8. Flash of gold.

Hector stood at the helm of the ship his eyes bright with joy staring out into the distance. He was dressed in his formal wear, his hair once again bound by the round golden clips. Today was the day, by tonight he would be in his bed, asleep, surrounded by his own things, and his family. For him, homesickness didn't kick in until he was about two hours away from Troy; either going or coming. If it was going, it lasted for about one hour before he had to see about things on the ship or read up on what treaty to sign where, and figure out exactly what the hell he was doing, if it was coming it lasted until he got his foot on Trojan soil. He couldn't believe it but he had missed his brother terribly. Even though all he did was bed women and cause trouble, he had his shining moments when Hector was glad to have him as a brother. Heels sounded and he turned to see Andromache standing a few feet away from him, wringing her hands and biting her lip her eyes wide with apprehension. She was dressed in a formal, silk, violet chiton that scooped low in the front, trimmed and embroidered with gold. She wore her golden seashell necklace, her hair was half up with matching golden seashell hair pins and clips and at her ears were long, matching, seashell earrings. Gold dust was sprinkled across her cheekbones and breastbone and eyelids, and her eyes were lined with kohl. She looked every bit a Princess, she took his breathe away. She looked up at him and smiled shakily, and he gestured for her to come to him. When she was close enough, he took her arm and drew her to his side.

"Do I look alright?" she whispered nervously.

"You made me stop breathing for a minute there." He replied.

"Really?" She asked looking up at him with hopeful eyes. He smiled at her and kissed her brow.

"You are absolutely stunning." He said and she beamed.

"Well you look quite handsome Prince Hector." She said cheekily. He glared playfully and quirked an eyebrow in response.

"Thank you Princess now be quiet. I want you to see something." He said stepping behind her as she laughed and placing his hands on her shoulders. She nodded and he smiled looking back out at the ocean. "Keep your eyes on the horizon, and you'll see it."

"What?" she asked.

"A flash of gold, the first sign of home." He replied.

"Home..." she muttered biting her lip again, her breath hitching.

"Don't be nervous." He said gently. She looked up at him and then down at her hands.

"I...I'm not n...nervous." She replied softly. He raised and eyebrow and looked down at her.

"Oh no?" he asked. She shook her head again, still knotting and unknotting her fingers frantically.

"I'm not. What would I have to be nervous about?" she asked. He chuckled and turned her to face him unlacing her hands and holding them in his. And her eyes fixed themselves on his.

"Typically, a great many things, but not in this instance. They'll love you Andromache, I know they will."

"How do you know?" she asked.

"Because I've know you for two weeks and already I'm well on my way." He replied. Her eyes widened even more if possible and then filled with tears.

"Don't, don't start crying now. You asked and I told you, now turn around and stare at the horizon, I won't tell you again." He turned her back around his hands now on her upper arms and stared out with her. It was then that they saw it; a brilliant, golden flash of light as if from Apollo himself and she gasped. Five minutes later a form made of gold gleamed in the distance on white shores set against a perfect blue sky. "There it is." He whispered. "There's Troy."

"It's beautiful." She whispered. He took her hand in his guiding her hand to point out various things.

"Do you see that white building right there? Beside the golden statue?"

"Yes." she whispered.

"That's the temple of Apollo." he stated.

"He's the patron god of our city." He dropped their joint hands and she craned her neck to look up at him with a smile. "You'll be happy here, I swear it."

"I know I will be." She replied. It hadn't happened before then but his eyes flicked down to her mouth just for a second. He hadn't really noticed before how full and soft it looked. He looked into her eyes, noting how truly remarkable they were, how warm and beautiful. He hadn't noticed that before either. He just wanted one taste of her mouth, just one. His head began to lower, quite without his own consent. She seemed to realize what was happening because her eyes widened for a moment and then glanced down at his mouth before fluttering closed.

"My lord Hec- oh." Eliod stopped talking and walking, and tried to back pedal looking quite a bit embarrassed but the damage had already been done. Hector jerked back, Andromache's head snapped back in front and they stepped away from each other. Hector fought down the urge to grind his teeth and turned to face Eliod.

"What is it Eliod?" he asked, trying for politeness.

"Um, well never mind I'm sorry to have disturbed you." He said walking away. Hector rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. It doesn't matter now! You already messed up a perfect moment!

It was probably too soon any way.

I don't need you in my head right now go away!

Ooooh, touchy. Aren't we a ray of sunshine this morning?

I will stab you with my finger if you don't-

Alright, alright I'm going.

She didn't speak for the next fifteen minutes by which time they had already arrived. They disembarked, and was met by a welcoming party that consisted of... one man.

"Prince Hector." He said approaching with a wide smile.

"Welcome home." He seemed about Hector's age, with bright green eyes and long, neutral brown, hair a little less curly than Hectors and just as unruly. It too was bound by the round golden clips, until it ended just at his shoulders. He had a slight beard, broad shoulders and was about Hector's height. He was actually quite handsome with his sharp features and bronzed skin. But to her, Hector was the epitome of handsomeness, all but a god. He smiled and embraced Hector warmly, as a brother, muttering something in his ear to make him laugh.

