Hector.

I managed to escape my father, Paris, and Iris. There was a small room hidden within the palace, between Throne Room and the Grand Hall.

It was a library.

When I wished to escape I would go in there and lay on the sofa. Which is what I did then. I walked in the room, closed my eyes, and fell on the sofa that seemed to shrink as I grew older.

For a few minutes I lay in utter silence.

It was wonderful.

I actually heard myself think.

In the two months since Paris had stolen Andromache, the Greeks had managed to cause enough trouble that father was concerned. By the grace of the Gods alone he was unaware that I knew of the room.

The sound of someone entering the room did not bother me.

Darius, one of my advisors knew I hid in the room. He never knocked. Instead he would come in the room and sit down in a chair. Darius would patiently wait for me to address him. Unless, of course it was a pressing matter.

I lay on the sofa with my legs hanging off, my arms folded across my chest.

When I was ready I asked, "What is the problem?"

"I fear Andromache has gone mad with the child in her womb."

I smiled, "She has always been mad. I find it utterly irresistible." I remained exactly where I was, unmoved.

"She has attacked Paris."

Again, I asked, "What is the exact problem, Darius? If I remember correctly, you yourself hung Paris from a balcony by his ankles, not three months ago."

"Yes…well…I did not like the way he looked at my eldest daughter."

"You should have sent my wife after him. She'll do anything you wish if you give her bread with food on it."

"Hector, she has given fourteen palace guards new orders. Which include finding her food."

Finally, I lifted my head, "What kind of orders?"

Darius's silence told me that my wife had done something bad. "Darius?"

"It appears your wife knows of Paris's visitor from last night."

Iris! Damn!

Immediately I sat up, "How?"

Darius cocked his head, as if I should know the answer.

"You're a bright man. Think, Hector, who would tell Andromache such news?"

I thought it over for a moment, "Padme!"

"Very good, Hector."

I stood up and asked, "Where is Andromache?"

Darius laughed, "Oh Hector, it is wise to stay hidden in here."

"I am not afraid of my wife. Where is she?"

"At the moment? She is on the hunt for you. I must warn you she has beaten Paris. Your wife is in a rather ornery mood."

I did not care. I walked to the door, "Good, I rather enjoy when she is difficult." I would rather her scream at me then lay in bed all day and weep.

Darius stayed where he was seated, "Hector, she is almost ready to birth your child. You can't just toss her on the bed and have your way with her…be gentle."

I slammed the door behind me.

Darius yelled after me, "Don't take out your pent up needs on me!"

Had matters not been pressing I would have confronted him. When I thought about it I was needy. It had been months since I had been with my wife. I could not wait for my child to be born. Not only to hold the infant, but I wished for my wife. I had not been with her since I found out she was with child. I did not want to do anything that would harm her or the life inside of her. I could control myself. I was an adult.

The woman Iris had offered her services to me.

I wanted nothing to do with the woman. Not now, not five years ago, not even when her father wished her to marry into the royal family.