Thanks to Andromache for pointing out that scar to me! I think I will make it into a fanfic, I'm always looking for little things in the movie that I can incorporate into my story. I'm going to bring another one in soon, but I'll wait to see if any of you recognize it from the movie, don't want to give it away. I'll do my best to put that scar in. However, I'm not too good at angst so I don't know how I'll write it yet, but I'll try to think of something good. Also, I haven't really been focusing on Hector lately, so this chapter does that. I realized I'm always writing about Andromache's day, and I want to put a bit more of Hector in. So this chapter focuses pretty equally on both of them. Just to warn you, it's a pretty long chapter, so you might want to get some popcorn or something J. Anyways, here it is, enjoy.

…

Andromache awoke to darkness and felt a servant quietly shaking her shoulder.

"My lady," Niobe whispered. "Cassandra requests you to make ready for the day. She said she wishes to spend the day with you."

Andromache squinted, trying to see through the darkness. They'd gone to bed late because of the feast and she could still feel sleep pulling at her. "What time is it?"

"A few hours before dawn," Niobe whispered. Andromache couldn't figure out why she was whispering until she glanced at Hector, who was still sleeping beside her. Realization dawned on her. As an engaged woman, Cassandra would be expected to spend her days with Othronus and the family. She was opting out of that choice, choosing instead for just the three of them. At least for today, the first of the last seven days they had together. The feast of Apollo would start later in the day, which they would all attend together, but the morning was at least theirs.

"Tell her I'll be there, then get back to bed. It's too early to be up. And don't tell my husband that I left this early, I might have to do it again." Andromache smiled in the darkness, gently rolling out of bed and landing silently on the floor. Hector did not stir. She held her breath as she dressed quickly and clipped her hair into a tight bun. Hector still did not move. Years of marriage had proven him to be a very light sleeper, and if he awoke the women wouldn't be permitted to go. And Andromache had a fair idea of what their day had in store.

But the gods granted her that small blessing; Hector remained still. She held her breath as she gently pried the door open, wincing when it made a small creak. Quietly shutting it behind her, she hurried through the halls, oddly empty of servants. It was still too early to be up, and she'd never explored the palace at this time of night.

Hours later, the three girls stood at the top of their hill, watching the sun rise over Troy and emblazing the sky a magnificent pink.

"We haven't done this enough," Briseis murmured. Cassandra and Andromache nodded in agreement.

"Then we'll make up for our lost time," Cassandra stated.

"And not Hector, or Priam, or Othronus, or anyone else will get in our way," Andromache said firmly. She reached for the other girls hands as they stood there, enjoying their last moments that would all too soon come to an end.

…

Hector rolled over, squinting an eye open as he was met with emptiness. As he gazed at the empty bed beside him, his other eye opened to confirm what he was looking at. A crease came between his eyes and he glanced outside. The sun showed it was just an hour past sunset, Andromache was never awake this early.

He walked out of their bedroom and glanced around for a servant. "Marcadius!" He motioned for the man to come closer. "Where is my wife?" he asked quietly.

The man's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. "Your wife, my lord?"

"Yes," Hector said impatiently. "My wife. Brown hair, brown eyes, I married her a few years ago?"

"I haven't seen her, but may I enquire as to why you ask?"

Hector sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "I can't find her, that's all. Inquire of the servants if anyone has seen her."

Marcadius nodded. "Yes, my lord. I'll have a girl go over to the women's quarters, perhaps she went to visit the ladies Cassandra and Briseis."

A relieved look came over Hector's face. "Ah, yes, that's where she would have gone. Request the servant girl to bring her back, I wish to speak with her."

"As you wish." Marcadius bowed and went to find a servant girl to go look for Andromache.

Hector returned to their room, washing his face and preparing himself for the day. A servant brought in breakfast, but he only picked at it. An hour later, a knock sounded and Marcadius came in.

"Niobe reported that Andromache wasn't in the women's quarters, and none of the servants saw her leave." His face was only slightly concerned and Hector once again felt glad of his servants. Like all servants, they'd gossip about this latest fight, but it would never leave his quarters. Unlike other members of the family, who's indiscretions were freely spoken of all over the palace, his servants kept their chatter within his house.

