EVERYONE PLEASE READ—Primer, an explanation: This was something I thought of adding halfway through writing the story and inspired by the 2004 Athens Olympics that are currently on as I write this. It might seem a little off, given the atmosphere of the rest of the story but I always thought that even in the midst of a war that lasted ten years, there were some moments of happiness and this is one of them. It might seem a little out of place but I needed SOME happy.
My Immortal
By BluWine
Chapter 15: Interlude
Thanos had led her back into the royal chambers and echoing through the halls were Andromache's screams. At the door were Helen, Paris, Priam and Hecuba. Helen looked bored, Paris, pensive, Priam was nervous, and Hecuba just sat back, calm as a breeze. Hector, Katri could only assume, was inside.
"How is she?" Katri asked, stepping up to Paris. He looked up at her, stunned at first, then confused. Then, he shook his head.
"She's... It seems that right now, she's doing fine," Paris answered. Katri nodded and looked at the chamber doors. "Katri?" Katri looked down again.
"Yes?"
"If... If I've ever hurt you... Like... if I did something to really hurt you," Paris stuttered. Helen looked up, wondering at what her husband meant. "... you'd speak to me of it, right?"
Ahhhh... Bloody... Andromache!!
"Of course," Katri shrugged but Paris continued.
"So you wouldn't just bear through something stupid I might have done? Because I don't want you to... If I've ever caused you pain, I'd want you to put me right... I don't want you to suffer anything because of me." Katri frowned and watched as Paris was looking at her as if searching for something.
"You know me, Alexander," Katri grinned, forcibly. "Even if you didn't do something stupid, I'd still put you right."
Just then the doors opened and everyone's attention drew to Aristaeus but he just smirked apologetically.
"No princeling as of yet," Aristaeus apologized. "... But Andromache wants Katriana inside." Katri nodded and went through the doors, leaving everyone else the same way she had found them when they arrived.
"Was that why you were so quiet?" Helen murmured, putting her hand over Paris'. "You were afraid you had caused some pain in Katriana?" Paris nodded, turning so that both his hands held hers.
"Andromache was screaming at me... Telling me I had broken Katri..."
"She doesn't seem broken to me..."
"That's because you've never been with her before," Paris explained. "Katriana was so much more alive than she has been since she's arrived here... At first, I thought it was the injuries... But Andromache has given light to another possible reason... What if I'd done something to make her grow so quiet in my presence?"
"Then would she not surely tell you? You constantly tell me that this Katriana is so strong-willed and self-sufficient. Then wouldn't she tell you off for wronging her?" Helen argued, trying to ease away the creases of worry on Paris' forehead.
"You're right... Absolutely right," Paris sighed. "She would, wouldn't she?" His hand went to her neck and pressed her up to kiss her softly on the forehead. Helen smiled from beneath his eyes, happy that thoughts of Katriana weren't as hard to banish from Paris' mind as it was before. "I love you..."
"I love you too..." Helen whispered.
The doors burst open again and this time Aristaeus was grinning joyously.
"I would like to have the honour of announcing the birth of the newest member of the royal family," Aristaeus cried out. He stepped aside and everyone saw Hector carrying a small bundle. Katriana was grinning whilst holding Andromache's hand, who was now calm and relieved that it was all over.
"Everyone, I would like you all to meet... Astyanax," Hector said, his voice eerily soft and quiet. Everyone smiled as they saw the newborn babe squirm and wriggle in the new texture of the cotton blankets surrounding him and began to enter the room. As they neared, the baby began to fuss and make crying noises so Hector handed the baby over to his wife.
"Andromache... He's beautiful," Paris whispered, looking over his brother's shoulders to look at his nephew.
"Of course, he is!" Katriana smiled, looking at Paris from the other side of the bed. Paris couldn't help but grin at Katri in return watching as her fingers barely grazed the soft dark fuzz growing on Astyanax's head. She looked down and began to coo at the newborn. "What a siwwy, wittle uncle, all stating the obvious! Of course, you're beautiful! You're the most adowable baby in all the world, aren't you? Yes you are..." Paris let out a small snigger at the expression on Katri's face, her nose wrinkled with a silly grin of her own.
"Why don't you hold him for a second?" Andromache sighed, still tired from the birth but still ecstatically happy with her beautiful baby boy. "He doesn't seem to mind you..."
"Oh.. I couldn't... Let Alex or the king and queen hold him first. They're family... I'm just a friend," Katri protested shaking her head. "I'll have my turn later."
"Don't be ridiculous. We can hold him after a few moments... We're all queued up.. You just happen to be first," Priam interceded, waving a hand in emphasis.
