‘It’s what you were born to.’

‘I was born to be nothing.’

‘That’s a dumb statement.’

‘Do you need to sound angry?’

‘I’m not…’

‘What have I done to make you angry, Nikos?’ she demanded, suddenly as angry as he was.

‘I could tell you.’ He glanced across at Nicky. ‘But not here.’

‘Why not?’

‘It’s hardly…appropriate.’

‘How about if I decide that?’ she snapped.

They were being chauffeured along the magnificent coastal road that wound round headland after headland, stretching on until it reached the Royal Palace of Argyros. But Athena wasn’t looking at scenery. She was focused on him.

‘I don’t think…’

‘How about we stop thinking?’ she snapped. She closed her eyes for a long moment. Then she opened them and she reached for her son’s hand.

Nicky had been alternately looking out of the window and looking at his mother. He was a smart kid, Nikos thought. He could hear the undercurrents of her anger. There were things going on that he didn’t understand and he obviously didn’t like it.

‘Nicky, I want you to listen for a bit,’ Athena said. ‘Full attention.’

He gave it.

Athena glanced at Nikos. Glanced away. Took a deep breath.

‘Nicky, when I saw the people at the boat,’ she said, faltering for a start and then making her voice firmer. ‘I realised there was something that Nikos and I need to tell you. That maybe we should have told you before this. Do you remember asking about who your father is? I told you your father was someone I met when I was very young. I told you that he was my best friend, but then he married someone else. That man is Nikos, Nicky. Nikos is your papa.’

What the…? What had she just said?

She’d taken all the wind out of his sails and then some.

It had clearly astounded Nicholas as well. ‘Nikos is…Nikos is…’ Nicky said and faltered to a stop, staring at him as if he had two heads.