Thank you all for your reviews, here's the next chapter. Just to warn you, it's a very long one, but I wanted to put this all into one chapter.
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Andromache entered the room softly, just barely able to make out Hecuba's form on the bed. She winced when she saw the queen's condition. It had been a week since she'd contracted the illness and the effects were harsh. Her weight had plummeted and her bones stuck out sharply from her skin. Her face was pale and she could barely speak, the exertion was too great.
"Hecuba?" Andromache whispered, sitting down on the side of the bed. At her voice, Hecuba opened her eyes and smiled tiredly.
"Andromache," she whispered, her voice rough and scratchy from the lack of oxygen. Every time she drew breath a deep rasping could be heard.
"I came to see how you are feeling," Andromache said. She'd visited with her everyday, hoping for a change, but she was finally forced to admit that the aged queen wasn't going to recover.
"Bless you, dear," Hecuba said softly. "But I'm afraid my condition won't be improving." She smiled at her daughter-in-law, cradling Andromache's hand in her own. Then her gaze turned towards the door, and her face brightened as she saw the visitor. "Paris."
Paris smiled at his mother and came over to sit beside Andromache. "Mother, how are you feeling?"
"Wonderful, now that you're here," she said, smiling at him. "I haven't talked with you in awhile, Paris, tell me what you've been up to."
Andromache said goodbye and left the two alone, smiling as she heard Paris tell of his latest escapades. She spent the rest of the day with Polyxena and Laodice, playing jacks in the women's quarters and finally returned to her room after dining with them. Hector was there and they soon went to bed, not feeling much like talking.
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Just before midnight, they were awoken by someone knocking frantically on the door. Hector stumbled out of bed and opened it, to be greeted by one of his father's servants.
"Queen Hecuba is fading, she requests your presence," he panted, having run the entire distance. Andromache stiffly climbed out of bed and quickly donned the robe Hector handed to her. They hurried off down the hall and greeted the rest of the family member's somberly.
"Her breathing is quickly worsening," Paris said in a low voice, glancing towards the room. "Father is in with her now."
Priam soon came out, his face grave. "Laodice, she wishes to see you," he told the weeping girl, who was being comforted by Polyxena and Briseis. Laodice nodded and entered the room, tears still slipping down her cheeks. She quietly shut the door behind her and went over to the bed, crawling in next to her mother.
Hecuba pulled her into her arms, just as she used to do when Laodice was a child. "Hush, little one, you've nothing to fear," Hecuba soothed her.
"Mother," Laodice sobbed into her shoulder. "I don't want you to die."
"The gods have decided it is my time, little dove. But do not fear for me, I shall make the journey with ease. I wanted to talk with you, alone, for the last time, my love. I want you to remember these last few lessons I will give you. Laodice, you are lovely and young, the very being of innocence and youth. Always remember to think before you act, my love, and do not be quick to anger. Never be too busy to show kindness to those around you, and if it is in your power, always try to make another's life a little easier. Will you do these things for me?"
"Yes, Mother," Laodice whispered.
"I'm so proud and happy to see the woman you're becoming. I regret not being able to be there for your wedding day, or your first child, but don't be sad for that. Know I share in all the joy you experience, and remember that I will always love you."
Laodice held onto her mother tight, and Hecuba was content to rest awhile with her. That speech had used up most of her energy and she would have to conserve herself in order to be able to address the rest of her family members. After a time, Hecuba kissed Laodice's forehead and asked her to request Polyxena to come in. Laodice squeezed her mother tight for one last moment, then went to carry her message.
Polyxena came in, her eyes bright with tears though her cheeks were still dry. Hecuba held out her hand and Polyxena came over, kneeling by the bed and resting her head on her mother's lap. Hecuba gently stroked her fingers through her daughter's hair, absentmindedly straightening the tangles.
"Polyxena, your wedding will be coming soon and I'm sorry I won't be able to attend it," Hecuba began softly. "I'm sorry I won't be able to meet your husband, or proudly watch you as you leave with him, to be his wife. But I want you not to regret that day, but enjoy it to the fullest, for I'll be rejoicing in your happiness. You will be a wonderful mother, my love, and I would have loved to have seen you in the role. But that is not to be, so we must make the best of it. Polyxena, you are a calm and graceful woman, sculpted by Aphrodite herself. It has been my pleasure to watch you grow into the beautiful woman you've become." She had to pause for breath, but after a moment she continued. "When I'm gone, Andromache will have to take over many of my roles. Assist her in any way you can, for I know you to be capable of helping her. You and Laodice have always been close and she'll turn to you for comfort when I'm gone. I know you'll rise to the role, my love. Never forget that I am so proud to have known you, and you always have my love." She leaned over to plant a kiss on her daughter's head, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Send Briseis in, if you will, my darling."
