Chapter 13. The Claiming.

Andromache stood absolutely still as Airlia and Marea dressed her. Cassandra sat on a chair in the corner, with Breseis at her feet the little girl completely transfixed by the preparations. The ablutions had been completed; her skin had been rubbed with goat's milk and then anointed with frankincense and sandalwood scented oils. Her hair had been washed and brushed and rubbed with silk until it gleamed like a dark replica of the material before being scented with sandalwood and jasmine. Her breath was sweetened The night before she had spent two hours praying and giving tribute to Aphrodite, Hera and Artemis for passion, a happy marriage and forgiveness respectively. She waited as they slipped her into her bridal gown, adjusting the folds and ties, wrapped the sash about her, slipped twisting arm bands onto her upper arms and fastened a golden vine like necklace about her neck. Next they styled her thick hair; curling and pinning, gliding on golden beads and coiling locks of hair about her head, leaving some falling elegantly over her shoulders and down her back. They lined her eyes with kohl, sprinkled gold dust along her cheekbones and eyelids and painted her mouth a deep, dark, lustrous red. Next they attached her veil; the transparent material covering her from head to toe held in place on her head by ornate golden pins. When she was finally ready they took a step back to admire their handy work.

"Oh Andromache you look absolutely perfect!" Breseis gushed. "When I get married I want to look just like you!" Andromache laughed and shook her head.

"Breseis you flatter me." She said but her hands were shaking, wringing and she wanted to bit her lips.

"Don't bite them." Cassandra warned as if by reading her mind. "Or we'll have to put the lip paint back on. And Breseis is right. You look like a vision. However," she said flipping back the front section of her veil to show her face. "We don't need to cover your face just yet." A knock sounded on the door and Andromache jumped and spun around almost tripping, her eyes wide.

"Is it he? It can't be, it's not time yet." Andromache rattled and then she looked over at Marea. "Well answer it will you?!" she cried almost on the verge of tears. Marea smiled and walked over to the door. It was Queen Heccuba. She was dressed in a silk chiton of red and gold her curly, salt and pepper hair, swept back and half up with ornate pins and falling over her right shoulder, the customary golden wreath on her head. She entered, caught sight of her son's bride and gasped.

"Oh my dear!" she gushed. "You look wonderful!" she rushed over to Andromache and took her hands in hers. "Oh your hands are like ice. Don't be afraid."

"I'm not." Andromache whimpered. Heccuba laughed and shook her head.

"I was the same way the day I was to marry Priam. And before that he caught me trying to kill him about ten times." Andromache's eyes widened and the first non-nerve infested smile that day crossed her face.

"You did?" she asked.

"Oh yes. With knives, daggers, fibulae, his sword...I was inventive. I was so full of righteous anger."

What happened?" Breseis asked scooting forward from her seat on the floor, an eager expression on her face. Heccuba took one look at her niece, smiled warmly and walked over to her. She knelt down beside her and stroked her hair with a gentle hand.

"Well, we were in the middle of a rather heated argument and he grabbed me, yanked me close and kissed me. Probably to just to shut me up but... I went absolutely limp and from that moment on... well let me just say that we got along a lot better." She said slyly. Breseis smiled brightly and sighed and Marea smirked. Heccuba glanced over at her and raised an eyebrow.

"You know what I'm talking about?" she asked.

"My husband, m'lady... he has to do that to me all the time." She replied smiling and Heccuba laughed. Andromache looked down at her hands and felt a tiny curl of heat in her belly remembering the picnic that she had shared with Hector. Since then she had been so caught up with wedding preparations that they had not gotten much time alone, but every time he looked at her she remembered and her heart raced.

"Andromache?" Heccuba said.

"Are you all right dear?" she rose and glided over to her taking her face into her warm hands. She looked up at her and smiled shakily.

"Yes... I...I'm fine." She replied.

"You're blushing!" Cassandra said.

"I'm not." Andromache insisted looking back down at her hands.