"When did everyone start to awake?" Hector's brow was furrowed.

"At their normal times, my lord. Around dawn."

Hector let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't have time to go looking for her. If she returns, tell her I wish her to remain here until I've had a chance to speak with her. You may go."

Marcadius bowed and withdrew and Hector glared at Andromache's side of the bed. He hoped she wouldn't be gone enough for any to learn of her absence. But he had duties to perform, so he quickly headed off to the throne room where his father was performing the everyday duties of state.

"Hector," Priam greeted him. "I have a few more complaints to hear, then a few other matters which will keep me busy until the start of the feast. When Othronus rises, see that he's entertained, if you will."

Hector nodded. "I shall offer him a hunt."

"I was hoping you'd bring Cassandra to him."

"Forgive me, but she might wish to spend her last few days with family."

"And so she shall. But I want them to get a chance to know each other while she's still surrounded by family. After all, you did the same with Andromache."

Hector smiled at the memory. In reality, they had barely spent any time together. Whenever he'd wanted her company, she was always nowhere to be found. It was on the ship that they'd first gotten to know each other. "Father, from my own experience I assure you she'll want to spend her time with Briseis and Andromache." A sudden thought hit him and he stood up abruptly. "I have a matter I must attend to, I'll return for Othronus in a moment."

He didn't wait for his father to dismiss him as he hurried through the halls, grabbing a servant girl with him and leading her to the woman's quarters. "Inquire if the ladies Cassandra and Briseis are in there. I'll wait."

The girl was giving him an odd look, but she obeyed. Just over five minutes later, she returned, shaking her head. "The princesses are not in there. None of their servants know where they are."

Hector's face showed no emotion as he thanked the girl and quickly returned to the throne room, but inwardly he was smiling. "Cassandra is spending time with family and doesn't wish to be disturbed," he said to his father when he returned.

"Well, then make sure she spends some time with Othronus at the feast," Priam answered, barely paying any attention. Hector spotted Paris in the crowd of officials that were in attendance and he inwardly groaned. The woman with him was the wife of one of Priam's top officials, a particularly shrewd one at that. At that moment, Othronus was escorted in and Hector smiled as he thought of an idea. "Father, I suggest Paris entertain Othronus for the afternoon," he said.

Priam glanced over at Paris and realized who it was he was keeping company with. "Excellent idea." He spared no more thoughts on the matter, for at that moment a particularly heated argument was brought up and Priam prepared for a good few hours mending the rivalry.

Hector greeted Othronus and led him over to Paris. "Paris, I've just been telling Othronus of your idea to give him a tour of the city. He said he'd be honored to have you as his guide."

Had Hector been any younger he would have smirked at the expression on his brother's face. As it were, he only allowed himself to feel a brief moment of satisfaction.

But Paris was not a women-charmer for no reason, the smoothness of his speech had always won hearts. He recovered from the blow quickly. "Of course, brother. Othronus, come with me, I'll take you around on horseback."

Hector smiled as the two of them walked off, sparing only a glance at the woman left behind. She wore a pout on her face but smiled sweetly when she caught his glance. He nodded politely and headed back to his quarters to wait for his wife's return.

…

As the sun sank lower in the sky, Hector began to worry that she'd be late for the feast. It officially commenced at sunset, even though Apollo was god of the sun. Priam had always celebrated Artemis and Apollo together, though it was still only called the feast of Apollo. The celebration would start as the moon goddess began her ascent and lasted until Apollo hid his chariot on the third day of the feast. In reality, the feast only lasted two full days, but Artemis's arrival announced the first day.

Hector heard a noise and watched as the door opened and his wife strode in, dressed in a dark, plain dress that hid her status. She locked eyes with him for a moment then began preparing for the feast, ignoring his presence.

"You were out with Cassandra." It was a statement. She made no reply. "Going out without a guard isn't proper, for the future you will observe this rule." Still no answer. "And my father wishes Cassandra to spend her time here at the palace, with Othronus and her family, so you will kindly desist from going on these expeditions."