Polyxena kissed her mother's hands and rose, bravely smiling at her though the tears were falling. She carried her mother's summons and in a moment Hecuba smiled as she saw Briseis come in.
Briseis knelt just where Polyxena had a few moments ago, but she kept her face gazing upwards at her aunt. Hecuba smiled at her, tenderly wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Briseis, my favorite niece," she began, eliciting a smile from Briseis. "You have grown up as one of my daughters, and I always thought of you as one. It has been an honor to play the role as your mother, and I thank you for allowing me to do that."
She paused, catching her breath, then continued in a voice barely above a whisper. "You are so much like Cassandra, my dear." Her eyes softened, remembering her eldest daughter. "She would have been so proud of you and the dedication you've shown in your passion. Whenever I gazed upon you, I could almost see her smiling at me through your eyes."
Briseis smiled through the tears that were slipping silently down her cheeks. "Thank you."
Hecuba smiled. "It is the truth, my love. But I wanted to give you advice, different than that of what my daughters just hear. I suppose if Cassandra were here, you both would be sharing this speech- at least parts of it- but as it is, you are the only one. You have chosen virginity and the gods rather than a man and children. You have vowed to revoke intimacy and honor the deities with your body and soul. That is perfectly fine, and there is nothing wrong with that. But I want to remind you, never forget to love. You have knowledge and wisdom that few others do, and you are quick to make up your mind. But remember, not all have the gifts and abilities you do. Be patient with them, and do not hate them for their ignorance. Always show love, and do not be too hard on yourself. You are your harshest critic, Briseis, and no one will ever chastise you as much as you will chastise yourself."
Briseis grinned ruefully, though her smile didn't reach up to her eyes as it normally did. She knew Hecuba's words to be true.
"As a priestess, you will have a hard life. You will make many sacrifices and bear much pain. But remember, you are entitled to joy and happiness. If you do not find it where you are, then do not hesitate to go looking for it. Everyone has a right to love, remember that, my dear. Do not be quick to judge, and always act with understanding. Briseis, though I did not carry you in my womb, I have loved you as much as I loved my own children. We have loved you as we love each other, and we always will. Remember this, you are no less my daughter than Cassandra, or Polyxena, or Laodice."
Briseis wrapped her in a hug. "Thank you," she whispered, holding onto her aunt tightly. Hecuba had been the only mother she'd ever known, and she had always known she was loved. But hearing it affirmed meant more to her than anyone would ever know. "I love you."
Hecuba held her niece, a girl she'd raised from a baby, stroking her hair lightly. After a few moments, they released each other and Hecuba smiled at her. "Send Paris in for me."
Briseis kissed her aunt and left the room, and Hecuba smiled as Paris appeared a few moments later.
"Paris," she said softly, outstretching her hands to him. He reached for them and sat on the edge of her bed, his hands still held in hers. She stayed like that for a few moments, not speaking. She needed to catch her breath, and she could feel her strength waning.
Finally, she spoke. "Paris, I wanted to offer you some wisdom before I depart. It has been your practice to avoid aged learning-" she smiled fondly at him. "-but I hope you'll take this to heart."
"I will, Mother," he said earnestly, staring into her face.
"I know you will, my son," she said, smiling at him. "Paris, you are both young and naïve, as well as learned and experienced. You have seen much of the ways of the world, and yet you still have retained your innocence. I have seen many men who have been hardened into becoming cold and cruel, men who will take what they want because they know they are capable. I want you never to become like that, Paris. Always treat others with kindness and respect, and honor their wishes. Always help others if it is in your power to do so, and do not try to be like your brother. Paris, you are unique; you are not an extension of Hector. And we love you for it, Paris, even though others may look down on you," she finished, kissing his forehead. He looked at her for a moment, then pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you, Mother," he said. "I love you."
"I love you too, my dearest," she whispered, holding onto him tight for an extra moment. She'd always had a soft spot in her heart for Paris, though she loved all her children the same. There was just something in his mischievous innocence that managed to lift her spirits every time she'd see him smile. They finally released and Hecuba cleared her throat. "Now send Hector in, please."
