Summary: She is a hard-willed woman, skeptic about the marriage thrust upon her. He was man who has seen enough hardships to last a lifetime, yet unsure of the arrangement. With the help of some impish Trojans, things might just go right... Or not.The whole storyline MAY have been picked up somewhere, but I tossed and ran with it.
Disclaimer: I did some research (finally) and I did manage to get some info on Thebe, Andromache and the Trojans. I also found some ancient customs and all that stuff, so some of the stuff is accurate. If any of the facts found here are not what the ancient Greeks/Trojans/Theban people did, please correct me, don't flame me. Thank you in advance!!
Personal thank-yous are at the end of the chapter. Check it out if you reviewed the first chapter. If you didn't, shame on you! To make peace with me so I'll put up another chapter, review! Can I ask for at LEAST 15 this time, since I got 13 for the first chapter? Thank you thank you thank you thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyouthankyouthankyou!!
That is the man I am fated to spend my entire life with, Andromache said bitterly as she threw a glance at Prince Hector who was engaged in a conversation with one of his aides. The luminaries proceeded out of the anteroom to the dining hall for a small, informal welcoming feast that was laid out just in case the newly arrived Trojan party was famished after the long journey.
She looked around her and saw Briseis standing awkwardly next to her, as if contemplating what she would next would either help her or damn her. Andromache felt and instant liking towards the younger girl; she never had much female company, excluding Claudia and her mother, Dido of Thebe. She gestured for Briseis to join her, and the other girl stepped tentatively towards the Princess of Thebe, soon to be Princess of Troy.
"Do not worry, Briseis, I do not bite, I only scratch," Andromache said lightly, a hint of a grin on her lips. Briseis returned her grin, albeit apprehensively.
"Good to know that you at least have a sense of humour, Princess," Briseis said. "I was hoping to the Gods that you would be easy to approach, and that I would not have to tread carefully around you."
"I am easy to get along with most of the time. But be warned, do not spark me off, lest you shall have to save your soul," Andromache said, grinning openly now. She saw Briseis relax and grin back, and Andromache was relieved that she was not stuck-up as most royal ladies she has met before this.
At that moment, the only people that were left in the room were the two ladies and the two princes. Paris wandered over to the other side of the room, carefully browsing through some of the exquisite furniture and fine decorations. He gently picked up a delicate vase and examined it. At that moment, Queen Dido of Thebe entered the room and he hastily put it back at its original place and tried to put on a face of innocence, just in case he broke the 'see, but do not touch rules' that were so emphasized in many kingdoms.
"Andromache, darling! Why are you still here? Most of the Trojan party are in the next room," she said. Queen Dido had a regal air about her, but with a homely touch. Next to Andromache, they could have passed of as sisters, if only the greying hair in her brown hair did not betray her real age. Watching from a safe distance, Hector could see where Andromache got her high and well sculptured cheekbones, and the heart-shape face, although Queen Dido was slightly more cherubic.
"In a moment, mother," she said. She kissed her mother's cheek and Dido left the room, heading towards the Temple of Artemis to prepare basic necessities for Andromache to bring to Troy to appease the Goddess of Hunt and Maidenhood on the night before her wedding.
"Well then, let us go and gorge ourselves with glorious Theban food that we might not get to taste after our time here ends, dear cousin Briseis," Paris said in an overly manner and with a glint in his eye. Breseis looked puzzled for a moment, but after an exaggerated nodding of his head towards his brother and Andromache, she nodded fervently.
"Oh yes, I forgot. Let us go feast on the food that has been specially prepared for our arrival, dear cousin Paris," she said, returning his overly manner of saying 'Let's get out of here and leave those two alone'. Arms linked, they left hand in hand, but not before Breseis shot Andromache a parting wink. When they disappeared, the only two people left in the room were uncomfortable, unnerved and definitely unwilling.
Hector took the time during the confusion of people moving from one room to another and the little charade between Briseis and Paris to study his future wife's features more deeply. He realized that she must be slightly shorter than he was, as she was taller than Paris himself. He also noticed that her hair was a dark, dark brown, much like her father. Besides the high, well chiselled cheekbones and heart-shaped face, she had a dimple on her right cheek. He, too, noted that she was rather… well proportioned. Not that he was looking for that trait in a woman, he corrected himself quickly. It was just a plus side. That was all he could gather from a distance.