She finally spoke, though behind a screen as she changed her dress. "Othronus will have her to himself soon enough, it won't kill him to be without her for another week."

"It is not Othronus who wishes it, it is father," he replied, leaving no room for argument.

She emerged from the screen and even in his anger he had to admit she was stunning. Her dress was made of silver and dark blue, in honor of Artemis. Tomorrow, she'd wear a brighter gown made of yellow and gold, but not tonight. Her naturally curly hair was allowed to run free down her back as she placed her crown of laurel leaves on her head. Usually, she dispensed with the crown, which signified her status as a royal lady, but tonight she would wear it.

Andromache did not choose to reply, and by her silence Hector knew he had a fight on his hands. Trying to lighten the mood, he sat beside her. "You're wearing your crown tonight."

She glanced at him as she lined her eyes with kohl. "I always do at celebrations."

"You didn't at the banquet last night," he reminded her.

"I didn't feel like being distinguished."

"I like when you wear it," he said, admiring her. "Your status allows you to wear it on normal days, you know."

"I know," she replied, standing up and going over to a case with held her jewelry. Her manner was still cold, though she wasn't as tense as before. "But I'm stared at more when I wear it, just like Briseis and Cassandra."

"Is that why they rarely wear theirs?"

She gave him a look. "Knowing them, do you think they like to be distinguished? Your mother is the only one I know who wears it on a regular basis."

"I think you should do so also," he suggested.

"Well I don't."

"Why? If you wore it everyday people would cease to notice."

There was a pause. "I have my reasons," she said quietly, not looking at him. He frowned and was about to press the issue when a knock issued on the door. She opened it and a servant announced that King Priam was summoning them. Hector decided to ask her about it later and gave her his arm, escorting her through the hallways until they met with the royal family outside. Everyone mounted into their respective chariots- Cassandra and Othronus sharing one and Paris escorting Briseis- and the party set off through the streets towards the temple of Apollo. Because his temple was on the beach, that was where the celebrations would take place. Vendors had been setting up their stands all day and it now looked like a small town. As they made their way through the crowd, people cheered and waved. Briseis, as usual, was not wearing her crown, but tonight Cassandra had donned hers as well. Probably because this was the last time she'd be attending a feast as a princess of Troy. Everyone smiled as Othronus and Cassandra passed, some of them throwing petals on them in honor of their upcoming nuptials. Glancing back at them, Andromache could see Cassandra's eyes glistening but her cheeks were dry. She was grateful when they finally came to a stop.

Priam stood at the head of the temple and issued a prayer to Apollo, dedicated the night to Artemis, and the celebrations were officially begun. Torches were everywhere, providing plenty of light, and in honor of Artemis only maidens would dance that night. No young men, as was usual. Cassandra once again performed the honors and Andromache felt like weeping as she realized that after this celebration it would be Briseis- who'd so often followed her cousin- leading the dances for the maidens. She clenched her jaw, willing her face to remain impassionate. She was remembering. Three years ago she'd lost Maira to this festival, and now she was loosing Cassandra.

"Isn't she lovely?" Hecuba squeezed her hand, looking down at her daughter. Andromache nodded in agreement but Hecuba wasn't paying attention to her. A glance at her face showed Andromache that her eyes weren't completely dry, either. "It seems like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the first time."

Andromache forced herself to smile but her throat felt tight. She was relieved when the dance came to an end and Cassandra returned to her place near her family. The rest of the night passed in a blur and Andromache was relieved when Hector finally took her home.

Hector could see his wife was upset as the soft light of their room hit her face. Deciding to ask her about the crown some other time, they prepared for bed silently. Hector lay awake for a long time, motionless, hearing his wife cry. She tried to stifle her sobs and only a sniff was heard every so often, but he knew her too well. But he couldn't comfort her this time; there was nothing he could say or do that would help ease the pain. So he lay there, listening to her and pretending to be asleep. And he lay awake, long after her sobs had ceased and her breathing had become even.

Only then did he reach over and pull her sleeping form into his arms, reaching around her to wipe her cheeks and lashes, still wet with tears. He could comfort her in her sleep, at least.