry them to a man like that, I won't allow it," Andromache informed him. "Methisa's heart will break when that baby is married and she is once again left alone- if she lives that long."

"Who, Methisa or the baby?"

"Methisa. She'll lose her reason for living. And to see her daughter married off to a cruel man would just kill her faster."

Hector was silent; he could offer no words of comfort.

"Hector?"

"Mmm?"

"What happened to his first two wives?"

"Both of them died. No cause was ever found."

"I assume they were childless?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"They weren't loved. Without love a person will die."

"You know you don't have to give me a child in order for me to love you."

"I know," Andromache replied. "You guaranteed that gift to me because I married you."

"I did?"

"Yes, you said that you would love me because I am your wife."

"You make that very difficult sometimes," he teased.

"You're not entirely innocent yourself," Andromache retorted.

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "You're not so difficult to love," he amended.

"Funny, your sister said the same thing."

"She's a wise woman."

"Maiden," Andromache corrected him. "And she'll remain that way."

"Not if Father can help it. Cassandra is beautiful and skilled, she'll make an excellent wife. Father could secure a good alliance using her."

Andromache pulled away from him, stunned. "You talk of her as if she's property, to be bought and sold for a profit. I thought you were different than that." There was hurt in her eyes.

"I never said I approved. However, those are the facts and I won't dance around them. I have no say in her marriage, I'm not her father. I'm just her brother, I can't change what will happen," Hector corrected her.

"You could offer your support on her side."

"And I will, but my support won't mean much. She would still be able to contract an excellent alliance for Troy. There is little I can do to prevent that, but I can make sure she's happy."

"What if her happiness does not lie with a man?"

"She'll most likely have to learn to make herself happy with the prospect. But I will not see her married off to a cruel man, that I promise."

"Briseis isn't being forced to marry."

"Briseis isn't as skilled as Cassandra and she's not my sister. She's a cousin, therefore she doesn't have as much to offer as Cassandra does."

"There you go again, talking of them as if they're cattle, listing their strong points and weak points."

"I have to, Andromache." Hector was beginning to get frustrated. "That's the world we live in and there is only so much I can do."

"She won't be happy."

"She'll learn to be happy. You did."

"She is not me, Hector," Andromache snapped. "And it's not you she'd be marrying."

Hector pulled her close again and she relented, although a bit stiffly. "Right now there is no reason for her to marry; she's safe for the time being."

"For the time being," Andromache pointed out.

"But who says she won't love her husband? Marriage isn't so bad, after all. You seem to enjoy it. She's a princess of Troy, therefore her husband wouldn't dare treat her with disrespect."

"He doesn't have to. All he has to do is take her away from everyone that loves her and not love her himself." Andromache looked up at him. "It's the easiest thing in the world- you could've done it without even thinking about it. All you had to do was not love me. I was blessed, but many other women aren't," she said pointedly, and Hector thought of Methisa. "Not all men are as kind as you are, Hector."

There was a pause, then Hector thought of a question. "Do you remember when I told you that love is a choice?"

Andromache nodded. "You said passion is a flame whereas love is a choice, I remember clearly."

"And do you remember what I told you?"

"That you chose to love me because I am your wife." Andromache studied his face and realized his question. "Yes, Hector, I have chosen to love you. It took me awhile- much longer than you- but I do love you."

Hector nodded, realizing the importance of that statement. No, they were not in love. Their hearts did not break when the other was not around and they were never inflamed with passion for another, but they did love each other. They weren't the most romantic couple but they were friends- they enjoyed each other's company and chose to treat the other with respect.

Things hadn't turned out too badly after all.