The four of them together looked majestic. But it was only Theseus she had eyes for.
It came to her then in a burst of crystal clear clarity.
She was head over heels in love with him.
She had belonged to him since he’d stood up for her on Illya, and no matter how hard she’d tried to dislodge him from her heart—had convinced herself for years that she’d succeeded—he was nestled in too deep.
She stared at him as if she’d never seen him before, her heart as swollen as the highest river.
She loved him.
He came straight to her and took her hand. ‘My grandfather wishes to meet you before we go in to lunch.’
There was a lightness to him and his eyes were brighter than she had seen them since her arrival on Agon.
She cleared her throat, almost dumbstruck at what she had finally admitted to herself. ‘Do I curtsey?’
‘As it’s an official function, yes—but only to my grandfather.’
And then she was there before him, this wonderful man who’d sacrificed so much for his glorious island and his magnificent grandsons.
It was with enormous pride that Theseus made the introductions. Jo, pale and shaking, was obviously overcome by the occasion, but she curtseyed gracefully.
His grandfather reached for her hand. ‘Thank you,’ he rasped, clasping her hand in both his own. ‘My book... I will treasure it.’
‘It was an honour to be involved,’ she said with feeling. ‘But Fiona wrote most of it.’
‘My grandson tells me you came at short notice and have barely slept?’
‘It was all down to Theseus.’ She stepped closer to meet his grandfather’s gaze properly. ‘However many hours Fiona and I have put into this book, it’s nothing compared to the time Theseus spent on the research.’
His grandfather turned his face to him, his eyes brimming. ‘Yes. I am a lucky man. I have three fine grandsons—my island is in safe hands.’
Theseus’s chest had grown so tight during this exchange it felt bruised. She was championing him.
A footman came into the room to announce that lunch was ready to be served. Before they could file out Astraeus caught hold of Theseus’s wrist and beckoned him down.
‘I am guessing she is the mother of your son?’
His mouth dropped open.
His grandfather gave a laugh. ‘Did you think you could keep such a secret from me? A biography is one thing but a child...? I might be on my way to my deathbed, but I am still King.’
‘I was going to tell you...’
‘I know—after the Gala.’ There was no sign of irritation. ‘I am disappointed to have heard the news from a third party, but I do understand your reasons. How is the boy?’
‘Settling in well.’
‘I am very much looking forward to meeting him.’
‘He is looking forward to meeting you too.’
‘Have him brought to me when lunch is finished.’
‘He would like that,’ Theseus said, imagining Toby’s delight at meeting a real-life king. ‘Be warned: he’s hoping you have a flying carpet.’
Astraeus gave a laugh, which quickly turned into a cough that made Theseus flinch, although he took pains not to show it. His grandfather despised pity.
‘I hear he looks like you?’ he said, when he’d recovered from his coughing fit.
‘Your spies are very reliable,’ Theseus said drily.
‘That is why they’re my spies. You can inherit them when I’m dead.’
Theseus wasn’t quick enough to hide his wince. Here was his grandfather, welcoming death with open arms and a smile, and here was Theseus, who would give the flesh from his bones to keep him alive for ever.
‘You are planning to marry the mother in a few weeks, I believe?’
‘Yes. I apologise for not asking your permission.’
Astraeus waved a frail dismissive hand. ‘You have never asked for my permission for anything—why should this be any different?’
‘I’ve always asked your blessing.’
‘Having already made up your mind,’ his grandfather countered, with a twinkle in his eye that made them both laugh. ‘Does the mother want to marry you?’
‘She knows it’s the best thing for our son.’
‘Don’t evade the question, Theseus. Does she want to marry you or not?’
There was a moment when his vocal cords stuck together.
‘Do I take your silence as a negative?’
‘What alternative do we have? The law forbids Toby from being a part of our family or inheriting my wealth unless we marry.’