A Warrior's Heart

Okay here it is....and sorry for any mistakes!

Chapter 11

The wedding night

Hector watched silently as his son wrapped his small arms around Rheia's neck. She entered his home and the boy soon showed himself, running to her, offering himself.

"Is it true?" He asked giving a quick glance to his father before looking back at Rheia.

"It is true" Rheia smiled while kissing his cheek, "Is it what you wish?"

Astyanax nodded, "You will never leave us?" He asked, Hector turned away feeling the words. It brought back memories, his wife, Andromache struggling to live.

"Nay" Rheia told him, "Now it is late. Let us put you to bed." She looked over at Hector as he was now watching again. "My lord."

Hector gave her a quick nod before moving towards them, he never spoke as the three of them made their way to his son's bed chamber.

"The gods will watch over you" Rheia whispered before kissing her step son's forehead. He giggled a little before closing his eyes, a warm sensation moved over his head, the little boy was happy.

Hector smiled a little, he knew how much this meant to his son and for that he thanked the gods. Though he would never tell her, Rheia was right, he was not showing his son emotion. Emotion that was in need when a boy is small. Astyanax was the future King of Troy. Hector would give him the warm, caring nature he'd gotten from his father, it was only fair that his son grow up like he did. Rheia turned, seeing the soft lines of his handsome face, she was shocked almost for she'd not seen this man smile since arriving in Troy.

"My lord" she said softly pulling him out of his thoughts.

Hector's eyes locked with her for only a moment before he went to his son's door, "Tis been a long day, we must sleep now."

Rheia swallowed hard, "Aye, I will.." She fumbled with her words as he turned facing her, her heart seem to skip a beat at the sight of him. His hair tousled a bit, his eyes dark from the events of the day, he was more handsome then ever. How would she not give into him?

"Come" he offered his hand, slowly lifting it up. "OUR bed waits."

***


Rheia was quiet as Brea tended to her, she sighed when Brea told her she was done. She then nodded the young woman off before rising and going over to the bed. Their bed. Butterflies began swirling in her stomach. The thought of her and Hector...her knees were already getting weak and he wasn't even in the room. She shook her head before pulling off her thin robe. Rheia wished she could stay in her own quarters but she knew that wouldn't be so, her husband would have his own private chamber yet she would not.

She did not hear when Hector came into the room. He moved slowly making his presence known. Rheia swallowed hard as her eyes followed him. His chest was bare, the light from the candles flickering over his tanned battle ridden skin. Her eyes darted away as she got into bed, lying as close to the edge of the soft palette as possible. Hector smiled to himself as he joined his wife in bed.


***


Rheia lay awake for hours, the only sound was the steady breathing of her husband. She sighed before getting up, throwing the blanket off her body she stood then walked over to the terrace. She stepped out and let the cool night air wash over her. Shaking her head she began trying to figure out what she'd gotten herself into. The only fact that would bring a shimmer of hope was that she now had a legal relationship with the young prince. A smile tugged on her lips as she remembered the happiness shining in Astyanax's eyes when Hector told him that Rheia was now apart of their family.

"You can't sleep?" The question was like a gush of wind. Rheia turned to see Hector moving slowly out of the shadows.

"No" she whispered before turning her back to him.

"Do you still wish that it was Paris, not I that wed you this night?" Hector dared to ask, he found that he needed an answer. A troubling sense played over him as he readied himself for bed earlier. Hector, prince of Troy, wanted this women to accept him, he wanted her to be please at the state of their marriage.

"The joy of your son made this union perfect" Rheia softly told him, "His eyes were filled with such happiness."

Hector was standing next to her now and Rheia felt her heart skip a beat. He stood with his hands on the railing looking powerful, looking like a king. She swallowed as her eyes moved slowly up the make of his form. Well defined arms, broad shoulders and his sculpted chest, a sight that would be burned in her mind for the rest of her life. He was beautiful, unlike anything she'd seen before. No man looked as he, no man demanded such respect without ever breathing a word. The scent of him played on her senses and Rheia felt faint for a brief moment.

"My son happiness is important to me Rheia" Rheia turned at the statement, there was something in the way he said her name. Hector was facing her now, his body dangerously close to hers as he finished his declaration. "We've disagreed on this matter in the past but I know you care for him and your presence in his life will aid him."

Rheia was blown away, did he just pay her a complement? She searched for the words but didn't know how to express what was inside so she just blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"So I was right?" She flashed a grin.

Hector growled softly, "That's not what I meant."

"But I was right?" Rheia knew she shouldn't push him but somehow she couldn't stop.

"My wife you should not push such matters." His voice raised a knot.

Rheia watched as he body tensed up, a natural reaction when one must go to war. Then it hit her, this was war. She was the enemy, not actually but that is how he looked upon her.

"Tis late" she sighed before turning away and looking over the city again, "I think this night has dragged on for both of us."


***


Rheia opened her eyes and hesitated a little before moving, she did not know where Hector was. She slowly rose finding herself alone in bed and she let out a sigh of relief. Brea came in a moment later calling for her mistress to bath. Rheia welcomed the young girl and stood. She asked where Lord Hector was and if the young prince had awoken. Brea had no time to answer as the little prince rushed in the room. His face full of joy, the young boy jumped at his step-mother.

