#incorrect iliad

[hekioftroy]

Your highness,if you hadn’t been born a prince what career would you have chosen?

A wonderful question...one I have often pondered myself. Being born a prince is a privilege, but it is also a burden. Every day carries new responsibilities and every decision affects the lives of others. I have always found peace from that weight in the stables, among my horses.

Had I not been born a prince, I believe I would gladly have become a stable boy. I could think of few happier lives than spending my days grooming, feeding, training and caring for horses, with little more to worry about than the next foal to be born. Who knows...perhaps there truly is a stable boy hiding beneath all this armor. Though I suspect my father would have a great deal to say if I announced I was trading the crown for a pitchfork.

[belovedofhektor]

Well, my son is now at an age that he can crawl out of sight in the few moments I turn away, which is quite a terrifying thing to be newly made aware of in the middle of one of the more violent days of this war.

[belovedofhektor]

what kinda massages does your husband like?

Are there many kinds? I tend to massage out the muscles of Hektor’s back when he returns from the war plains, for so often does he return tired and sore from the weight of arms and armor. As for if he would like any other kind, he has never told me such, save those moments when I or a healer helps when a limb has cramped and needs the tension eased.

[hekioftroy]

To prince Hector of Troy,how has your father been? Are you the heir apparent to the throne? If so what would the first thing you do as king be?

That is a wonderful question...one I have often pondered myself. To begin with, my father is well and he continues to rule with the same determination he possessed ten years ago. Yet when the day comes that I inherit the crown, there is much I hope to change in Troy.

I see the hardships my people endure every day and it is always those with the least who carry the heaviest burdens. No kingdom can truly prosper while its poorest are left behind. I have learned a great deal from Polydamas and I intend to put those lessons to good use.

I would strengthen support for those in need and reduce the levies demanded by the palace. I want schools for both girls and boys alike, for Troy can never have too many wise minds and my wife has shown me just how invaluable an educated woman can be. I want my people to have opportunities, to be heard and to have a greater voice in the future of our kingdom.

Oh and of course...I would ensure there was far more room in Troy for horses. Some priorities simply cannot be ignored.😁

[hekioftroy]

If Aeneas tried to flirt with me I'd fold so quickly I fear

Oh, pull yourself together! Aeneas is impossible! I understand the appeal, of course; he is the son of Aphrodite. Who would not be tempted by someone so closely tied to Love and Beauty themselves? But believe me, my cousin flirts with absolutely everything that breathes. Worse still, he has an uncanny talent for knowing exactly when someone is in love, when their heart is racing, or when...other desires begin to stir.

It does not matter whether it is me, one of my siblings, my wife, or poor Polydamas; Aeneas always knows and he never misses the chance to point it out with that infuriating grin of his. It is dreadful. I cannot so much as admire someone in peace without him noticing. So, if I were you, I would be careful. That man can smell feelings from half a kingdom away.

[hekioftroy]

My prince, if you would humor my curiosity, why do you have such a great amount of disdain towards Odysseus? From my perspective, you seem to resent him more than any of the other Achaean kings

Oh, I have little sympathy for many of the Achaeans. Even so, many of them still observe the rules of war. I know well that war tests a man's character and draws out the worst within him. Yet I believe that a warrior's honour is measured by his integrity and by the fairness with which he fights.

King Odysseus has broken those rules more than once. He has slain men after battles were decided, trespassed upon our lands through deceit and built his reputation upon lies and trickery. I could never place my trust in such a man. And besides...when I step onto the battlefield, I do not require a goddess to hold my hand simply to distinguish myself.

[kingofsparta]

Not so former ally of Troy now, i would say. After seeing your friendship with Hector🥺

I...do suppose, but I still brought my brother and many of the other Greek kingdoms to their shores for war. So former is fitting.

[hekioftroy]

Prince Hector,how is Andromecha,follow up question how did you two meet?

Oh, my wife is doing well...or at least as well as anyone can while their city is at war. She works tirelessly to care for our people and our family, and I am endlessly proud of her for it. If you are curious about her, I am certain she would prefer to answer for herself.

As for how we met...I am afraid the story is far less romantic than many would hope. My mother chose Andromache as my bride while I was away on a diplomatic journey through the kingdoms of the Achaeans. I first saw her in the temple, where I swore before the gods to honour, protect and remain loyal to her. We were strangers then. It took time for us to learn one another's ways and grow comfortable together.

Yet from that beginning, something truly beautiful grew between us...something far greater than either of us could have expected and now, I cannot imagine my life without her.