Too Precious

"The Mazonian's are a savage people sire. It's said they impregnate women to use the babies in sacrifices to give them power over their enemies, " one of Hector's first in command informed. Many believed the tales of the Mazonian's were make believe. Stories thought up to scare women and children.

Priam sighed tiredly and closed his eyes briefly. He knew the stories of the Mazonian's since he was a child. War was the last thing he wanted but he was given no other choice but to send Hector and his army to defeat them. "Hector? Do you see any other course of action we could pursue?" Priam asked hopefully.

Hector shook his head with regret. "I'm afraid not father. I believe Glaucus is right in his assumptions. We must protect Troy from this threat and any outlining cities. If they are allowed to cross the northern river we may not be able to stop them before they reach the city, " he admitted regrettably. The last thing he wanted was to leave Andromache and the rest of his family behind, but if he stayed without action he would most certainly regret it later. He stood from his chair and faced Glaucus. "Assemble two battalions and put two on alert and have the men ready to ride by tomorrow afternoon." He watched Glaucus and his advisors leave the thrown room. Hector turned to face his father. "This will put a hold on the peace talks with Sparta but this is a more pressing matter I'm afraid."

Priam stood from his thrown and nodded, "I will send our ambassadors in your place. Things are well off in Sparta for King Menelaus to understand yours and Paris' absence."

Hector gave his father a grim look, "Yes…I’m sure." He stepped away and started around the table towards the door. "If you'll excuse me…"

"…I was hoping to have a word alone with you Hector, " Priam interjected calmly.

Hector stopped and looked between Paris and their father. "Of course, " he nodded.

Paris cleared his throat and started for the door and as he passed Hector he patted him on the shoulder, "I will see you later brother." Hector returned his pat and watched him leave then turned his attention to his father. He said nothing as he waited for him to speak. He had a feeling he knew what he wanted to talk about, and it wasn't about the Mazonian's.

Priam tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at Hector, "I understand that you have decided to take on a concubine." Hector visibly stiffened at the mention of the subject. He studied his son further. "Or am I mistaken?"

Hector shifted on his feet nervously looking everywhere but at his father. "Yes…and no…" he said shortly. The more he thought about the matter the more reasons he came up with not to do it. It would endanger whomever he took with him for one. And no matter how much you tell yourself it's just physical, when you are intimately close with someone over a long period of time a bond is formed. Hector had a wife that he loved more than life itself. He needed no other woman in his life to fill that void.

"No?" Priam pressed carefully.

Hector cleared his throat, "I will be taking mine and Andromache's handmaiden Thera with me. That is if she wishes to accompany me."

"For her current purpose or more?" Priam asked blatantly.

Hector closed his eyes at his father's tact, "Father…"

"…it's a simple question Hector, " Priam chuckled at his sons obvious discomfort.

"With all due respect father I've already had this conversation with Andromache, " Hector grumbled as he passed his father to sit on a window ledge.

"You do realize the power of the title?" his father reminded softly as he joined him on the ledge. "If she is bound to you then she has all the rights of your wife."

Hector nodded, "I understand."

"Do you?" Priam pressed. "If she were to bare your child…"

"…I understand the rights of a concubine father, " Hector interrupted slightly annoyed. "Which is why I don't understand Andromache's behavior."

"And what does she think about it?" he asked helpfully.

Hector crossed his arms and stared out. He shook his head in disbelief and looked to his father. "She is the most understanding woman I have ever met and it annoys me, " he admitted in defeat. "If I had married any other woman they would be begging me not to take a concubine but she seems to be begging me to do the exact opposite." He sighed in defeat.

Priam chuckled, "She merely understands Hector that if you need a physical release she will not hold it against you. She knows that she may not always be there to provide for you but…" he held up a finger. "…she knows you love her and that is a confidence that most woman can not uphold too."

Hector nodded in understanding, "I realize that father but…I have no desire to bed another woman. I only wish to give Thera the title of concubine to protect her. As much as I trust my men I don't trust their natural instincts, " Hector said grimly.

"What about yourself?" Priam prodded playfully.

Hector gave his father a sharp look as if to warn him.

"Are you saying you could control your natural urges?" Priam continued.

"Yes, " Hector stated plainly. "I would never force myself upon a woman."

Priam chuckled, "I wasn't insinuating you would my son. You may be in love with your wife but that does not stop you from looking or desiring another woman."

"Looking yes, but to take one into my bed…no, " Hector corrected.

Priam took pity on his son, "Hector I believe you are over analyzing the situation in all the wrong areas. Men take women into war with them all the time, as concubines, servants or both."

Hector pushed away from the ledge and walked a few feet away. "Thera has been our handmaiden for the last two years and I admit that I've…grown fond of her, " he admitted hesitantly. "For her age she is a very mature woman."

"You're afraid of her, " Priam realized. When Hector did not react in anyway he knew he was right. "You're afraid if you get intimately close to her that your feelings will deepen." Again Hector did not react he merely stood with his back to his father.

"I trust her, " Hector looked over his shoulder. "I know she will except whatever I ask of her."

"Then I would say you have nothing to worry about, " Priam assured.

Hector nodded and started for the door.