Disclaimer: Same as before, I own nothing. Don't sue me, I'm broke.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel so spring has sprung
The sun rose to greet Troy, letting Apollo's beams radiate towards his favored city. King Priam's old eyes penetrated the cloudless blue above him before he heaved a sigh. The empty space at his right side reminded him of his beloved Hecuba, whose ashes had long since blown away.
How you would love this morning, my darling. His tired eyes closed for a moment. We would rise together and greet the morning with so much joy…
"Father?" He started at the sound of a female voice. "Father, have you been up all night?"
Priam's sadness disappeared into a genuine smile. "Petra, my heart," he chuckled as he turned from the balcony to see his youngest standing in the doorway to his apartments. "I only longed for your companionship."
She shook her dark head, but the bright honey-brown eyes twinkled at him.
And every time I see you grin
I'm such a happy individual
"Apollo shines upon us today," Priam added, holding out a hand for her. She joined him quickly, stretching up on her toes to brush a kiss on the weathered cheek of her parent. "He blesses your brothers' journey home."
Indeed, the day already promised to be fair and lovely, she realized as she joined her father at his previous position; the sea on the horizon gleamed a brilliant blue, only to be topped by the clear skies above. A gentle breeze kept the heat from becoming oppressive.
The moment that you speak
I want to go and play hide-and-seek
"Hector and Paris should be joining us by this afternoon." Priam guessed the direction of his daughter's thoughts and longing for her brothers.
Shrugging, Petra fingered the choker at her throat. It had been brought back to her by Hector, when she had still been in the palace nursery, from Carthage. The shining blue stone at the end of the leather thong was almost worn through from her thumb's constant rubbing.
"It's perfectly natural for you to miss them, love," Priam assured her, pressing her small hand in his.
Petra smiled at him before tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "What were you thinking before?" she asked, letting her head rest on his shoulder.
I want to go and bounce the moon
Just like a toy balloon
"Oh, about previous mornings, with your mother." Priam's casual tone did not deceive her. She bit her lip thoughtfully.
"I barely remember her, Father," she confessed softly.
"No wonder, child; you were barely five when she died." Letting out another sigh, Priam shook his head. "You are so much like her, however." That made Petra smile. "Especially when you get yourself into mischief."
"I never get myself into mischief!" she immediately denied. "Paris always does, and then I get into trouble!"
Priam chuckled. "Ah, but you go along with him anyway. At least you used to."
"Paris is always gone now," she reminded him.
"So he is." The playful air dropped abruptly. Both father and sister hated the long absences from their loved ones, Petra especially. Only recently had Paris started joining his older brother on these expeditions for Troy.
You and I are just like a couple of tots
Running across the meadow
Picking up lots of forget-me-nots
The two sat in silence, watching the sun rise higher and higher in the sky. "Andromache will want me to watch the baby while she does her morning prayers," Petra finally said, reluctant to leave her father.
Priam's face reflected her disappointment at keeping their visit so brief. "Perhaps," he suggested, "when Hector is rested tonight, I can review the civil tactics with him and you, after dinner?" When she beamed at him, Priam laughed. "Why Zeus did not deem you to be a boy…" he mused aloud.
"Surprise, Father, is the essence of attack, and nobody suspects girls," she retorted, cheekily grinning at him.
Tousling his daughter's thick dark hair, Priam returned her expression. "Go help your sister," he said softly, watching as she ran from the room. His content expression yet again slid away.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel there are songs to be sung
Bells to be rung, and a wonderful fling to be flung
Despite his joy at his daughter's mental abilities and talents, Priam knew that logically she only had one value to Troy: to make a strong political alliance through marriage.
Before leaving for Sparta, Hector strongly balked at the idea of taking Petra for the possibility of an offer to Agamemnon. Thankfully Menelaus had already married, but the council of Troy now acted anxious to marry off their princess. She had celebrated her eighteenth birthday that year; she would soon be too old for anyone decent enough to make a good alliance.
The railing at Priam's hand squeaked a protest at the sudden tight grip of the king. Priam would die before forcing his child into nuptials with a complete stranger, or one she opposed to. But the council saw her as a commodity, not a daughter.
Priam slumped onto the cool stone, suddenly exhausted. "Apollo," he whispered hoarsely, "What can I do?"
And even when I'm old and gray
I'm gonna feel the way I do today
'Cause you make me feel so young
Only certain men would make her happy in marriage. Her brothers and father had "spoiled" her, letting her have freedom and a voice in their home, teaching her how to ride and do some swordplay. Recently they limited her on account of decorum, and it killed Priam to see the caged look in his daughter's eyes.
