A Warrior's Heart

*Thanks to RG for editing!!*


Part Nine


As they walked through the crowd, Rheia saw Hector. He was staring right at her, his gaze never leaving her as she and Paris made their way across the room. She looked away, fearing her body’s response to him. Rheia tried to tell herself that he would never feel deeply for her. He would not show her his heart, the part of him that was locked away. She also felt like she was betraying Andromache, how could she take her place? But she wasn't trying to take her cousin's place, she only wanted to give....it wasn't important anymore. Rheia pushed all these silly thoughts away, for she would no longer wait for what would never happen.

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Paris brought Rheia to her room, he made himself leave although his body did not want him to. She was not for him, he told himself. He was still surprised at the state she'd gotten in, she was absolutely charming when she was filled with wine. His amused state fading when his eyes caught a figure in the shadows.

"Brother?" Paris called out.

Hector did not speak only step forward, almost animal like features filled his face. He raised his eyebrow as his younger brother smiled before speaking again.

"You will the first I shall confide iPariParis stepped forward placing his hand on Hector's shoulder. "I am to marry Lady Rheia, she'll be a princess of Troy."

"You are?" Hector gruffed, "Father is alright with this?"

Paris smirked, "I know of father's talks with you this night on this matter, brother. Rhes a s a fine lady and will be a welcomed partner in my bed."

Hector's gaze moved over his brother's face slowly, "She will warm the bed of a Prince of Troy." His full lips curled up into a smile before he turned, heading for his own chamber.

The youngest son of King Priam nodded, indeed she would.

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The city was alive, the news of Prince Paris' wedding flowed through all of Troy. All at once Rheia found herself being pulled in many directions, there was so much things that needed to be done. Rheia did found time everyday to spend with her nephew, she wanted him to feel as though he was not losing her. He showed a small degree of pleasure that she was marrying his uncle but for some reason he pulled away from Paris. A fact that did not go unnoticed by Rheia, she wondered why but knew the young boy would only speak when he was ready.

Hector had stayed away, spending as much time away from the palace as possible. Rheia thanked the gods, for she had seen her limit with regards for him. There would be no civil discussions between them and she did not want to show ill will towards him. For that would trickle down affecting the King, Paris and mostly, Astyanax. She knew by marrying Paris, it would not stop the yearning inside for Hector. What she told herself was that Paris was a good match, one that was good for Troy. The King wanted to see his youngest son married, happy and she would honor her lord and give him what he so needed. She prayed, asking the gods to give her strength and understanding. Prayed that she would br Trr Troy, for the King what Andromache had been.

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"My lady are you sure?" Brea asked while finishing up Rheia's hair. Rheia looked up at her maid and smiled.

"Brea.." she teased the young girl.

"Forgive me." Brea lowered her gaze placing her hands by her sides.

Rheia turned tandtand, she stood in front of Brea and smiled, "I am only teasing, and to answer your question I am sure."

Brea was to say shinghing else but a knock rang loud in Lady Rheia's chamber. King Priam was announced and he soon stood before Rheia. Brea bowed her head before leaving, Rheia smiled as the King reached for her.

"You look lovely my dear." He wrapped his arms around her, whispering in ear, "My son has been given a great gift from the gods."

Priam pulled back, waiting for the shade of pink cover her cheek, "You are truly beautiful, my daughter."

"Your words are too kind." Rheia told him.

"Come now" The King offered his arm. Rheia smiled up at her king before walking the long hallways that would take her to her husband.


The King brought her before his council, all other high ranking families of Troy. The hall, used for his most important meetings of state, was now filled with flowers. Guests crowded together chatting about the union, and the King was happy this day. He caught his eldest son out the corner of his eye, Prince Hector stood proud, mingling with the guests. His eye would stop on Rheia ever so often but then he'd pull his gaze away and return to the guests.


Rheia felt nervous with all these people staring at her, she swallowed hard before looking up at the King who stood next to her. He smiled down at her before letting go of her arm, "My dear we will start now as soon as Paris arrives."

"Alright" she felt her stomach in ain a knot, was she doing the right thing? Rheia shook off}her doubt, she must press on, she'd made up her mind and was now going to follow through.

Priam moved to his eldest son, "Where is your brother?"

"I do not know, let me find him." Hector said softly before going in search of Paris.

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Paris smiled inwardly before kissing the woman in his arms, she was more than ready for him to take her. He granted her desire but thrusting into her wet folds. Groaning in pleasure as her tight walls gripped him. He steadied his pace as she called out his name, not wanting to spoil this moment.

"Brother" Hector called out as he came into Paris' chamber.

Paris turned his head, "yes" he neither stopped pushing into the girl nor cared that his brother was glaring at him.

"You are late." Hector felt anger filling him, he shook his head. "Your wedding."

"I'll be there directly" Paris said through gritted teeth, "Do not worry."

Hector stormed out of his room running into Rheia's maid, "Where are you going?"

Brea bowed her head, "My lady wishes to see if Prince Paris is well, she is worried?"

Hector took her by the forearm turning her around, "He is well, I am seeing to him. Go now, your lady will wait no longer."

Brea nodded and left in a hurry but did see another servant coming out of Paris room looking flustered. She pushee que questions out of her mind as she went back to her mistress.

"I am ready" Paris strutted out of his chamber running his hands over his gown. "Let's us go now."

Hector stopped him by taking hold of him, pushing in back into his room and shutting the doors. He yelled for a couple of guards as he held the doors shut, knowing that Paris could not get out. He was no match for Hector's strength. Two men came to stand in front of the Prince.

"You will hold this, do not let the Prince out. Do you understand me?" Hector growled.

Both men nodded fearing the wrath of Hector, the gods could not sway them to open this door.

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Rheia saw a smile cover Priam's face telling her that Paris must be coming. She heard music playing along with whispers from guest. Rheia could not make out what was being said, she patted herself down making sure her gown was perfect. A presence was soon behind her, Rheia felt a hot breath against her neck, she smiled and turned. Her smiled fading when she saw Hector.

She moved turning a little but Hector gripped her forearm pulling her back to look at him. "Your prince is here."

"Ha" she let out, "Where's Paris?"

"He's not coming maiden." Hector felt himself reacting to her eyes. "You will be married this day but not to him."

"What are you speaking of?" Rheia said there gritted teeth.

"You wanted a Prince of Troy and now you have one." He growled in her ear, "Now let us be married."

Rheia looked to King Priam and he smiled, she looked around wondering if she should run but she knew should couldn't. Hector held on to her with a iron grip and she knew she would dare not shame the house of King Priam by running.


The next thing Rheia knew, she was turned around. Her eyes moving over the crowd of people cheering and clapping. When a large hand encircled her waist she looked up at Hector.

"How does it feel to be a princess of Troy?" His dark eyes filled with a mixture of anger and need. He swallowed hard, "Is it what you thought it would be?"

Rheia turned away, his voice was low and menacing, sending shivers up her spine. What had she gotten herself into, aye she was married but to a man that scared her more than anything. The beast that lay inside him wanting to break free. For she feared not only him but the feelings, the need that swelled inside of her when she looked at him.

"Wife" she shuddered at the word, "We must see to our guests before enjoying the delights of our wedding night." Hector whispered in her ear.

It was all to much for Rheia, Princess ofy, sy, she brought a hand to her mouth feeling her lips dry from his words. He pulled her then and she squirmed against him.

"Let go." She managed to out.out.

"Why my lady you are MY wife now." He warned pulling hard against his body.

TBC