She loved Nikōs as he loved her.
They were closely attuned like the notes of two violins. They were incomplete without each other.
The thought flashed through her mind that if she was married to Nikōs, she need never go back to The Palace.
If the soldiers did not find her, then in time she would be presumed dead and then soon forgotten
If they did find her and she was married to Nikōs, there would be nothing that they could do about it anyway.
Except that she would no longer be Princess Sydel.
Nikōs was waiting for her to speak, but he did not move.
His lips did not touch hers, but she could hear his heart beating.
She raised her head to look up at him and she could see him in the light that came from the flare outside, which was now burning lower.
“I love – you!” she sighed.
“Th
