Hector sent notification for a chariot to be waiting for them at the gate. They went by horseback—Helen clinging tightly to Paris looking very nervous on the calm animal—and soon arrived at the gate. Paris and Helen quickly dismounted and took possession of the chariot waiting for them and the gates were opened.

The noise was deafening. Hector was reminded of the time he'd escorted his own bride through the city and smiled at the memory. He waved at groups of people, noting many of the hostile stares directed at the woman next to his brother. And so it begins, he thought.

They soon arrived at the citadel and dismounted, quickly crossing the courtyard and climbing the steps where Priam waited for them. Hector could see Andromache waiting inside, a smile lighting up her face.

"Father," he said, coming to a halt before the aged king.

"Hector," Priam said, embracing him fondly.

Hector stood aside and let Paris through.

"Paris," Priam said tenderly, taking him and kissing both his cheeks.

"Father." Paris stepped back and gave Helen room to approach. She did—though hesitantly. "Father this is Helen."

Priam's face showed slight suspicion. "Helen of Sparta?"

Helen looked down, very uncomfortable. "Helen of Troy," Paris said firmly.

Priam hesitated for just a moment then tenderly embraced her. "I've heard rumors of your beauty," he said, kissing one cheek. "And for once, the gossips were right." He kissed her other cheek and smiled down at her. "Welcome." She smiled back at his kind words and gracefully accepted the hand he stretched out to her.

Hector left the party and hurried over to his wife. She smiled and kissed him then allowed herself to be pulled into his arms. He held her there for a moment, the two of them lost in their own world, then she pulled away. "Look," she said, taking Astyanax into her arms.

"He's grown," Hector exclaimed wonderingly as she handed Astyanax to him. Andromache nodded.

"He is strong." Andromache looked into his eyes. "Who is the woman?"

"Helen of Sparta," Hector said, his voice low. Andromache's eyebrows rose. He shook his head. "We'll talk later." A shout distracted him and he glanced over at Briseis greeting his brother. "I must greet Briseis."

He hurried over to where she was chatting with Paris and smiled at her. "Briseis," he greeted lovingly, kissing her. "A servant of Apollo now," he said admiringly.

"The young men of Troy were devastated when they heard Briseis had chosen the virgin robes," Priam said, coming over. Briseis blushed but couldn't help smiling. "Hector, I wish to speak with you."

Hector nodded and excused himself, following his father to a private conference room. There was an uncomfortable silence as they walked the length, but finally Priam spoke.

"It's the will of the gods. Everything is in their hands. But I'm surprised you let him bring

her."

"If I'd let him fight Menelaus for her, you'd be burning a son's body instead of welcoming a daughter," Hector said helplessly.

"We could send peace envoys to Menelaus," Priam suggested.

Hector shook his head. "You know Menelaus. He'd spear your envoys' heads to his gate."

"What would you have me do?"

"Put her on a ship and send her home," Hector's plea was desperate. Do what I could not.

"Women have always loved Paris and he's loved them back. But this is different. Something has changed in him. If we send her back to Menelaus, he'll follow." Another excuse.

"This is my country. These are my countrymen. I don't want to see them suffer so my brother can have his prize," Hector replied, frustrated. "It's not just the Spartans coming

after her. By now Menelaus has gone to Agamemnon, and Agamemnon's wanted to destroy us for years."

Priam raised his chin proudly. "Enemies have been attacking us for centuries. Our walls still stand."

Hector looked at him, his eyes pleading for understanding. "Father. We can't win this war."

Priam disregarded his son's words. "Apollo watches over us. Even Agamemnon is no match for the gods."

"And how many battalions does the Sun God command? Hector snapped, annoyed.

"Do not mock the gods," Priam chastised sharply. Hector averted his gaze in submission, annoyance still written on his face. Priam gazed at his son, then his eyes softened. "When you were very young you came down with scarlet fever."

Hector nodded impatiently. This story was familiar to him.

Priam continued, regardless. "Your little hands were so hot. The healer said you wouldn't last the night. I went down to Apollo's temple and I prayed until the sun came up." He paused and made sure Hector was listening. "That walk back to the palace was the longest of my life. But I went into your mother's room and you were sleeping in her arms. The fever had broken. I promised that day to dedicate my life to the gods. I will not break

my promise."