She needed a strong but just man, who would make her his equal partner in life, and would not bow to her every whim as Priam and Paris did.
"Your majesty?" Priam glanced over his shoulder, to see a page standing in the doorway. "The high priest of Apollo wishes to speak with you."
"Show him in."
Letting his thoughts be tucked away, Priam made a note to himself to speak to Hector about Petra.
And even when I'm old and grey
I'm gonna fell the way I do today
Cause you make me feel so young
The Royal Sanctuary
Andromache bowed her head once more before rising from her position in front of Apollo's statue. She could hear her son's happy gurgling in the other room, along with Petra's return coo.
Smiling to herself, Andromache joined the pair on the sun-filled veranda. "He misses spending time with you."
She leaned against one of the large pots of flowers, tilting her head and watching her son's antics with joyful eyes. He loved his aunt and Andromache knew Petra returned the sentiment.
Petra shook her head at Astyanax, making faces that caused her nephew to shriek with joy. "I have been doing some thinking," she admitted. She held out a hand and let Astyanax's own curl around her slim fingers.
"On what subject?"
"My marriage." Andromache let out a surprised cough, her eyes wide with shock. But Petra continued as if no interruption had occurred. "I know Father worries about it."
"Petra…" Andromache paused, signaling for her son's nurse. After sending him off to be bathed, the future queen returned her attention to her sister-in-law. "Your father and brothers would never consent to an arranged marriage for you. You know this, take comfort in it."
"Yes." Petra frowned, looking down at her slippers. "But the council doesn't understand. They make things harder for Father."
"They would if you were married anyway."
"But they're right, Andra!" Petra's intense stare penetrated Andromache, unnerving her. "I'm eighteen, and not yet married. As royalty, I cannot afford that luxury."
Sighing, Andromache shifted to allow less pressure on her hip. "And you think you'll be happy? Married to a stranger?"
"You were."
Andromache blushed at that, aware of the blissful memories. "Yes, and I am indeed happy." Her expression kept somber. "But you are not me; and few men have you brother's depth of character or morality.
"I was blessed to be joined to Hector." Andromache's face softened. "He is unlike any man I have ever known. I wish my happiness on you, Pet." Her hand reached out to Petra's and squeezed gently. "Don't be hasty to please everyone else at the expense of your lifelong happiness."
Biting her lip thoughtfully, Petra slowly spoke. "I wish to visit Apollo's temple sometime soon, to find a solution that will make Father and my brother's happy. Maybe even one that will be better for me…"
Knowing her sister-in-law, Andromache did not push the issue but stood and helped Petra up, squeezing her hand gently. "We just want you happy," she reminded Petra, her other hand caressing her friend's cheek. "You were my first friend here. I want only the best for you."
"I know." Petra then gave Andromache a wicked grin. "I'll beat you at checkers, if you want." The challenge was always a provoking argument between them, and Petra knew Andromache's response before spoken.
"Oh, really?" Andromache arched an eyebrow.
Petra poked her sister-in-law before taking off down the hallway, laughing at Andromache's shouted threats of retribution as she chased Petra down the corridors.
Laughter floated through the palace and greeted the ears of the guards protecting the royal family.
Finally, Andromache cornered Petra in the courtyard, tackling the girl and tickling her sides mercilessly. Shrieking, Petra tried to retaliate with little success.
"Wait… until… I tell… Hector… on you!" she gasped and jerked away.
"Your threats, my dear, are idle at the moment," Andromache reminded her, letting out her own cry of surprise when Petra slipped away and collapsed with exhaustion.
Both giggled and lay on the warm ground, content.
"Oh, Andra," Petra sighed, letting her eyes settle on the cloudless sky, "how I miss this."
Andromache, on her feet and dusting herself off, frowned with confusion.
"Being childlike," Petra clarified. "There's so little happiness lately."
"Well, your brothers bring back peace from Sparta. Maybe now we can be happy again." Petra could only inwardly disagree with Andromache's naïve optimism. Andromache saw the world in simple terms of good and evil; she believed all could end well.
Despite her original dislike of an arranged marriage, Andromache of Thebes chose to greet her new life with delightful hopes. She did not have the memory of watching a beloved mother die before anything else could form in her mind. She only recently gained Petra's habit of constant pleads at Apollo's feet for the safety of her loved ones. She did not have Petra's longing for freedom.
"And perhaps Paris has brought back some surprises from Sparta!" Andromache added, knowing that thought would at least distract the uninterested teenager.
