My morning was spent under a guards watchful eye.

No sooner had we escaped the library did Hector get summoned out.

In the hall he kissed my forehead , whispering in my ear , "Stay with Tarus , I do not want you out alone."

Immediately I began to argue , until he added , "Assassin's do not mistake bedrooms , nor do palace guards who have served their lives."

As stubborn as I was , I knew he was right.

So I nodded , "I won't leave Tarus's sight."

His name was shouted again , quickly he kissed me , then ran to find out who was summoning him.

I turned and look up at Tarus.

A massive Trojan man.

"Tarus?"

The guard nodded , "Yes my Princess."

Perfect.

"Where did my Handmaiden run off to?"

The guard spoke in a low voice , "She did not say , only that she was off to clean the chambers."

Padme clean?

She was off to spy on Hecuba and Cassandra! Damn her!

May the Gods protect her.

"Very well! I hope you have a eye for color." I told the man , storming towards my chambers. I would need to change first.

For a man so large he was rather agile. He followed two steps behind me without slowing. His feet made loud noises upon the marble hall.

Slowly I realized my days of sneaking from guards were over , as wife of Hector I had to remain safe.

Remain alive.

Which meant staying within eyesight of my guards. "Color , My'Princess?"

Without slowing , or looking behind , I replied , "Oh yes ,

I am in need of some clothing. Since Padme is not here you shall help me choose. Fear not , Dante is most excellent at blending. Your only job will be to tell me how they look."

"Dante?" He hurried to walk beside me.

Coming to my Chambers , I allowed Tarus in first , "My

seamstress, he is most excellent. A fantastic eye for color , can sew seven stitches a inch , and is a smooth talker."

Tarus made a noise , muttering as he walked into the Chambers.

Market was always busy , always full , always noisy.

Which I loved.

It allowed me to be invisible if I so desired.

Wearing a simple navy dress , a matching veil over my hair so only my face showed. I made my way through the hot summer market. Holding the veil over my nose at the clouds of dust.

Tarus not three steps behind me.

I had even gone barefoot , walking along the smooth dirt street. Flat from wear. Just as I had as a child in Thebe.

Dante's shop was among many in the market. No more then a small room in a stone building. I slid in the open front door.

Rolls of cloth decorated the walls , a table in the center of his shop for work. Dante sat at the table going over some silk fabric. A beautiful young man he always wore his long hair pull back.

Dressed nicer then every time I visited.

Seeing us come in he glanced up , seeing me push the veil onto my shoulder , he shrieked , "Andromache!"

A smile came over my face.

The tanned man ran from where he to me.

I hugged the excited man , "Dante , calm yourself , it is hot enough outside. You'll work yourself to death."

Dante kissed each of my cheeks.

Smelling better then myself , and I had put some oils on my skin.

"I care not , I'll get to see the Gods!" Dante told me ,

looking to Tarus , "Whom is this?"

"My guard , Dante I've come for a few dresses."

Clapping his hands he ran to a wall. Pulling several lavender shades of silk down. "You will die when you feel this My'Lady! I have four separate colors , but you would look heavenly in lavender."

Lavender.

I made a face , walking after him.

Feeling the fabrics that he laid on the table.

Soft and smooth indeed , "Do you have a darker purple?"

I didn't favor lavender.

Dante pursed his lips.

Glancing around the shop , "Perhapssssss………………AHA! Look at this! It's not as soft but the color is magnificent!"

I watched Dante race across the shop , pull a bolt down , and come back.

Putting a vibrant violet color down.

Indeed it wasn't as soft , but much darker.

As dark as someone's eyes.

I nodded , "Yes , I like this color. Would you make a

dress for me in it? But with trim along the veil as before?"

Dante reached for some chalk , beginning to write on his table.

Looking to Tarus I asked , "Do you like this color?"

The guard was clearly out of his element , "It's ,,, lovely."

Dante glanced up , "Lovely?"

"It's beautiful?" Tarus asked.

"I HAD THAT FABRIC HAND DYED!" Dante shrieked.

While Dante continued to shriek , I walked along the walls , picking bolts I favored. Smiling as Tarus would try and calm the young man. Only to upset him further.

After finishing up there I bought some bath oils. I then went to a herbal shoppe , Padme couldn't grow several herbs.

Not as in she was unable , but if she was caught with these certain plants. It would be rather difficult to explain.

Then I bought some wool to spin , when I asked Tarus of the color , he quickly answered , "That color is magnificent! Never have I seen such beauty! Only the

Gods alone could create such color!"

Perhaps I should take Tarus with me more often?