"Well, if you don't mind..." Katri murmured, her eyes now enthralled with the new baby. The king nodded and nobody felt it appropriate to say otherwise. Katri bent down and took Astyanax into her arms, and then sat on the edge of the bed, facing away from Andromache and Hector, who were busy having a private moment of their own. Everyone else gathered around Katriana with Paris kneeling before her, looking with fascination at how easy Katri seemed to be with children.
"You'll have to forgive your siwwy wittle uncle, Astyanax," Paris whispered so that only Katri could hear since she was the closest and she laughed in reply, but her smile faded as she gently stroked the baby's skin with her thumb. "What's wrong?"
"He's just so... perfect... Makes me almost wish I had one of my own..." She looked at him, trying to convey to Paris what she meant exactly but the message wasn't received.
"What?!" Paris blinked. Before he could say anything else, Katriana was already smiling and giggling giddily as she gave Astyanax to the queen.
"Here's your beautiful grandson, my lady," Katri said, as she carefully cradled the babe's head and placed it in his grandmother's.
A Few Moments beforeHector and Andromache were on the bed, her head lying in the crook of his arm as they watched their relatives glow and sparkle over their son. Even Helen, whom Hector had overheard muttering about never becoming pregnant, was smiling in awe of the new life. Andromache was too tired right then. Her body was worn of energy and she was decidedly hungry... but much sleepier than in want of food. She smiled up at Katriana, who seemed to have an affinity for her 'nephew'. She heard her husband sigh above her as he settled down with his back on the headboard and his legs on the bed.
"What is it?" Andromache asked softly. Her hand took his and held it to her now empty womb.
"Katriana is right... Our son is perfect," Hector replied, sneaking a kiss on her forehead. "And speaking of Katriana... look at those two..." He gestured subtly to Katriana and Paris, their heads close together in a short conversation.
"I really do wish for those two to realize they're meant for each other," Andromache sighed, exasperated. "They look... urgh!... If you think our baby is beautiful, what about theirs? They'll have such a blessed and graceful child..."
"What makes you think ours is any less?" Hector asked, almost angrily.
"Because it was made, not in wedlock," Andromache answered matter-of-factly. "I mean, I know my child is blessed by the gods... At least, I would hope so for I couldn't possibly assume such a thing... But I was taught that children were meant to be for those who were called husband and wife. The only reason I have not already been stoned for such an act of birthing a child out of wedlock is because if anyone dare lay a finger on me and you shall have him run through with a thousand swords..."
"Well, you got that last part right..." Hector smiled. "But if you felt this way, we could have already gotten married. In fact, I offered a wedding when I returned from Sparta!"
"Ah, yes... But I'm a woman whose vice is her vanity..."
"Then we'll get married as soon as possible."
"In the midst of war?!"
"We are protected within these wall!"
"That is not what I mean... I don't want to get married while half the men are outside losing their lives for such an inane cause," she snapped, growing weary of an argument so soon after a laborious act. Hector grew quiet and retreated back into the pillows.
"Then you will wait for only Zeus knows how long..." Hector answered. "For all we know... From what I can predict, this war will last longer than we've hoped. Never has Troy taken on such a large fleet... It could take as long as a decade for such as this to end."
"Then so be it," Andromache replied, determined.
"Andromache?" Katriana called, as she turned from giving Astyanax to his grandmother. Hector looked at Paris, whose mouth was slightly agape from something Katri had said. Andromache turned to her caller, and smiled weakly.
"Yes?"
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop... And I only heard that last portion... I swear it... But about the war... and your wedding," Katriana babbled.
"What of it?"
"Well, I believe that Hector said it could take a decade even... until you can get married?" Andromache nodded. "Well, I was thinking.. since you wanted peace at the time of the ceremony... Well... the Greeks are holding the Olympics in about three years, aren't they? If the war isn't over before the Olympics, then why don't you have your wedding then."
"Three years?" Hector frowned, looking at his fiancé. "That's an awful long time."
"I can wait," Andromache murmured to Hector. Hector groaned in exasperation and just sat back defeated.
"Fine... Three years... During the month before the Olympics, we shall wed. And, by the gods, we shall not have ANOTHER postponement! I don't care if you have a black eye or bloated or ANYTHING! You will look beautiful in your wedding dress either way!" Hector cried out.
"All right.. Three years," Andromache smiled, sealing the deal with a kiss. She turned again to Katriana who was blushing at witnessing the sign of affection between the couple. "It was a good idea, Katri. It was good that you suggested it."
"Glad to be of help," Katriana nodded.