Paris left and his brother soon entered, pulling a chair up close to the side of the bed and taking her hands in his. "Mother," he said, kissing her cheek. She smiled at him, marveling at how the playful little boy had grown into the man before her.
"My son," she greeted him. By now she could feel herself struggling, and she knew she'd have to keep this short or risk being too tired for Andromache and Priam. "My son," she began again. "First and foremost, I want you to know how proud I am of you. I've watched you grow from a little boy who was always sneaking off to the stables into an honorable man- who still sneaks into the stables sometimes," she said with a small laugh. She stopped to catch her breath and continued. "I am so proud of the way you treat your wife, your family, and your people. You'll make a wonderful king one day, and you'll make a wonderful father soon. You already are a wonderful son, brother, and husband; always remember that. Be patient with your father, for he does not share your foresight. Be patient with Paris, for he does not share your maturity. Be kind and gentle with your sisters, for they look up to you and respect you, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
She raised her hand up to his face and fondly touched his cheek. "You've always been my son more than Priam's. You possess my way of thinking and acting- straight from the heart. Your father trusts in the gods and in strength, so be patient with him. I'll not be here to be his voice of reason, so you will have to take my place. Never fear to stand up for what you know is right, but do so respectfully and gently." Her gaze grew distant. "I want to apologize, for not giving you more of a childhood. Paris is younger than you ever were, and if we gave you too many responsibilities, I'm sorry. You were our first child, and so we were inexperienced with you."
Hector shook his head. "You showed me love and kindness, I do not regret my life."
She smiled at him. "I know you don't," she said softly. "But I wish there had been more carefree enjoyment in it. Well, we cannot change the past, but we can change the future. Enjoy your wife and child, Hector, and enjoy them without shame. Loving peace is never a crime." A tear slipped down her face, but she resolutely plodded on. "My heart, I am blessed by the gods to have seen the man you've become, and I couldn't be prouder of you. You have your father's courage but you have my heart, and the combination couldn't have blended more perfectly. I love you with all my heart, and it has been a joy to see your happiness with Andromache."
She pulled him close in a hug, her eldest child, the one who'd carried all their hopes. Tears slipped down her cheeks and her throat felt tight, remembering the little baby she'd cradled in her arms so very long ago. And yet, the memory was as clear as though it was yesterday. They held each other for a long time; neither of them felt like letting go. But Hecuba finally forced herself to pull back, clearing her throat as she fought the emotion overwhelming her. "Send in Andromache next," she requested him, and with one last kiss he went to do her bidding.
Andromache came in then, the tears already slipping down her face. She choked back a sob and hurried over, allowing the queen to pull her into a hug.
Hecuba stroked her hair, the tears already flowing down her cheeks. "Andromache," she said, waiting for her to raise her head and look at her. Andromache finally did and Hecuba smiled at her before speaking. "Andromache, I have been overjoyed and blessed to see my son married to such an honorable woman. You are chaste and virtuous, and I couldn't have asked for a better wife."
"Nor I for a better husband," Andromache whispered. "Thank you for him."
Hecuba smiled. "It has been an honor to know you, and I couldn't have loved you more had you been my own daughter. I have been privileged to share your confidence and friendship, and I'll remember that always. You allowed me to counsel you and guide you, and for that I am grateful. I never had any regrets about Hector marrying you, not once from the moment I set eyes on you. You are strong and brave, but gentle and kind. You have insights into others' hearts and that allows you to see the others point of view. You are wise and virtuous and you've risen to your role admirably. You'll make a wonderful queen, and Troy will prosper under the reign of you and Hector. Never doubt that."
Hecuba was out of breath by now, so she raised a hand, indicating she wished Andromache to wait for a moment. She leaned back and closed her eyes, resting for just a moment.
Andromache gasped suddenly, and Hecuba looked at her, concerned. "Andromache?"
Andromache gasped again, and gritted her teeth. Hecuba touched her arm. "Andromache?"
"I think I'm about to have my baby," she whispered apologetically. Of all the ridiculous times, she thought, annoyed. But Hecuba smiled.
"Well, these things don't wait for the opportune moment. Go call Hector to escort you back to your chambers."
Andromache shook her head. "No, I want to stay with you and your family."
"Rest easy, my dear," Hecuba assured her, her breathing still raspy. "I'll not leave this world until I've set eyes on my grandchild. I can last at least that long."
Andromache was still unsure, but she nodded anyways. "Hector!" she called, knowing he'd hear her. She turned to Hecuba, who had her eyes closed again. "I'll try to hurry," she promised.
