The wine has taken the edge off of my nerves. I am able to sit quietly and mentally prepare myself to meet the man I had thought dead and had mourned for many years. While the butterflies in my stomach dance and flit about, at least they are not the flamingos that were dancing there earlier.

Damo stands near the door, watching for the arrival of Minos. She clears her throat to get my attention as he enters the Throne Room. I peek through the side of the curtain that covers the doorway. My breath catches in my throat. My husband has aged very well. He is still a very handsome man. The slight graying of his hair at his temples only serves to make him look more distinguished, and his bearing is still very regal.

His strides eat up the space between him and the Throne, and I know it is now or never to greet him. I take a deep breath, then stroll out from behind the curtain. I raise my hands toward him, pray my nerves are well hidden and warmly call his name. “Minos, how good to see you again!”

At my calling out, he stops his forward movement, and turns to face me.