And so it passed. Three years had gone but very little had happened in the way of the war. Numerous battles were fought but nothing was settled as Troy was still impenetrable and the war remained at a stalemate, much to the chagrin of all those involved. Andromache, Katriana and even Helen joined on the planning of what could possibly the biggest event of the decade.
You see, the Olympics were nearing and the time of peace had settled on all of Greece. This was not a time of war, but a time of non-violent competition. Battles were put to rest so that travelers could move safely to visit the games and Troy's royal family was taking advantage of the peace to celebrate the third year of Astyanax and, now, the wedding of Hector and Andromache.
They had very little time but the city relished a moment of no bloodshed that everyone was helping in its planning and giving the goods to furnish the ceremony. Silks and laces, pearls and gems, Hector was giving everything to this wedding since it would most likely be the only time of peace they'd have for another four years if the war was going to last as long as he'd foreseen.
Finally, two days into the serenity was the day of the wedding. Beginning in the afternoon, the wedding would proceed and end at sunset. It was held at the high temple of Hera, goddess of marriage, so that the union may be blessed by her. The high temple was made up of a very small amphitheatre that could sit a hundred watchers at the most. The audience faced the ocean and the altar where there were two pillars standing side by side and connected by an arch above it. Below the arch, was a basin, raised on a single column, its water blessed by the priests and priestesses of the other temples of Troy.
Hector was dressed in the royal blue robes that befit the ceremony and so would be Andromache. Everyone else, however, would be dressed in simple white chitons as not to out shine the couple. Ornaments were also spared as only the wedding couple could be decorated with the exception of the royal family, of course, each wearing a crown to signify their lineage.
Finally, as Hector shifted his weight over and over again at the altar, a lyre was plucked and music began to descend upon the cliffside temple. He stood by the basin of blessed water and the priest stood beside him. Paris, Helen, Priam and Hecuba were already at their assigned spots in the audience, watching serenely at their loved one finally become joined with his beloved.
Andromache was at the top of stairs and was climbing down the steps daintily and every man in the audience nodded in approval at the beauty of their soon-to-be-princess. She was dressed in the royal blues and her dark hair was turned up in an array of curls, golden pins, and jewels. Her dress was perfectly made for her body and the occasion, its intricate embroidery making it seem like it was shimmering when, in truth, it was only the trick of the light hitting the many and minute details of the decoration.
Hector couldn't breathe. He couldn't speak... He couldn't move. He couldn't really do much of anything but watch the beautiful mother of his son, whom he had left in the care of Katriana somewhere in the audience, walk down to him, looking more beautiful than his dreams could possibly make her. In fact, he was in such a daze that he didn't even realize that she was already at his side, waiting for his acknowledgement.
"Hector?" she murmured, calling him out of the reverie. Hector blinked and he returned to reality. He thought he could almost hear Katriana laughing at him from the crowds for his anxiousness but he knew this was not the time for the playful, sibling relationship he had formed with Katriana. It was time for him and Andromache... Alone.
"Oh... yes..." Hector cleared his throat and looked at the priest and then to his bride. "Andromache, House of Clepsius, resident of the proud House of Troy, mother of the heir, holder of my hand..." At this, Andromache took his hand and smiled at him, almost shyly. "I acknowledge thee, in my presence, as one I am about to take to be my companion, mate and sole lover for the rest of my days." The shyness fell away when she heard him stay true to the words he had promised years ago and she began her own starting words.
"Hector, House of Priam, of the proud house of Troy, prince of Ilium, heir to its throne, protector of its walls, holder of my hand..." Now both hands were clasped together. "I stand before thee now, to be taken as you will, done with as you shall, with utmost trust and devotion for the rest of my days."
(Quick AN- To any feminist who thinks that COMPLETELY subservient, I apologize. Just realize that this was BEFORE everything women have accomplished in the last CENTURY and I tend to want to make things as real as possible. The monogamy was already a stretch...)
They looked into each other's eyes and held it for the hour it took to go through the whole ritual. It was mostly chanting and prayers to Hera and Zeus to bless their marriage and keep it whole and untarnished. Katriana, in her seat at the other side of the royal family, was becoming blatantly bored as was little Astyanax.
"Auntie Katri... When's Mama 'n' Papa gonna come back?" Astyanax mumbled, climbing onto his 'aunt's' lap. His speech was still a little slurred but for a three year old Astyanax was a precocious little thing, able to hold conversation well-enough to whine. "I'm hungry..."
"In a bit, little one..." Katri replied, bouncing Astyanax on her leg.