As his brother and cousin left the room, he decided to throw caution to the wind, prayed to the Gods and closed the distance between them. He could tell that she was as nervous as he was, maybe even more. Good, at least he wasn't the only one.
Andromache's POV
Oh Gods, he's coming closer. Why?! I was happy with the position where he was standing a minute ago. I know that his intentions are pure, but I just cannot trust anyone I have known for less than 10 minutes. Wait, I haven't talked to him yet, so make that a person that I have no idea who he is. I admit that he is good-looking, in a rugged, masculine kind of way. But I will NOT confine myself to a man who fills his days with war and death.
"Princess Andromache," he said softly. I tore my gaze from a suddenly interesting brown spot on the floor and looked up hesitantly. Oh Gods, he has nice eyes. Andromache, stop that! This is the man that will abduct you within a week and bring you to a place that will have no meaning to you and hold you captive there! Oh, but he does have nice eyes….
"Princess Andromache, it is a pleasure to meet you," he said, taking my hand and kissing it. Taking lessons from Paris now, Prince Hector? I said to myself. Or at least I thought I did.
"What did you say, Princess?" he asked, eying me apprehensively. Oh no, did I say that out loud? Curse my wretched tongue! Regaining my self-possession, I looked at him slowly.
"I did not say anything," I said, feeling my face turn hot. I'm quite sure my face looks like when Claudia put to much rouge on it. "And I believe the pleasure is all mine." Yes, I was made to say that. Yes, I did not want to. No, I had no other choice. At times, I really do wonder why I became such an obedient daughter.
"Well then, if you please, I would like to skip the feast in favour for a bed. Do you think you could, uh, convene a servant? I really would like to retire immediately. Navigating a ship with Paris on your back is no easy feat," he said wryly. I managed an insecure smile. Why does he have to be so… so… civil?
I am NOT going to survive this ordeal. May the Gods curse him for his courteousness.
Andromache looked around for a servant that was not busy. She excused herself and went into the hall adjoining the anteroom, hoping that someone would be free. When she saw most of them busy serving the Trojan guests, she sighed in frustration. She crossed the room and tried to look for Claudia, but she was nowhere to be found. Oh, to Tartarus with that, she said silently. Looks like I have to show him to his room. She closed the wooden door that she had opened to look for Claudia and slowly walked back to where Prince Hector was standing.
"Are you alright, Princess?" he asked when he saw her fidgeting. She looked up and saw, for a flitting moment, a look of sincerity touch his features. Again, she wished rather petulantly that he would stop being so polite, so kind. It infuriated her.
"Looks like most of the servants are busy serving your people, Prince Hector," she said, trying to make her voice as light as possible, as the way she had spoken to Prince Paris and Briseis. Despite her attempt, he could still detect a hint of resentment in her speech. He wondered wryly why she was being hostile towards him. Perhaps he could coax some information out of her sometime soon, before they set sail back for Troy.
"Oh. Well, in that case, would you just tell me where my quarters are? You do not need to lead me there if you don't want to," he said, after moments thought. All these while, he thought she smelt something wonderful, but could not put his fingers on it. It was not perfume, he was sure of it. No, it smells more like something closer to nature.
"No, no, I will bring you to your room. The Theban castle is quite sprawling, and the passages are winding. I think it would be the best for me to direct you to your billet, just in case," she said. She started towards another door that led towards the rooms, passing him. She paused for a while when he did not follow her.
"Prince Hector, are you coming?" she asked him, snapping him out of a daze. She looked at him curiously, as he had a pensive look in his eyes.
"Yes," he said simply, crossing the room to join her. He stopped next to her and smiled at her. He felt slightly better when she smiled back, all the while inhaling her enticing fragrance.
She smelt like roses in bloom.
In the hall…
The hall was lively, although there were barely 60 people present. A vast amount of food was spread out over a long table, and pretty maidens went around offering wine. In one corner, Queen Dido was engaged in a conversation with Briseis, who was delighted that the older woman was pleasant to talk to. Paris was having the time of his life, charming the maidens while heaping food on his plate. King Priam and King Eetion, however, were in deep discussion about the upcoming marriage between their children.
"I hope you realise that I appreciate what you are doing for me, Priam," Eetion said, taking a sip from his goblet.
