It has been 9 months at least since I've updated…and I should be thoroughly beaten for it LOL! I am so terribly sorry for the long wait and I know everyone thought I had given up on this but NOPE! I just couldn't get this chapter right for the longest time and I think I've finally got it. Plus I've got other stories I'm working on like Unforeseen, which I have not forgotten about either. I'm still working on the next chapter for that as well. With a full time job, working on my pretty much non-existent website and juggling other stories I've hardly got any time lol! I always try my best and I want to thank everyone and I mean everyone for the awesome reviews I've gotten on this story. Now without further ado…the long awaited chapter 9…

The city was vibrant and active with its daily routine. It wasn't beyond the people what was happening. They knew Prince Hector would be leading part of the army to the north to stop the Mazonian invasion. Rumors of the situation had been circling for weeks and things were not turning out for the best. Naturally, when the announcement was made the people weren't shocked, maybe alarmed but not shocked.

It was getting close to their time of departure. Soldiers made their farewells to their wives and families. Priests and Priestesses alike made their silent prayers to Apollo. It was never easy to leave a family behind. The fear of never seeing them again was enough to rattle the toughest of men.

This was no different for Hector himself. The majority of his morning and early afternoon were spent preparing the army and attending meetings with fellow officers. The decision had been made for Glaucus to stay in Troy. Lysander and Tecton would attend Hector on his campaign as his next in command.

"How are preparations coming?" Hector asked as Lysander and Tecton flanked him down the hall.

"We should be prepared to leave within the hour my lord," Lysander stated confidently. "The men know their duties during the journey so we shouldn't loose any time given we have no mishaps."

Hector glanced at Lysander briefly, "Let us hope not." He turned his attention to Tecton. "Inform Glaucus I will be by to see him momentarily to discuss the home defense we have set up."

Tecton bowed lightly, "My prince." He fell out of step and headed back the way they came.

"Your things have been stowed my Prince and your horse is prepared as well, " Lysander continued with his list of duties.

Hector nodded, "Thank you Lysander." He stopped and patted his friend on his shoulder. "Now if you'll excuse me I must say my farewells to my family." He smiled and patted him again. "You should do the same my friend." He turned and continued down the hall.

"Thank you Prince Hector," even though Hector had his back to Lysander he bowed anyway and made his own departure.

As Hector made his way to the thrown room where his father, brother, cousin and wife waited for him, he took a deep breath to help with the rising tension he felt. He knew Thera would be there as well. He had not seen her all morning or afternoon, which was probably for the best. Once they were departed he would need to speak with her in private.

It wasn't long before he came to the entrance of the throne room and stopped just short of stepping inside. His family all stood conversing amongst themselves. Priam and Paris were engaged in conversation with a few of the high Priests while Andromache, Briseis and Thera had their own conversation. He watched the trio of women for a moment. They all meant so much to him he wasn't sure if he could survive if something happen to any of them. Even though Thera was not family and technically just a servant he considered her to be more, a friend, and a close friend. Briseis was his cousin by blood but was more of a sister to him. They grew up side by side, along with Paris. He had to admit he was happy when she decided to take the virgin robes and be a Priestess of Apollo. That meant she would never have to marry. That meant no man would ever lay with her. That thought pleased him selfishly. Andromache always berated him about such protective behavior and she could sympathize with Briseis with having seven older brothers herself.

Then his gaze fell to his lovely wife and a tinge of pain started in the center of his chest. He hated having to leave her behind but he would not risk her life by bringing her into such danger. It was bad enough he was taking Thera with him. If the Mazonian's ever got a hold of either of them he would never forgive himself. A chill ran down his back at the thought of such torture. He knew neither he nor any other man would understand the anguish a woman must go through to be violated in such a manner. Short of a child being molested or harmed in any way Hector thought that was the vilest crime to commit. Men that took women by force were beyond forgiveness in his opinion. He watched as Andromache laughed at something Briseis had said to Thera and he couldn't stop his own soft smile. I am the luckiest man alive he thought as he stepped into the room catching his father's attention.

"Hector," Priam acknowledged warmly as he walked over to meet him halfway.

Andromache and Briseis joined Paris as the Priests paid their respects and left the family to mingle. Thera didn't step away but stayed a respectful distance away. This was Hector's time to bid farewell to his family so she would not interfere. Once they were gone Hector returned his attention back to his father. "Once I've talked with Glaucus we will be headed on our way," he tried to be a bit formal. It always helped with the pain he felt when leaving his family.

Priam nodded wisely, "I'm sure it will not come to such measures but we can never be too careful. Besides…" he turned his attention to Paris with a teasing smile. "…this will be a great learning experience for your brother to extend his knowledge in army tactics."

Paris blushed lightly and looked to his giggling sister-in-law and cousin. "Don't laugh," he defended himself with as much dignity as he could muster. Thera too, tried to hide her own smile.

Hector gave his own chuckle looking between his father and Paris. "I'm sure Paris will make us all proud someday," Hector praised. What everyone didn't know was that he meant it. He knew Paris was a foolish boy, but when the time came he knew he would stand up and become the man he knew he could be. He wished Paris would try to be more knowledgeable in the arts of war, but Paris had the illusion Hector would always be around and become King. Paris really thought he would never be King.

Paris swallowed lightly and cleared his throat indicating he was uncomfortable with the topic. "The journey is to take you a week?" it was more of a statement than a question.

