Chapter 2

Sara and Malina made their way back to the servant's quarters. Sara had gotten Malina clothes to wear and a few knickknacks that she could put up in her room. Sara was sent to Malina's house to gather her things, such as blankets and clothing that she could wear outside of the palace. Sara packed these things up for her and they made their way to Hectors room.

"You're very lucky." said Sara.

"And why is that?" asked Malina.

"No one ever asks for a servant. Especially a specific one. And especially not Hector. He doesn't believe in servitude."

Malina stopped in her tracks. "He doesn't believe in servitude? Then why am I here?" she asked.

"Don't know, my dear. You may have to ask him that when your in private. Servant's aren't allowed to talk to their masters outside of the room."

"Oh." said Malina.

"You'll be fine. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me all right?"

"Yes, thank you."

They arrived at Hectors room. Sara bid Malina goodnight and left. Malina quietly and nervously knocked on the door. Hector opened the door and saw how small and scared she looked.

"Please, come in." He helped pick up her stuff and brought it into the room. "Your room is right over here."

Malina followed Hector to the room off to the side. It wasn't very big but wasn't very small either. He set her things down as she looked around.

"It's not the best servant room but,"

"No, it will do thank you." Hector just nodded his head.

"You will eat breakfast at dawn. After that, Kaya will tell you everything you need to know all right? Any questions?"

"Just one." Malina hesitated. "If it's not to bold to ask your highness, why did you pick me as your personal servant? No one ever picks one, especially you."

"Don't ask me why Malina. I have my reasons." He snapped.

"Oh." she said quietly. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"Malina." He lifted her head up with his hand on her chin. "You didn't upset me. Don't hesitate to ask me anything. You do not need to fear me. I am here to help you as well, all right?"

Malina looked into his deep brown eyes and nodded her head.

"I'll let you get settled. Be ready at dawn. Kaya will come get you." And with that, he left. Malina looked around her room and started putting her things away. It started looking like her old room when she lived with her mother. She had forgotten about her mother all day. She opened the door and went into Hectors bedroom. He was standing on the balcony looking out over the city of Troy.

"Your highness?" Hector turned around to find Malina looking at him.

"Yes, Malina what is it?"

"When is the burial service for my mother?" she asked quietly.

"Two days from now. Preparations need to be made. Do not worry; I will take care of everything. You need some sleep. Go." With that he pushed her towards her room. He closed the door as she went and sat down on the bed. He took one last glance at her and shut the door. When Malina sat down, she began to cry. She hadn't cried since getting to the palace. There wasn't time. She lay down and cried herself to sleep.

Malina awoke the next day at dawn. There was a light rapping on her door. She opened it to find an old woman with a small smile on her face.

"Good morning child. You are Malina yes?"

"Yes. Yes I am Malina. Are you Kaya?"

"Ah, I see Hector did mention me. He is quit forgetful sometimes. I brought you some food. Come; let us eat on the balcony and talk." Malina was led by Kaya inside Hectors room and to the balcony.

"Where is Prince Hector?"

"He and his brother are off fighting somewhere. Who knows where they go anymore. Ever since Andromache died, he has been gone more times than I can count. He has been up at dawn, along with Paris, and out keeping the peace. He is, after all, the fighter of the family. But enough of him let us talk about you. What brought here my dear?"

"Well, I used to be a normal civilian. A peasant. My mother was very ill and I took care of her. My father died when I was only 6 years old. I was devastated. He was killed right in front of my eyes. My mother became ill 2 years ago. I took care of her ever since. She died yesterday actually. I was in the market when I heard a horrid scream. I saw a woman run from my house and I knew that something was wrong. I dropped everything and ran towards my home. I saw my mother lying on the ground, dead. Prince Hector came in and took my mother and me to the palace. And hear I am."

"Wow, some story. Prince Hector actually brought you here himself? Interesting."

"Why is that interesting?"

"Well his just died. You would think he would be sullen and not want to talk to anyone. He was like that, until you showed up."

"Your not saying that Hector is interested in me are you?"

"No, I am just saying that Hector never turns around like that. Whenever something happens, he sulks over it for awhile. But once he saw you, I don't know, I think you changed him."

"How could I have changed him? I have only just met him."

"Never mind dear. We don't need to worry your pretty little head over it. Now, I need to teach you what to do around here, since you are taking my place. First things first. Once you are done with breakfast in the morning, you will go down to the kitchen and get breakfast for Prince Hector. Then, you will gather the laundry and take it to the laundry room located in the bottom of the palace. I will show you that later. You will then tidy up Prince Hector's living quarters and make sure everything is where it needs to be. You will make his bed, and so on and so on. At dinner, you will walk with Prince Hector to the dining hall. You will then stand behind him and get him anything he needs. Are you getting all of this?" Malina nodded. "Good. After dinner, you will head back to your room and wait until Hector comes in. He will then tell you what needs to be done. Usually, you take his armor and hang it up, along with his robes and such. You will turn down his bed and such. My dear, you look like a blow fish. Relax, this will all come naturally. Prince Hector won't care if you miss a couple of things. He is, in my opinion, the best master in this palace. He treats you with respect, which is why I hate to go, but my time is up. Don't worry, you will do fine. Today, all you need to do is tidy up the living quarters. After that, you may relax and do whatever you please. Specific orders from Prince Hector himself. Now, if you have any questions, Sara and I will be most grateful to help you. Goodbye my dear."

And with that, Kaya had left with the trays of food that Malina didn't eat. Malina sat on the balcony for a bit longer. She looked down to the marketplace and noticed the hustle of the people. She looked out over the walls to the ocean. She wished she could visit the ocean. Maybe one day, she would be allowed. She decided to get the cleaning done and over with. It was now about half way till noon. She started cleaning up the living area first. Basically, papers and trays of food were left around. She took those and placed them in the halls for the other servants to come get. She took the clothes that were on the floor and put those in the dirty pile. She then went into Hectors room. It smelled wonderful. It was a mixture of a woman scent and a musky masculine smell. She knew the woman's smell was Andromache's. She went over to the bed and made it. Making sure the fine sheets were folded and tucked the right way. After that, she got curious and wandered over to the vanity. She noticed multiple perfumes and jewelry. A silver hair brush rested next to the jewelry box. It was beautiful. She picked up the perfumes and sniffed them. She took some of the jewelry and placed it on her neck, just to see what it would look like.

"Hello."