"Something happened with Hector on that picnic they have been blushing around each other ever since." Cassandra said walking up to her smirking.

"Andromache?" Airlia asked with a raised eyebrow. Andromache looked at them anxiously biting her lip before breathing in a deep breath.

"He kissed me." She said and Breseis gasped.

"He did."

"When?"

"At the picnic. At sunset... I get a strange feeling in my stomach whenever I think about it."

"What was it like?" Breseis asked, her eyes wide.

"Heavenly." She replied with a sigh.

"It was perfect, he was so...I can't describe it."

"Try!" the young girl begged.

"Breseis!" Cassandra exclaimed.

"But I want to know. I've never been kissed."

"You had better not be." Heccuba muttered.

"I've waited my whole life for it... I want to know what to expect. Do tell me Andromache, was it soft and slow and dreamy, or was it passionate and wild?" Andromache blushed at the last description and bit her lip. Passionate and wild indeed!

"It was a bit of both actually." She replied and Breseis sighed again and smiled wistfully.

"That's so wonderful!" she gushed. "I want my first kiss to be like that too."

"That wasn't our first." Andromache whispered.

"Oh it wasn't was it?" Marea asked.

"No... it was the night that we arrived in Troy. We were walking in the garden... he asked me what I wanted from our marriage and we got to talking about it and... one thing led to another."

"What was that one like?" Airlia asked.

"Slow and dreamy." Andromache said smiling at the memory of his gentleness and patience. Just then a knock on the door sounded and all of them looked up at it.

"Bring forth the maiden Princess Andromache." A voice that sounded much like Alyion called. Andromache's eyes widened significantly and she looked over at Heccuba and Marea.

"You have nothing to fear in Hector." Marea said coming to her. She embraced her warmly and kissed her cheeks before covering her face with her veil once more.

"She is right." Heccuba said before taking her arm. "Come, he is waiting." She led her to the door opened it and led her through. Sure enough it was Alyion, dressed in a formal chiton and himation of emerald green and gold. Beside him stood Hector and in formal robes of white embroidered with gold, and broad golden bracelets at his wrists and a short rope like necklace circling the base of his throat. His soft, curly, dark brown hair had been subdued into it's customary golden clips and his short bangs were tucked back and out of his face for once. He looked very regal and handsome and seemed to radiate valor and honour and kindness, like some sort of benevolent god. He smiled at her and she couldn't help but smile back at him, her heart jumping but her hands steady for once since the sun rose that morning. When he saw her, looking like a vision of loveliness he'd expected his stomach to seize up and his throat to constrict. But instead, a warmth that had nothing to do with the rising sun started from his soul, from the very center of his being and spread throughout his body down to his fingertips and the soles of his feet. Her eyes locked onto his and he smiled unable to stop himself. And why would he want to? Alyion cleared his throat breaking the moment and she glanced over at him. He winked at her and drew in a deep breath.

"My lord, you may claim your bride." He said. Hector straightened, his head high, and strode forward to stand directly before her. Gently, he took he hands into his, drawing them together and raising them to his lips for a soft kiss.

"Andromache." He said in a clear voice. "I hereby, before these witnesses, claim thee as my wife." She smiled and nodded, any doubts that she had had before melting into nothingness before the promise of love and devotion she saw in his perfect black eyes.

The night sky was clear and beautiful, the stars so bright that the absent moon made no difference. A cool breeze blew through an open window where Andromache stood, still in her wedding gown and veil. Her things had been transferred to Hectors chambers her life now completely merged with his in every way but one. A sick kind of blind terror filled her at the thought of it and she didn't know why. Now more than ever she wished for her mother again. She wanted to be held by her, and breathe in her warm scent of violets and sunshine. Tonight she would give her body to Hector, he would take her innocence and make her a woman. Her hands started to shake again and a strong wind came through the window sending her veil billowing out behind her. A knock sounded from the door and she turned to face it.

