A Warrior's Heart

Chapter Three

"Did you know my mother?"

The young prince’s question threw Rheia for a moment, she frowned but then answered.

"Yes I did, she was my cousin."

Astyanax smiled a little, "I don't remember her."

"You don't have to remember someone to love them" She said while smiling at him. "She loved you so much, that when the gods took her away, she left all her love inside you."

"She did ? " He asked wide eyed.

"Of course she did, right here." Rheia pointed to his heart, "All that love is from her. A special place that is just for you and she."

"Sometimes I dream about her." Astyanax said, "Do you think father dreams of mother?"

Rheia pondered this for a moment, "I do not know but I have a feeling he does. He loved your mother very much."

Astyanax reached out and touched Rheia’s hair, "Your hair is different."

"Is it ? " she chuckled.

"I like it" The young prince smiled before letting his hand fall to his side, "I’ve never had a visitor before."

"I know, if you want I can come and visit you whenever you want me to." Rheia told him, she could see in his eyes that he needed someone. She knew she’d never replace his mother, she just wanted the chance to be apart of his life.

"I can ask father." He told Rheia before smiling.


* * *


~~~~~~~~~~


* * *


The days passed, with great ease Lady Rheia found herself more and more with young Prince Astyanax. He was charming, full of life and reminded her of her cousin. Yet there was still much of Hector, always staying strong never showing weakness. Everyone had taken Rheia in, embracing her into their lives, everyone but Hector.

She’d been in Troy for two months and he scarcely said ten words to her, she knew he wasn’t the same. Paris on the other hand showed her much attention, to his dismay she wasn’t, or better yet their relationship wasn’t , moving as forward as he liked. Still, Paris was civil as always, welcoming her company.


* * *


~~~~~~~~~


* * *

As many nights before, Rheia found the gardens to her favorite spot. She roamed around the scattered trees enjoying the solace. What she did not know was that this night wasn't like any other.

The hour was growing late and to find the young prince of Troy crying behind a try wasn't usual. Rheia could hear the soft cries before he came into sight.

"Astyanax?" Rheia asked softly as she came around the tree. He looked up with tears running down his face.

"What's the matter?" She knelt down next to him. The young boy sobbed harder as he threw himself into her arms.

"My dearest what is it?" This was unlike him, a surge of concern consumed her.
"Are you going away?" He asked in between sobbing.

"No, why?" Rheia pulled Astyanax back so she could look at him.

"Father says that I shouldn't get use to you being around." Astyanax told her as he gripped her tighter.

Rheia was confused, "Why would you think I would leave you?"

"Because he said you would."

Astyanax moaned before wiping his eyes, "He said never cry, never show what you feel."

"Come now" She scooped the little prince up in her arms, "I'll take you back to your chamber, it's late."

His cries were breaking her heart, he was just a boy. Why would his father put so much pressure on him? She grinded her teeth together, for the first time in her life, Rheia wanted to speak out against a man. All this time she'd thought of how horrible it must be for Hector, for Hector...ha that was a joke! How dare he tell a child....!!!

She was more than just angry, her blood began to boil. Rheia would put Astyanax down then speak with Prince Hector directly.


Astyanax fought as Rheia put him down, "Noooo."

"But you must, I'm not going anywhere believe me." She told him, smiling as he calmed down crawling under his blanket.

"The gods watch your dreams." She whispered to him before kissing his forehead.


* * *


~~~~~~~~~~~


* * *

Hector was surprised to find Lady Rheia awaiting him; he spoke briefly to his servant before going to speak with her. She waiting for him on the balcony hoping the cool night air would calm her, yet when she heard him enter his chambers, anger rushed through her.

"My lady it is late?" He said wondering why she needed to speak with him.

Rheia turned slowly, "Yes I wanted to speak with you on a matter of great importance."

Hector nodded while walking to stand next to her, he looked out over the city before speaking. "And what is of great importance, why have you come to visit me so late?" His tone hinted he was annoyed; having to speak to her must be so beneath him. Rheia swallowed then turned so that she was also over looking the city.

"I found your son tonight in the gardens, crying."

Hector was silent for a moment, "And?"

"And?" She asked in disbelief, not a ‘is he alright or why was he crying?’ No, the man standing next to her look as if he didn't care.

Rheia turned and watched his reaction carefully, "And?"

"Yes. And?" He grumbled.

"Do you not care about your son?" She asked boldly as he faced her.

"Madam I do not think it wise to discuss this." He told her.

"Really, I think it is wise to discuss your child my lord." Rheia insisted, seeing the effect the conversation was having on him.

"I am his father." Hector growled, "And you have no right to speak of this manner."

"His father" she smirked, "No you are a figure of his father. You stopped being his father once his mother died."

The words trickled off her lips with great ease and Rheia knew she'd made a mistake yet she did not feel ashamed for saying it. Instead she shifted her gaze which had been locked with his, moving from the balcony telling herself to not look back.

Her exit was cut short by a pair of strong hands taking hold of her forearms spinning her around. Rheia took in her breath, preparing herself for whatever Hector's response would be.

"Be aware my lady that if you were a servant of this house you'd be beaten for your words." Hector spoke very coldly.

Rheia said nothing, she could scarcely look at him, feeling his anger radiating off his body. He took her not looking at him as a sign of her carelessness ; Rheia must look at this as a game.

"Do you understand that I am the man of this house?" He tightened his grip shaking her a bit so she would understand his meaning.

"Let go of me" Rheia said softly , slowly raising her gaze.
Hector felt her gaze, her eyes sucking him in. The strangest surge of emotion passed through him. He could see she was angry, and his manner only added to thank.

"Sir let me go." He was told again but still he did not let her go.

Finally Rheia jerked a couple of times pulling out of his grasp, she was as surprised as he by the action.

"Yes you are lord of this house Prince Hector." She told him with great ease, "But to be a man you must step up and be a father!"

Hector growled stepping towards her but stopped when Paris announced himself.

"Brother I was looking..." Paris looked at his brother's face then at Rheia. She looked away holding her gaze to the floor.

"My lord" She cleared her throat, "I think we've both made our points clear, good night to the both of you." Rheia bowed her head before rushing out the room.

Paris watched her go only to snap his head back and glare at his brother, "What was that?"

Hector didn't answer, he stormed back out onto the balcony.

"You look fit for a fight great warrior prince." Paris came to stand next to him.


TBC