Hecuba's mouth turned up in an amused smile, though her eyes stayed shut. "The baby will come when it's ready, your trying will make no difference. But fear not, the gods will allow me to live for that long."
Hector came in then, his face anxious as he glanced at his mother. "Is she?" he began uncertainly.
Hecuba opened her eyes and Hector let out a relieved sigh. "No, I'm not dead," she said, smiling. "Escort your wife back to your quarters, she's about to bring your child into the world."
Hector's face registered shock and he looked at Andromache, stunned. She shrugged apologetically. "Your child has no sensitivity to the happenings around him," she said helplessly.
Hector was still in shock, but he picked his wife up and carried her back to their quarters, ignoring the confused stares of the family members. Andromache was gritting her teeth and her face was scrunched up in pain. "Niobe!" Hector shouted as soon as he entered the door into their quarters. He didn't break a stride as he strode into the room and set her on the bed. Niobe came a few moments later, her eyes heavy with sleep and her hair disheveled.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Send a servant for a midwife," he ordered, just as Polyxena strode into the room.
"Mother sent me in her place," she announced, stripping the bed of blankets. "Hector, leave."
Hector straightened indignantly at this bossy treatment from his younger sister and was about to open his mouth when she shot him a look. "Men shouldn't be in the room, this is a woman's job," she said decisively. "You may go attend Mother, I'll send for you when we have news."
Hector relented and left, giving his wife a kiss. "You'll be fine," he said tenderly, smiling at her. "I love you."
She smiled, her teeth clenched. "I love you too, though right now I'm not very happy with you," she said, her eyes squeezing shut as another labor pain shot through her.
Hector decided it was probably best that he was not allowed to stay with her.
Niobe came back in, wearing a light working gown on with the sleeves rolled up. "A servant has been sent, the midwife will be here soon," she told her mistress, bathing her forehead in a cool rag.
"I am dying," Andromache stated positively, her body rigid with pain.
Polyxena looked at her, concerned. She wasn't quite sure what to do for her sister-in-law, besides drive Hector out of the room. "Perhaps if we took your mind off the pain," she suggested.
"You're welcome to try," Andromache offered generously, letting out a sigh as the pain passed.
"Well, have you decided on a name?" Polyxena asked.
Andromache grinned ruefully. "We've agreed on Sapphira if the baby is a girl, but the boy's name we have yet to decide on."
"Too many choices?"
"We're locked in a battle between two names," Andromache admitted. "And neither of us is willing to capitulate."
"What are the names?" Polyxena asked, grinning.
"Scamandrius and Astyanax."
Niobe smiled. "Astyanax, for his father is the guardian of this city."
Polyxena nodded. "I shall call him- if indeed it is a son- by no other name."
"I win," Andromache said smugly, then gritted her teeth as another pain shot through her body.
Niobe jumped up. "I hear something," she said running to the hallway outside the bedroom. "It's the midwife!" she cried.
"Praise the gods," Andromache breathed out, then her eyes widened as she saw who the midwife was. "Maira!"
"You're looking well, Andromache," Maira said, stripping off her cloak and outer garment and rolling up her sleeves.
"You're my midwife?"
"After bearing six children of my own, I am more than capable. Hector approached me a few weeks ago and asked if I would do the honors." Maira smiled at her old friend. "You've a wonderful husband, Andromache."
Andromache's face glowed with happiness. "I know."
"Well then, here's what to expect," Maira said, helping Andromache strip off her nightgown and putting her in a light shift. She spent the next five minutes checking her over and finally pronounced her in good health. "Congratulations, you're faster than I was. Considering what you told me, I expect you'll be ready to deliver within the next six hours. My first child took me sixteen," she said, shuddering. "But it helps if you take your mind off it."
"I need to hurry," Andromache explained, "so Hecuba can see the child."
"Well, it seems as if the gods are granting your wish. This is one of the fastest first-births I've ever witnessed."
Andromache was pleased with this news, but a few hours later, it didn't seem fast enough. The labor pains were more frequent now, and more painful. "I am not at all happy with my husband right now," she muttered under her breath, panting heavily.
"Breathe deeply, Andromache," Maira warned her. "It does help."
Hours passed and Andromache felt as though her body was splitting open from the inside. "I am dying," she announced firmly.
Maira came over to check on her. "Well, you're ready to deliver, if you so choose."
Andromache nodded, gritting her teeth. "I'm ready."