"But I'm hungry now!" Astranax whined, his voice getting louder. Katriana rolled her eyes and looked towards the royal family, looking at her from across the oblivious bride and groom. Paris and Priam were amused while the women pursed their lips in annoyance. Katri smiled apologetically and quickly gathered the boy up in his arms.
"All right, little princeling," she murmured. She knew it would be a waste of time since the ceremony was about to end with the sun halfway down the horizon but she knew Astyanax would throw a fit and ruin the wedding's serenity. She stood up and exited the temple through the side through which there was little distraction.
Astyanax was a nightmare, dropping out of her arms and running inside to the kitchens to eat what food he could. The kitchen maids were more than happy to oblige to the young prince and Katriana smiled in relief as everyone doted upon Astyanax as she sat on a chair and relaxed.
"He's quite a handful, isn't he..." Semele murmured, watching the prince go from cook to cook, getting a biscuit at every one.
"He is," Katri sighed, leaning back on her resting place.
"You know, Katriana, you should really be getting ready for the reception..." Semele suggested. Katri looked at her, strangely.
"I'm already dressed!" Katri exclaimed.
"Ah, yes, for the ceremony, but the dinner is when the guests actually become dressed for the occasion," she explained.
"Oh..." Katri blushed and blinked. "I didn't know that... But I really can't, though. I have Astyanax to look after..."
"Don't be silly. I'll have no problems caring for him during the party. Now off you go... Mustn't keep the royal family waiting." Semele pushed Katriana out the door, laughing and shooed away with her, Iris, a maiden about Katriana's age, that worked as hand servant in the palace.
When Katri and Iris reached her suite, Katri was more than a little hesitant. She sat at the window sill, staring down at the wedding party below her that would soon move into the grand hall. She bit her lip, unsure of how she could possibly fit into the crowd.
"Your dresses are so beautiful, milady!" Iris gushed as she gathered the dresses and powders and set them on the bed. She smiled in admiration at how the silks and satins that was afforded to Katriana and couldn't help but express a bit of her envy. "The prince must think quite highly of you to give you so many beautiful things...." Iris looked up and watched Katriana smile in return.
"He's just trying to spoil me..." Katri murmured, stepping away from the window. "But I'm afraid I could never do justice to all these things..."
"Semele was right," Iris laughed. "You are silly! Not to be completely arrogant here, but I'm QUITE an artist when it comes to women, powders and a bit of rouge." She grinned at Katri and handed her an ivory dress with light gold embroidery at the hem and at the shoulders. "The lowliest being can become quite pretty in my hands and you, my dear, are already beautiful to begin with." Katri blushed and began to unclasp the pins at her shoulders, holding her plain white dress together. She was going to put on the dress Iris had handed to her but she frowned, realizing that the cloth was a little too complex for her to comprehend.
"Ummm... Iris? Help?" Katri called, her embarrassment increasing. What kind of idiot doesn't know how to put on a dress!? That was when Iris smiled, kindly and began to help her. Katri realized it really wasn't that difficult a dress.
Iris had helped Katriana slip in from the bottom hem and then instructed her to put her arms through two double-looped chains of small gold leaves. As Katri slipped the dress on properly, she thought that the dress was a little... umm... revealing? Iris arranged the loops so that it situated themselves right at the edge of her shoulder and smiled.
"There... Not too hard, was it?"
"Isn't this a bit... bare, Iris?" Katri mumbled, turning her head around at the looking glass to see that the dress revealed the whole of her back as the back neckline hung extremely low. The front covered her well-enough but the back was just so exposed.
"Nonsense," Iris rolled her eyes. "It's fine and perfect and all the gentlemen will be crawling all over you by the end of the night. Now sit still so I can put on you a little bit of powder." Considering the end result, the whole make over didn't take much time at all, really. An hour later and she was ready to leave the room. The reception was already in full swing since not many others bothered to change afterwards. Some of the most vanity-centric, for lack of a better word, had changed and so most of those that actually went into the more beautiful, ball-themed dresses were women, Helen included. Katri was ready to go through the doors when Iris caught her arm.
"What now?!" Katri cried out. "I'm REALLY hungry! Can't I just go in?!"
"Not without an escort!" Iris said as if it was the obvious thing in the world. Katri rolled her eyes and just stood back while Iris dove into the hall and came out with Acacius in tow.
".. Why does it have to be me?! There are many other men out there that can escort some random girl!" Acacius mumbled.
"It's because she's not RANDOM, you half-wit!" Iris pushed Acacius out into the hall where Katri was waiting with an amused smirk.
"'ello there," Katri grinned, slipping her hand into his arm before he could even say a word.
