The Princess and the Prophecy by Kerri Keberly

Author:Kerri Keberly [Kerri Keberly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonfire Press
Published: 2024-06-16T00:00:00+00:00

11

One year later

Cassandra stifled a yawn, silently thanking Hera it wasn’t her marriage Hecuba was finalizing. Hair and eyes dark as midnight, Andromache, princess of Anatolia, sat across from the women of Troy with her similarly dark-featured kyrios, the guardian responsible with delivering her dowry. Chests of gold, expensive fabric, and spools of fine wool lay open between them. Hecuba took her time inspecting their contents, but when she finally finished, it was decided that Andromache was officially betrothed to Hector.

There wasn’t much choice in the matter. He had gone to Anatolia after the death of her mother, who had succumbed to illness. It was rumored losing her husband Eetion and several of her sons during a sack of Anatolia by the Greeks was the real reason for her death.

“We will wait for Gamelion for the Gamos,” said Hecuba.

Andromache’s kyrios nodded in agreement. “Yes, the wedding season is the best time to hold the ceremonies.”

Cassandra looked at Helen pointedly. This was the right way to marry, but of course, Helen refused to look at her.

Although life went on in the many months since Helen had forced herself upon the people of Troy, Cassandra did not grow to like her, only to tolerate her. At times like this, when Paris was not around to protect her, Cassandra couldn’t resist the temptation to remind her sister-in-law just how much her presence was unwanted.

By Cassandra, at least.

“There is no sense in going back to Anatolia. You both shall stay in Troy. Our people will want to get to know the woman who is to become Hector’s wife.” Andromache had gone pale as milk, and so Hecuba added, “We are sorry for your loss, Andromache. Eetion was a good man, your mother faithful and devout. Troy welcomes you with open arms.”

Andromache offered them all a weak smile.

“Thank you, Anassa,” said the man who’s name Cassandra had already forgotten. “Words cannot express our gratitude, especially to Hector. He is an honorable and chivalrous man.”

Cassandra’s stomach looped, shocked when she saw the tears well in Andromache’s eyes. Andromache wasn’t prone to displaying such emotion, not publicly, at least.

The rescue of the princess of Anatolia by the heir of Troy had been no surprise. Anatolia and Troy had always been allies, with Andromache and her brothers visiting the city several times. It was no secret Hector had grown fond of Andromache over the years, but Cassandra supposed that didn’t mean his warrior heart would allow Andromache’s strong will—her name meant “fighter of men,” after all—a place in their marriage. They had bantered often as children, but that did not mean they would not bicker as adults.

Even though Cassandra couldn’t imagine what it was like for Andromache to lose her entire family, then have your childhood friend save you from being an invading Greek’s wife, she could image the fear and worry of having to change who you are out of debt. It was a heavy weight, and Cassandra knew the tears in Andromache’s eyes were from the hope Hector would continue to find her independence a comfort instead of a threat.

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