When I Met Him

Disclaimer: I don't own Troy. The Illiad belongs to Homer, Troy to Wolfgang Petersen and Warner Brothers

When I Met Him…

I didn’t know that he didn’t want to get married.

My new husband let me out of the feast, holding my hand as we walked through the halls. He was silent, which made me nervous, but he was in no hurry to get to where he was going.

Neither was I.

When we arrived at his chambers, he asked me if I remembered how we got there. I nodded and he showed me into his room.

Well, our room.

He turned around after he opened the door and lifted me effortlessly, carrying me into the bright chamber. He set me down next to the fireplace and turned around to shut the door. His strength both impressed and frightened me, but I put it out of my mind for the moment. I turned and watched him close the door.

“You’ll need to put all your weight on the door to close it, it is heavy.” he explained. “To lock it, pull down on this bar. Be careful of your hands, it falls hard.” He pulled it down to demonstrate and it landed in place with a loud thud. “Then, pull this latch down.” he explained. He finished locking the door and walked towards me. “Be sure to lock it when you’re in here alone, especially at night. I don’t have any guards in the hall.” I nodded to him, quite happy that he was concerned with my safety, but slightly unnerved at the thought of someone coming to harm me. He must have noticed me tense up, because he added, “It’s just a precaution. Don’t worry, it’s safe here.”

I let out the breath I had been holding and took in a new one as my husband strode towards me. He reached for the hem of my veil and lifted it over my head to show my face. He had only seen it once, and smiled as soon as our eyes met. “How do you take this out?” he asked. I lowered my head and pointed to the two combs positioned delicately in my hair. He carefully tugged on them, each coming out easily. He then took hold of the rim of my veil and pulled it up and off my head to reveal my long hair, still pinned back firmly.

He walked over to the table at the edge of the room and placed my combs and veil delicately upon it. Next to the mirror was a basin of water. Hector reached in and pulled out a cloth, ringing out the water and folding the rag. He then walked back over to me and tucked his fingers under my chin, tilting my face towards his. “Close your eyes.” he whispered. I was hesitant, but complied, and I soon jumped at the feeling of warm water on my face. He chuckled. “Don’t be afraid, it’s alright. I just want to remove the lotions and dyes from your face.” I relaxed and allowed him to wipe my face gently with the cloth.

When he was satisfied he walked back to the basin and returned the material before bending down and removing his sandals. After he had finished, he approached me once again. He knelt, which startled me, and quickly removed my own footwear, gently rubbing my foot momentarily before undoing the other one. He looked back up at me, and I smiled at him appreciatively.

Hector stood and walked around me, pulling out the single clip that held my hair in place. The curls fell around my shoulders, and I shook my head back and forth, allowing it to find a natural form. He ran his hands through it a few times, making my heart stop.

Then he reached from the back and undid the clasp on my shawl, pulling it off my shoulders. I then understood why my mother had made my dress the way she did, with only one shoulder covered. Part of my back and upper chest was exposed, but it was warm inside the room. I felt Hector hesitate at my skin, but he soon walked back to the table and placed the lavender shawl next to my veil.

I froze when I saw him move towards the bed. I had been waiting weeks for this moment, but now I was incredibly afraid. He turned and sat on the edge, patting the spot next to him, asking me to come and sit. I nervously and slowly made my way closer to him, sitting on the bed next to my husband.

“Princess,” he began. “Look at me.” I obeyed.

He then said something I didn’t expect.

“I’m Hector.” he introduced himself. “We haven’t officially met.” I smiled at him, too nervous to speak. He raised his eyebrows, waiting for my response.

“Andromache. I am Andromache.” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. The shadows of the fire blazed across his face, and he nodded. I smiled again.

“Well, Andromache,” he said. My name sounded odd coming from his mouth, but I supposed that I would grow accustomed to it. “Are you tired?” he asked.

What do you say, on your wedding night, sitting next to your husband, on the bed where you will become a woman, when he asks if you are tired?

“A little.” I whispered.

That’s what you say.

“Your clothing is in that chest there if you’d like to wear something more comfortable. That dress looks stiff.” I was taken aback at what he had just said. I suppose he thought I was offended, and he quickly continued. “You did look quite beautiful today.” he stated earnestly.

“Thank you.” I uttered. “I… I cannot remove this though.”

“Why?” he asked, looking at me curiously.

“Because… you need to remove it.” Realization clicked in Hector’s head, and he smiled. A bride no longer belonged to herself, but to her husband, and because of this she could not remove her own clothing on her wedding night. It was an uncomfortable rule, but it was to be obeyed.

“That’s right.” he admitted, covering his mistake. “I thought that maybe we could talk for a while, if you want.” he suggested, trying to ease my worry. This man confused me like no one ever had before. I welcomed his stalling though, and nodded in agreement.