"... Wow... You clean up well, I see," Acacius smiled in return. Katri hit him slightly in the arm.
"I believe the correct line is 'Milady!', then you look at me adoringly, and then comment on how beautiful I look," Katri remarked as they walked into the hall. Some heads turned, wondering at who this new girl was. Well, of course, they recognized her as an honoured guest of the royal family. The intricate gold circlet that contrasted from her dark hair was enough of an indication. Some recognized her as the woman left by the prince for Helen. Others simply wondered for the identity of this striking young woman.
"I'll have you know that I think you are the most beautiful creature in this room," Acacius flirted causing Katriana to blush scarlet. "I believe the correct line would have been 'I know, Acacius. You need not tell me what I already know.'"
"I am do not sound like that and I would never ever assume such a thing," Katri said, playfully aghast. Acacius laughed at their playful banter and involuntarily put his hand on the small of her back, like he would have anyone he was leading to her chair but froze slightly at the touch of skin. Katri blushed again, feeling Acacius reaction but he chose not to bring it up. He was enjoying this warm feeling on his fingertips to break the mood with something stupid... but Katri felt it was only right to do so. "... I'm hungry..."
"Then I shall feed you," Acacius replied leading her to the table. He wasn't of such noble rank and wouldn't be able to stay with her, unfortunately. He just hoped he could leave her in good hands next to Paris. The prince had remained silent until AFTER Acacius left.
"Good evening, Alex," Katri nodded to him.
"Katri!" Paris grinned at her, turning away from his wife. Neither Katri nor Paris saw Helen clench her fists for a moment though Katri felt the heat of her glare. Paris' hand took Katri's and he softly kissed it as his eyes looked her over. His frown deepened as he noticed her bare back as she reached over the table to grab some bread... His frown became a snarl as he noticed other men take notice of Katri as well. "What's with the dress?"
"You don't like it?" Katri asked, innocently looking up as she chewed on the small piece of bread she was eating.
"It's not... that..." Paris stammered, his eyes still furrowed. He looked down and saw that one hand still held hers and he wasn't very willing to let it go with so many men near her.
"Then?" Katri slipped her hand out of his, even when she felt his possessive tug on her palm. "You're acting strangely, Alexander."
"Let's just get on with dinner," he muttered turning back to his food. He ate silently and Katri just shrugged.
This was a banquet and it was held in honour of the wedding couple. Paris was NOT going to ruin this night for her, though for the first hour or so he was doing a very good job of it. Katriana had been staring around her for ages, with no one to keep her company until Acacius returned to ask her to dance.
"A dance, milady?" requested the guard, bowing as was customary.
"But, of course, sir," Katri giggled, unused to the formality between her and Acacius. She looked to Paris but he wasn't even looking at her so she just shook her again and put her hand in Acacius'.
Acacius was the only one that noticed the look of fury that greatly resembled the one the prince had worn that one morning three years ago. Three years... Had it really been that long since he had let Paris come to the conclusion that he had intimately slept with Katriana? He couldn't help but smirk, realizing that he'd been constantly playing with the young prince's mind since then, dropping suggestive hints every possiible chance he could. It was the only source of entertainment he got during the war and with one month of freedom ahead, Acacius was going out onto toen to enjoy himself for awhile. The look Paris had on his face right now, however, was priceless.
The audacious guard grinned haughtily at Paris as he put a hand on the small of Katriana's back and pulled her waist closer to him. He could just barely make out the white of his knuckles as Paris tightened his hold on the goblet and he let out a chuckle.
"What is it?" Katri asked, putting one hand on his shoulder.
"Just counting the rewards of being this close to you," Acacius said, his green eyes twinkling at her. Katri blushed and then laughed as his strong arms lifted her slightly off the ground, twirled her in the air before setting her down again to begin the fast pace of the song.
Paris swallowed his anger with his wine and glared at the happy dancing couple on the floor. Helen was tired of his tension and had already left to talk with other women. He now sat alone, looking at Katri and Acacius, trying to remember all of Katriana's reassurances that she wasn't with Acacius in and romantic manner but Acacius just kept entering his mind... All the times he'd caught them together, alone somewhere, he could always count on Acacius smiling triumphantly at him. His vivid imagination never failed him at night... His dreams about were so recurrent, he'd learned to ignore them, at least, to the extent of maintaining his sanity... Paris had to admit, though, that Katriana was a bit of a sexual adventurer in his imagination... Paris almost choked on that thought but he just scowled at his goblet and continued to nurse away what he thought to be misguided jealousy.
Awhile afterwards, Katriana was beat. She could barely stand. Acacius was literally holding her up by the waist and her head was rested on his chest.
