The Archbishop was back, waiting for his chair. She turned to him and smiled sweetly.

‘I’m glad you’re back. Where were we?’

Nikos could do nothing but watch.

This dinner was interminable. Alexandros had abandoned him to talk to others. The woman hanging on his words was driving him crazy. He wanted out of here.

He could go. But that would mean not watching Thena, and he was mesmerised by her.

He sat and watched. He responded to the laughter and noise around him. The islanders were jubilant that they had their princess home.

He’d brought her home. He’d done his job. He should leave.

Coffee was served. An orchestra, playing gently in the background until now, raised its volume and struck up a waltz.

This had been prearranged. Alexandros was to lead Athena onto the dance floor. Alexandros, in full ceremonial uniform, was every inch a prince.

As Athena was every inch a princess.

In moments she and Alexandros were swirling round the floor with skill and grace. If Lily hadn’t been sitting on the sidelines he’d have been jealous.

Jealous? He didn’t want any part in this goldfish bowl of royalty. He needed to support Thena from a distance-nothing more.

The waltz ended. There was a moment’s pause and he thought they were about to dance another. But Alex whispered something to Athena and strode back to Lily.

Athena stood alone for a moment, as if considering. And then she walked deliberately back to the head table, so she was standing right before him.

‘Nikos, it’s thanks to you that I’m here tonight,’ she said steadily, clearly, so all the room could hear. ‘The Prince Alexandros tells me you’ve taken care of this island-you’ve worked ceaselessly behind the scenes to protect the islanders from the worst excesses of the old monarchy. I thank you, and I ask you to do me the honour of this dance.’

She was play-acting, he thought. She’d swept down those stairs in her magnificent dress and she’d assumed the mantle of royalty.