Achilles lay next to Briseis on the bed soothing her brow with rhythmic strokes. She whimperd gently in her sleep. He let his hand stray to her stomach and smiled, he never imagined himself looking forward to fatherhood, but now it was all his heart desired. Achilles gently lifted her top and laid a gentle kiss on Briseis stomach. He felt Briseis stir and her hands gently clasped the side of his face, drawing him closer to kiss him tenderly on the lips.

"How do you feel?"

"Like my people have just lost their King, besides my own heartbreak I have to deal with the grief of Troy,"

Briseis rolled onto her side and snuggled up to Achilles. He wrapped his arms around her holding her as close as her bulging stomach would allow.

"There will be discontent with in the family," Briseis mumbled.

"Why?"

"Hector should rule, he is the better man, but Paris will want the position of power, he has become different since his return from Sparta. I believe Helen poisons his thoughts against us,"

Achilles frowned unsure how to soothe his wife's concerns. Briseis sighed and slipped out of bed crossing the room to refresh herself.

"I am rested, I must go and see to things,"

Achilles made to stand up and follow her out the room, but she motioned for him to stop.

"Some things a Greek can not be involved in, and the death of my King is one of them,"

Achilles was stung by her words, yet knew she spoke from grief. Briseis headed for her Uncles chambers where she knew that Hector would be overseeing the preparation of Priam's body. She entered the room to see Paris and Hector in a heated argument, it had started already.

"You disrespect your father with your actions, both of you!" she screamed.

Hector turned and looked at Briseis tears welling in her eyes. Hector looked and Paris.

"Get out, before I forget you are my brother,"

"What is happening?" Briseis asked.

"Priam left instruction that you were to rule in his stead, on the condition you do not rule with Achilles by your side,"

"I will not leave Achilles,"

"I know, but the people trust you, they hold much love in their hearts for the Princess of Troy,"

Briseis turned away.

"Your can not ask me to do this,"

"Let us talk of this later, there are more pressing matter,"

"Like what?"

"Priam was murdered, I have my suspicions,"

"Who would do such a thing?"

"I believe it was Paris and Helen, but I love my brother and am loathe to believe it,"

"I believe it" Briseis whispered.