Troy

Andromache, Daughter of Eetion, King of the Cilician Thebe stood on the bow of the boat, her eyes fixated onto the glorious city of Troy before her, the city, which from this day on would be her home. Her mind repeatedly told her she should be joyous, she would marry Prince Hector and one day be crowned Queen yet her heart was heavy. She yearned to be back home in Thebes with her family, oh her beloved Thebes, it was so beautiful to her, the greenery was something she would surely miss the most, she could not deny that Troy was beautiful, the enormous, legendry walls reflected the sun giving the affect of gold, she could now understand why so many people had said the walls were made of such. Regardless of her feelings towards her new home, she was determined to be a good wife to Prince Hector, whom she had met a few times before and the things that stuck out vividly to her were the Prince’s handsomeness, gallantry and kindness towards her, in all honesty she felt privileged that he chose to take her as a wife, the corners of her lips curled up into a slight smile upon her beautiful face as she thought about Hector.

As the ship grew nearer to the Port she looks down at her newly made powder blue chiton dress with golden embroidery, remembering her mother telling her that the gold matched her hair, raking her fingers through her locks she wanted to make she looked beautiful for her Hector when she arrived.

As the boat docked Andromache was escorted by her personal guard to the welcoming party of palace guards who showed her to a magnificent horse, smiling, she just knew Hector had a hand in this as he had taken great interest when she said she loved to horse ride. Mounting she nodded her thanks to the guard, Andromache couldn’t help but marvel at the city as she rode through it, she was extremely humbled to see the citizens lining the streets cheering and throwing flowers in front of her, she smiled slightly and bowed her head to them silently extending her gratitude for the warm welcome. They soon reached the steps of the palace and her heartbeat began to quicken, she felt as if she had finally reached her destiny, the rest of her life would be confined to these walls. Quickly shaking any doubt from her mind she gathered her composure and followed a group of four guards up the steps until she reached the throne room of the palace, she walked with her head high with all the grace and beauty a princess should have, she bowed slightly to her new King and the rest of the royal family out of respect, yet unable to utter a word as her eyes secretly searched for Hector.

Karenna bowed with the rest of the small group of servants that were assembled close to the throne. When they stood once more, she regarded the new Princess. She was beautiful. Most certainly so. No wonder Hector had chosen her. King Priam's eyes were kindly as he watched her. She secretly wished she could stand before the king, and announce herself as a noblewoman. But no. She was born a servant, and forever she would remain a servant. The servant next to her, a man slightly taller than her, with sandy hair, was staring at the woman with his mouth gaping. She elbowed him lightly in the ribs, and shot him a look. He shut his mouth, and dropped his gaze to the ground. Thank heavens. She wasn't sure how Hector would react to seeing his new bride being mentally ravished by a servant boy.

Cassandra laid herself upon her throne, her head on an armrest and her legs on the other. She was at the throne room with the rest of the family. Her long, dark hair could swallow her whole, her eyes wandered to the sights. Waiting to see the princess of Thebes in all her glory, she had heard of the beauty of the princess but she had never seen her before. She would either be busy or not in Thebes. She waited patiently but her father constantly told her to sit properly.

'You are beautiful,' her mother would say, 'Show it instead of looking so glum,' So there Cassandra was, dressed in the most regal of gowns, lavender with gold and silver embroidery. Half of her hair was tied into a high, large bun and the rest of her hair was hung loosely. She knew she was beautiful, the beauty who Aphrodite blessed with perfect looks to the extent of being compared to her. Those were the glory days before she prophesied the Trojan War. Her beauty took a tumble, so did her health and frame. No one would believe her, 'could' believe her. Only after the war did she slowly but surely become the beauty she was.

Then a guard announced the princess was at the palace. She slowly stood against her brothers, she followed their way and poised herself in a sophisticated yet hollow look. Would this girl be more beautiful than her? In the eyes of Hector, surely. this was to be her husband. She could feel the sweat Hector might have been pouring. She stood tall and great as the princess of Thebes entered the throne room.

