18)
As soon as she had said she would go get him, Briseis wanted to say she had changed her mind. But now she had to go, she would look completely stupid if she didn't. She left the group as quickly as she could to hide her blush. She was scared, she had no clue if Achilles really cared about her or if he has just wanted sex.
She came close to him. He was leaning against a wall, a bit aside of the party. She halted a few feet away, afraid to go any further.
He checked her out, which made her feel even more uncomfortable than she already was. Finally, he smiled. 'What's the matter? I don't bite.'
'Oh.' She had no word to say for herself. 'I was just…'
He closed the distance between them. 'Don't be,' he said, anticipating what she had been about to say. 'You are really gorgeous tonight.'
She blushed. 'You too,' was the only thing she could think of to say.
They just stared at each other for a while. 'Since you live here,' Achilles began cautiously. 'Do you know a quieter spot?'
She looked around. Nobody was watching them now, but that could change any minute now. She grabbed his hand and led him to the garden.
They sat down at a bench looking over the pond. She heard muffled sounds coming from the party inside, and her own heartbeat which was so loud Achilles must be able to hear it.
'Nice and quiet,' Achilles finally said. He tenderly touched her face. She froze when he leaned in. He didn't kiss her on her mouth, what she had expected, but in her neck just below her left ear. At first she gasped in shock, but then she put her arms around him to pull him closer. He left a trail of warm soft kisses in her neck.
'You are special,' he unexpectedly said in her ear.
She looked him in the eyes. She decided he seemed to be genuine. 'Really?' she said uncertain.
He laughed about her response. 'Yes, you are.'
Shyly she lowered her eyes and, to busy herself, rubbed his muscular shoulders. He lifted her face with his hand and forced her to look at him. He smiled, and then leaned in to kiss her. She didn't hold back, but passionately kissed him back.
'Will you spend the night with me?' Achilles asked her when they had to break the kiss to breathe.
She wanted to, but still a part of her did not. It would mean the end of her career as a priestess. And there was also another problem: her family. They would not approve her spending the night with a man before marriage. 'Hector will kill me if he finds out.'
Achilles laughed silently. 'I'll deal with Hector.'
She had no idea how he had imagined to do that. But did she care?
No, she did not.
Andromache took the hand of her husband in hers to attract his attention. He was speaking to Odysseus about the future relationship between Troy and the Greek kingdoms. It was an important discussion, Andromache did understand that, but did they really have to discuss this tonight?
Apparently Hector did think so. He did respond to her touch by changing their roles and taking her hand into his. He gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, but he did continue the conversation like nothing was happening.
Odysseus suddenly smiled at her though. 'Hector, why don't we continue this discussion tomorrow?'
Andromache smiled thankfully at the King. Hector caught Odysseus' look at her though and turned to face her. Andromache was certain he had just intended to quickly glance at her to see what was going on, but now he just kept staring at her.
'That might be a good idea,' Hector answered distracted. He was still looking at her.
'See you tomorrow then,' Odysseus finished their exchange, and then quickly sped away. Andromache noticed he was laughing.
She looked at her husband and gently touched his face. 'I am tired.'
He nodded understanding. 'I don't think anyone will miss us.'
Hand in hand they made their way to their quarters. Andromache lighted some candles and Hector went to Astyanax' bed. She joined him and put her head on his shoulder. 'Isn't he beautiful?'
Hector sighed deeply. 'He is a miracle.'
She gently pulled him away from their son's side and to the bed. He stood in front of her looking down at her while she slowly removed his clothing and then his bandages to reveal his body. She gasped when she saw the huge wound on his chest. Briseis had told her about it, but apparently you had to see it yourself to understand.
Andromache carefully traced the wound with her fingertips. It had healed well and was not infected. 'Briseis did bandage you well,' Andromache spoke eventually.
'Briseis?' Hector seemed genuinely surprised. Andromache now remembered Briseis had said he had been unconscious the whole time she had been there. But Andromache had expected Achilles would have told him. Evidently he had not.