"Yes, I do, Eetion. When one needs help, another must be willing to help. After all, why turn your back on your allies when their foes are at their doorstep?" Priam said, nibbling on a piece of cheese.
"True. I just hope that I can get Andromache out of here before things take a turn for the worse. I was not happy when I heard from the neighbouring cities that Achilles was starting to force entry and sack the city," Eetion said.
"I have heard of that too. Apparently, Achilles is looking for supporters. I don't think he can get any with he ruckus he's making," Priam said with a sardonic grin.
"Dido and I fear for Andromache's life. Even though she can use a bow and ride a horse quite well, she still is a girl, a young lady. Men will die in the battlefield, but the women suffer even greater than that. I do not want that to happen, especially not to her," Eetion said sadly.
"I understand. I have daughters of my own, Eetion, so I understand the turmoil you're going through. Although I do not fear much, as Troy is quite protected by the walls. But still, any fear will not be rested until conquered," Priam said.
"Your strongest points are your walls and your army, Priam. What do I have? Mountains and the Gods. If Thebe falls, we shall have nowhere to go, so what better place than Andromache to go but Troy," the King of Thebe said.
"That, and I had to find a wife for Hector, so things worked out quite well, don't you think, Eetion?" Priam said with a grin. "I help you get your daughter to a safe place, you help me by providing my son with a wife. I think they make a splendid couple."
"Don't they?" Eetion said with a laugh. "Although, I'm not quite sure how Hector will handle Andromache's stubbornness. I suppose growing up with 7 elder brothers who just have to teach her the finer aspects of life has its consequences. She has mellowed a bit this past year, but I still think that she need to kept a close eye on."
"Yes, I could tell from her eyes that she is strong-willed. Hopefully Hector will be able to take care of her and make her trust him, but I believe it will take time," the King of Troy said.
"I certainly think so. I believe he will need all the time he can get," Eetion said. "By the way, where ARE those two?"
"Uh, Princess, are a long way from the quarters?" Hector asked Andromache as she led him through the corridors of the castle. Beautiful tapestries and painting were hung at intervals, and coupled with brightly lit hallways, it gave a warm and comfortable feeling to the usually cold and dank ways.
"No, not quite far. We're nearly there," Andromache called behind her back. She was careful to put some distance between them, making Hector again feel that she was separating herself from him. But then, he reasoned, who wouldn't when you are forced to marry an individual you barely know? Finally, he decided that he just had to make her talk to him.
"Princess Andromache, are you afraid of me?" Hector asked suddenly in one quick breath, causing Andromache to turn around for a moment. Then she continued walking, as if there were no interruptions.
"No more am I afraid of you than you are of me, my lord," she said, hoping that was a good enough reason for him.
"Than why are you keeping away from me? I am no expert at these such matters, but I can certainly feel the vileness coming from you that is directed at me," he continued, catching up and walking by her side. She kept quiet before answering.
"You must be mistaken, my lord," she said, trying to keep her voice level.
"No, I don't believe I am. You must be afraid of something. I can see it in you; I can feel it," he persisted.
"I am not afraid of anything," she said, her voice rising slightly. He noticed that her fists were clenched, but being a stranger who knew nothing about her temper signs, he pushed on.
"Fine, I believe you. For the moment, anyway," he said. She turned sharply into a dimly lit corridor and continued walking, anger seething out of her every pore. Not only did this man have to be her future husband, he has to be galling as well! She hasn't lost her temper this fast, not in recent times. She stopped outside a handsome oak door and pushed it open. The room was moderately sized, but was well equipped for a king. From its rich dark wood four-poster bed to the finely crafted mahogany furniture and dresser, it was splendid.
"I do not know what makes you think that you have the right to believe what I say or understand the way I feel when we have only been in company for less than 20 minutes. I also do not know what has possessed you to make you so aggravating, but I do know this: be prepared to have the most difficult bride ever born," Andromache said, breathing hard, trying to suppress her anger that she has kept in check for well over 5 years now. She turned on her heel, and with a swish of her dress, left him gaping in the middle of the hallways.
"What did I say now?" Hector muttered to himself, closing and bolting the door.
An hour later, the light of Apollo began to fade away and the sky was painted in a beautiful orchestra of colours. The yellow and orange rays began to dim, and the fiery red sunset streaked the sky with its mighty colour. The purple and dark blue of the night began to paint the corners, and soon enveloped the world in darkness that was lit by the beaming stars.