It worked. Petra's eyes lit up. "Maybe he brought some of their spears back! They say Sparta has a new type that can be throw twice as-"
"And cloth and gems and perfumes," Andromache added dreamily.
Shaking her head, Petra moved on. True, she enjoyed pretty trinkets, but she mostly enjoyed the ones Hector hand-selected for her. He understood his sister's passions and tastes, choosing accordingly.
The last gift, yards of purple silk, lay on her bed waiting for the first sight of the Trojan vessels. He had ordered it fashioned into a simple yet elegant gown for her, and now she could show him the extent of his present, and her enjoyment of it.
Despite her husband's close relationship with Petra, Andromache felt no jealousy. Hector sometimes was the only one who understood the young princess and treated her like his equal, rather than a pretty doll like Paris and Priam. Besides, the two always included Andromache.
The sound of a horn interrupted both women's thoughts. Petra stood and ran to the edge of the balcony, scanning the sea. Her smile answered Andromache before her voice.
"They're here!"
Inside, the palace burst into action. Both princesses fought their way to their respective rooms, pushing aside maids and finally reaching their sanctums, where each quickly began her own personal preparations for the return of the two Trojan princes.
Petra quickly washed the dirt and grime from her body, ignoring the cold water splashing against her skin before drying off and letting her waist-length hair fall down her back.
Her maid soon joined her, hurrying the process. Ten minutes before her brothers entered the city gates, Petra joined her father and Andromache.
Andromache's eyes belied her calm exterior; they sparkled with contained excitement and joy, but she only gave a demure nod to Petra before returning her attention to the door expectantly.
From the corner of her eye, Petra saw her cousin Briseis, adjusting the priestess garland on her head, and smiled. Briseis shared some of Petra's loathing for court protocol, but she had chosen Apollo over the quiet of the palace. Petra knew she regrettably could not follow her cousin's decisions, for too many princesses in the temple would make the head priest believe he had the edge on convincing Priam of his choices—surely Apollo would favor him with more signs if Troy gave two of her royals to him.
Briseis caught Petra's eye and nodded with solemnity in greeting. Petra wrinkled her nose before she winked back, causing Briseis to giggle and earn a glare from a nearby courtier. Before the priestess could retaliate in some form, the trumpets sounded.
Each person ceased their fidgeting and watched their king for his signal. Andromache paused only to turn and adjust her son's blankets while he nestled in a nursemaid's arms.
The minutes passed slowly. After waiting and waiting, Petra joined her father at the entryway to the palace and stepped forward.
Her smile brightened considerably when Hector stepped into view. Before she could say anything, however, she saw Paris behind him… and Paris' companion.
Bright golden hair, delicate features, pale skin… who are you? Petra searched her mind for some explanation. Paris, what have you done now?
Petra's involuntary twitch of hand on her father's arm caused Priam to pause, worried, towards his daughter. When he saw her reaction and direction of gaze, he murmured to her, "Do not panic yet. We need to hear Paris' explanation before serving judgment."
Everything in Petra wanted to shake her head in disagreement, but she refrained, seeing the wisdom in his words. "It will have to be a good one," she could not help from mumbling.
They stepped towards Hector, pausing when sunlight touched their faces. Priam's kind face crinkled into a pleased grin. "My son."
"Father," the prince greeted his parent first, his warm smile equally inviting as he embraced Priam tightly. He kissed Priam's cheeks and accepted the firm grip at his shoulders in response graciously.
Hector drew his attention from his father to his sister, beaming. "And who is this daring goddess I see before me?" He bestowed a kiss on her forehead. "You're becoming quite the young lady, Petra."
Petra only nodded back but she twinkled her eyes at him. "Who are you, and what have you done to my brother of plain speech?"
He chuckled at that. "Just as sharp-witted as when I left." He then noticed her dress, smirking when she gave a little curtsy. "I'm glad you like the material." But his expression grew somber as Paris stepped forward.
"Paris." Priam pretended to give his son a scolding look before opening his arms to his youngest boy. He kissed both sides of Paris' temple and grinned affectionately. The courtyard fell into abrupt silence when the youngest prince was greeted. Paris, ignoring it, looked into his father's eyes before returning them to his guest, to usher her to him.
"Father," he spoke clearly. "This is Helen."
Immediately, whispers erupted through the crowd. Even Priam could not hold back his shocked comment.
"Helen? Helen of Sparta?" he looked to Hector for confirmation.
"Helen of Troy," Paris corrected him.
Petra closed her eyes, inwardly cursing her brother to Hades' very presence. But Priam covered this well, gallantly letting Helen step forward. "I've heard rumors of your beauty," he commented, giving her the greeting of a daughter; "For once the gossips were right."
