A Warrior's Heart

Part 8


Rheia fell back against her chamber door, heaving and sobbing. She brought her hand to her head, she knew not what to do or say. Her body was aflame, she felt as if Hector's lips were still on her. Anger went hand in hand with the desire that coursed in her. She was angry that he would think of her like that, that he would see her as anything less than a lady.

She huffed, wiping her eyes going to her bed, her head shaking wildly. Rheia growled as she made her way to her dressing table. She cleaned off her face as best she could before fixing her hair. Brea peaked into room after noticing light coming from her room.

"You are not well?" She asked.

Rheia shook her head, " I am fine, I was just in need of some air. I will go back now."

Brea noticed something was different, she dare not say anything. Rheia was a lady. She bowed her head as Rheia left the room, an air of anger going with her mistress.


~~~~~~~~

Hector returned to the feast, noting the look on his father's face. It made him feel guilty, like he'd done something wrong. Wait, he had done something wrong. He lowered his head when seeing Paris moving towards him, his brother was not happy.

"Where is she?" Paris asked, trying to keep his voice down.

"I don't know what you mean." Hector told him coldly.

"Rheia, where is she?" Paris inched closer, for now he was truly upset.

"She felt ill brother, maybe it was your company."

Paris raised an eyebrow at his brother's sarcastic tone. " I believe it was your company that put her in that state, you are fool Hector of Troy."

Rheia stepped in the room and slowly looked over the crowd, she gritted her teeth when seeing Hector but she wanted to show him he was not going to scare her. She was not a whore and he would not treat her so. After taking a deep breath, Rheia found her way to the two princes of Troy, catching the end of their conversation.

"Aww Paris I am sorry I needed some air" She smiled while they both turned to look at her. "Do forgive me, Hector was kind enough to escort me out of the crowd."

Paris shot a glance to his brother before turning to Rheia, "Are you better now my Lady?"

"Of course I am, I am with you now." Rheia spoke with such ease her voice carrying something Paris had never heard before. Was she flirting?

Hector rolled his eyes, grinding his teeth together, her scent still working over him. He felt the urge to pull her away from his brother and mark her as his, consume her mouth in front of all these people.

"You will dance with me?" Paris ignored his brother's look, offering Rheia his hand.

"I would love to." She placed her small hand in his , following him the floor.

"Son" Hector felt his father's voice fill his ears, he turned to face him.

"Father."

"You'll do wise to watch Paris," Priam put his once strong hand on his son's shoulder. "She is worth more than most women."

"That is no concern of mine." Hector told his father after catching a glance of Rheia and Paris, clenching his fist at the sight of Paris' arms around her.

"Oh, I think it is my son. There is speak of a union." Priam said softly. "She'll be married."

"Marriage?" Hector's face hardened, "Who gives their attention?"

Priam held back the smile that was pressing to get out, now he understood what Paris was going on about. His son's entire being wanted this women, he'd never thought Hector would feel that way again.

"A man, a great warrior." Priam added, "She'll be his prize won't you think?"

Hector breathed a ragged breath, "Father, I do not think it wise to.."

"To what? Have Rheia married? She lost a man to an assassination two days before marriage, she needs this match. She'll be a wonderful wife and loving mother. This will make her happy." Priam told his son.

"Please don't tell me you are 'giving' her to Paris" Hector hissed, "He's mindless when it comes to women. All they are, are a game to him."

"Whom should I give her to then my son?" Priam knew his eldest son would not answer. He studied Hector's eyes as they darted around the room while he searched for an answer.

"All will be worked out my son." His father told him before walking away but then Priam stopped, turning back to him, "I see the Jewelry I gave Rheia is now yours again." Priam's eyes went down to Hector's gown, he'd pushed the the necklace inside the waist of it.


Hector silenced the raging beast that was wanting to come out. He'd thought..Hector shook his head. He watched his father leave him, no doubt going off to think on whom to give the Lady Rheia. He growled turning, he was need of wine.


~~~~~~~~~


Paris' eyes sparkled with delight, he and Rheia were sitting on a bench outside. She'd certainly turned in another direction, yes indeed this lady was flirting.

"Paris you are definitely the charmer." Rheia told him, the wine was already affecting her but she did not care.

"You my lady, are very different this night." His dark eyes moved over her face as he wondered if he should not chase her himself. Why should He be be so lucky?

"I know why the maidens speak of you so often.." she giggled.

Paris reached out with his hand pushing a wild strand of her hair out of her face, "And why is that?"

"They speak highly of you my lord." Rheia raised an eyebrow.

"Do they?" He gave her a cheeky grin.

Paris could see Rheia was a little drunk with wine, he growled a little knowing he could not take advantage of her state, no matter how bad he wanted to. She would not be like this if not for the drink and whatever went on between her and Hector. Hector, he thought, damn fool!

"What are you thinking of?" she asked noticing the far look in his eye.

"My brother." he offered honestly.

"Lord Hector" she growled softly, "He has become a hard man, I thank the gods that you are not like him."

Paris tensed up at her words, he was aggravated with Hector but he would not speak ill of him. He was about to speak when she finished.

"Forgive me," Rheia lowered her gaze, "I should not speak of him, he is your brother and you love him."

"That is true." Paris smiled before standing, "Now my lady I pray that you need sleep."

Rheia stood, stumbling a little. Paris was quick to take hold of her in his arms. When he pulled back to look at her, she smiled.

"The ladiave ave much to miss" She smiled while her hands wrapped around his arms.

"You indeed need sleep" he told her before taking her arm and walking her back inside the great hall.

TBC