high walls, our hearts trembling. For that is not life. We must accept the needs and the duties of each day, and face them one at a time. You are the queen of Dardania, and the people love you. I am the king, and they fear me. Soon you will give birth to a child – a son, if your dreams are true. It would be better for him, for you, and for the realm if we were to be a true family. We should be wed, Halysia.’
She turned away. ‘You do not love me, Helikaon. And you promised yourself to wed only for love.’
He took her hand and smiled. ‘You are wrong. I do have love for you. Yes, and respect and admiration. If the gods will it we will find happiness together. Or at least contentment.’
A cool breeze rustled against her gown and she shivered. ‘When would we do this?’ she asked.
‘Tomorrow, while everyone is still gathered for the feast days.’
‘I am so frightened, Helikaon.’
He drew her to him, his arms around her. ‘Be my wife, and I will be a shield against all your fears.’
She felt the strength of his arms, and the warmth of his body, and she snuggled in even closer, feeling safer than she had in months. She sighed and closed her eyes, wanting the moment to last and last.
He stroked her golden hair, then eased her away from him, offering her the wedding gift. Halysia took it with trembling hands, and opened the cloth wrapping. The necklace was exquisite, made of scores of tiny golden squares, many of them embellished with brilliantly blue lapis lazuli. Lifting it from the cloth Helikaon draped it round her slender neck. The metal felt warm against her skin.
‘It looks beautiful,’ he said, with a wide smile. ‘Now let us go inside, and announce the news.’ Taking her hand he led her back along the cliff top. As they reached the garden she glanced back once more at the sea.
Yet again, in her mind’s eye, she saw the massive fleet of enemy ships, bearing down upon the eastern lands.
But for this one, glorious moment, she no longer cared.
