"How can one be late for his own feast?"

Hecuba had asked us that when we came into the hall.

Not entirely a hour late.

She was still angry.

Hector simply kissed his mother's cheek , then walked into the hall. Dressed in his armor for the evening , I swear he spent more time in that then anything else.

Hecuba watched me from the corner of her eye.

Hector did not care.

I knew he had seen that look , he held my hand as we walked into the hall. Full of family , officials , and some other men.

All fell silent as Hector stepped into the room. Holding my hand in his own.

Priam rose from his seat , holding a wine glass to his son , "May the we thank the Gods for our Victory! May we thank the Gods for the safe return of my son , Hector. And may we pray to the God's for many more victories and safe returns."

This toast was followed by cheers and toasting of more glasses.

Priam held his hand up silencing the men , Hecuba came and took her place beside Priam.

"In the face of this victory , I am proud to announce a promotion for my son , Hector. Now the commander of the Trojan army!" Priam announced.

I gave Hector's hand a squeeze , rubbing his bare wrist.

I couldn't very well give him a kiss on his lips. Our afternoon had proven we could not be trusted together. Not even with a simple kiss.

More then proud of my husband.

Even Paris cheered for his Brother who was pulled from my grip. Shoved from one man to the next , each patting his back and cheering him on. I watched this with a smile on my face.

It was a great honor for him , a honor he never asked for. Hector would be a wonderful Captain.

Paris hugged his brother and kissed each cheek.

"He'll make a fine general."

I turned to see Cassandra at my side , she had her eyes on Hector alone.

What could I say? I agreed , "The best Troy has ever seen."

She was silent for a moment , then spoke , "May I ask a favor of you?"

Her voice was quiet , almost a whisper.

My first instinct was to tell her no. Growing up with many brothers one learned to say no to that question. But I was curious.

"What favor?" I asked.

Cassandra glanced around the room , taking my wrist in her hand. She lead me to a column where no one stood. I glanced back at the cheering men , no one had noticed.

Padme watched from across the room.

I held my hand down , telling her with that motion to stay where she stood.

Turning back to Cassandra , who put a sheathed dagger in my hand! I all but dropped the weapon!

"Tomorrow Hector will receive news , what I am not sure. Tonight a man will come in your chambers and try to kill him. I do not know when. Only when he begins to speak of horses in his sleep. The man will come in your sitting room. Andromache you must remember this , Do Not Scream. If you do Hector will come and the man will kill him."

I stared at her in shock.

She was mad!

Cassandra shook her head , "I have seen this many times today , you must not call for him. You are able to wield a dagger?"

I nodded , my brothers had taught me.

Cassandra told me calmly , as if she were speaking of looms. "When Hector begins to speak you have a minute , if you hide behind the sofa you can surprise him. Simply slash the mans neck. But be sure he is dead before you scream for Hector."

I nodded.

What more could I do?

"I will have the dagger in the sofa." she told me , the dagger gone from my hand.

At that she simply walked away.

A man would try and kill Hector?

"Andromache!"

I looked up as Paris came to me , "Sister! Have some wine! Celebrate!"

Forcing a smile I took a goblet. But did not drink a sip. Paris put his arm around me asking , "Do you know if Padme has a beloved?"

I couldn't have cared.

I simply watched Hector smile as he spoke with some of the men he fought with.

Remembering how calm she sounded as she told me that.

That was more upsetting then the thought of a assassin. I could kill a man to protect my husband. Without a second thought.

I would and could.

No one would take Hector from me!

But she had told me this with such calmness , now that I thought of it , it angered me!

As Paris drank his wine and cheered on , I scanned the mass of men for her.

Not seeing her.

Though I could clearly see her violet eyes.