Chapter SevenThe Duke, leaning over the rail and watching the sun rise, was aware that the door onto the deck had opened and Militsa had come through it.
Without moving or turning his head, he saw out of the corner of his eye that she took a few steps towards the bow of the ship and then saw him.
She stood still and he sensed that she was debating in her mind whether to turn and walk away quickly in the opposite direction supposing that he had not noticed her.
Then, as if she had told herself that not only would she be running away but he had a right to her presence if he required it, she walked towards him.
Still he did not move and only when she stood beside him did he say in a quiet normal tone,
“Good morning, Militsa. You are up early!”
“Papa has had a bad night,” she answered. “
