Andromache, my love::hector, my love

Chapter 3

Welcome, my dear.

I was watching my land fade away-my beautiful Thebe. The villagers were still waving their hands. I could see them, and my land, saying the final good bye.

And then I went in hysterics. All the Trojans and my servants, Padme and Xanthe, looked at me worriedly. My Thebe. My family. My scan. All gone. Never again.

By the time the boat had fully given itself on the realm of Poseidon, I was so tired. Tears did not stop, however, but my eyes were drooping, closing….i was so exhausted…I wanted to close my eyes completely. But I wanted to stay on board. I had the urge ot throw myself at the rover, to swim back. But I didn't. Strong hands lifted me up. I looked up to see Hector holding me, bridal style. I squirmed a little, wanted to stand up.

"I can walk, prince Hector."

"Say no more," he just replied, his voice, so gentle. He held me even tighter, against his chest. It was so nice and cozy and warm. I snuggled into his tight embrace.

Hector smiled as he looked down at Andromache. She was very cute. Adorable. He recalled his memory, when she told him she was 18. He was 21. He carefully opened the door to his cabin. There, he found Paris. Hector put his index finger against his mouth to silence Paris. Paris froze at his sign and closed his mouth, as he was about to speak; when he saw Andromache his arms, he stood up from the bed he was sitting on.

After Andromache was sleeping soundly in his cabin, the two princes quietly tiptoed out of the room, but not before hector kissing his bride-to-be on her forehead.

"Land!" the soldiers shouted.

"Home at last!"

"Aye!" They were all excited to be home again.

I sat glumly in Hector's cabin. I didn't want to get out, see troy. The door burst open, however, and Paris excitedly burst in.

"Princess Andromache!"

"Call me Andromache, dearest prince."

"Then you must call me Paris," he replied smoothly, drawing a grin from me. I liked this prince, although she had never asked his name, she was sure he was least a year older; yet he had a mind like the ones of a 15 year old.

"Come, it is Troy!" before I had the chance to reply, he grasped my wrists and dragged me to the deck.

"Hector's waiting!" he said.

On deck, hector was indeed waiting; a bright smile entered his face when I showed.

"Andromache! Let me introduce to you—it is troy," he gestured to the sight behind him.

A great sharp cliff showed, bordering the waves. And perched upon it, was the most beautiful, biggest castle she had ever seen. And she did, see many. It was so much grander, bigger, and elegant than her Thebe. It was evident that Troy bustled around with life.

"It is truly beautiful," I whispered. The ship decked.

"Let us go and meet our family," he said, pulling me close to him. I did not wrestle out of his grip. OUR. FAMILY.

"Hector?"

"Father. Mother,"

In the great throne room, stood the king Priam of troy, his wife queen Hecuba, 48 of his sons, and 12 of his daughters, not including the many priests, and general, soldiers of high ranks, the wealthy.

"I take it that you had a safe journey, my son?" asked the king.

"Yes, father."

"Where is your wife-to-be?" this time, the queen asked.

"She is there, waiting behind the door with Paris."

Do bring her in, dear,"

"Paris?" Hector said. Paris squeezed my hand, a warm gesture. I smiled a small smile at him. He and I slowly entered the throne room.

"Father! Mother! Here I bring the princess of the mighty Thebe, hector's fiancée, princess Andromache of Thebe!"

I walked up the king and queen, and stood next to hector. I curtsied my curtsy, the very best, of all princesses, to the rulers of Troy.

"Rise, my dear," I did so. "Come closer; let us see your face," I did as told.

He put his hand at my shoulders, smiling.

"Welcome to Troy, Andromache." With hector smiling broadly, I knew that they accepted me, just then.

Priam led me to the balcony that over looked all of troy, there, the citizens of troy looked at Priam.

"My good people." He said, motioning to the people. "Today, my two princes came back, unharmed. A cheer rippled up the crowd. Priam silenced them with a hand.

"There is better news," he said. "Today, the kingdom of Troy will greet their ne crown princess, although I know you already bear the news," whispers went through the crowd. I tensed. What if they don't like me? This time, hector noticed, besides me, that I suddenly went tense. He squeezed my hands. Somehow, it did reassure me. "Act like you normally would, Andromache," he said, in gentle voice.

"I introduce you," said king Priam, "my fair people of troy, Princess Andromache of Thebe!" hearing Andromache, the crowd cheered even louder this time, than the first. Hector and I showed our selves, and they were cheering even harder. And I finally realized that I was welcomed in Troy, even to the people, as the crown princess. I was Andromache of Troy now. And I will be forever remembered that way.