A small smile perched itself upon Cassandra's lips. She was beautiful with very blonde hair and tan skin. It was a nice contrast to Cassandra's black and white beauty. The princess bowed slightly to her and Cassandra did the same. She glanced at Hector, he must surely be nervous.

Themistocles rolled himself out of his bed, hitting the floor below him with a strong thud. 'Ugh...DIOCLESTIUS! DIOCLESTIUS!' Dioclestius was his faithful shield bearer, whom Themistocles had bought out of slavery and formed some what a father son relationship with the boy. He listened for the pitter patter of his sandals, but he heard none. Themistocles arose and dumped his face in his bowl of water. He opened his barrack shutters and saw a large crowd gathered around the palace. 'By the god's, what is this festival?' Themistocles put on his robes and grabbed his sword, a sign of his position. He walked down the barrack's hall and saw them empty. Going down his stairs, he saw his shield bearer. 'Dio, where is everyone?' Dioclestius chuckled and dropped his waterskin. 'The palace. The new princess from Thebes arrived.' Themistocles scratched his beard as he let this register. 'Hector's suitor!' Dioclestius shouted trying to jog his master's memory. Themistocles brain registered the title. 'Of course. Come now Dio, let us go and see how beautiful Hector's suitor is!'

Dio and Themistocles arrived at the palace, but did not dare go in. 'Damn. We missed her.' Themistocles exclaimed kicking dirt up. 'Sir, you could always get Cassandra to le-' Dioclestius was cut off as Themistocles covered his mouth. 'Boy, hold your tongue. I am in a powerful position, and I cannot lose it with your lose talk. I must respect my king's daughter, and I have no time for this romance.' Dioclestius had never seen his master get so mad and or agitated like this before. He knew he must of struck a cord inside Themistocles.

Paris was in the foothills nearby Troy tending his flock of sheep. Several people walked along a path nearby. Paris overheard them talking about the games that were being held in Troy that weekend. He decided this year he was going to play. And he was going to win. He brought his flock back to the fold and headed into his fathers tent. "Ah Paris there you are." Abdul the head shepherd said as Paris walked in. "Hello father." Paris replied as he sat down on a pillow and poured himself a glass of water. "Father I need to ask you something." Paris said nervously. "And what may that be?" Abdul replied sharply as he took a sip of wine. Paris was nervous, but he decided to just come out with it. "Father I want to be in the games at Troy." Paris said boldly. "Your 20 do what you want." Abdul said as the wine had started to take it's affect. He would regret saying that later. "Thank you father!" Paris exclaimed joyously.

The next day Paris left for Troy. He was free. It was a short walk to the gates of the city. Paris was astounded by how much bigger they looked in person. Since he had been raised by the shepherds he had never been to the city. He walked through the gates into the hustle and bustle of the large city. Inside Paris found people speaking all different languages and wearing all different types of clothes. He hurried to where the games were being held. He walked into the arena where he saw men everywhere practicing for the different events. He signed up at the registration table and headed to go practice.

She was fidgeting, a bad habit and a extreme annoyance to anyone around her. Of course Briseis only fidgeted when she was excited or nervous, but to her credit she was actually feeling both feelings at the same time. At any rate the person next to her should be thankful all she was doing was fidgeting. She wasn't standing with her cousins, but watching from a nearby seat, she was princess by right of birth but she was no daughter of Troy, a fact that a few of her cousins were constantly noting. She didn't let that bother her because perhaps one day soon her cousins wouldn't have to worry about her stealing away eligible suitors, not that she really cared about suitors.

She glanced up when the throne room was only a few whispers and there before stood the most demure, and lovely woman she had ever seen.