“Alright.” he responded. Hector stood and walked to another table, this one closer to the door. I stood politely when he did, but he turned and told me to sit. He poured two glasses of wine, walking back to where I was. He handed me one, and I gratefully accepted it. “I want to get to know you.” he explained further. “You’re my wife, and I don’t know anything about you.” he pondered.

“There isn’t much to know.” I replied. “My mother would tell me nothing of you. She was convinced that we would learn all there would be to know over the years and that there was no point in learning anything beforehand.”

Hector smiled at me. “She’s right.” He thought for a moment before asking, “Did you want to marry me?”

I furrowed my brow and looked into the fire. “No. Not at first.”

“And now, do you still not want to be married to me?” he questioned, obviously concerned for my emotions.

“Now?” I asked rhetorically. “You’ve been quite kind to me my Lord; there is no reason for me not to trust you.”

“Call me Hector.”

“Did you want this?” I asked back. He shook his head.

“I’ve never wanted to be married. It’s not fair for a woman to be attached to me. I spend a lot of time away from here, and if I am here I’m doing something important.” he complained. “Not that a wife is unimportant.” he corrected. “But my father said that I would begin finding time to spend here with you.”

I nodded, shocked by his response. “I do alright alone. You won’t need to worry about me.”

He grinned and stared at me. I squirmed under his gaze, and he noticed. “Are you nervous?” he asked, barely above a whisper. It wasn’t the taunting question of an experienced lover, but the question a man asks a woman when he himself is unsure. I was unsure of whether or not I should admit to my pathetic emotion, or deny it. I decided not to lie, and nodded hesitantly. His hand came up and brushed across my face.

“Is it because you’re afraid of me, or nervous about tonight?” he asked. I had no idea how to respond, and I felt my chest tighten.

“Both, I suppose.” I admitted, my eyes unable to connect with his..

“You don’t need to be afraid of me. I’ll never hurt you. I swear it.” he promised. I nodded and took his hand.

“Do you want to be married to me?” I asked boldly. He became pensive for a moment, a look that I would grow accustomed to over the years. It never ceased to fascinate me.

“No. I suppose not.” he answered truthfully. I looked away from him -- I didn’t want him to see how much that hurt me. I wasn’t sure why, but I felt a strong pain in my heart. He reached up and grabbed my face again, turning it back to look at him. “Andromache, it is not because of you. Never believe that.” he explained. “I just don’t want a wife. That’s all.” I held back the tears that had begun to well up in my eyes. “Make no mistake, I will always honor you and will always be faithful to you. For as long as I live, you will be the only woman in my life.” I felt a tear drop down and land on his hand.

“Cou-” I began, but quickly stopped myself.

“Could what?” he asked curiously. I could tell that he cared -- any other man would have already had his way with me, but Hector wanted to get to know me. “Don’t be afraid, Andromache. You can tell me anything.”

“Could you…” I paused, dumbfounded.

“Yes?”

“Could you ever… do you think it’s possible…” I stopped again, feeling more and more anxious by the second.

“It’s alright. Go ahead.” he encouraged, brushing and caressing my face in his hand.

“Could you love me? I mean, do you think that you… that you ever could?” I asked nervously. He smiled sweetly and tucked my hair behind my ear.

“Perhaps, Andromache. It is too soon yet to tell.” he replied. “Do you want to be in love?” I closed my eyes and openly wept.

“More than anything.” I cried.

“I can’t promise that I’ll love you, my sweet.” I looked up at him, my heart quickly despairing. He brushed his fingers over my eyes. “But I can promise to try.”

I laughed, my heart feeling lighter. “I don’t believe, Prince Hector, that I am that difficult to love.” He chuckled. “Why, could you never love a woman who’s never been on a horse?” I teased.

“I said I’d try.” he answered facetiously. He stood and took my wine glass, placing both on the table. He leaned against the wall and examined me. It wasn’t scrutinizing, just adoring.

“Come here.” It was a request, not a demand. I obeyed. I walked over to him slowly on the balls of my feet. When I made it over to him he reached to the clip that held my dress up. He looked at me seriously and asked, “May I?” I caught my breath and my eyes grew wide. I swallowed hard and nodded my head.

Hector unclipped my dress and it fell freely to the floor. I closed my eyes, terribly afraid of what he would say. He didn’t say anything for a moment and didn’t touch me, just looked. I eventually and reluctantly opened my eyes to connect with his deep ones.

“You’re beautiful.” he whispered earnestly. I let out my breath and looked down at my body. My legs were shaking and my palms were sweaty. I couldn’t find the courage to look back up at him. I suddenly felt his hand slide down my side and I tensed up at his touch. His hand soon found my neck, and I connected my eyes with his. At that he kissed me, leaning in slowly so as not to frighten me and gently brushing his lips over mine. It only lasted a second, but it made me feel amazing, and I smiled when he pulled away.