Hector nodded, "Yes, once we get a safe distance from their camp we'll send an emissary to the Mazonian's for a meeting."

"If they don't kill the poor man on sight," Andromache mentioned. "Surely once they see that the Trojan army has come to stop them they will retreat?" Hector could sense the worry in her voice and the need for a quick resolve. She hated him being gone to war and vice versa.

"I will pray to Apollo everyday for a safe resolve Hector," Briseis walked up to Hector and kissed both of his cheeks and gave him her most beautiful smile. "I will watch after all of them," she said only enough for him to hear. They shared a smile and he kissed her in return.

"I will miss you Briseis," he then looked to his brother and father. Briseis stepped aside as he moved to stand before them. "I will send word of our progress as often as possible. They will not reach the city father," he was calm but you could see he could become a raging storm at any moment.

Priam took his son's face between his hands and kissed his forehead, "May the Gods be with you and our soldiers my son."

"Thank you father," Hector turned to his brother who was shifting from side to side nervously. Every time Hector left the city Paris would be a nervous wreck. For the life of him he couldn't figure out why. Was he really worried that trouble would come if Hector were not there to stop it?

"Paris, I know you will do fine in my absence," Hector embraced his brother firmly and they patted one another on the back.

"You won't be gone long," Paris stated confidently into his brother ear. "Everything will be fine." They parted and Hector gave Paris a friendly shake on the shoulder then turned his attention to his wife.

She smiled, but it was a facade, as usual. He wanted to tell her not to worry but that would be like telling a child to not be afraid of a sea monster. His and Andromache's partings were always the most difficult. For a moment they just looked into each other's eyes. They could tell what the other was thinking.

"Be careful," she almost whispered. "Don't be careless with your life."

He pulled her into a hug and buried his face in her long curly hair. He took a deep breath and noticed she was wearing his favorite hair scent. He closed his eyes and pulled her tighter not wanting to let go. "I love you Andromache," he whispered kissing the side of her neck.

"I love you," she sounded on the brink of tears. Her body was tense with the effort of holding her tears.

He pulled away and framed her face with his hands and kissed her soundly. He didn't care that his family was standing around them. All he wanted to do was hold her and tell her everything would be alright, but he couldn't…because he didn't know. Slowly he broke the kiss and looked deeply into her eyes hoping to give her the strength to be strong. She understood his stare and nodded.

Tecton stepped into the doorway hesitantly and cleared his throat. Everyone looked his way and he felt very small with the entire royal family looking upon him. "Forgive my intrusion my lord's," he bowed respectfully and stood back to attention. "Glaucus is waiting for you in the conference room my Prince."

"Thank you Tecton I will be right there," Hector acknowledged.

Tecton bowed and left.

Thera took the opportunity to have her presence reminded. "Would you like for me to prepare your carriage my lord?" Thera had been very quiet since he entered, out of respect. In a way she didn't feel right being in the room as they said their farewells but Andromache had insisted she be with Hector when she left. It was supposed to be a symbol to the men.

"No, I would like for you wait for me in the conference room until I get there," he seemed to have the same idea as Andromache.

Thera stiffened for a moment a little confused but bowed, "Of course my lord." She started out of the room but slowed when Hector spoke.

"Andromache, Briseis…Paris, I would like to speak with father privately for a moment, " he hoped he wasn't being rude but needed to speak with his father about something pressing.

"Of course, come Briseis, Paris," Andromache motioned for them to leave the room like you would scold a child.

Hector watched the rest of his family leave. When he was sure they were gone he turned to his father. "Father, I have given a lot of thought of what we spoke of the other day…and I want to make it official…to you, that Thera is to be my bound concubine," he sounded as if it pained him to say such words. This did not go unnoticed by Priam.

Priam lifted his chin slightly, "Might I ask the nature of your decision?"

Hector stiffened as a stab of pain went through in his gut and he sighed. I can't tell him, not yet he thought painfully. His reasons for taking Thera as his concubine he hoped would be proven wrong in the future. "For her safety," he stated plainly. For the moment his main reasoning was to protect her and give her status among the men. Also, if she were to be captured it might save her life, or it might kill her.

Priam nodded, "I see." He seemed to consider the situation.

Hector watched his father carefully. "I don't want there to be an official ceremony. One, we don't have time and it's not something I want to get out till we are back…the rumor mill is bad enough," Hector explained hoping his father would understand.

Priam faced his son. "Have you informed Andromache of this?" he asked.

Hector nodded, "Yes, we spoke of it last night."

"What about Thera?" Priam added.

"Not exactly…" Hector hesitated. "I planned on speaking with her on the journey."

"You seem to trust her immensely?" It was a question but was said as a statement.

"She trusts me," Hector said cryptically.

Priam straitened and took a deep breath, "I will grant the union on one condition."

Hector tilted his head as if to say continue.

"The right of concubine should not be bestowed lightly. If she were to bare a child it would give her the same rights and powers as your wife," Priam stepped closer. "I want you to understand what this union means Hector. Thera will essentially become your second wife."

"I am well aware of the laws and the rights of a concubine father," Hector replied tightly. "Andromache understands them as well. This is something we have both agreed upon."

There was a moment of silence between them. "Then I bid you, Thera and the army a safe journey my son."

Hector bowed respectfully then turned and made his way from the thrown room leaving his troubled father behind. Priam closed his eyes as if defeated.

Please be careful Hector…

Donna Lynn