Well next to her own mother of course, and maybe the queen as well, and a few of the princesses even though they still hadn't quite been able to copy the grace in the bow. A smile appeared on her face as her thoughts went tumbling on, until she caught sight of her cousin Cassandra, who as always looked a bit glum. Oh please don't let her ruin this moment, not for Hector and certainly not for Andromache, she shouldn't have been thinking such a bad thought about her cousin but the thought slipped into her head before she could stop it. She wanted happiest for the soon to be married couple, she wanted to bound out her seat and swept her new "sister" into a warm embrace so she wouldn't have any thoughts of leaving. Yet her mother's words of warning stuck in her head, "you must always practice decorum in the throne room of Priam." She actually tried to glance in her uncle's direction waiting on the words of welcome, or something to happen.

And of course the fidgeting started again, however this time she willed herself to stop before it got to bad. She would wait on her welcome, because she knew that Hector should be the first to welcome his bride, but she still wished he would hurry up and do it before Apollo's chariot disappeared from the sky.

King Priam of Troy

The wind brought the scent of the sea, the strong smell of salt drifting with the breeze that blew through the open window. The blue hangings twisted with the wind, the fabric brushing gently across Priam’s chest as he stood gazing out the window into the sunlight drenched morning. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, stretching his arms out wide, allowing the sun to bath his naked skin.

For a long moment he stood there, glorying in the warmth that spread across him. A sudden knock at his door interrupted his peace and quiet though he called for whomever it was to enter. He heard the door open and then the voice of the Captain of his Guard.

”Andromache’s galley has been spotted your majesty.”

“Thank you Antenor. Please inform my family and have the honour guard welcome her, and then escort her to us.”

“Your majesty.” He heard the guard say then the door closed again. He stepped from the window and cast a glance about his chambers. They were not gaudy as the Greek’s were want to do but rather they were tasteful and comfortable without being overwhelming.

He stepped to a chest near the wall and opened it, selecting from within it toga of the purest blue, trimmed with gold. Over his shoulder went a pure white sash, finished with a golden chain of office about his neck. Next he selected a pair of fine leather sandals and a then drew from its resting place a thing golden circlet that marked him for king. He placed it gently on his head before stepping to a looking glass and checking his reflection. As he did so his chamber doors opened and a slave bustled in, stopping dead as he saw the King.

“Your majesty! You did not even wait for me to help you!” The slave scolded good naturedly as he hurried over, quickly taking a comb and fixing an imagined flaw with his masters hair.

“I am quite capable of looking after myself, no matter what my family thinks.” Priam responded with a slight frown as he adjusted his crown. Satisfied, he waved the slave away and strode from the room, his escort falling in behind him.

They moved through the palace with ease, the crowds of guests and well wishers for the royal couple parting before him and bowing low. He smiled at those he knew, stopped once to talk to an old soldier, and at last made his entrance to the throne room where the entire gathering stood on command from the Captain of the Guard.

He noted his various children present, resisting the urge to frown and tell Cassandra to act like a princess; he knew his breath would be wasted. It was clear that something was troubling her and he would have to ask her later. He greeted his wife with a kiss then turned to the assembly. They all bowed and he acknowledged them with a tilt of his head before nodding to guards at the door. As one they heaved on the heavy wooden doors which swung open to allow more sunlight to pour into the room.

As if stepping from a golden portal the princess entered. The crowd seemed to draw a collective breath at her beauty and Priam did not stop the smile that formed on his lips as he watched her approach. She bowed low and he in turn bowed slightly. For a long moment he expected Hector to leap forwards at once but he could see that his son, for the first time in his young life, looked nervous. Without waiting another second he stepped forward, opening his arms wide.

“Andromache, Daughter of King Eetion, welcome to Troy!” A cheer went up at once from the watchers. “I can see that my son has been struck speechless by such a beauty so let me be the first to welcome you into our family and our home.”

To the amazement of all the King stepped forward and embraced the Princess.

King Priam of Troy

The wind brought the scent of the sea, the strong smell of salt drifting with the breeze that blew through the open window. The blue hangings twisted with the wind, the fabric brushing gently across Priam’s chest as he stood gazing out the window into the sunlight drenched morning. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, stretching his arms out wide, allowing the sun to bath his naked skin.