He reached down to my knees and picked me up quickly and effortlessly. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and shook with anticipation. He smirked and laid me on the bed, looking over me. “Turn over.” he ordered, and I did just as he said. I threw my arms over my head and laid my face down, looking in Hector’s direction. “Relax, darling. It’s alright.” I let my body settle down and waited for what he was going to do.

His hands were warm. They were always warm. They began at my neck, slowly rubbing and massaging my muscles, and slowly moving to my shoulders. He was patient and understanding, never trying to force or rush. I was nervous having his hands on me.

“Just relax. You’ve been standing all day, you must be sore.” he assumed. I nodded tentatively and closed my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy the feeling of his strong hands being so gentle on my skin. He began to knead my deltoids and I moaned happily at the increasing force. He brought the pressure down a little and focused on my right side, running his hands up my shoulders and down to my side. It tickled a little and I smiled and writhed. He chuckled and continued on my left side.

I will never forget how tenderly he touched me that night. It was as if he existed only to make me feel good. He was silent while he touched me, and he watched my every reaction to his movements. My senses heightened, and every stroke became more and more intense. I buried my face into the bed and smelt the sheets. It smelt like a man, indescribable, but comforting. I moaned again and readjusted my hips. Hector suddenly stopped touching me and I shook. “Don’t stop.” I mouthed, my eyes shut. I soon felt his hot breath on my neck.

He leaned over me, his hands resting on the bed on either side of my head, and I took a deep breath, trying to relax myself. He breathed close to me for a moment before his warm lips descended on my shoulders and I gasped. At first he kissed me gently, his mouth closed, but as he moved to the other side of my throat his mouth opened and gingerly sucked on my flesh. I felt my breath catch in my chest and I pulled my hands down to grip his wrists. His mouth never left my skin as he moved down to my shoulders, careful not to let any of his body touch mine except his lips. He teased my spine with his mouth, moving his hands to hold my hips still. I tried to wiggle beneath him, but he held me tighter, making me cry out at the lack of control.

His mouth continued to move down over me, eventually reaching my waist. He sucked at my lower back, and I pushed my hips forward. A heat was growing between my legs that I couldn’t explain, and I began breathing heavily to try and cope with it. I finally couldn’t take it anymore. “Hector,” I gasped. I felt him smile against me before all contact with his body was lost. I froze, unsure of what I should do. I waited for him, quite nervous about what would happen next.

I knew nothing of making love, except for the gossip from the handmaidens that I ignored. Naturally, I was nervous, but I was also completely unprepared. Hector was an amazingly strong man. He could have crushed me easily, but he was careful and gentle with my body, and after a few times I learned to completely let go of all control. I waited anxiously for his next movement, and when it did not come I turned my body over to see where he was.

My husband was standing in front of me completely naked. I let out a gasp of surprise and wondered what would happen next. I felt too nervous at that moment, and I closed my eyes. “Why are you afraid?” he asked gently, kneeling next to the bed and resting his chin on my stomach.

“I’m not.” He raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “Fine, I am.” I admitted. I took a deep breath and he ran his hand through my hair. “I don’t know what to do.”

He smiled and kissed my stomach. “Just relax and let your body feel good. All right?” I nodded, swallowed hard and closed my eyes. He began kissing my stomach, moving down to my left hip and then over to the right. I clenched my legs together anxiously. He pulled back. “Relax. You can open your eyes. It’s alright.”

I watched him slip his hand between my legs and open them to him and I moaned. “Hector, Hector, what are you going to do?” I asked, feeling more and more nervous.

“It’s fine, Andromache. I’m not going to hurt you.” With that he dipped down and licked the space between my legs slowly, and it made me unexpectedly shake. He continued sucking the soft spots between my legs gently and I twitched, bending my knees. His beard tickled and scratched my most intimate space, but no matter what I didn’t want him to stop. The sensations that rushed over me were unlike any I had ever known before, and I breathed heavily, by body shaking against his mouth. His hands slipped up and down my body, trying to calm my breath.

He remained for a moment before kissing his way back up my body. He found my breasts and cupped one in his hands, slowly massaging and stroking it before coming down on the other with his wet lips. He teased my nipple and I giggled, feeling rather silly. He caught my eyes and I felt his hips press up against me. I shied away from him, but he pushed himself forward more. I couldn’t take my eyes off his. He had me pinned to the bed in the most intimate way, and I felt my heartbeat pick up its pace.

“Are you well?” he asked me hoarsely. I could feel him growing larger against me, and I thought my heart would explode in my chest.

“I’m afraid.” I replied honestly.

