A/N: I'm quite worried about this chapter because something happens in it, and I'm not sure if it's the right time for me to put it into the story, I wasn't even expecting for it to be in this chapter, it just happened. I've decided to keep it in, so I'm sorry if you dislike it. Also, thank you for the reviews! :)

I wanted to say that I mention Andromache wearing a Himation, which was first an outdoor robe, but then light material came into style and it was worn at any time, it's made from rectangle of woven wool.

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Finally Hector and Andromache tore themselves apart and made their way to the dinning hall.

Andromache held onto Hector's hand, and was examined it for scars. "You have three scars on just one hand."

Hector smiled. "Do you wish to count all of my scars?"

"Perhaps I will," laughed Andromache, "one day."

They stepped into the dinning hall; thankfully they didn't gather too much attention, as the food had already been carried in, and everyone ate and talked happily.

"We decided to start," said Priam, concealing a grin, "as we weren't aware as to how long you'd be."

Andromache blushed, but Hector merely laughed and helped Andromache into his chair, before seating himself. Polyxena sat on Andromache's right side, and Hector sat on her left. She felt perfectly content, and giggled inwardly as Hector's leg brushed against her own.

Priam then stood up, holding his gold goblet which was, once again, filled to the brim with wine. "Welcome, my friends, to this feast on this glorious evening. I'll save many of my words for the wedding feast, but please raise your goblets in honour of Prince Hector and Paris for returning home, and to Prince Hector and Princess Andromache!"

"To the Princes, and Prince Hector and Princess Andromache," the guests cheered, in unison.

Priam then sat down and began eating the food that had been brought to him, like everyone else. Andromache looked to her plate, which she noticed was now covered with food. Hardly any of the food seemed familiar to her, although it looked delicious.

"My mother thought you'd like to try everything," laughed Hector. "I think she thought Paris and I also needed to." He then looked down to his place which was filled with food.

"I'll thank your mother later," said Andromache.

Andromache and Hector ate their food in silence; Andromache thought the food was amazing; she had never tasted food like it. But then Hector broke the silence between them.

"Would you like to go riding with me tomorrow?" he asked, and drank from his goblet before speaking again. "We could take some food, and spend the whole day together by the beaches."

"That would be lovely," said Andromache and smiled happily. "Thank you, Hector." She then turned to look at Hector; they were more like friends, than lovers.

Hector nodded and continued to eat.

The feast lasted well into the night. Finally, Hector escorted her to the women's quarters, and kissed her goodnight before returning to his own chamber. She watched as he walked away, and felt an odd sense of sadness as she did.

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Andromache awoke early the next morning, despite being tired because she had tossed continusely in her sleep; she wasn't accustomed to the sound of the sea as it crashed against the beaches. She prepared herself that day, not wishing to wake Xanthe who was in need of rest after the long voyage to Troy. Andromache chose to wear a yellow Himation, and to leave her hair loose, because she wished to be completely comfortable while riding, as the day was already hot.

Alexandros, Andromache's horse in Thebe, was to be cared for by her brother Podes. She said goodbye to her horse on the evening before she left Thebe. Andromache had cried in his stall as she said goodbye to him, but he had only looked back at her, wondering why she was upset.

A knock sounded on Andromache's door, she went to answer it and was welcomed by Polyxena, who had thought like Andromache and dressed simply.

"Good morning Andromache," said Polyxena, brightly. "Hector sent me to escort you to the palace stables."

"Good morning," greeted Andromache. "I'm ready now, if you'd like to show me."

Polyxena nodded and took Andromache's arm, leading her to the palace stables where Hector waited.

"Are you nervous about marrying Hector?" she asked, curiously. "I must say that I've never seen two people, in an arranged marriage, be as happy around each other as you and Hector."

"I'm nervous, of course," replied Andromache, slowly while she thought over the question. "But yes, Hector and I are very happy around each other."

"In a year or two," Polyxena sighed, "I shall be made to marry. I only wish that I'm as fortunate as you."

"I hope that you are," agreed Andromache. "Has your sister never shown any interest in marrying?"

Polyxena shook her head. "My father tried to find her a suitor when she was eighteen, which was almost two years ago, but … but only a few men came to my father, and once they had met Cassandra, they … changed their minds."

Both Polyxena and Andromache felt comfortable around one another, despite having known each other for less than a day, so Andromache felt no restrictions in asking her next question:

"Was she disappointed?"

"No," said Polyxena, "she has never wished to marry. I think she knew that she wouldn't one of the men who came."

They had now reached the stables and Andromache was amazed to see how organised and neatly kept it was, especially at how much larger these stables were compared to the royal stables in Thebe. She could see Hector waiting, stroking the manes of two horses that were already prepared.

"I'll leave you now," said Polyxena, and smiled.

