The Palace bustled with the activity as the Crown Prince came home.
My husband.
Being gone for monthes at a time , it was his duty. One I had come to accept.
A wife since I had first bled , I had come to love my husband. I waited patiently for him as he slowly made his way through the city.
After three monthes , I could wait mere minutes to see him. My heart heavy with fear for the whole time. Only when I laid eyes upon him would it leave. A fear I could never describe.
Beside me his brother fidgited , giving eyes to a servant as she waited at my side. Ignoring the Prince's none subtle looks.
Glancing at him , I caught his eye , "Paris."
A blush spread across his cheeks , "What?" "Keep your eyes off my handmaiden." I warned him , glaring till his eyes left Padme.
Paris sighed , I looked back out at the city.
Slowly the army came closer to the palace , my husband on the lead horse.
Dressed in full armor.
My stomach swelled as my eyes found his , through the crowd of people. The fear slowly left me. Knowing he was safe and in the city , alive.
"Andromache?"
Tearing my gaze from Hector , I looked into the eyes of Priam.
"Yes , My king." I spoke.
Standing before me.
To be the first to greet my husband.
Without looking to me , his tone was kind , he always made me feel welcome , no matter what. "As I told you , he is in one piece. Unharmed."
Unharmed.
Possibly , he may have looked unharmed. But I don't think Priam had seen his son undressed. Seen the scars that decorated his body. Or had been woken by his sons tormented dreams.
"Forgive me for doubting you." I spoke.
Seeing the lines of his neck , the lines that moved when he smiled.
"I've told her many times , Priam. Only the God's themselves could kill our son." Hecuba told Priam beside her husband.
The comment directed to me alone.
"Hecuba. She has right to worry about Hector." Priam told Hecuba softly.
I watched Hecuba's shoulders tighten.
I ignored the both of them , standing upon the marble floor.
Watching Hector come up the steps.
Meeting his eyes , I could see the exhaustion. Sleep had not come to him for nights. A bruise upon his thigh looked painfully violent. A cloak hid his arms , his armor hid his body. Hiding any scars or wounds from my eyes.
Tasting blood , I let go of my lip.
I could not pull my eyes from his brown ones.
Wanting nothing more then to run to him , wrap my arms around him , never to let go.
Priam took Hector's face in his hands , kissing his forehead. Hector then hugged his mother , Paris ran to his brother.
Only a few years younger then Hector. He showed no interest in the army.
Beside me Padme whispered , "Shall I prepare a meal?"
I shook my head.
"Send some meat and fruit up to the room. Nothing that will spoil." I told her softly.
Padme dipped her head , quietly slipping away from the welcome party.
Coming to me next , Hector stood before me for a moment. Holding my eyes in his own. I wanted nothing more then to leap in his arms.
Kiss him.
Hold him.
I loved him , but could not show it in front of the whole city. I was the bride of Prince Hector of Troy , a example of Thebe.
'I love you.' I mouthed , reaching up , I touched a small scar upon his cheek. Running my thumb along the botton of his lip.
Softly he kissed my fingers.
Then my palm , the back of my hand. His soft beard brushed over my skin. Something I had not felt in monthes.
"I love you." he told me , kissing my forehead.
The bridge of my nose.
And then softly my lips , taking my face in his strong hands.
Not caring about the people who watched , I noticed the stares of the people. Paris giggle , Priam's smile , and Hecuba's glare.
Among the servents gossip would spread before we went to our bedroom.
Taking his face between my hands. Stroking his cheeks with my thumbs , I kissed each cheek.
Slowly.
Wishing to savor the brief moment.