Maira awoke Polyxena and Niobe, who were dozing on couches nearby. "Get me warm water and clean rags," she ordered them.
They quickly returned and Maira ordered them to help Andromache by supporting her arms. "Ready?" she asked her friend.
Andromache nodded, her face deadly pale.
Maira saw it and laughed. "Calm down, you'll not die. Though you'll probably wish you had," she added as an afterthought.
"That helps," Andromache panted, closing her eyes as another labor pain shot through her.
"Think of the child you'll have when this is all over," Maira advised. When she saw her friend nod, she gave her the final instructions. "When you feel the pain coming again, you must push as hard as you can," she ordered.
Andromache gritted her teeth and waited. When she felt her body tense up she pushed as hard as she could, her face growing red from the effort. She collapsed back in exhaustion.
"Good," Maira said. "Now the same when you feel it again."
Andromache nodded, all her thoughts concentrated on this effort. When the pain came she pushed again, nearly screaming from the effort. Over and over they repeated this drill, until Andromache really was sure she was dying. Only the thought of her child kept her going. I'm giving Hector a child, I'm giving Hector a child, she chanted in her mind.
"Keep trying, Andromache, you're almost there!" Maira cried, and Andromache threw herself into the effort. "I can see the head."
Andromache took a deep breath and threw her heart and soul into one last effort, an immense relief washing over her as she felt her body relax as the baby slipped from her. A sharp wail pierced her ears and she smiled, gasping for breath. "I did it," she panted, realizing in that one moment that it had all been worth it, without a doubt. "I had a baby."
"Congratulations, my princess," Niobe said, bathing her forehead.
"Good work, Andromache," Maira said, presenting her with a bundle. "Meet little Astyanax."
Andromache smiled through the tears of joy that were dripping down her face. "I had a boy," she whispered, peering down at the tiny face that was loudly vocalizing his displeasure. "I gave Hector an heir."
Maira wiped her hands and cleaned up the dirty rags while Niobe went to fetch a new nightgown and robe for Andromache to put on. Polyxena congratulated her sister-in-law, then went to summon Hector to return to his quarters.
"You're so perfect," Andromache whispered, brushing a slender finger against the soft cheek. Maira took him as Andromache was put into a clean nightgown, and as soon as his cries ceased, he began to nurse. Andromache watched him with wonder, amazed at his perfection. Just then, she heard her husband coming and turned her head to him as he dashed into the room.
"What-" he began loudly, then quickly dropped his voice as he saw the tiny bundle nursing at her breast.
"My lord Hector, may I present your son, Astyanax," she said, smiling proudly at him.
His face melted as he softly crept towards them and hesitantly reached out a hand to touch his baby boy.
"He's a bit preoccupied," Andromache said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Let him be," Hector said, soft wonder filling his face. "Oh, Andromache," he whispered, tenderly kissing her lips. "He's beautiful." A thought hit him then. "And his name is Scamandrius."
"Astyanax," said Niobe, Andromache, and Maira at the same time.
Hector raised his eyebrows at all of them, but wisely capitulated. "Who am I to argue against three women?" he said, sighing. "So be it, his name is Astyanax."
Niobe and Maira quietly slipped from the room unnoticed as Hector continued to gaze on his child with quiet wonder.
When Astyanax was finished and had fallen asleep, Andromache looked up at her husband. "Hecuba?"
Hector shook his head. "We must hurry," he said, going over to the door and calling for Maira. "Take the baby, and I'll carry my wife."
Maira gently took the sleeping bundle from Andromache's arms as Hector easily lifted her up. "Much easier than when I had to carry you here a few hours ago," he teased her, kissing her affectionately.
"I should hope so," Andromache retorted, leaning her head against his shoulder.
They quickly made their way into the royal quarters, where everyone was gathered in the bedroom. Hector carried Andromache in and stopped, allowing Maira to pass by him. Hecuba opened her eyes then, smiling as she saw the bundle.
"My I present Prince Hector's son, Astyanax," Andromache proudly announced, still supported in her husband's arms.
Hecuba's face was wreathed in smiles as she took the baby into her arms and gazed tenderly at Astyanax's sleeping face. Maira helped her support the small burden, for by now Hecuba was too weak to do it herself.
Hecuba held her grandchild, a proud look on her face. "Thank you," she whispered to the gods. "I can now go in peace."
And as the first rays of light burst out from over the hills, dazzling the eyes of those in the room, Hecuba tiredly leaned back against the pillows and closed her eyes, never to reopen them.
The night had ended and a new day had risen.