"Tired," she muttered.
"Want a drink?" Acacius murmured.
"Something nice and uplifting," she grinned looking up at him.
"Your wish is my command..." Acacius set Katriana down on the chair she had vacated almost an hour ago and set out for drinks. As she rested, Katri realized she was alone again. She looked to the side and saw Paris hunched over his own drink, pointedly ignoring her. She was about to look for Acacius again when Andromache approached them. Paris smiled at the coming bride and thought she was coming to greet himm but she only smiled cordially in return and turned to Katriana, feeling her strength return with her enthusiasm.
"Andromache! You look beautiful!" Katri grinned. "oh I'm sorry... It's PRINCESS Andromache now, isn't it?"
"Yes... It's PRINCESS and as my first motion, I think I'll be kicking you out of the banquet hall now..." Katri looked confused for a second and Paris was about to leap into his involuntary defense but Andromache just grinned. "You can't possibly have a guest outshining the bride on her wedding day!"
"Liar!" Katri laughed relaxing and Paris sat back in his chair again, eyeing the bare back beside him and starting to feel curious about the skin he could see. "I could never look better than you do right now, PRINCESS!! Look at you! You're glowing!"
"Wait till you see me tomorrow..." Andromache winked.
"Oooo... I bet," replied Katri, with her own mischievous sparkle.
"You do look beauti..." But she was cut off by a little boy's tug at her dress from behind.
"Mommy... Semele won't feed me," the boy whined. "I want the little sweet things on that table and she said no." Semele caught up, her breath labored from running around with Astyanax.
"I'm sorry, your highness... Astyanax is just a little bowl of energy. Anymore sugar and I'm sure to pass out..." Semele apologized. Andromache then turned her conversation with the servant girl and Astyanax crawled into Katri's lap.
"How are you doing, little one?" Katriana asked, tickling the underside of his chin lightly.
"Uncle Paris is funny," Astyanax giggled. Katri turned and saw that Paris was finally looking at her. His head was rested on the heel of his hand as the elbow propped him up on the table. His gaze was on Katriana and he didn't bother hiding the loving smile he usually expressed only under solitude. "See?"
"What do you mean?"
"He was all grrrr when you and Acacius were dancing. He would go..." Astyanax then proceeded to demonstrate the pattern, pretending he had a goblet in his two hands. He would take a sip, and then glare in front of him then take a sip again from his imaginary cup. "Over and over again..."
"Oh... is that right?" Katri smiled, raising her eyebrow at Paris who just shrugged.
"Auntie... I think Uncle Paris loves you," Astyanax said lowly that even Paris didn't hear, though he noticed the blush around Katri's neck.
"Of course not, Astyanax. He loves your Aunt Helen... you know this."
"But Aunt Helen is mean! She always tells me to go away... And anyways, he doesn't smile at her like she does you..." This time his voice got loud enough for the people around him to hear. "When you're not looking, he gets all smiley like Papa does when mommy wears this really pretty dress you almost see through."
"Astyanax!" Andromache exclaimed catching the last part. She was bright red and Paris and Katri were laughing hysterically at Astyanax's outpour of information. She grabbed her son's hand and led him away, embarassed, Semele trailing after.
Katri and Paris were alone again, and now Katriana was uncomfortable. She had never noticed his smile, nor his jealous glares. How could she just sit there and deal with him so she got up and tried to walk away before Paris, whose inhibitions were mostly wiped away by the alcohol but still quite rational and logical, grabbed her hand.
"It's been awhile, Katri," he said, holding her hand and stroking her wrist with his thumb.
"Hello to you too, Alexander," she cocked her head like his, looking down at their hands, her heart beating just a few times faster than the normal pace.
"Come with me to the balcony?" Like she could say no to him? Three years and her heart still pounded because the chocolate-brown eyes that looked at her the way only Paris could. "Please?"
"Yes..." she murmured, smiling slightly, as he pulled her away from the banquet. Katri was pulled out the room and was surprised when he didn't take her to the main balcony where most guest visited to get some air. "Where are we going?"
"Your room... Always liked it... 'ts why I gave it to you," he answered pulling her to her door and let her open it with her key. They got in and Paris locked the door behind them. "So that tonight is just us, Katri. No one else... Just me and you." He dropped a kiss on her forehead and pulled her out past the curtains of the way and onto the two long, one-armed sofas for reclining outside with a guest. "Get us blankets, love?" Katri nodded compliantly and went inside to get some throw rugs and putting away her marking circlet. When she returned the sofas were together and Paris was waiting for her to join him. "Haven't watched the stars in ages..."