Hector closed his eyes in resignation. Priam's mind was made up. But Priam wasn't done.

"For thirty years I've worked for peace. Thirty years. Paris is a fool sometimes. I know that. But I'll fight a thousand wars before letting him die," he said with finality. There would be no argument allowed.

Hector gazed past his father, out to the sea. It was empty now, vast and beautiful. But he knew it would not remain so for long. "Forgive me, father. But you won't be the one fighting." He bowed and left, knowing there was nothing more to be said.

Hector walked quickly through the halls towards his chambers, running his hands through his hair with frustration. He needed his wife.

And he found her, waiting for him in their quarters, watching Astyanax roll around on the bed. He stopped at the entrance, allowing his eyes to gaze at her lovingly. She wore her crown as she always did now that they had a child, and her light summer gown skimmed across her slim figure. She looked up then, as if sensing his presence. She smiled happily at him, delighted to see him in such a short time. Usually his meetings were longer.

"You ran off quickly," she chided, arching an eyebrow. He grinned and played along.

"But I returned just as quickly," he pointed out, walking towards her purposefully.

He took her hands and gently pulled her from her couch and kissed her hard, letting his hands slide down her back.

"Hector," she protested, grinning and pulling away. "I believe we're not alone."

"He won't mind," Hector said confidently.

"But I do," she said haughtily. Hector sighed.

"So be it." He took Astyanax in his arms and smiled as the baby drooled up at him. "My apologies, little one, but you are occupying our space. And if I'm not mistaken, it's time for your nap." He summoned Niobe and handed him to her with instructions to find his nurse and make sure they weren't disturbed. He then returned to their chamber.

"Where were we?" he asked, pulling his wife close. He kissed her and she responded enthusiastically, finally pulling away to pause for breath.

"I thought there were matters for us to discuss," she gasped.

"Later," he said, firmly propelling them towards the bed.

Andromache raised no objection.

…

"Do you forgive me," he asked, toying with her hair as she leaned against his chest. His other hand rested comfortably on her stomach, gently tracing her naval with his finger.

"For what?" she murmured, enjoying the moment.

"Bringing her." They both knew of whom they spoke.

"I assume you had a good reason," she said.

He sighed. "I don't know."

"Why did you?"

He paused for a long time, finding the right words to say. "Because I saw you in her."

She grinned up at him. "I'm flattered, but you must've been blind when gazing at me."

He flicked her head. "Minx." But then he turned serious again. "You could've just as easily been in her predicament."

She nodded. "And that's why you brought her?"

"I kept hearing you in my head."

"I'm delighted to know I have such a strong influence over you," she said, teasing him. But then she too turned serious. "I've nothing to forgive, Hector. Had you returned her then I could see the need for an apology. Not for this."

"She could bring devastation upon this city. Everything you've ever feared."

Andromache closed her eyes tightly, trying to blot out the images. Then she opened them again and shook her head firmly. "That may be. But the crime would have been returning her, no matter whether she brings blessings or curses."

He smiled tenderly at her. "I love you."

She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. "I've missed you."

"The feeling was mutual, I assure you," Hector said dryly.

"What, no women of Sparta to keep you company?" she said mockingly. She frowned. "At least you are permitted to keep company. I must sit alone and wait for you to return."

"I should beat you," Hector said lightly.

"You should," she agreed. Then she began to pull away. "I should see to Helen, though. She'll need someone to show her the palace and introduce her to the others."

His arms remained unmoving.

"Hector," she said, trying to wriggle away from him.

"You're not leaving," he said leisurely, leaning his head back, happily knowing she couldn't go anywhere. "Helen can wait."

Andromache relaxed her body but slowly reached her arms around her own body to rest on his sides. Hector jumped at the sudden cold hands that forcefully poked his sides. "Andromache!" he shouted as she jabbed harder into his sides. He very quickly rolled her over, clasping her hands and pinning them above her head, using his body to anchor her down. He grinned down at her. "I win."

"Not fair," she protested.

"Life is rarely fair," he explained as though to a child. He kissed her. "But it all adds up in the end."

She grinned at him. "I doubt it."

He arched an eyebrow. "Do you?" His lips found hers and his hands came down to cup her head. She pulled him closer and the two of them were soon lost in a flood of passion.

Helen would wait.