"Come in." she said, her voice exhibiting a calm that she did not feel. Marea entered holding a thin, almost transparent, shapeless, night rail with a slit that reached her knees at either side. She smiled at Andromache but said nothing to her. There was nothing that she could have said. Silently she helped her undress folding her gown and veil carefully and resting them in an ornate chest that had been made specifically for it. Then she helped her take down her hair pulling out the beads and hair pins and clips and brushing it out carefully. She ran a warm bath with goat's milk and frankincense and helped her scrub off the facial paint and the dust from the day. Then she dried her off and dressed her in the gown, one side immediately sliding off of her slender shoulder. She brushed out her hair again, now to soothe more than out of necessity. When she was done she kissed her forehead and then left just as Heccuba came in still wearing the gown she wore at the wedding banquet.

"How do you feel?" Heccuba asked coming up to her.

"I don't know. I'm anxious and terrified at the same time. I want to be with him but my hands won't stop shaking." Heccuba took the said hands into her own and pulled her over to the bed sitting her down next to her.

"You have nothing to fear in him. He is a considerate man, a rare one. He understands the gravity of your situation he knows what you fear. By nature he is a gentle man, a compassionate one, there is much love inside of him to give. And he will use all of it to make this night as beautiful and as special as it should be for you." She said wrapping an arm about her shoulders and pulling her close. "You are one of the lucky ones I'm afraid."

"I know it... but I just can't help it."

"I know. When he comes you will see." Andromache smiled and nodded. Heccuba took her face into her hands and pressed a warm kiss on her forehead. "I hope that your marriage is blessed with love and many children my dear."

"Thank you Heccuba." She smiled back at her and then she left as well, leaving Andromache alone. She was still not placated, and it was so silly that she became a bit angry with herself. What was wrong with her? If it was one person that she would want to give herself to it was him. He was such a good, honorable, kind man, one worthy of love and respect, a man with equal measures of strength and tenderness. But still, even with all that knowledge, and her heart yearning for union with him, she couldn't help the fear. What would she do when he came? She had her duties to perform and as a husband he had a right to her whenever he wished. Gods but she was terrified! What if he found her unsatisfactory? She truly wished that she wasn't so skinny. What if she repulsed him? Well that was a silly thing to think after the way he had kissed her. But the doubt gnawed at her. Where was he anyway? What if he came in drunk and took her like a crazed animal. She had been told that it hurt terribly, that it felt like being rendered in two. She moved to kneel in the center of the bed and closed her eyes, feeling the tears coming. He was going to be so angry with her. He would be hurt and frustrated that after all this time she couldn't trust him. He was rather formidable when he was angry. What if he hit her?

He was so strong...

Stop it!!

He wouldn't do that and you know it.

She felt the warm tears side down her cheeks and buried her face in her hands. He wouldn't hit me, he cares for me he's not like that. But the tears came anyway and the anger at her weak foolishness gave way to panic. He would be there soon! What would she do if he came in and saw her crying? She had to stop. She swiped frantically at her cheeks and took deep breaths trying to calm herself down. Five minutes later she succeeded. Her cheeks were dry, and her breathing regulated but her hands were shaking something fierce. He would be so mad. The door opened and she looked up and over to see Hector close the door behind him. His eyes met hers and he gave her a small and slightly nervous smile, which she returned. The silence between them was for the first time uncomfortable and his stomach started to contort again and his hands were itching for his hair. He removed his chiton and himation, folding them and laying them on a chair, leaving him in only a light, black under skirt.