“Do you trust me?” I took a few shaky breaths. Did I trust him? I had only met this man today, but he had shown so much respect and adoration for me. I decided that I did. I decided that just for tonight, I would trust him. I nodded, unable to bring words to my lips. “Alright. I know you aren’t sure of what is going to happen, but I promise, I’ll be gentle.” he whispered against my neck, gently sucking at it. He ran his hands up my arms and grabbed hold of my wrists, bringing my arms around his back and positioning his strong hands on my waist. He kissed me soundly on the lips, bringing my senses back to life. He sucked on one of my lips, pulling my mouth opened and before I knew it his tongue was in my mouth. I allowed him to explore every crack and crevice before pressing my tongue up against his. The kiss was strong and passionate and I let my hands explore him.

He pulled away, and I gave a groan in protest. His hands went down to my legs again, pushing them apart and settling himself there. I stared up at him and he gave me a reassuring smile. “You’ll probably want to hang on to me.” he suggested. I wrapped my arms tighter around his back, feeling all of the muscles in his chest push up against my breasts. “Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes.” I whispered. Whether or not I was ready really didn’t matter -- the fact was that I was curious. He grabbed my bottom, holding my legs open for himself, and looked down as he positioned himself at my entrance.

“Andromache,” he whispered, looking back up at me. My eyes grew wide and I listened intently. “This may hurt for a moment.” he explained apologetically.

“I’ll be fine.” I responded, reinforcing my grip around his back. He nodded and without warning pushed quickly into me. A burst of sensations rushed through me -- the first noticeable one was the sharp pain. I cried out and tried to move but he held me still.

“Are you alright?” he asked, holding me still so I couldn’t move. I took several deep breaths and screamed. He knew I wanted him to move, and he was happy to oblige. He began thrusting, gently and slowly; the pain soon subsided and turned into something else.

Being filled by that man was the only thing that made me feel whole. Feeling him inside me that night made me realize I would never need anything more as long as I had him. He moved within me, and we found a slow rhythm. I clung to him tightly; sweat falling from my body as we pushed against each other. He kissed my neck, shoulders, chest; anything he could reach before fusing my mouth with his again, kissing me for a long time. The only time his mouth left my body was when he came up for air. He never stopped moving, and I felt something building up inside of me.

“Hector!” I cried out. “Oh, oh Hector. Hector, please!” I begged. He smiled against my skin, but didn’t pick up a faster pace.

“It’s alright. Enjoy it.” he whispered. I threw my head back and closed my eyes, trying my hardest to relax. I gave him better access to my neck and he began nibbling and occasionally giving me little bites that would make me cry out. He was a skilled lover, and knew all the places to touch, all the spots to hit. I still clung to his back, my nails surely digging in. I heard him groan and I laughed.

“Am I… driving you… as mad… as you’re making me? Ahh!” He had pushed a little too far, and he pulled back slightly.

“Sorry.” he whispered. “And…. Yes… oh Andromache, oh, yes…” he moaned.

“This feels so strange.” I explained, trying to make sense of this stir inside of me. It was as if a dam had just been built and the water was slowly -- ever so slowly -- rising.

“Just hold on.” Somehow I knew what he meant and held on to my control as hard as I could. “You’re fine.” he whispered. I wrapped my legs around his back, latching my ankles together and pulling him as deep as I could without it being painful. He gently nuzzled my neck, holding my body as close to him as he could without hurting me. My breasts heaved against his chest and I tightened my grip. I felt every ounce of strength within me slip, and I called out to him again.

“What do I do? Oh… what’s happening?” I asked, gripping his neck with my fingers.

“Hush… Hush darling.” he whispered, picking up his pace. I whimpered and buried my face in his shoulder. I whined, unsure of what to do or what this feeling was.

“I’m scared!” I cried. I felt as if I was going to explode. He ran his hands over me, reaching my face and cupping it. He kissed me on the lips and held my eyes.

“When you’re ready, let go. Do you understand?” I nodded my head frantically and bit my lip, waiting for my breaking point. “Darling,” he whispered tenderly. “Look at me, Andromache.” I opened my eyes to him and immediately lost control. My legs buckled and I screamed, thrashing my head back and forth and holding my breath. He continued to move inside of me as I came for him, pushing my passion higher and higher until I thought I would never breathe again. I tightened around him painfully as I strained every vein in my body. His lips crashed down on mine and I kissed him as hard as I could, shuddering against him. He thrust once, twice, and finally exploded inside of me, crying out and pulling my body against his. I rode out the waves before collapsing onto the bed with him on top of me. My breathing was heavy, as was his and our bodies were covered in sweat. We held each other tightly and he caressed my shoulder with his mouth.

“Are you alright?” he asked quietly as his breathing slowed.

“Oh…” I moaned. It was all I could manage to say as I clung to his body, waiting for mine to come down from its peak.

“Get some rest.” he whispered. “You must be tired.” At that he buried his face in my chest and we fell into a peaceful slumber together.