Last chapter:

Hector confronts Paris about his stupidity. He is left with no choice but to go back to Troy and expect the worst to happen.


A shrill and delighted laugh rang through the empty corridor. King Priam smiled at the sound he so often hears. He tore his gaze away from the city which he had been watching through the window to turn and see his adored grandson in the arms of his mother.

"A fair night we have, my lord," said Andromache, Hector's wife, with an elegant bow.

"So it is," the king said, taking his grandson in his own arms. "Ah, my Scamandrios." The little child laughed gaily and lifted the dampened spirits of the king.

Andromache smiled warmly. "You bring a smile to his face."

"Well," said the king, chuckling, "this boy seems to smile at everyone and everything he sets his eyes on."

"I was speaking to my son, my lord," said Andromache.

The king's smile faltered. "I see," the king sighed deeply.

Andromache touched the king's arm. "My lord, father, I see sadness in your eyes all the time."

The king gazed into Scamandrios' eyes. "It is hard to live your life without the people you live for in your midst," he said slowly. He kissed Scamandrios' forehead, then looked at Andromache. "When your little boy grows up and becomes as great as his father, you will understand."

The wind rustled Andromache's locks as she walked to the window. "I already do, father." She stared longingly out the perfect black sky. A stray tear rolled down her cheek. She didn't bother to wipe it away.

The king walked slowly to his daughter-in-law's side. For a while,neither of themspoke, each one seemed deep in thought. Scamandrios' moan and soft giggle took the princess and the king out of their reverie.

Andromache gazed fondly at her son's gleeful face. The child was nuzzling against his grandfather's beard, which, in turn, made Priam laugh.

"How I envy my son," Andromache said. "He is not aware of the absence of his father. Look how happy he is."

"But think about Hector," Priam answered. "It must sadden him to know that his son does not miss him."

Andromache turned her eyes towards the floor, her cheeks slightly red from embarrassment. "I didn't think of it that way, my lord," she whispered.

"There, there, Andromache," the king said soothingly. "Your love for my son is the most important thing." He handed Scamandrios back to Andromache. The child's eyes twinkled.

The king kissed Andromache on the cheek and said, "Sadness and longing always gives way to happiness."

Andromache nodded. "I just hope they return soon," she said with a smile.

The king sighed deeply. "Once again, only time will tell."

Andromache gazed once again out the window and said, "If only they were sailing home right now, I would sleep more peacefully." She bowed once more to the king and headed to her chamber.

The king stood there a moment longer, his eyes staring at the dark night sky. His longing for his children has weighed so heavily in his heart that he has isolated himself from his kingdom.

"Almighty gods and goddesses," the king whispered blankly, "bring them home."


Thanks Queen Arwen and Priestess for your reviews! I really appreciate it.

Sorry it takes me so long to update. I'm kinda busy with other things, though I'd rather do this! Anyway, this was just an "extra" chapter to not focus on the Trojan children all the time. The next chapter will be up very soon. I've already started on it. Thanks again for reading!