"Thank you Alyion. This is Andromache my future bride, Andromache this is Alyion. He has been my friend since I was four."

"Greetings Princess," he said bowing low and she curtsied in return. "You had a pleasant journey I hope, despite the company?" he asked his eyes twinkling. Andromache blinked unsure whether or not to answer the way she was taught to or the way that she felt to. She was sure that he was trying to break the ice with humor but she couldn't be sure.

"Um...well I"

"He's just trying to be charming." Hector said taking her arm and leading her to a chariot. "And failing might I add." He added over his shoulder.

"I'm just making up for lost time." He said mounting his own chariot. "Very nice" he mouthed to Hector over her head and Hector rolled his eyes again. "Don't be fooled by him my lady, he may seem sedate and honorable but he has been just as much of a rascal as the rest of us; drinking and flirting, bedding-"

"How is father?" Hector asked suddenly and Alyion looked as if he almost swallowed his tongue trying not to laugh.

"The king is in good health," he replied. "Anxious to see his future daughter and his beloved son. Parris has of course been up to his typical exploits, Breseis is... lovely and vibrant as per usual. Everyone is at the palace waiting... well we sort of lost Parris and Breseis a few minutes before I left but I'm sure that they will show up eventually. Parris has been spreading rumors that you are fat and cold and witch like." Alyion said to Andromache. "However, I'm sure that everyone will be pleasantly surprised." She smiled at him.

"You are too kind my lord." She said.

"Please, call me Lord Alyion the handsome, purveyor of love and satisfaction for all women of Troy." He replied.

"I'm afraid I'll have to write that one down." She replied and he they laughed.

"Beautiful and witty. You'll have to keep an eye on her Hector." He said to his old friend.

"Actually I think I'll just keep both eyes on you." Hector replied smartly.

"A hit, a palpable hit!" Alyion cried and Andromache laughed.

"He's a bit odd, but father, in his old age, enjoys him." Hector said causing her to laugh again.

"You in your old age enjoy me as well." Alyion responded.

"No, I in my masochistic nature endure your abysmal foolishness in the face of years of friendship, and don't ask me how that happened."

"That hurts Hector." He replied feigning injury before breaking out into a brilliant smile. Hector laughed and shook his head. He had missed Alyion. He was one of the few people that he trusted completely. The man had more wit and humor and intelligence, honesty than anyone he knew and he was one of the few people who could make Hector laugh till his belly ached. He looked down at Andromache and saw that she had a peaceful smile on her face observing everything that she passed. She had leant against him half way to the city and by now they were almost at the gates. He saw her eyes go wide as plates when she saw the wall of Troy.

"It's gigantic." She said.

"Mmmm. It does seem a bit excessive doesn't it?" Alyion replied. "But it keeps the bad men out and it keeps our city safe. Pride of Troy, other than our Crown Prince over here."

"Hector?" she looked up at him and he felt his face flush. He hated it when he did that. Did he have to blush at every good comment made about him?

"Oh yes. He is the Protector of Troy, best damn military man of his time, best fighter, best everything. The people look to him as King already almost, they love him immensely. Everyone is waiting for him, for you, they have missed their Prince and they want to see their future Queen. The men in our army don't follow Hector because he's the Prince, they follow him because they respect him and love him, they see him as the mortal demi-god that he is."

"I'm not a demi-god." Hector grumbled.

"No but you might as well be." Alyion replied. "Isn't that right Heccy?" He cooed and the glare that Hector sent his way would have killed a lesser man. Alyion hadn't been exaggerating. As soon as they had cleared the gates she heard the cheering, saw the flower petals being thrown form balconies. The people were ecstatic, obviously delighted to see him after so long. Everywhere she looked she saw beaming if not quizzical faces. She smiled taking in the colourful tents and stalls, all the people. Troy was bigger then Thebes, much bigger. She felt Hector tense behind her and remembered his fear of crowds but when she looked up at him he just smiled back at her. Alyion was making suggestive glances at various beautiful women who called out his name, making her laugh to herself. They reached the steps up to the palace and an old man in gold embroidered, deep blue robes, (most likely King Priam) with kind, bright blue eyes came out to them followed by a smallish young man in a long, dark blue chiton trimmed with gold, with large dark brown eyes and short curly hair. He was rather handsome and she guessed that he was Parris noting his expression of restrained jubilance.

"Hector." The old man said reaching him first. He embraced him warmly, and kissed his cheeks.

"Father."

"Pleasant journey?" he inquired.

"Yes indeed father, Poseidon was kind to us."

"Yes he was." Priam said looking over his shoulder at Andromache. "Come here my girl." He said beckoning her closer. She came up to him feeling for some strange reason warmth. How could she be afraid of a man with eyes like that? He smiled lovingly at her and she smiled back.

"Father this is Andromache." Hector said.