For a long moment he stood there, glorying in the warmth that spread across him. A sudden knock at his door interrupted his peace and quiet though he called for whomever it was to enter. He heard the door open and then the voice of the Captain of his Guard.

”Andromache’s galley has been spotted your majesty.”

“Thank you Antenor. Please inform my family and have the honour guard welcome her, and then escort her to us.”

“Your majesty.” He heard the guard say then the door closed again. He stepped from the window and cast a glance about his chambers. They were not gaudy as the Greek’s were want to do but rather they were tasteful and comfortable without being overwhelming.

He stepped to a chest near the wall and opened it, selecting from within it toga of the purest blue, trimmed with gold. Over his shoulder went a pure white sash, finished with a golden chain of office about his neck. Next he selected a pair of fine leather sandals and a then drew from its resting place a thing golden circlet that marked him for king. He placed it gently on his head before stepping to a looking glass and checking his reflection. As he did so his chamber doors opened and a slave bustled in, stopping dead as he saw the King.

“Your majesty! You did not even wait for me to help you!” The slave scolded good naturedly as he hurried over, quickly taking a comb and fixing an imagined flaw with his masters hair.

“I am quite capable of looking after myself, no matter what my family thinks.” Priam responded with a slight frown as he adjusted his crown. Satisfied, he waved the slave away and strode from the room, his escort falling in behind him.

They moved through the palace with ease, the crowds of guests and well wishers for the royal couple parting before him and bowing low. He smiled at those he knew, stopped once to talk to an old soldier, and at last made his entrance to the throne room where the entire gathering stood on command from the Captain of the Guard.

He noted his various children present, resisting the urge to frown and tell Cassandra to act like a princess; he knew his breath would be wasted. It was clear that something was troubling her and he would have to ask her later. He greeted his wife with a kiss then turned to the assembly. They all bowed and he acknowledged them with a tilt of his head before nodding to guards at the door. As one they heaved on the heavy wooden doors which swung open to allow more sunlight to pour into the room.

As if stepping from a golden portal the princess entered. The crowd seemed to draw a collective breath at her beauty and Priam did not stop the smile that formed on his lips as he watched her approach. She bowed low and he in turn bowed slightly. For a long moment he expected Hector to leap forwards at once but he could see that his son, for the first time in his young life, looked nervous. Without waiting another second he stepped forward, opening his arms wide.

“Andromache, Daughter of King Eetion, welcome to Troy!” A cheer went up at once from the watchers. “I can see that my son has been struck speechless by such a beauty so let me be the first to welcome you into our family and our home.”

To the amazement of all the King stepped forward and embraced the Princess.

Prince Hector of Troy

The day had begun early for Hector and turned slowly into a whirlwind that swept him along for the ride. It had begun when his mother appeared, demanding that he awake and begin preparations for the day. Truth be told he still felt the pain from a night of drink with his friends, celebrating his last night of freedom as they called it. He had taken a long bath and teased the knots out of his curly hair before selecting a royal blue tunic to wear beneath his ceremonial armour, a leather affair gilded with gold and silver.

A quick breakfast with his father had involved the older man simply smiling secretly and teasing his son about how he was doomed to a life of living with the same woman. Not that he minded, he loved his bride to be dearly and wanted nothing more in life then to have her at his side. His mother had of course objected and smacked her husband’s hand in mock anger, it was heartwarming to see them so happy despite Priams rumored 50 children.

At length he made his way down to the throne room and stared at the space, empty for the moment save for a few bustling slaves. He knew that in a few hours it would be filled with well wishers and guests. He slowly paced down the room, imagining what it would be like when Andromache arrived and how he would feel, how his parents would feel.

“Your majesty.” A voice called to him and he turned to see Antenor, the Captain of his father’s personal guard, standing near the throne. “Your ladies galley has been sighted. I thought I might warn you before I tell your father.”

Hector smiled his thanks. The two had grown up together, serving in the army together, and though one was a prince and the other the son of a blacksmith, they had always remained close.

“Thank you Antenor.”

