Chapter 9

That evening there was a big celebration for the newly engaged couple. King Priam insisted on having everything perfect. He had many guests attending, more than usual actually.

Anama was in her rooms getting ready for this festive occasion. She had never had a dinner hosted in her honor. Okay it wasn't just for her, but still, this was so exciting. She couldn't help the smile that kept coming to her face. She even had Kia smiling.

"Your bath is ready mistress."

"All right." Anama went and bathed. She had her hair washed and body. She wanted to be extra clean for tonight. She got out and decided to have Kia put up all of her hair. Kia pinned all of her hair to the top of her head, leaving strands of curls hanging around in odd places. She placed two curls on each side of her face. She placed a golden crown on her head, and outlined her eyes in kohl. She wore earrings of a turquoise blue color. She wore a turquoise blue dress and sandals to match. She wore bracelets of gold and a necklace of golden leaves. When she was done, Anama looked at herself. She really did look like a queen. It was kind of scary.

Paris knocked and entered her room. He looked at Anama and his jaw hit the floor.

"Wow, Anama. You look amazing! I never knew you could look like a lady." A pillow was thrown at his head for his statement.

"Shut up, Paris. Are you ready?"

"Yes. There all waiting for you slow poke. Come!"

"Yea, yea. All right."

They walked down the corridors to the Great Hall where they would be introduced. Well, Anama would be introduced. Paris left to go sit next to Hector. Hector looked over to Paris and Paris just smiled and gave him a thumbs up. Hector laughed and waited for the arrival of his soon to be wife.

"Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you, Princess Anama. Future Queen of Troy." A loud uproar sounded in the hall and the doors opened revealing a young and beautiful woman. Hectors breathe caught in his throat. It was amazing that this women could still take his breathe away. She looked even more beautiful when she was dressed as a future queen. She still had her bruise on her face, but that somehow gave her more beauty. The beauty of strength. She had her wrist wrapped in golden chiffon that was held in place by golden bracelets. She walked through the hall, bowing her head to people beside her. She finally made it to the head table and took a seat next to King Priam. Hector was seated on the other side. The voices finally died down.

"Ladies and Gentleman. As most of you know, Hector here is to be married to this beautiful young woman. But before that happens, there is much to be done. I hope all of you will assist in the marriage plans and help everything go as smoothly as possible. As you can see, Anama was recently involved with a terrible accident, and she will retain in the palace until she is better. When she is fully healed, they will be wed, and Troy will have their future King and Queen of Troy."

The hall erupted into hoots and hollers of voices. Anama just smiled and looked over to Hector to see him with a smile on his face. He looked so much better when he was happy, and not with that serious look he always held. She turned back to the hall just as the servants came with the food. They all ate humbly and slowly for it was not everyday that you ate palace food. When they were done, the entertainment came out. Dancers and jugglers and the like filled the hall. Quietly and sneakily, Hector grabbed Anama and took her outside.

"Come with me." They walked outside to the gardens and looked out over the city of Troy. At night, the city was even more beautiful. In the distance, Anama could just make out the shoreline of the ocean. She wished she could go to the ocean, but it would never happen. She looked over to find Hector looking at her.

"What are you thinking about?"

"When you'll finally be my wife."

Anama just laughed. "Well that won't be for awhile, seeing as how I still have my injuries." When she said this she saw Hectors face fall. "Hector, don't. This is not your fault, I told you. I don't blame you for what happened. No one does."

"Yes they do. I can see it their face although no one says anything. They're saying 'Why didn't Prince Hector, Warrior and Protector, save her from this?' I can tell. I can feel their stares."

"Hector stop. Listen, I don't care what they think. They don't know what truly happened, and even if they did it wouldn't make a difference, because I am the one marrying you and I am the one that is going to spend the rest of my life with you, and that is all that matters."

Hector looked over to her and smiled softly. "That's what Andromache said once." Anama's face fell when he said this.

"Hector listen to me. I want you to know that I will never take the place of Andromache, I wouldn't want that. I don't want to replace her and I know that you don't either. You can't just forget her. Yes you have to move on, but not without her spirit. Her spirit will guide you the rest of your life and that is a blessing. Take it for what it's worth. Use it to your abilities. You said she would make a great warrior. So use her knowledge. Use her love in battle, to help you. I just don't want to feel like I am the replacement to this. I want to be your wife more than anything, but if I am going to be a shadow to Andromaches memory then,"

Hector looked at her she said this. She stopped talking and turned towards the ocean. He could see small harmless tears rolling down her cheeks, and his heart suddenly tore in two. Never had he made her cry, he made Andromache cry once, but when Anama cried, it was like the walls of Troy falling. He couldn't handle it.

"Anama I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried comparing you to Andromache and,"

"No Hector. That's not it. It's just, I know how much you loved her and I know you're scared about this whole marriage. You lost your first wife; I can only imagine how much stress this is outing on you."

"That's no excuse. I should be here to help you out too. You have been nothing but gracious to me over these long years, and I have done nothing in return for you. If any one should be sorry it's me. I should be there for you and,"

"Hector. Stop. There will be many more chances for that. For know lets just enjoy the silence okay?"

"Anama, I know you better than that. There is something wrong, tell me, please."

Anama just looked over to him and smiled. "It's nothing. Stupid really."

"Nonsense, please, tell me."

Anama sighed. "I'm just a little overwhelmed with all of this. I mean, it seems like it's all happening so quickly. And I'm a little intimidated about being Queen and all. I know that's no excuse but still,"

"That's a perfect excuse. I am still a little terrified about being King myself. But you know what? As a wise and beautiful woman once said, 'These people look up to you. They believe in you.' And you know what? I believe in you, and I believe you will make a fine Queen one day."

Anama just laughed at his choice of words. She had said those words once and they helped. She hugged him and they stayed like that for awhile, just holding each other.

He noticed her dozing off while he held her. He picked her up and carried her to her rooms. Kia removed the head piece and jewelry and left to her quarters. Hector walked over to the bed and placed her gently under the covers. He placed a kiss on her forehead and left her to her dreams. He took one last glance at his fiancé, and left the room.