Ok, here we start with a good amount of action for the next chapters. Updates will most likely be every day or so, but towards the end of the month they're going to stop because I'm going on a trip. Just to let you all know. And I'm balancing two stories at the moment, so I can't focus on this one as much, but it should still be good. Anyways, enjoy!

…

Andromache soon forgot about Cassandra's words until a few days later, just before the festival of Apollo. She was in the company of Paris, who was taking her to the horse market just outside the city. Hector had left to find a few good steeds earlier that morning and he'd sent a messenger requesting Andromache's presence.

"I suppose he's got some horses he wants me to look at," Andromache mused as Paris quickly led her through the streets. "But don't think I don't know exactly why you're coming with me. Who is it this time?"

"A merchant's wife," Paris replied without shame.

"Well, he'd best not find out about you two, otherwise Hector might not be able to get the horse he wants."

"Don't worry, the women I keep company with have stupid husbands. They're always more interested in their various trades than with their wives."

"I suppose it's a lesson to them," Andromache mused, grinning as she spotted Hector. "There he is!" She ran over to him and he took her hand, sparing only a glance at his brother.

"Stay out of trouble, Paris."

Paris grinned cheekily. "I always do."

Hector didn't bother to reply, he led her through the swarm of people around various paddocks. The horse market was outside the city for the various purpose of all the commotion it caused. A stallion on the loose would reek havoc on the city.

"Here she is," Hector said proudly, stopping in front of a black mare with powerful hindquarters.

"She's beautiful," Andromache stated honestly. "Another war horse?"

Hector shook his head. "No, I've got other stallions for that, and Elpis. I'll use this one for breeding."

"With who?"

"I was thinking Eclipse," Hector admitted. "You'd have the foal to play with in your spare time."

"A wonderful idea," Andromache agreed. Hector paid for the horse and she looked around at the other paddocks. There were foals in some, chasing each other down the length of the paddock, and mares in others. The stallions were all in separate stalls, well away from the other horses. A sudden commotion near the docks attracted her attention. People were rushing towards there, and she could see the tall masts of a ship pulling up to the shores. She pointed it out to Hector, who shrugged.

"We'll find out in a little bit, but I need to return this mare to my stables. Coming?"

She nodded and followed him, still glancing back to see if she could figure out what was going on. But her view was blocked so she gave up, resigning herself to figuring it out later. When they arrived to the stables, she waited impatiently for Hector to finish and then practically dragged him up to the palace. By now someone would know what was going on.

"Briseis!" she called out, releasing Hector's hand and running over to her friend. "What's going on?" Servants were running to and fro and Briseis looked flustered.

"Othronus has arrived," she cried, dismay on her face. A moment later two servants carrying wine jugs crashed into each other, sending the dark liquid spraying everywhere. "Gods have mercy, watch where you're going!" she shrieked at them, forgetting Andromache for a moment. "Hurry and clean that, then finish your task. Now is not the time for clumsiness." She wiped her brow, then turned to Andromache. "We've just received word, Hecuba is overseeing preparations for the feast and asked me to help her."

Hector had caught up with Andromache in time to hear Briseis's words, but he did not reply. Andromache was stunned speechless for a moment, then bristled in anger. "What does he want?" she asked coldly.

Briseis cheeks were red and Andromache knew she'd be crying if circumstances had made it possible. "To claim Cassandra as his bride," Briseis hissed angrily.

"That-" Andromache began, but Hector silenced her and led her away.

"Now is not the time," he said quietly. "We must prepare for the feast, you can have your tantrum later."

At this Andromache bristled. "I beg your pardon, but that pig of a man deserves no feast in these halls, my lord. And do not be under the assumption that I am going to assist in such a display for a person so unworthy. I am going to speak with Cassandra." She turned to leave but he grabbed her and held her there.

"Not now, Andromache," his voice was low, but it held an unmistakable warning. "Whatever your feelings on the matter may be, as my wife you will conduct yourself graciously and assist in the preparations. Go find my mother, she'll instruct you."

"I'll do no such thing," she hissed back at him. "Cassandra's feelings are more important than that man's stomach."

"Cassandra will be fine for a few hours, now do as I say," Hector commanded.

"If you're so concerned for him, prepare the feast yourself! I don't even know why we're having a feast, since he has arrived so unexpectedly."

"He wasn't due for another week, but the preparations for the feast have already began. It would be a sin to waste all the food we've collected."

Andromache stepped back as though she'd been slapped. "You knew?!" she shrieked.

"Keep your voice down, of course I knew," he shot back. "A price was agreed upon before he left, it was understood that he would return once his city was in order."

"And you didn't tell me?!" Andromache was yelling now, attracting the attention of servants passing, but neither of them noticed.

"I made it very clear that Cassandra was going to marry, I don't see why his leaving should change that fact!" Hector answered loudly.

"You never told me a price had been agreed upon!" she screamed, her rage breaking over him.

"I don't see why that changes anything, you knew she'd be marrying!"

"This isn't right!" she said helplessly. "She wasn't supposed to- I mean, she told me-" She broke off, her chest heaving as she fought back tears.

"She told you what?" Hector asked, quieter. He moved closer but she stepped back.

"I-" she began again, tears welling up. "I'm not helping with the feast." She dashed away before Hector could stop her, sprinting quickly through the halls towards the women's quarters. Thankfully, it was empty except for Cassandra, who was quietly weaving. "You told me nothing would come of it!" she screamed, as soon as she came in.

Cassandra put a finger to her lips, indicating Andromache could lower her voice. "I said I'd never marry, yes."

"Well obviously something has gone wrong, because this man has now arrived to claim you as his wife," Andromache shot back sarcastically. "You said you'd never marry and you'd die a virgin; you told me you had foreseen it."

"And I did not lie. That still stands, I'll not marry and I'll die a virgin, just as I said," Cassandra said calmly.

"Then-" Andromache began, confused. "You're going to die soon?" she whispered.

Cassandra shook her head, pulling Andromache to the chair beside her. "I shall attend the feast of Apollo with you, have no fear."

"But it's too soon," Andromache whispered miserably.

Cassandra pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry, it's not so soon as you'd think. We shall enjoy our week together, then I shall leave with Othronus to be his bride."

Andromache pulled away, drying her eyes. "I must go prepare for the feast," she said quietly, clearing her throat.

"And so must I," Cassandra said, standing up. "Don't forget to smile and enjoy yourself tonight. We'll probably not get a chance to talk."

Andromache nodded and quickly went back to her quarters. Hector was there, preparing for the feast. She spoke no words until a servant girl came in, whom she quickly dismissed. She selected a dress herself, a lavender silk with blue threads and jewels. She quickly dressed and sat down in front of the mirror to fix her hair. The silence was thick, it could almost be cut with a knife, and wordlessly Andromache gave Hector her arm to lead her to the feast.

Andromache was in a daze that night and Hector sat quietly next to her, only speaking when forced to. Even Paris was unusually sober, leaving back to his room instead of with a woman. The entire royal family, save for Priam, seemed to be in a state of just functioning. Othronus was unaware of the sorrow, the loud music and joyful officials of state made up for the lack of conversation among the royals. Cassandra looked magnificent and engaged Othronus in conversation, though her smile was a little forced. But it in no way marred her beauty and she was radiant that night. Sure enough, Andromache had no opportunity to speak with her or Briseis and soon left the room with Hector as the feast drew to an end.

Once in their room, no words were spoken. They silently prepared for bed, silently laid down, and silently fell asleep.

There was nothing to talk about tonight.