Author's note, Sorry about the length or lack of.

Andromache

Paris would be worried.

After all, he had snuck me out of the palace to take me out for a walk, for fresh air he claimed. But, he just wanted me out of bed so he could see his niece or nephew.

His motives were almost pure.

Yet, I just wished to be alone.

So I snuck away from him and covered my head with a veil. I simply walked along the market stalls on my own. Looking over the silks and jewels, the fruits and spices.

I enjoyed the fresh air.

I enjoyed walking and rubbed my unborn child.

I came to a stall , which sold sandals and looked over the selection. My own feet were swollen, so I had gone without shoes. Like I had in my childhood days. The days of youth and innocence.

I had grieved for my family, I had grieved so much I could no longer grieve. But, I still hurt. Everything hurt when I thought of them. Even the memories hurt.

It made me think of Hector and my unborn child.

It terrified me.

"Princess, would you like to try on a sandal?"

The soft voice surprised me and so did her recognition of me. I narrowed my eyes and looked at the old woman, immediately I remembered her as a seamstress who had visited the palace on more then one occasion.

A feeling close to guilt swept over me, but I told her, "My feet are swollen."

The old woman looked down at my feet.

As if she didn't believe me. But I found I didn't care. When she looked back up at me she looked over her selection displayed on the table. Her wrinkled hand picked up a pair and handed them to me.

Without a word I took them and looked at the simple design.

Heavy leather soles and cloth straps.

With a forced smile I told her, "Place them on Hector's account."

She nodded and dipped her head in thanks, "Yes, Princess."

"Could you have them delivered to the palace? I have no basket and am on my way down to the beach. I do not wish to loose or dirty them."

She took the sandals and nodded, "Of course Princess."

At that, I continued my walk through the market.

Wandering aimlessly, I would stop and look at stalls and lower my head when I spotted a very nervous Paris. It was not that I didn't enjoy his company. I just didn't want him hovering over me.

I came to the city gates and waved to a visibly upset guard.

Then I walked out onto the beach.