"Good time to watch it now?" Katri asked, teasingly, taking a lie-down next to him and slipping off her shoes and the blanket over both of them.
"Good a time as any," Paris grinned, as she actually lay on his chest, her head underneath his as she gazed at the star-sprinkled sky over the ocean. "We REALLY haven't done this in awhile, haven't we?" His arms moved around her waist, one hand going up and down her forearms with his fingertips and she settled deeper into his chest.
"No... You with Helen and the war... Me with various little things I keep myself entertained with..." The moment his hand touched her, she knew would fall into the trap. She didn't want to. She wished she could resist the charm this man had on her but there she was: completely helpless under his gaze and stroke.
"You keep yourself entertained hoooooow?" Paris prodded.
"The usual... books and Astyanax alike..."
"Ahh... the bane of Katriana... words and children. I bet you'd be a wonderful mother, Katri. Astyanax adores you..."
"Thank you." Her voice trailed away as a thought struck her. "How about you? Astyanax looks so highly at his beloved Uncle Paris. Why don't YOU have children?"
"Helen," he shrugged though inside he felt otherwise. "Doesn't want any. I don't want to argue since, if her relationship with Astyanax was an indication, her forte is not with children..."
"But you want one, don't you?" Paris sighed. "Don't lie to me, Alexander."
"Yes... I really, really, really want one. I'd give so much for a child..."
"You'll get one, love... Helen will be ready one day..."
"I hope so... How about you anyways? When are you marrying?"
"Never..."
"What? Of course, you are!"
"No... I'm passed marrying age and no one seems to want me..." Her eyes closed and she couldn't help but feel the loneliness that occurred in her version of unrequited love.
"Acacius," Paris suggested, reluctantly.
"My heart belongs to someone else..." she shook her head before swerving the attention. "Either way, pregnancy and birth terrifies me!" she laughed.
"Well, I'd be there," Paris promised. "There holding your hand as your husband holds the other..." His hands covered hers and interlaced their fingers, smiling at the warmth and fit of her hands underneath his. "And I'll be telling you to breathe and push and tell you that your child was drop-dead-gorgeous just like her mother." Paris' neck felt her face burn with embarassment and he chuckled. "By the way, in all this excitement, I almost forgot. Happy twentieth birthday..."
"Alex! You remembered!" Her head twisted back to smile at Paris and he returned the smile adoringly.
"Like I'd really forget? I haven't forgotten in the last twelve years... I won't forget NOW..." He dropped his head kissing her nose, affectionately. "Twenty years... Your age will soon begin to show, love..." he teased, being a few month younger than she was.
"Oh, please! YOU look older than me!" Paris laughed at her indignance and kissed her cheek this time.
"Quiet, love. No need to stress. Causes wrinkles, you know." Neither barely noticed the way her head nuzzled against his kiss but they continued their banter as she twisted farther up his body so that her head was slightly higher than his. Actually, maybe they DID notice their closeness, a breath separating their faces if their racing heartbeats or trembling hands or clouded eyes were any indication.
"I do NOT have wrinkles! I'm twenty, not three and fifty..." Her voice was lowering in note, as his hands left hers and rested on her waist as she began to shift her position.
Blame it on the alcohol... Blame it on their natural attraction... Blame it on the Fates. However well they fought temptation before, it was all in vain now. She had twisted enough so that her hands were on his shoulders. One leg was draped over his under the blankets and her dress was shifting so that Paris suddenly found himself stroking the underside of her almost-exposed breast and her face just so near his.
They still continued, nonetheless, as if their heads were still safely apart and their growingly attached body parts were NOT growing closer and beginning to fondle as her hands found the nape of his neck.
"Oh, but you do, my love..." Neither questioned his endearment but only laughed, huskily as their breaths began to shallow. "Wrinkles and creases everywhere! Here..." His lips kissed between her eyebrows. "There..." He kissed the corner of both of her eyes... "And EVERYWHERE!" It was the excuse both were waiting for... His lips dropped kisses all over her face, each one soft and butterfly. But when he reached her lips was a whole other story.
Paris' mouth was open, anticipating the way Katri had hers open as well, ready to invite him to taste her as he leaned over to kiss her the way he'd een wanting to for years. His dreams did her taste not justice. Her sweetness was something entirely different from anything he'd ever tasted before and he couldn't get enough of it as his tongue explored her mouth arduously. Paris turned them over so that she was beneath his aching desire to be with her and he watched as her chest heaved with want and breath. His hand traveled from her stomach, stroking teasingly over it to the sides of her breasts. Then, his fingers found the loops of gold that kept her dress from falling and he looked her in the eye, halfway between alcoholic courage and sober spontaneity and release.
