Padme had been right!
I was not naive , nor had I been born a day ago. I had known Hecuba did not like me since the day I stepped foot inside Troy.
Never had I imagined she would try to meddle in my marriage. Never have I been un-loyal to Hector , I loved him more then any wife could ever love her husband. Why would she wish him to take a lover?
Other then she thought I was barren. But I bled , so I could not have been barren! Right?
These thoughts tormented my mind all the back way from the Courtyard.
As did betraying Paris to his mother. Though I had made sure she never found him out in the past. I even hid him from Priam on occasion. But he would be upset with me. As I would be with him , but why had she sent Muzari's young daughter? Only once had I met her before , she was much to timid for Hector's taste. If he even had a taste for young girls , which I doubted greatly.
Padme's sharp voice pulled me from my thoughts , "Andromache!" Glancing around to find myself in the palace halls.
It was rather busy.
Padme pointed to Hecuba who came running behind us.
Not the person I wished to see at the moment. At least it was not Paris , Paris would scream and cry , possibly even throw a tantrum.
"Do you wish me to trip her? Shall I have Tarus hold her back?" Padme asked me much to eagerly.
Having the queen molested in the palace halls was not wise. Due to the fact that we were in the common areas , not in any chambers. There were witnesses. Not that I would ever favor the idea of Padme tripping Hecuba. Never.
"No." I sighed , watching the older woman run in her robes. It was a rather comical site , I could imagine Hecuba falling , NO! I would not picture such things! It was wrong , no matter how much this woman tormented me.
Hecuba came to a stop before me , rather angry.
I must remain calm , keep my temper under control!
I simply looked her in the eyes.
Hecuba held my gaze , "How can you share his bed , knowing you are unable to give him children!?"
Finding sharp words , I quickly ground my teeth. Finding my temper was rising , I shoved it aside. Letting her continue , "I raised him to grow into the man he is now! Hector is a good strong man who will lead Troy one day. Finally he is Captain of our Army. Will you forbid him the one thing you were meant for , to give him a child?"
Quickly blinking my burning eyes , I could not answer her.
"In three years time you've never even once conceived." She hissed.
It was true.
Hecuba leaned in my ear , "There are many who would bear his child with pride."
She was right , when I looked in her eyes I could see her desperation for heirs. With a swollen throat I whispered , "You may have raised your son too well. Hector sees it a great dishonor to bed a whore. More-less anyone who isn't his wife."
For a moment I thought she would slap me.
Instead she turned and walked hurriedly away , Padme came to my side , "Do not pay her any mind."
I nodded , wiping my eyes.
As horrid as it was she had been right.
Padme put her arm around my waist , "Let's go have some wine. Shall we?"
Getting hold of myself , I spotted Hector among several ranking officials , not twenty feet away. The men were speaking rather heatedly about something. Judging from the look upon Hector's face he had seen the exchange between Hecuba and myself.
This would be a wonderful evening.