Hecuba wished to see me in the gardens.
The Palace had a courtyard which had many plants , flowers , even a fountain. Perhaps that had been where she would meet me? For the palace had no actual gardens. Thebe had many gardens I played in as a child.
As I walked toward the courtyard , calming myself , my thoughts drifted towards my childhood home. Had it's courts been as sinister? Or had I been naive? Never could I recall someone plotting against any members of our family. Or had they and I never been informed of such?
Coming to the courtyard I came to a stop.
Knowing I would have to tame my temper , watch my tongue , and be sure Padme stayed close by. I did not wish to have her beheaded for her behavior. I would simply behave as I had when Hector was away , in a courtly manner. As all Princesses were trained since childhood.
Remain silent , calm , and collected.
Taking a breath before I stepped in the gardens. Padme followed behind me , as in a courtly manner , walking three steps behind. Not at my side with her arm through mine as she had a few moments earlier.
Padme knew when she was to behave and when she could get away with her unruly behavior. But it'd taken her a while to learn when to apply each. Her back held scars from her learning years.
Hecuba's voice carried through the courtyard , a feeling of dread filled me. As if I were willingly walking to my doom. Forcing my temper down into the depths of my soul. With each step I felt myself grow numb , as if I were slowly wiping all emotion from myself.
Seeing Hecuba laughing with a robust woman.
Praying my mother-in-law would send me away , instead both women spotted me , Heuba gave me a smile. A smile that would give chills to a snake.
"Andromache! Come child , would you care for some wine?"
Would I care for some wine? Poisoned wine?
I shook my head , having the desire to ask what she wished to speak with me about. Instead I spoke , "No my Queen."
For a moment both women were silent.
Looking to me , calmly I suggested , "If I've come at a bad time , I'll gladly give you privacy?"
Please let me leave. Please please please!
"I was just leaving , I'll see you this evening then , Hecuba?" Asked the round woman , who didn't dip her head nor address Hecuba as Queen. Hecuba didn't seem to mind , "Of course."
At that the round woman left Hecuba's side , walking past me with her head held high , refusing to even look at me. Pretending I did not notice while under Hecuba's glare , I silently prayed Padme would behave herself.
"Andromache please walk with me , I wish to speak with you?"
Speak with me?
The feeling of dread did not lessen.
Though I walked to her , letting her take my arm , quickly I noticed how cold her hands were. Looking closely I could see how pale she looked. She was sick. Without a thought I asked , "How are you feeling?"
Hecuba looked sharply at me , "Fine , Andromache I wished to speak with you of Hector. By now I'm sure you've heard the palace gossip. I only wished you to know he truly loves you , but heirs are needed."
Gossip? I held her dulled gray eyes , "What manner of gossip?" Though I knew what manner she was referring too. Walking along with her through the small courtyard. I noticed Paris sneaking through the courtyard ahead , a young girl on his arm. Creeping slowly through the bushes.
"That Hector has taken a lover , do not worry Andromache , his heart will always be with you."
Feeling really low for what I was about to do to Paris. Though I would put up with being called a "Barren Wench" , but having her try to manipulate me? That would not due. "Do you mean that young girl with long golden hair? Muzari's daughter I believe?"
Hecuba's eyes lit up when I perfectly described Paris's new found love.
"The young girl in my chambers this morning?" I continued , watching as Paris crept silently along a row of bushes , just out of his mothers eye. Had she turned around she would have seen the two.
Hecuba nodded , placing her hand upon my face , as if to comfort me.
Speaking with as much respect as I could muster to this woman. I calmly told her , "Do not worry , your sons wedding vows remain unmarred. He came across the young girl this morning. My husband sent her off."
Hecuba was confused , "Unmarred?"
I nodded , "She is behind you with her new lover."
Hecuba turned , Paris's eyes became wide as figs , I was afraid they would fall from his eyes! He looked as frightened as he had when Hector chased him around the Bathe. Taking my arm from her grip I advised my queen , "Do not meddle with my marriage. I believe Hector has spoken of this with you earlier."
Before she could turn to answer me , I left with Padme.