A Warrior's Heart

Chapter Two



Young Prince Astyanax





The sun peaked into Rheia's room, caressing her face, whispering to her so she would wake up. She yawned before slowly sitting up stretching her arms as wide as she could. The room smelt of fruit and flowers, a most appealing mix, she smiled as she stepped from her bed. This day was lovely she could already tell. She pushed aside the long curtains, taking in the sight of Troy.



She stepped out onto the balcony smiling more, she was finally home. Her maid come into view asking if Rheia wanted a bath.



Rheia nodded telling the young girl she'd take one momentarily. The sight of the city called to her, she wanted to take it in for as long as she could. Finally, she sighed turning to face the young maid telling her she was ready.



"Is young Astanyax up?" She asked while following Brea into her bathing room.



s mys my lady, he is awaiting you in his chamber." Brea answered while helping Rheia out of her robe. "Would you like me to pick out your dress my lady?"



"Please" Rheia sank slowly into the water loving the way it felt against her skin. "The light blue dress please."



Brea lowered her head,"Wait." Brea looked scared at the abruptness of Rheia’s command



"Brea you don't have to bow for me." Rheia told her.



"But my lady.."



"Please Brea."



Brea nodded before flashing a big smile, "I will my lady."



Rheia relaxed and let the warm water consume her, she smiled as Brea began humming a song. She couldn't believe how wondrous it felt to be back in Troy.



She closed her dark eyes enjoying the moment, Hector came to her mind. His face came in frame causing her to open her eyes. Rheia tried to read her own actions, she pushed off her concern for his well being to the fact that he was her cousin's husband.



"My lady?" Brea asked as she came to the side of the tub holding a jug of scented oil.



"Yes" Rheia looked up.



"The young prince." Brea began while pouring the oil into the water. "He is handsome."



"Yes he is and he is friendly." Rheia said with a hint of amusement. "I am aware of Prince Paris' tendencies.br /br />
"I do not mean to speak out of line my lady." Brea lowered her head and finished pouring the oil.



"I am aware of why you spoke so I'll tell you thank you." Rheia smiled. "This is a sweet smell you've given me Brea."



"Tis flowers sent by the king for you." Brea told her.



"I am happy to be home."













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Astyanax moved around impatiently, he was told that the Lady Rheia would visit him today. And a young boy in the house full of important people, having a visitor was an event.



Paris sat watching the young boy trying not to smile at his lack of patience.



"You'll wear the floor out little prince." Paris teased getting a look from Hector.



"Son, sit down" Hector said in a stern tone, "And you don't tease him." He told Paris.



Astyanax stopped moving and sat down lowering his head. He sighed before looking over at his Uncle. Paris smiled and gave him a wink which made Astyanax smile.



"The boy’s only excited Hector, he never had a visitor before." Paris told Hector as he stood walking to the balcony.



Hector groaned, "I know that Paris."



The discussion was cut short by a servant coming in announcing Lady Rheia. Paris smirked at Hector and they both moved to stand next to one another. Astyanax jumped to his feet rushing to stand in front of his father, he smiled a little when Hector put a strong hand on his small shoulder.













~~~~~~~~~~















"You look lovely\ris ris told Rheia as she came into the room, she smiled but kept her attention on the little boy who was smiling up at her.



"You must be Prince Astyanax?" She smiled before lowering, looking over him very slowly. "My you are as handsome as your father."



The little boy‘s smile widened as she reached out and offered her hand, "May I shake the hand of a mighty prince?"



"Ummm." He blushed before looking up at his father. Hector nodded.



"Go on" He instructed.



Astyanax reached out his small hand and let Rheia shake itr />r />


"My, what a grip, you are as strong as your uncle says you are." Rheia told him, enjoying the pleased look on the little boys face.



"It is an honour to meet you." Astyanax said very slowly, he frowned when trying to remember the exact way his father told him to say it.



"And it's an honour for me to meet you. I haven't seen you since you were a baby." Rheia said while standing up. She looked briefly at Hector, then looking away when Paris spoke.



"The mighty Astyanax has been awaiting you Lady Rheia."



"You have and now I'm here so what shall we do?" Rheia offered the little boy her hand and without thinking twice he took it.



"Umm you can see my room." He told her while dragging her from the room.



Paris laughed, "He's gonna be very hard to beat."



"What?" Hector asked while sitting back down.



"That young man of yours won't let anyone else occupy Rheia's time." Paris told him.



"She's not a prize Paris, you shouldn't look at women that way." Hector warned his brother.



"Well at least I look at them at all brother, you've not look at one since Andromache died. You hardly speak to them." Paris informed Hector. "I don't understand you Hector, you're ..."

"What?"



"Do not worry on it, you'll not change I know that." Paris sighed before walking back out onto the balcony.



Hector looked back at his brother who was now looking out over the city, he groaned, knowing Paris was right. But there was nothing to change how he was, his wife's death had almost killed him. It still was on his mind everyday, everytime he looked at his son he'd see her face. He knew he'd become a different man, that was a given. Since Andromache's passing his views towards women had changed, he found being around them almost unbearable. He would see his wife in every lady, rushing from the room because the pain threatened to consume him. He knew Paris only wanted the best for him yet happiness, Hector thought, would never truly be his again.





TBC