The guard captain bowed and then vanished towards the distant stairs that led to the King’s chambers. Hector turned for a last glance over the throne room before seeking out his mother. Their conversation was short though helpful as his adrenaline began to pick up. When he could stand it no longer he returned to the throne room that was even now quickly filling with people. His sister was there and he quickly offered her a kiss on her forehead.

In moments his mother appeared and then a slave to inform them that the Princess was nearing the steps. He glanced about, his blood racing now, wondering where his father was. Priam had no cause to arrive at any time, he was King and the world could await his leisure but Hector could not help but feel a rush of disappointment that his father didn’t seem to be taking this seriously.

His worries proved fruitless however as his father swept in seconds later. A quick exchange with his Queen and then he turned to the assembled crowd, returning their bow before nodding to the guards who swung the heavy wooden doors open.

When Andromache stepped through the blast of sunlight Hector felt as if his heart had stopped. Her beauty always left him speechless and on this day, when they would at last become husband and wife, he could barely breathe.

He watched her walk gracefully down the aisle, his heart racing so fast he thought it might burst from his chest. As if in a dream he watched her bow and thought he had never seen anyone so beautiful. They locked eyes and for a moment nothing else mattered until he realized that she was waiting for him to step forward.

Before he could move however his father, recognizing the look on his sons face, stepped forward and addressed her before embracing her. As if pulling free of a spell Hector followed his father swiftly and once the King released her, he nearly leapt to her side, enfolding her in a massive hug that sent yet more cheers from the assembled watchers. As he kissed her he barely heard his father say,

“Troy, I give you Prince Hector and Princess Andromache!”

A roar of approval from the crowd drowned out everything else.

Prince Hector of Troy

The day had begun early for Hector and turned slowly into a whirlwind that swept him along for the ride. It had begun when his mother appeared, demanding that he awake and begin preparations for the day. Truth be told he still felt the pain from a night of drink with his friends, celebrating his last night of freedom as they called it. He had taken a long bath and teased the knots out of his curly hair before selecting a royal blue tunic to wear beneath his ceremonial armour, a leather affair gilded with gold and silver.

A quick breakfast with his father had involved the older man simply smiling secretly and teasing his son about how he was doomed to a life of living with the same woman. Not that he minded, he loved his bride to be dearly and wanted nothing more in life then to have her at his side. His mother had of course objected and smacked her husband’s hand in mock anger, it was heartwarming to see them so happy despite Priams rumored 50 children.

At length he made his way down to the throne room and stared at the space, empty for the moment save for a few bustling slaves. He knew that in a few hours it would be filled with well wishers and guests. He slowly paced down the room, imagining what it would be like when Andromache arrived and how he would feel, how his parents would feel.

“Your majesty.” A voice called to him and he turned to see Antenor, the Captain of his father’s personal guard, standing near the throne. “Your ladies galley has been sighted. I thought I might warn you before I tell your father.”

Hector smiled his thanks. The two had grown up together, serving in the army together, and though one was a prince and the other the son of a blacksmith, they had always remained close.

“Thank you Antenor.”

The guard captain bowed and then vanished towards the distant stairs that led to the King’s chambers. Hector turned for a last glance over the throne room before seeking out his mother. Their conversation was short though helpful as his adrenaline began to pick up. When he could stand it no longer he returned to the throne room that was even now quickly filling with people. His sister was there and he quickly offered her a kiss on her forehead.

In moments his mother appeared and then a slave to inform them that the Princess was nearing the steps. He glanced about, his blood racing now, wondering where his father was. Priam had no cause to arrive at any time, he was King and the world could await his leisure but Hector could not help but feel a rush of disappointment that his father didn’t seem to be taking this seriously.

His worries proved fruitless however as his father swept in seconds later. A quick exchange with his Queen and then he turned to the assembled crowd, returning their bow before nodding to the guards who swung the heavy wooden doors open.

When Andromache stepped through the blast of sunlight Hector felt as if his heart had stopped. Her beauty always left him speechless and on this day, when they would at last become husband and wife, he could barely breathe.