Andromache nodded. "Thank you Polyxena." Polyxena then left, and Andromache walked to Hector.

"I knew you'd like to ride your own horse," said Hector, "so I chose Hermione for you to ride." Hector then patted the white mare, she was truly beautiful. She had little specks of grey hair around her heels, but other than that she was completely white.

Hector helped Andromache onto Hermione, who was much larger than Alexandros was, so Andromache was glad of the help. Then Hector jumped onto his own horse, a dark chestnut coloured stallion, and she noticed he had a few scars around his legs and face, Andromache presumed that this was a horse Hector had used in war.

They rode out of the stables, and out of the confines of the city's walls. Hector started his horse into a fast gallop, Andromache followed suit, and they made it to the beaches quickly. The tide was not due to swim up the beach until later that day, so they were able to spend as much time together on the beach, as they wished.

Once they had arrived they placed a sheet on the sand to sit on and then ate breakfast, which consisted of chilled fruits, perfect to eat on such a blistering hot day.

"Tell me something about your self," said Andromache, and curiously watched Hector.

"Like what?" Hector laughed.

"Well … what was your childhood like?"

"As well as can be expected," said Hector, thoughtfully. "I'm the oldest, the first in line to the throne so I had to act accordingly, at all times."

"Do you envy Paris for being allowed so much freedom?" asked Andromache.

"Yes," answered Hector, "I've often envied him when I'm sent away to fight, and he's left in Troy to bed as many women as he pleases."

"Has your father never reproached Paris on his way of life?" asked Andromache. "Does your father not wish Paris to be in the army, like you?"

"Paris is still a child in my father's eyes," said Hector, "but Paris can't wield a sword to save his life, and he can't stand the sight of blood. He is good at archery though, which is something to be thankful for."

Andromache nodded.

"Now tell me," Hector and ate a grape before speaking again, "what was your childhood like?"

"Fantastic!" beamed Andromache, and laughed as she recalled certain memories from it. "I have seven older brothers, which you know, so I was allowed a lot more freedom than other girls, because my brothers allowed me to accompany them when they left the palace. My parent's were always loving, especially my mother, so I never wanted for love or attention."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Hector, sincerely, and then paused for a moment while he thought of a question to ask her. "What do you fear?"

"Many things," said Andromache, honestly. "I mainly fear death; however, I especially fear the death of a loved one."

Hector nodded in agreement. "You fear what I do, but, sadly, death comes to us all."

"Do you like fighting?" asked Andromache.

"I've never liked fighting," he answered, sadly. "However, it's my duty to protect my country, so I take the task on willingly."

"When I first heard that I was to marry you," said Andromache, "I thought you would be a brutish warrior, but you're not. I don't know why I'm saying this now, other than I wish to, but Hector … I've never met a man like you, and I'm glad that I'm marrying you."

Hector leaned over to Andromache and kissed her. "I love you Andromache."

Andromache's eyes widened with shock, she pushed Hector off her and stood up. "Don't Hector! Please don't speak those words when you don't mean them!"

Hector stepped onto his feet. "I …-,"

"Please Hector," cried Andromache, "I know why you said them, you said them because you thought it was a good response, but it wasn't! I know you don't love me … I know, I can't expect you to love me and I never will."

"Andromache!" shouted Hector and ran after her as she made her way to the horses. "Andromache, listen to me!"

Andromache mounted her horse, with some difficulty, and was about to ride back to the Palace when Hector caught her reins and steadied Hermione.

"Do not run away from me when I'm talking to you," said Hector, rather too sternly.

"I don't want to listen to the lies that ooze out of your mouth!" screamed Andromache.

"Andromache," said Hector, his tone more relaxed. "If you'd just let me explain…-,"

"So you can feed me more lies?" interjected Andromache.

"I said it," said Hector, quietly, "because I meant it, I'd never say something if I didn't mean it. You're the most amazing person I've ever met Andromache, I know we've only known each other for a few short weeks, but it feels like I've known you forever. When you screamed last night, it made me realise how important you are to me. I'm sure that as I learn more about you, I'll love you more, but at this moment I can say that I've never been so certain of anything in my entire life."

Andromache jumped off Hermione and kissed Hector softly. Her eyes softened as he gazed back at her with his chocolate coloured eyes. The defensive walls around Andromache's heart that had already began to crumble down, now fell with one look into Hector's eyes. Her wish had been answered by the gods, and she loved him, more deeply than she could ever express in words alone. Andromache kissed him once more, showing her love to Hector as her kiss sent shivers through his spine.

"I love you Hector," said Andromache, and tears, filled with happiness began to trickle down her cheeks. "Oh Hector, I love you, more than I could ever begin to convey."

Hector picked Andromache up in his arms and swung her around. You've shown me your love Andromache, he thought happily.