Hector watched as the sky swallowed the sun from his balcony, pondering about the recent events of the day. His mission to at least talk with Princess Andromache was greeted by failure, something that he was not quite accustomed to. He tried to think of what he said, but when his mind came up empty, he decided, for the first time in his life, call a retreat and try again the next day.
The sound of chatter floated up to his window, breaking his train of thoughts. From below, he could see the servants darting around the courtyard, lighting lanterns and candles, obviously preparing for the dinner. A long table was set up, and a pit was lit with burning wood. Shifting a little ways to the side, his gaze riveted to a figure that was playing with a child. The figure was of a lady, and he could see how animated the child and the lady were talking. They were making chains out of the flowers that they had picked from the garden and threading it through their hair. Although he could not see the face of the lady, as he was too far away to see details, he thought she had a beautiful radiance about her. From her laughs, to the child's giggles and their hugs, he thought that that was a pretty sight indeed.
He was brought back to reality quite suddenly when there was a knock on his door. He started towards the door and leaned his head against the frame, crossing his arms. He sighed, before saying, "What is it, little brother?"
"But sire, I am not your little brother. I am but just another messenger of the House of Thebe," came a muffled voice from the other side. He thought he heard another voice, but the second voice disappeared almost instantly.
"Come off it, Paris. No one else knocks the door five times as hurriedly as you do," Hector said. He smiled smugly when he heard a groan. He opened the door and saw Paris and Briseis standing, a sheepish smile coming over his face.
"I cannot believe how fast you gave in, Paris," Breises scoffed, crossing her arms.
"I don't see you lying to Hector either," Paris shot back. He turned to look at his brother and gave him his winning trademark smile that has captured the hearts of maidens all across the seas.
"Dinner beckons, my lord," he said, giving his brother a stiff and mock bow. Hector frowned.
"Why did you call me? Why not a servant?" he asked suspiciously.
"Well, a certain Princess Andromache was supposed to invite you, according to the royal protocol, but apparently, she has refused to speak to you for reasons unknown," Briseis said formally, trying to imitate a maid.
"Nice job, brother. You have not been here a full day you have managed to scare away your bride. Not even I could do that," Paris said admiringly, with s smirk on his face.
"Funny, Paris. Remind me to stop giving you archery lessons once we get home," Hector grumbled. Paris immediately fell quiet. The only thing he excelled in was archery, and giving up archery lessons with Hector meant forfeiting his only battle skill. Seeing his brother's suddenly sober mood, he smiled, but said or did nothing to comfort his younger brother. Sometimes, it was just better to strike where it hurts the most. Briseis just laughed.
"Shoo, both of you. I need to get dressed. Tell them I will be down there before the hour has gone," he said. Briseis nodded in confirmation, and started down the hallway, tugging a reluctant Paris along. Abruptly, Paris tore away from Briseis's grip and walked up to his brother.
"Are you really going to stop my archery lessons?" he asked sincerely. Hector softened up slightly at his brother's genuineness. Although he was still young and fools around a lot, Paris does take some of his duties seriously. His duty to protect Troy with his archery skills was just one of them.
"If you toe the line, I don't see why I have to stop it," Hector said, shrugging. Paris gave his brother a quick, grateful hug and rejoined Briseis. Together they walked down the hall, tempted by the aroma of food that was gently wafting up.
"Brothers. I will never understand them," Hector said, smiling while shutting the door.
ARGH!!! I don't think I did justice to the H/A scene and H/P scene! Anyways…Personal thank-yous:
Addicted2Fanfics – I updated! Woohoo!! And thanks for being the first to review!
HentaiStar – Thank you soooo much for your insight! I value it a lot. And I might e-mail some authors, but I did some research of my own already so… we'll see how it goes.
Goofyclown – I might add in Cassandra. She will be in, but at the moment, I only plan her as a minor character.
R E Rakel – Hey, I got more than 10 reviews. Why shouldn't I not update?!
Phoenix-from-the-ashes – I like Paris too! Well, in my story anyway…
Madjooky66, Cordy, Ana, Silent Reverie, Hector/Andromache fan, Lady Discord and Queen Arwen – THANK YOU!!
Sandra – Again, thank you and looking forward to hearing from you again!
To the rest, just click on that little button that says 'Go', okay? Merci!