Snippet #1795614

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.