He watched her walk gracefully down the aisle, his heart racing so fast he thought it might burst from his chest. As if in a dream he watched her bow and thought he had never seen anyone so beautiful. They locked eyes and for a moment nothing else mattered until he realized that she was waiting for him to step forward.

Before he could move however his father, recognizing the look on his sons face, stepped forward and addressed her before embracing her. As if pulling free of a spell Hector followed his father swiftly and once the King released her, he nearly leapt to her side, enfolding her in a massive hug that sent yet more cheers from the assembled watchers. As he kissed her he barely heard his father say,

“Troy, I give you Prince Hector and Princess Andromache!”

A roar of approval from the crowd drowned out everything else.

Prince Hector of Troy

The day had begun early for Hector and turned slowly into a whirlwind that swept him along for the ride. It had begun when his mother appeared, demanding that he awake and begin preparations for the day. Truth be told he still felt the pain from a night of drink with his friends, celebrating his last night of freedom as they called it. He had taken a long bath and teased the knots out of his curly hair before selecting a royal blue tunic to wear beneath his ceremonial armour, a leather affair gilded with gold and silver.

A quick breakfast with his father had involved the older man simply smiling secretly and teasing his son about how he was doomed to a life of living with the same woman. Not that he minded, he loved his bride to be dearly and wanted nothing more in life then to have her at his side. His mother had of course objected and smacked her husband’s hand in mock anger, it was heartwarming to see them so happy despite Priams rumored 50 children.

At length he made his way down to the throne room and stared at the space, empty for the moment save for a few bustling slaves. He knew that in a few hours it would be filled with well wishers and guests. He slowly paced down the room, imagining what it would be like when Andromache arrived and how he would feel, how his parents would feel.

“Your majesty.” A voice called to him and he turned to see Antenor, the Captain of his father’s personal guard, standing near the throne. “Your ladies galley has been sighted. I thought I might warn you before I tell your father.”

Hector smiled his thanks. The two had grown up together, serving in the army together, and though one was a prince and the other the son of a blacksmith, they had always remained close.

“Thank you Antenor.”

The guard captain bowed and then vanished towards the distant stairs that led to the King’s chambers. Hector turned for a last glance over the throne room before seeking out his mother. Their conversation was short though helpful as his adrenaline began to pick up. When he could stand it no longer he returned to the throne room that was even now quickly filling with people. His sister was there and he quickly offered her a kiss on her forehead.

In moments his mother appeared and then a slave to inform them that the Princess was nearing the steps. He glanced about, his blood racing now, wondering where his father was. Priam had no cause to arrive at any time, he was King and the world could await his leisure but Hector could not help but feel a rush of disappointment that his father didn’t seem to be taking this seriously.

His worries proved fruitless however as his father swept in seconds later. A quick exchange with his Queen and then he turned to the assembled crowd, returning their bow before nodding to the guards who swung the heavy wooden doors open.

When Andromache stepped through the blast of sunlight Hector felt as if his heart had stopped. Her beauty always left him speechless and on this day, when they would at last become husband and wife, he could barely breathe.

He watched her walk gracefully down the aisle, his heart racing so fast he thought it might burst from his chest. As if in a dream he watched her bow and thought he had never seen anyone so beautiful. They locked eyes and for a moment nothing else mattered until he realized that she was waiting for him to step forward.

Before he could move however his father, recognizing the look on his sons face, stepped forward and addressed her before embracing her. As if pulling free of a spell Hector followed his father swiftly and once the King released her, he nearly leapt to her side, enfolding her in a massive hug that sent yet more cheers from the assembled watchers. As he kissed her he barely heard his father say,

“Troy, I give you Prince Hector and Princess Andromache!”

A roar of approval from the crowd drowned out everything else.

Andromache rose and offered King Priam a small gentle smile when he two bowed slightly to her, she had heard wonderful tales of his kindness and love to not only his family but also his people yet at the same time he was feared by his enemies, it must take a truly remarkable king to be able to do so.