He walked over to her slowly, noting how pale she looked, how wide and apprehensive her eyes were. He stopped at the foot of the bed and regarded her for a moment. Her dark curly hair tumbled about her slight shoulders in rich thick waves, one of the sleeves of the thin gown she wore had slid off of her shoulder and halfway down her arm, and the soft candle light created a halo about her. She looked innocent, and very young, like the eighteen that she was. He reached out his hands to her and she took them hesitantly, but he noticed that they were shaking and that they were ice cold. He pulled her closer rubbing her knuckles with his thumbs and she looked down at the bed and took a deep breath as if to steel herself. He released her hands to take her face into his hands tilting it upward so that he could see it. She smiled tentatively and tried to look down again, her eyelashes brushing his thumbs. He leaned forward and kissed her brow gently and she leaned into him slightly trying her best to draw in enough comfort to stop her hands from shaking. He pulled away and then kissed her lips his hands sliding down her arms slowly, caressing gently. Her heart jumped in her chest and she leaned into him as his tongue parted her lips and slid inside. He felt her trembling even as she kissed him back timidly. She was so sweet. So sweet and soft and warm. He touched her face again, felt something warm and wet on his fingertips and he pulled away. She gasped and looked down wringing her hands. "Andromache." He said and he felt another shudder go through her. Alarmed now he raised her face up to his and saw that her cheeks were wet and her eyes fearful. "What is it? What is wrong?" She pulled away and jumped off of the bed walking over to the window. He followed her slowly giving her time to brace herself but her shoulders were tensed. "Andro?" he tried again using the affectionate nickname the he had started to use for her. His hands gripped her shoulder and turned her around and his stomach gave a sick lurch at the look on her face. "Tell me. Tell me what is wrong." She looked so fragile and lost and he couldn't resist the urge to hold her close against her, the urge to comfort. She pressed her face into his shoulder and sighed as he stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry." She muttered against him.

"What are you talking about?" he asked. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"I can't help it. I know that you won't hurt me and, I know that you're a good man. Please don't get mad at me, I'm trying, I've tried but I can't help it." She pleaded desperately, her eyes beseeching.

"You aren't ready." He said simply. It wasn't even a question.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She whimpered. He shook his head and released her, taking her hand into his, pressing kisses to each one in turn.

"If you wish me to wait then I will. Is that all?" he asked. She stared up at him shocked and more than a bit confused.

"You...you aren't angry with me." She asked. He stared at her silently fighting down the frustration and anger but he could not keep the hurt down.

"Have you no confidence in me?" he asked quietly sadness in his eyes and voice.

"I do. I do." She said quickly. "It's just that you've been so generous and thoughtful already. I thought that you would be... it is your right as my husband, and I thought that you would find this to be.."

"Too much?" he asked and she nodded looking ashamed.

"I care for you, and I know that you care for me but I'm just not ready. I'm sorry. I tried, I did. I just...I can't." He nodded calmly. The words stung a bit but all the anger and frustration and the sadness melted away, turning into tenderness and the need to protect. She was trying, he knew it, and she was so precious to him and now all that he could think about was putting her mind at ease.

"I'm not angry with you Andro. You and your love are worth waiting for." He stroked her soft cheek gently wiping away the tears. "Besides, I'm tired anyway." She beamed up at him, and then laughed before flinging her arms about his neck and clinging.

"Thank you." She whispered. He squeezed her small waist in his arms and she giggled. "Thank you so much." She felt his mouth press against her neck and she sighed before loosening her arms and leaning back to gaze up at his face. He kissed her mouth softly and she smiled against his smooth lips and arched into him. He leaned her back ward a tiny bit and squeezed her closer for a moment before releasing her.

"Let's go to bed." He said. "Wife." He added teasingly after a moment.

"Indeed, husband." She replied and he grinned. Then, simply on a whim, he scooped her up into his arms. She squeaked and then laughed before twining her arms around his neck and leaning her head onto his bare shoulder as he carried her over to the bed. That night, as she lay with his arms wrapped around her from behind, his head resting partly on her neck and partly on her head she smiled to herself.

"Is this all right Andro?" he asked softly.

"This is perfect." She replied twining her fingers with the hand that he had on her stomach and snuggling back into him. She felt warm and safe and cherished, needed. He stayed awake until he felt her breathing ease and even out before he allowed his eyes to close and joined her in the land of slumber.