"Whoa" Rheia giggled while picking him up, "Seems the mighty prince is full of energy this day."

"I wanted to see if you were still here." He said while trying to catch his breath.

Rheia snuggled him closer while answering, "As you see I am still here."

"I will fix your bath now" Brea smiled while looking over the lovely picture that was before her.

Rheia nodded before taking Astyanax to the terrace. She smiled as he began talking, telling her story. He told her his favorite thing was watch his father with his men.

"You will no doubt be just like him" Rheia told him, "One day..." She pointed out over the city. "You will be as your father is now. You will be Troy's champion."

It went unnoticed that Hector of Troy stood watching this scene. He smiled hearing the joy in his son's voice as he conversed with Rheia. It was only when his son turned and smiled at him that Hector moved.

"Father" Astyanax yelled out.

"My son" Hector moved towards his wife and son with a smile on his face, a smile that many had not seen in years.

Rheia let her step son down before turning to her husband feeling as if she should say something but nothing came to mind. She watched as Astyanax went to his father and wrapped his small arms around Hector's leg. The love beaming from the boys eyes made her smile.

Hector ruffled his son's hair and the boy giggled, "My son I came looking for you. Your grandfather wishes to see you."

"Really?" Astyanax asked. "Can I go now?"

Hector smiled down at his son, "Go now and see him."

Astyanax smiled before letting go of his father's leg and going to Rheia. She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead before he ran out of the room. As she stood, Rheia found her husband watching her.

"Did you sleep well?" Hector asked.

"Fine" Rheia answered before turning back to the city, "It's so peaceful."

"My father has spent most of his life trying to keep Troy safe, I hope I live up to his standards." Hector said while moving to stand next to his her.

"I have no doubt you will, you are a son of Troy one that loves her very much." Rheia looked over at him, she felt her heart flip-flop watching him now as the wind washed over him. He stood proud watching over the country he loved, the country he would die for if need be. Rheia smiled, she was seeing a side of Hector that almost no one saw.

"Why do you smile?" He asked after catching her expression from the corner of his dark eyes.

"You seem happy my lord." She hesitated a little but then finally answered.

Hector of Troy chuckled, a deep booming sound, "you think?"

"Are you teasing me?" Rheia huffed, "I dare say you are, Hector." She couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

"It pleases me." Hector turned to face his wife.

"What does?" Rheia asked.

"My name falling from your lips."

Rheia was left speechless, she felt frozen in her spot. Her eyes slowly lifted until finally they locked with his. What was his purpose for that statement? She wondered, could he see what he did to her? Could Hector, could her husband see the passion that she had locked inside? Why did he look so intensely at her?

"My lady?" Both heard Brea calling out.

"My bath" Rheia softly spoke before leaving.

Hector watched as his wife walked away from him, he could have kicked himself. Why did he tell her what was in his heart? His heart?? NO! He thought to himself, she couldn't be in his heart....he still loved his ...Andromache. She was...she was gone. Hector bowed his head feeling shame that he longed to hold Rheia, he longed to love her. Shaking off the tangled thoughts, Hector left his house. There was much to do, he and his brother would be sailing for Sparta soon.

***


Rheia soaked herself in the warm scented water, her mind straying to the image of her husband. She felt heat fill her body as she remember him coming to bed the pervious night. He looked like a god, she giggled thinking of all the old maids that whispered as Hector of Troy passed by. She never understood how so many found Paris to be more beautiful. Yes, the youngest son of Priam was handsome but he could not hold a candle to Hector. Hector of Troy was a man, a man that would fight for his people, for his women and hold their lives before his.

She wondered like any women would, if her husband was in need of pleasure? Did he visit the ladies houses late at night, did he keep mistress' like other men. Would he take her into his bed as his wife? Rheia rolled her eyes, she should not think so. Hector married her for duty not to have his way with her, although the thought was pleasing to her. She would not lie to herself, she did want him, what women wouldn't?

***


Sometime later..

"How did you sleep brother?"

Hector heard his brother's voice, "Well and you?"

Paris rolled his eyes while walking towards his brother, "Are you pleased with your wife?"

Hector to face his brother then crossed his well built arms over his chest, "She will be a good mother to my son."

"Ha" Paris laughed, "You think you are a stud Hector of Troy? Getting your new bride with child so soon."

"The relationship between Rheia and I is none of your business Paris, you did not marry her." Hector told him frankly.

"Aye that is true, make sure you are not lacking dear brother. For there is more than one man that would grant your wife an audience in his bed." Paris said with a cocky undertone.

Hector arms feel to his side and he glared at his brother, "Rheia will only know the comfort of my bed dear brother."

They stood there for a while starring at one another, Hector itching for Paris to say something again. Both hadn't notice Rheia walking towards them.

"My lords." she called out frowning at the look gracing both of their handsome faces.

Paris was the first to look away, a bright smile covering his face as his eyes found Rheia. "Ah Rheia, you look radiant this day." He moved over to hug her but she moved past him to stand at her husbands side.

"Thank you Paris." Rheia was still a little upset at him for the stunt he pulled at the wedding. "My lord I wish to speak with you." Rheia looked up at Hector.

"Of course" Hector smiled at her while wrapping his arm around her waist. He smirked over at his brother before moving he and his wife towards the gardens.

TBC