"Mother, are you here?" Andromache called from the door of her parents' bedroom.

"Yes, my dear!" she called from within. Andromache entered and closed the door behind her.

"Where is Father?" she asked, seeing her mother appear from around the corner.

"He's at the temple. What's wrong my child?" she asked, approaching her daughter. Andromache made eye contact with her mother.

"Father is making me marry Prince Hector. We're leaving for Troy tonight. I just wanted --"

"Hush, my child. I understand." her mother interrupted. "I'll send your love to the rest of them."

"Thank you, Mother."

Andromache stood and kissed her mother's hands before turning and running to the garden, never looking back. When she arrived, no one was there. She walked over to the rose bush for the last time. She sighed, lifting a rose and bringing it to her nose.

"Goodbye," she whispered.

Andromache looked around the rest of the garden, memorizing every flower and every tree. This had been her refuge. This had been her one escape, and now she was running from the one place she felt safe. She let a silent tear run down her face. Her life had taken a dangerous turn, one she could never undo. Whether she stayed or went, her life would never be the same. She bid farewell to her home silently, taking one last look around.

She arrived at the docks an hour before sunset, as she had promised. Hector sat on the edge of the far dock, waiting for her. She approached him slowly and sat beside him. They sat quietly together for a while before she broke the silence. "I've never been on a boat."

"That should make for an interesting trip." he replied shortly. At first she thought he was angry, but when she looked over at him, she saw that he was smiling. She smiled back.

"I'm scared." Andromache whispered seriously.

"I know. So am I." Hector stood and took her hand, helping his betrothed to stand. "Are you ready?"

"No." she replied honestly. "But let's go before I change my mind."

"Alright. Let's go." They boarded the ship silently, and before she knew it, Andromache was watching her home fade away. She watched until all she could see was ocean. Her life would be a long and hard one, she knew. And yet, she wasn't afraid. There would be bad, but there would be good too.

Hector came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. No matter what pain may await her, she would find some comfort here.