"May I?" Paris asked, holding the dress' sole guards. Let us reiterate: Like she could ever say no to the big brown eyes she'd been in loved with since the beginning of time. Her eyes looked into his. There was something in those chocolate eyes that made her want to dance, as if the veil was lifted even if for a moment... Paris was seeing Katriana as he saw her before he left for Sparta. His look of adulation from above her was something she'd only seen in her dreams for the last three years. There was no Troy, no war and no politics... Most importantly... As she looked into Paris' eyes, there was no Helen there. Her hand cupped his cheek and felt him nuzzle the palm of her hand, kissing the skin.
"Alexander?"
"Yes, my love?" he murmured, his eyes closed. His lips began to travel up her forearm and then up her upper arm as her elbow bent so that her arm could wrap around his neck as his mouth kissed her bare shoulder.
"This is you, right?" Paris peered at her from his lust and love filled eyes.
"Who else would I be but the man that's been wanting to do this for the last THREE bloody YEARS?" He almost exclaimed. She threw her head back and laughed. She returned, smiling at him, kissing him harder than before. As he retreated from the kiss, after a few moments, he gasped, "May I take that as a yes?" His fingers slid over her shoulder, pulling down the silk and satin to reveal the glowing skin of the woman beneath him.
"Yes," she murmured, slipping down the other shoulder to expose herself to him completely and to begin making love under the watchful sparkle of the stars and the ethereal glow of the moon...
Anachronism: Okay I KNOW that this is off by a few hundred years but this is AU and I do what I want! The Trojan War was BEFORE the Olympics was created so that's off but it is fact that a month before the Olympics in Greece, a peace is called throughout the whole region in honour of the games in Olympia. All those who performed acts of violence during this time are supposedly cursed by the god, Zeus. Reason for pulling the Olympics in this story? I needed a time in the war where Hector and Andromache's wedding could happen when there was absolutely NO way that the Greeks would attack. The month of peace was it.
And the wedding, I COMPLETELY made up... probably influenced by every other wedding I've read in the fanfic world and seen.
Review Reponses
drummerchick1988, ellegirl104 Thanks for the reviews, you guys! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.. Sorry it's so long and that it TOOK so long.
Eponine42 Thanks for the Cassandra feedback. I wasn't really sure if I did her well enough to be sympathized for in the story, even if you DON'T know the story about her. And I'll try to make a... ::whats the word without giving anything away...:: SATISFYING ending for everyone. )
Trojan Nag Haha... Thanks for the review and yea, we should! Yahoo!groups should be able to supply for the I hate Helen of SPARTA club.
Angel ::laughs:: Gay doesn't seem the... right choice.. yea. haha. But I get the gist.
Hikage Kitsune You have any idea how confused I was a bit by 'cyoas and insert you' fics? haha i couldn't get it. Now I do, by the way, and thanks for the review. I'm so sorry it took so long.
yuki I love it I love it I love it! Please please please update sooner! I need to know what happens! you are such a good writer! keep up the good work!
Maren L P UNFORTUNATELY... I'm still playing with that idea of writing the convo between them. but read amanda's review response below if you're curious about some things. She asked questions and I'm here to answer. )
amanda Ummm... I think Priam can be for my grandmother. She just adores Peter O' Toole. ) But about the conversation... Andromache respected Katri's wishes not to mention what could have been but she made it clear that he had hurt her severely. That's enough to wound him I think.
babyg2988 Ah.. ::grin:: Who IS Katriana? That is the question isn't it?
Shells Well.. in answer, Paris.. doesn't necessarily forget. I try to convey but obviously I'm failing. P hehe... but It's more like it was drawn over... The memories are still there... And he still has emotions that he can make AGAIN for Katriana that gets covered AGAIN by Helen's face. Your conclusions were awesome though!! My reviewers are smart! Yes!!
Stardust Angel2 Hehe... Mood changes that bad are a symptom of insanity. )
pierced-belly-button That name is spelled Psyche... and just so that I answer without really answering. Let's just say that 'you're heading smack dab in the completely RIGHT direction.' )
Nevasaiel The immortals... haha... read a few of my reviews and you;ll find out who the immortals are. )
Larrikin The Eye... is just ability to see the future.. Sorry that I didn't clarify.. hehe I though people would know. I read Harry POtter and that's what it's called over there. hehe. MY MISTAKE!
rose-eye-blonde91 Acacius doesn't get to score! Sorry. hehe Obviously.. Paris did. )