“Andromache, Daughter of King Eetion, welcome to Troy!” A cheer went up at once from the watchers. “I can see that my son has been struck speechless by such a beauty so let me be the first to welcome you into our family and our home.”

Feeling her cheeks flash a wave of heat she smiled once more and her eyes quickly darted towards Hectors who finally began to make a move towards her “I thank you for your kind words you majesty.” When Priam embraced her she was momentarily shocked, she felt so welcomed and loved and knew from that very moment that she would love him as a father. However when Priam took a step backwards her happiness grew upon seeing Hector dash towards her, his strong arms envelope around her slender frame, in all her years she couldn’t ever remember feeling as safe as she did in that moment in Hectors arms.

The kiss came quickly, accompanied by the roar of the crowd; she felt her knees buckle slightly and was thankful that Hectors arms were still around her, supporting her, above the roar of the crowd she heard the faint shout of the king “Troy, I give you Prince Hector and Princess Andromache!”

Pulling apart from the kiss she smiled brightly looking into her beloveds eyes before casting a loving glance over her new people. With her previous nervousness and home sickness from her mind she enjoyed letting Hector introduce her to the rest of the royal family.

They were now man and wife, well in their eyes, all that was left was the small ceremony later this afternoon followed a glorious party in their honour.

She stood and clapped after the presentation of the bride and groom, a wide and very giddy smile on her face. She waited as the others greeted the new princess, she preceded forward almost on her tiptoes as if she was always being corrected on how loud she walked. Actually she did like to run through the halls of the palace, but that was her own little secret. Briseis tried to calm herself down before the new addition to the family thought her a weirdo. " Hector," she almost whispered, "may I greet my new cousin." She stepped forward with her both her hands outstretched in greeting, "I am Briseis, cousin to the court and hopefully a fast friend to you dearest Andromache." Her smile never changed, and really must have been hurting her jaw at the moment. "Oh and I am a keeper of a few secrets too, if there ever should come a time when you need them." She was teasing Hector of course, winking slightly in his direction to show she was joking.

She didn't notice some of the dirty looks she was getting from some of the others. However she would ignore them anyways, she couldn't help who she was, smile and everything and she wasn't about to apologize to anyone for it. She wanted more then anything to make Hector's new bride feel welcomed as she would anyone who would come to marry any of her cousins.

Love was an ever-wondrous thing to her, she wanted to celebrate it, because she was almost certain she would never experience it.

Cassandra's smile grew wider, the corners of her mouth were pulled back and her eyes looked longingly at the lovely couple. She had a small glimmer of hope that her prophecy wouldn't take place, maybe it would change for the better. Just maybe. Her cousin, Briseis stepped forward, greeting the princess. She was a strange girl but not someone to fear. Cassandra admitted that Andromache was beautiful as she brushed locks of her dark hair out of her face. She was once beautiful but those days were over. The war was coming and no matter how much she tried, no one would believe.

But it did not mean that she couldn't put on a smile and greet her new sister. She walked toward her brother, his wife and her own cousin. Her skinny arms had grabbed the hem of her dress, "Briseis, do not scare Hector with your secrets," Cassandra's head was held high with a sly smile. For a moment, she looked like her radiant self. But that was the past, she gave the princess another small bow, "I assure you, you would love life here in-"

Then she stopped herself mid-speech. Her eyes grew wide and flashes appeared in her mind, her eyes struck fear and she promptly fainted.

Paris was enjoying city life. He had practiced most of the day, and headed back to his quarters. Paris was walking along the main road. On his right was someone selling rugs. On his left someone was selling fish. Ahead someone was selling food. Nothing like this would have ever happened back in the village.

Everyone he passed was talking about the royal wedding. He didn't know who was getting married nor did he care. He bought some lamb from one of the vendors.

He decided to go back to the arena for a little more practice before the competition the next day. He was confident he was going to win. With his athletic physique and trained muscles, there was no way he could lose.

Back at the arena, he practiced mostly with the discus. That was his only weakness, and was hoping to fix that before morning.

//Did everyone die?