"The last time I saw you, you were around six, and you were covered in mud because you had been fighting with Euklides." She smiled at the memory. "When I asked you if you won you answered 'Of course I did!' as if it was a silly question. I hope that nothing has changed, although the years seem to have been much kinder to you than to me." She laughed, and he embraced her, kissing her cheeks as well. "Welcome child, welcome."

"Thank you my King." She replied. Finally Parris seemed to have reached his limit and he shot forward catching Hector in an enthusiastic hug.

"Parris." He muttered. Squeezing him back as tightly as he could.

"I missed you brother." Parris said.

"And I as well." Hector kissed his brother on the crown of his head and pulled away ruffling his curls.

"How have you been?" he asked smiling down at his little brother. It was obvious how much he loved him. Parris was rather small for a seventeen year old, but his face was so beautiful that one almost forgot about that. He shrugged and in that she saw a likeness in them. Hector shrugged exactly like that, with one shoulder and a slight grimace that spoke of indifference. That was all the answer that Hector needed, and he laughed.

"HECTOR!!" A tiny voice screamed. Andromache turned and Hector looked up to see a young girl, or rather a blur of white, gold and dark brown throw it/herself at him. He caught her/it easily with a laugh picking her up off the ground. Her arms were wound about his neck as she squeezed him tightly.

"Breseis," he replied.

"And how have you been dear cousin?" he asked. She looked up at him and beamed.

"I beat Parris." She replied.

"At what?" he asked.

"No silly I beat him." Hector raised his eyebrows and glanced at his little brother who was staring at Andromache.

"You beat him?" That caught Parris' attention and he glared at her.

"You did not!"

"I did to! And I'll do it again, right here in front of everyone." She replied.

"I'm not allowed to hit girls, although I'll never know why, not after meeting you." He shot back. Hector grinned and then turned to Andromache.

"Andromache this is my brother Parris," he said gesturing to his brother who smiled broadly and hugged her. "And this little spit fire is Breseis my cousin." Proffering the girl in his arms. Breseis smiled sweetly and waved and Andromache smiled back.

"You are very beautiful Andromache." Parris said a devious glint in his eyes. She merely raised and eyebrow.

"I've been warned about you Prince." She replied. He glanced at a rather smug Hector who was trying not to laugh.

"Good. Well then since we are rather stuck at being friends, I'll just give some pointers on dealing with Hector."

"Parris." Hector warned, but Parris merely smiled and took her arm, leading her a bit away. He was a softer version of his brother, a smoother version, which probably made him more attractive to many women. She could see him as the heart breaker he was said to be.

"Now he may not have told you," he murmured to her "but he has this rather remarkable fear of crowds."

"He did tell me actually." She said.

"Did he? Well that's interesting, Anyway he also has a fear of snakes." Parris continued

"He does?" Parris gave her a look that said 'Are you kidding me?' and she smiled.

"When he gets nervous he plays with his hair that's why it's messy all the time."

"Oh. But his hair is always messy."

"That's because he's always nervous or worried or frustrated and if not, then he's riding or sailing so it gets that way anyway."

"That's interesting."

"So basically, if he hasn't been outside, and his hair is scary looking, then either something is on his mind or he is nervous."

"Really?"

"Look at him either before, during or after a counsel meeting." Parris said grinning.

"Oh Parris!" she said

"It looks like he's either trying or tried to rip his hair out. Very amusing." She laughed out loud at the picture that came to mind. "Sometimes, when someone really stupid is talking and he hears other agreeing he starts glancing at sharp objects. He keeps me awake, just looking at him, he's so amusing. I'm just telling you now because you may have to go to one of them and it's not pretty."

"Thank you." She said smiling at him.

"I wasn't just being funny back there, you really are very lovely. I never thought Hector would end up with someone like you." He said suddenly, his eyes and face so honest that all she could do was smile at him.

"Thank you Parris." She said. He nodded and shrugged. "So you don't find me 'fat, ugly, cold and witch like'?" she inquired and he had the grace to wince sheepishly.

"You heard that eh? Alyion told you I suppose?" she nodded in affirmation and he shrugged again. "I'm sorry about that especially since I was so spectacularly incorrect. I tend to do and say things without really thinking about it." He said "But that was probably the first thing about me that Hector mentioned." He smiled wryly and again she saw Hector in him.

"Actually he said that you were a wonderful person and that you were and 'beautiful fool' then when I inquired he said that sometimes you don't think."

"Ah, well that's good to know. But if you ever need anything, anything at all I charge you, if he's being difficult, if he's gone and you need company anything Breseis and I will be more than willing to help. Especially Breseis." He added as an afterthought.

"Thank you Parris." She said. Hector came up to them with raised eyebrows and Parris smiled up at his brother.

"Hector! How are you brother?" he asked. Hector stared at him suspiciously.

"I'll just get my bride settled in if you don't mind." He said. It wasn't a question, and his hands were on her arms but still she knew that he wasn't angry and if she wanted to stay then he would let her.

"Are you sure that you don't want to run away with me?" Parris joked, as Hector led her away and she laughed loudly.

"Yes I'm positive." She replied over her shoulder.