'Yes, Achilles took her. She did your bandages.'
He stared straight ahead, thinking hard. 'Achilles took Briseis as his slave?'
Andromache knew her husbandwell enough to know when he was angry. He was furious now. 'Yes.'
Hector grinded his teeth. 'He never mentioned it. How convenient.' He paced the room for a while, getting his thoughts straight. 'She wasn't there when I woke up. Did she escape?'
Escape? He obviously did not get it. 'No, Agamemnon took her back,' Andromache answered laughing.
'What is so funny?' Hector asked, a bit agitated.
'She would never escape.' Hector glared at her. Apparently she had to say it word for word for him to understand. 'They fell in love.'
His mouth fell open, but closed again when Hector finally began to realize why Achilles had become his ally. 'Unbelievable.'
Andromache pulled him on the bed. 'The God's ways are mysterious.' She slowly pushed him on his back on the bed and leaned over him to kiss him.
He stopped her though. 'I would love to..., but I don't know if I…'
Andromache put her finger on his lips to silence him, laughing silently at his insecurity. He had not even really said it, but Andromache understood he was worried about his wounds. 'I'll be careful.'
Helen left the other women. Finally! Paris had been waiting for her for hours. He had seen Hector leave with Andromache, Patroclus with some girl he once slept with but couldn't remember the name of, and even Achilles with Briseis. The latter had surprised him, even worried him, but he had seen that both Andromache and Helen had seen it too and they had not shown any signs of worry. In fact, Helen seemed to approve it.
'You're cruel,' Paris said as soon as Helen had reached him.
'How's that?' she reacted, smiling. She perfectly knew what he had been talking about.
'Till now I was the only man without female company.'
'Poor you,' she said, absolutely not meaning it.
'Yes,' Paris continued. 'I think I deserve some compensation.'
'Tell me what you have in mind,' Helen replied.
He pulled her close. 'First of all, there will be no talking involved…'
'So you're leaving.'
Hector stood on the wall with Achilles watching the preparations of the Greek armies. Some had already left and the rest would follow quickly, including the Myrmidons.
'Yes,' Achilles responded. 'My men want to go home.'
'Of course they do,' Hector said understandingly.
'I have to ask you something,' Achilles spoke reluctantly.
Hector was amused by the fact Achilles appeared to be afraid to ask. 'Does your question involve my cousin?'
Shocked he already knew, Achilles looked away quickly. 'Yes,' he finally admitted. 'She told you or did you see it?'
Hector sighed, almost ashamed of the truth. 'Andromache told me.'
They stood in silence again. It was Achilles who broke it. 'What is your answer?'
'Assuming your dowry won't be insulting..'
'It won't!' Achilles interrupted him eagerly.
'…I see no reason you can not marry her.'
Hector saw the sparkle in Achilles' eyes. 'Thank you,' the Myrmidon sincerely showed his gratitude.
'You should come see us some time,' Achilles invited him. 'My country is very beautiful, just like yours.'
Hector really appreciated the offer, but doubted he would be able to go anytime soon. 'Don't expect me in the near future. I have a nation to rebuild.'
Achilles smiled. 'You are a worthy king Hector. Because many would not have cared.'
In other words: Agamemnon would not have given a damn. 'My father would have,' Hector replied.
'Your father must have been a great man,' Achilles said sympathetically.
'Yes he was.'
Hector sadly stared at the see. His father would be missed by all Trojans, but especially by him.
'He'll live on in you,' Achilles said softly.
Hector had not expected such deep words from Achilles. The Myrmidon came across as a warrior, not as a thinker. 'Yes, he will.' Hector paused, looking for the right words to say goodbye.'Even if I won't have the chance to visit you, I will remember you.'
'Likewise,' Achilles spoke. They then hugged each other. But not just as friends.
As brothers.
This is the whole complete story. I really hope you have enjoyed reading it. I loved all the reviews - I never had so many of them for any story, both fanfiction and original fiction on FP. So thanks!
