Andromache worked hard to fill the empty hours. There were servants to oversee, clothes to weave, people to visit, and yet she still found the hours crawling by. One afternoon, a few weeks after Hector's departure, she angrily threw down her weaving and stood up. Her handmaidens looked at her, startled.

"I'm going to visit Maira," she said, and one of the girls quickly ran to get a guard to escort her. The desired man soon arrived and Andromache set out at a brisk pace, reaching Maira's dwelling soon. She stopped suddenly, wondering if Maira would be busy.

The door opened and Maira's smiling face emerged. She grabbed her friend in a hug, squeezing her tight.

"Andromache, it's wonderful to see you," she said, escorting her in. Maira ordered one of the girls to bring refreshment for Andromache's escort while the two women made their way into the back garden.

"I hope you're not busy," Andromache apologized, sitting herself down on a bench under the shade of a large tree.

"No, I'm not allowed to do anything since Diocus found out I'm with child," Maira complained. "I've been bored out of my mind."

"I know the feeling," Andromache sighed. "And there are so many things to do! I don't know why I feel like this."

Maira cast a shrewd glance at her, but said nothing. Andromache continued, not noticing the look she'd gotten.

"Perhaps I need a change of scenery," she mused. "But no matter. How have you been?"

"Wonderful," Maira exclaimed. "I had no idea being married is so agreeable."

"As I told you before, it all depends on the husband," Andromache said dryly. "But you're happy?"

Maira nodded. "I miss the palace terribly, though. I was going to come visit soon, if you hadn't come. But yes, I am happy." Her face softened. "Diocus is a wonderful husband."

"He treats you well?" Andromache already knew the answer.

"Oh yes, too well, in fact." She went on to tell Andromache of his good qualities and Andromache smiled as she listened to her. Maira noticed her mirth and quickly stopped. "I'm sorry, I talk too much."

Andromache shook her head. "Ah, Maira, you're just in love. It's hopeless, Aphrodite's curse has struck you."

"Is it a curse? Many would say a blessing," Maira quipped back.

"Oh, it is a curse," Andromache said firmly. "Judging from what I've been told, the symptoms aren't at all agreeable. Your heart freezes when you set eyes on the person, your life stops when you're not together, time crawls when you're apart and flies by when you're together. Very disagreeable."

Maira laughed. "From the way you describe it, it would seem so," she agreed. "Have you had any news?"

Andromache shook her head. "But I don't expect any until after our anniversary, that's when the messenger ship arrives."

"Are you saddened at not spending your anniversary together?" Maira asked her.

Andromache didn't lie. "It is a disappointment, I would've liked to. But it can't be helped; I knew it would be like this from the day I married him. Wars won't delay just so a couple can spend a certain day together."

"Do you miss him?"

"Yes," Andromache replied honestly. "It's funny, you never realize how accustomed you've grown to having someone around until they're gone. It seems strange without him here."

"He's been gone before."

"But never for this long," Andromache replied. "Priam made a point of letting Hector stay here for our first year of marriage, something about 'making it easier' or some such thing."

The two women chatted until the sun started to sink below the mountains, then Andromache stood up.

"I must go, it's getting late. Come visit soon?" she asked, giving Maira a hug.

"I will," Maira promised, escorting her to the door. "Very soon."

Andromache left and Diocus came up to his wife. "Pleasant afternoon?" he smiled at her.

Maira laughed softly. "I've been blind," she informed him. "And it was right under my nose."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Andromache's fallen in love," she replied. "And I watched it happen." She shook her head ruefully.

"She told you so?"

Maira shook her head. "She doesn't even realize it yet. But she's not a fool, she'll figure it out soon enough."

"Are you sure?" Diocus asked doubtfully. "Political marriages are just that, political. I don't mean they can't be happy together, but love doesn't happen."

"It did this time," Maira announced. "You can stake your life on it."

"Perhaps she just misses him greatly," Diocus suggested.

"Oh no, she's in love. I know for certain."

"How?"

"Because she described exactly what it's like, even though she's never witnessed it." Maira replied. "Good for her," she finished softly, kissing her husband and going back into the house. Diocus stood there for a moment then shrugged. Women are impossible to understand, he decided. Utterly impossible.

…

Weeks later, in a plain near Thebe, Hector led forth his men as the opposing army retreated. He was tired and sweaty, but the battle was won. Thebe's walls stood in the distance and Hector smiled as he remembered his promise to Andromache. No harm will come to Thebe. And no harm had. As his men charged forward he pulled up and fell in line with Artrides.

"Excellent maneuver," Artrides praised him. "Surrounding them like that, absolutely brilliant."

Hector grinned, panting slightly from the fighting. "I had a promise to keep."

"Thebe safe?" his friend guessed shrewdly.

"And I was to come out uninjured," Hector informed him.

"Congratulations, at least one woman will be happy," Artrides teased. He then grew serious. "You're missing your anniversary, aren't you?"

Hector nodded. "It's in two weeks. I'll visit with her family though, and bring their greetings with me. Hopefully that will make up for it."

"Greetings?" Artrides scoffed. "To make up for a missed anniversary? Hector, you are pathetic. I have an even better idea."

"Ah!" Hector grinned as he realized what his friend was thinking. "Letters."

"Hector, you are brilliant," Artrides praised. "But I am even better."