Louisa and Lykaios return to our small encampment. Louisa looks a little pale, but professes to be hungry. I hear footsteps behind the two women who have already stopped.

"Louisa, behind me NOW!!"

Lykaios turns, blade drawn to stand next to me as Louisa moves as she is told. I wrap my arm back around her waist, handing her a small knife in case she needs it. A man steps out of the shadows.

"Who are you and what do you want?"

It is Louisa who answers in breathless shock.

"Corwin."

Lykaios and I look at one another. Then, even being a prince in my own right, I immediately kneel and bow my head, Lykaios following suit, in greeting the King of Crete. I steal a glance back to see Louisa continuing to stand in her place, transfixed by the vision of the King before her.