Helen's hunted look disappeared from her eyes, and she gave the king a grateful smile. Priam returned it before turning to his daughter.
Despite her growing resolutions against Helen, Petra felt herself melting. Helen reminded her of Andromache, only Helen willingly left for Paris if Petra was judging correctly.
She stepped forward, offering a hand. "I always wanted a sister," she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, "and now Apollo has blessed me with two." She clasped Helen's hand, giving the Greek woman an encouraging smile.
Behind Helen, Paris beamed at his sister's smooth handling of the situation. Helen's hand griped Petra's back, and Petra saw her tears of relief.
Impulsively, Petra pulled Helen to her side and linked arms. "Ignore them," Petra said in an undertone, smiling. "You are a princess of Troy now. You needn't be afraid of them. They hate me because I refuse to." As they walked into the palace, Petra whispered different names, specifically pointing out one. "Andra is Hector's wife," she told Helen, "and she will adore you."
"Paris spoke of Andromache of Thebes," Helen confided quietly, "but he mostly spoke of you."
Petra paused, frowning. "Dear gods. It was all lies, I assure you."
Smiling, Helen shook her head. "He said you are extremely loyal to your family; that if you did not welcome me, no one would…" Helen paused, awkward with her words. "I wish to be friends, if you can stand a woman who left her husband in such circumstances."
Giving Helen's arm a squeeze, Petra admitted, "I almost was given to Menelaus as a bride in my childhood. Paris will make a much better husband, I assure you." She paused. "We women must stick together."
Helen nodded, gratitude shining on her face.
"Who is your new friend, Petra?" Andromache had noticed now the new woman chatting with her sister-in-law. Now she stepped forward curiously with a welcoming countenance.
"Andra, this is Helen. She is Paris' wife."
It was only because of much practice with good manners that Andromache kept her reaction to a minimal. Her eyes widened and she glanced over at her husband, who nodded in confirmation.
Petra continued. "Helen, this is my dear first friend, and the future queen of Troy, Andromache." Helen bowed.
Andromache smiled at that, but she only inquired politely, "I trust you had a pleasant voyage here?"
While the two women politely started the usual introduction chatter, Petra slipped away to Hector's side. He smiled when she hugged him tightly, returning the gesture.
"This means a lot to Paris," Hector assured her. "He kept hoping you would accept Helen."
"I have no quarrel with her. I'd like to strangle Paris, though."
Hector's cheery look became grim. "I've expressed that desire to him already. But the damage is done. He will not leave her, and he will follow her to the ends of the earth."
Rolling her eyes, Petra groaned and shook her head. "And so he has said about numerous temple maids, port wenches, shepherdesses…"
"He moved on to shepherdesses?" Hector interjected, surprised.
"Last time he was home; Oenone is her name," Petra explained briefly, moving into a garden at their side. Hector chuckled as he followed, earning a glare from her. "It may be funny to you, but she clings to me every time I go to the temple and begs for news of Paris. I've had to give up my visits almost entirely."
That made Hector frown. "You should not have to deal with Paris' annoyances," he scolded her.
"He hasn't been here to deal with them."
Hector caught the envy in her voice. "I wanted to let you go," he assured her, pausing at a jasmine trellis, "but I still did not trust Menelaus. He openly chose dancing girls over his wife in front of her. The gods only know what he'd do." He still saw the sadness in his sister's eyes and smiled, taking her hand. "Come here."
He led her to a bench. "One day, when the negotiations grew tedious, I wandered through a local market and found this." Slowly, he pulled a shining shell necklace out of the pouch at his side.
Petra's eyes widened. "It's lovely!" she exclaimed, taking it and promptly clasping it on around her neck. He chuckled at her delight.
"I hate leaving you here, Pet, but hopefully I can stay longer this time."
"I know." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I will survive, I promise." Sighing, he let his head rest on top of hers for a moment, before he remembered something.
He now pulled out a small wooden carving of a lion from the sack at his hip. "I made this for Astyanax, do you think he'll like it?"
She grinned at it. "If he can sink his teeth into it."
Their joined laughter echoed through the warm air.
Author's Note: I use lots of references to actual Greek mythology and the actual story of Troy in this. Best source I know of, if you want a quick 101 course on Greek myths, is Hamilton's Mythology. It's great, and brief, but don't let it be your last exposure to those myths, there are other better versions of them that flesh them out.
The song at the beginning is "You Make Me Feel So Young," by Frank Sinatra. Go review!