The next morning, Hector was in a poignant disposition. He has seen none of his siblings since Philana ran away the night before. He wondered where the two were, but there was no time for worries just yet.

Hector sat opposite Menelaus where they were having their morning meal in the garden. Menelaus was jovially telling stories about Sparta and her battles. Hector sat patiently, nodding and laughing with Menelaus, but he was only partly listening. He was more concerned about Philana and Paris.

Moments later, Paris strode into the gardens and sat beside Hector. Paris enthusiastically greeted Menelaus and hugged his brother. Hector sensed that Paris had a great night, but it was unusually odd that Paris was being joyful given the fact that they will leave Sparta that day.

Paris and Menelaus exchanged good-humored laughs and anecdotes. Several hours have passed and Philana has not yet arrived. A violent laugh from the Menelaus pulled Hector away from his own thoughts.

"Forgive me, Menelaus," Hector said in a distant voice, "but my brother and I need to prepare for our long journey home."

"Ah, not at all!" cried Menelaus. "It's been great pleasure having you here, and it would be my honor to keep you here longer, but you do want to go back to your own land, yes?"

Hector nodded.

"Well," said Menelaus, standing up, "I look forward to our next endeavor, my comrades."

Hector and Paris shook Menelaus' hand and walked inside the palace. Instead of heading towards their separate chambers, Hector roughly pulled Paris into the empty courtyard.

"Have you had enough rest?" Hector asked. "We won't sleep on land again for weeks."

Confused, Paris answered, "I have no trouble sleeping on the seas. The nymphs sing lullabies to me."

"And who sang lullabies to you last night?" said Hector as he lowered his voice.

Paris froze. He searched Hector's eyes, but could not decipher what he was thinking. Regaining composure, he said, "Last night? Last night was the fisherman's wife. A lovely creature."

"I hope you didn't let the fisherman catch you," Hector answered.

"He's more concerned with the fish," Paris answered with a slight hint of spite. Paris started to walk away, but Hector held him.

Hector looked Paris straight in the eye and said, "You do know why we're in Sparta?"

"For peace," Paris answered at once.

"And you do understand," Hector said slowly, "that Menelaus, regardless of his behavior, is a powerful man? And his brother, Agamemnon, commands all the Greek forces?"

Paris stared at Hector and said, "What does this have to do with the fisherman's wife?"

Paris was feigning innocence, but Hector could see right through him. "Paris, you're my brother, and I love you. But if you do anything to endanger Troy, I'll rip your pretty face off your pretty skull," he said dangerously.

Paris stood there for a while, then nodded. He started to walk away when Hector held him again and asked, "Where is Philana?"

Paris' expression darkened and said, "She will come to you when she wants to." Paris walked away, turned around, and said to Hector, "The king may be powerful, but the kingom is weak."

With that, Paris stalked off leaving Hector alone once again in the hallway. Hector heaved a tired sigh.

"Why have they turned against me?" he whispered to himself with exasperation.

Philana had been lying in bed when there was a soft knock on her door. Philana lay very still, wishing the person away.

"Philana?" came Paris' voice.

Philana breathed a sigh of relief.

"Come in," she called as she sat up.

Paris opened the door and entered the room. He was already fully-dressed in his Royal Trojan robes.

"We will be leaving in a while," Paris said gently.

Philana smiled and sat at the edge of her bed. All her belongings have been carried to the ships. All she was waiting for was the moment of departure. Paris sat beside her.

"I can not wait to sail home," Philana said. "I want to see father."

"So do I," Paris answered. "Have you spoken to Hector?"

"I haven't uttered a single word to him," said Philana. She still has not forgiven Hector for the night before.

"You can not stay mad at him for all of eternity," Paris said lightly, putting his arm around Philana.

Philana did not answer.

"Philana…" Paris said, his voice suddenly filled with unease. He turned Philana to face him. Philana saw the uncertainty in Paris' eyes. "I need you to help me," Paris said.

Philana frowned. "What is it?" she asked.


I know there aren't any "wow" scenes yet but I'm sure it will come soon. Once again, REVIEW PLEASE!