Chapter 13

Hector awoke the next morning to the skies presenting dark and graying clouds. He knew it would not be a fit day for travel. The Gods would be against them on this day, and that is not what someone wanted or needed while traveling.

He looked over to the sleeping form nestled into his chest. The peaceful look that he saw there made him want to never move. She seemed so content on where she was, Hector hated to disturb her. He slowly crawled out from underneath her, making sure she didn't wake. He lied her back down and covered her. He stood there watching her as she slept. She looked so beautiful. He pushed a stray piece of blonde hair from her face and kissed her forehead.

Kia had brought up hot water for Hector to bathe in. He slid down into the tub and relaxed. He didn't know how long it would be till he would have a bath again.

When he was finished, he walked over to where his uniform hung. He began to place on his armor and other necessities. He began thinking on what it would be like to be gone from Anama for so long. 4 months was a long time to be away from his newlywed wife. He finished dressing and gathered all he would need for his trip.

When he was done, he placed everything by the door. A servant took his belongings and took them down to the stables. Hector walked back to the bed to say goodbye to his angel. He sat down and watched her as she slept. He took his hand and stroked her face. Her eyes began to flutter and she awoke. She looked up to him with a smile, but that smile soon disappeared as she realized what today was. She leaned up and sat there.

"When are you to leave?" she asked with a bit of sadness.

"In a few minutes." Anama just nodded and looked out the window to the skies. She knew they would not have an easy travel. "Anama."

She turned to look at him and what he saw made his heart break in two. Streams of tears coursed there way down her cheeks. Her eyes red and puffy. He took his hands and cradled her face.

"I will be back soon. Please my love, do not fret."

"I know. It is just that you leave so soon, I just," she trailed off as more tears made there way down her cheeks. Hector kissed them away and brought her face up to meet him.

"Look at me. It will pass by quickly believe me. But you must keep yourself busy and not sit and mope or else you will make yourself insane. Understand?"

Anama just nodded her head. "Yes. I just hate to see you go."

"That is why I am saying goodbye to you here. I could not bear to say goodbye at the gates for I would never leave. Promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"Don't stop loving me."

Anama cried even harder and Hector kissed her. "I will never stop loving you. As long as I live, you will always have my love, wherever you go."

Hector smiled and kissed her one last time. He looked into her brown eyes and saw pure love and devotion in them. He felt so proud to have her as his own. He kissed her forehead and rose from the bed.

"I will be back soon my love." Anama nodded not trusting her voice.

Hector walked to the door, and with one last glance towards Anama, he left. Anama broke down in tears. She buried her face into the pillow and cried. She sat there what seemed forever, but it was only about five minutes, but it felt like an eternity.

She got out of bed and placed her robe on. She walked to the balcony and looked over to the stables. She saw Hector ready to mount his horse. He was talking with one of his soldiers. The soldiers mounted their horses, and she saw Hector take one last glance towards her. She put her hand up, as a farewell gesture while fresh tears cascaded down her face. He waved back and mounted his horse. They rode out of the gates of Troy, and out of Anama's sight.

She stood there for what seemed like an eternity, when Kia walked in with hot water. Anama knew that she had to keep herself occupied or else she would go mad. She just hoped the time passed quickly and Hector returned home safely.