My day went along rather dully , Padme had not yet returned from whomever's room she was in. I hoped she would not be found out. I had grown attached to that woman , she had become a sister to me.

Hector sent word to me that he would be late.

So Tarus and I ate a small dinner , and I set off to the common quarters , full of looms , furniture and such. Open windows allowed the early night air to come in. It was just perfect.

With my new wool I decided to make a shawl.

The wool was light in texture , soft in color as well , so

it would be perfect for summer nights.

Taking a seat on one of the sofas , I began to spin the wool.

Taking my time to spin it rather tightly. As I wanted a light shawl , no heavy yarn. Using a wheel , which I much preferred.

Adding a handful of wool now and then , spinning a thin tight yarn , I enjoyed such mindless activities. My mind had wandered off , without Padme here to harass me , I had peace.

Until Cassandra came in the quarters , seeing me at the sofa she came over. Her long dark hair worn down , reaching her bum.

"Andromache , I've been looking for you all day. Where have you been?"

Her words brought a smile to my face , "What? You cannot look into water and pinpoint my whereabouts?"

Her breathing quickened for a moment.

Not looking up from my wheel , "Ask one of your mother's guards , they know where I am before I do."

Without a word she sat down beside me.

I suppose I hadn't offended her since she didn't leave.

She let me spin in silence.

I was able to spin four more handfuls before she spoke. "My mother is a good woman , she ,,,, loves her children deeply , "

I didn't allow her to finish , but didn't look up from my yarn , "But she worries about Hector and his wife.

As she is not a obedient little flower , who bends to her every wish."

I half expected her to slap me for my words.

If someone had spoken of my mother in such a way ,

I would have.

Quietly Cassandra whispered , "There is talk , talk that you are barren."

Barren?

Stiffly I told her , "I bleed."

"I know." Cassandra told me , no doubt in her voice.

Putting my hand on the wheel , I glared at her , "You Know?!"

Cassandra nodded , "When you bleed you spend the

first day locked away. When you come out the second your eyes are sunk and black. The last three days you eat like a starved beast."

Well I was happy to be so predictable.

I turned back to the wheel without a word , pressing the foot pedal to start it back up.

"I also know that your handmaiden is in mothers chambers right now. That she was in my own earlier today." Cassandra spoke.

Watching my wheel , I carefully answered , "I wouldn't know , her whereabouts are a mystery to me." When my yarn was back to its thin consistency , I slowed the pedal.

"I felt I should be the one to tell you, the guard was not after Hector , nor was he after Paris." Cassandra told me.

I wasn't surprised, "Hector thought so."

Though she was surprised , she hid it well.

I reached down for another handful of fiber. Adding it onto the twisting yarn in my hand.

"There is a plot out against you Andromache , I have seen it in my dreams. I do not know who is out to kill you , only that it is someone in this palace."

Oh , perfect.

I stopped the wheel , turning to look her in her violet eyes.

Not sure that I believed her , "Oh?"

Seeing my doubt she asked , "I was right about last night?"

Yes.

Somewhat , I hadn't slashed his throat. He was not after Hector. But she was rather close.

"Why would someone wish me dead?" I asked her.

Cassandra leaned over , whispering in my ear as someone came in the chambers.

"You've not provided Troy with a heir."

I looked into her violet eyes.

Not sure if I believed her.

"It is hard to conceive without their Prince." I told her , turning back to the wheel.

"Cassandra! Oh ,,,, Andromache."

From the tone of disappointment , it could be no other then Hecuba.

Cassandra rose , going to her mother , they shared a tender hug. One I had not been able to receive since

I left Thebe. Sometimes I wished for my mother to simply hug. For her to listen to me speak , or just to brush my hair at night.

"I did not see Hector at dinner." Hecuba spoke.

Without looking in her eyes , "He was busy with his men."

Pulling the wool gently apart , I spun a clump of hay in my yarn. Putting my hand on the wheel , I began to pick out the hay. That would not do for my shawl.

"Mother , I'm tired , I'm going to retire for now. I shall see you for breakfast?" Cassandra asked.

I never joined them , I slept through breakfast.

"Of course dear , don't wear yourself out."

"Andromache?" Cassandra asked.

With my wheel stopped , I looked up at Cassandra.

Who told me , "I'd like my tiger's eye back."

What tigers eye?

What in the name of the Gods was she speaking of?

At that Cassandra left.

Shaking my head I went back to my spinning. When I

had picked the hay out , I glanced up. Seeing Hecuba watched me mere inches away.

Looking at the yarn.

I waited for her to make some comment. Instead she asked , " Would you care to join me for a late lunch? In the gardens? A late lunch. I know how much you enjoy your sleep.

For a moment I was stunned.

Then , may the Gods hold my tongue in the future , I asked , "Why?"

I bit my tongue when that word slipped!

"Of course , may I inquire to the occasion?" I corrected myself , reaching for a handful of wool.

Hecuba watched as I checked this handful for any hay.

Finding none , I gave the pedal a start.

"Nothing special. I'd like to know how my son is faring , since he has become a married man , he's found no time to speak with me. Of such silly things as married life and such."

Really?

I was forced to bite the insides of my mouth , to stop a smile from forming.

"Yes , my Queen."