‘You hosted him in Xanthos. Perhaps he is simply returning the favor.’ A smile tugged at the corners of Glaukos’s mouth.

Dion’s brow furrowed. He was excited to be seeing Isobel again, but he was also worried that she might have told her father about their night of passion. He didn’t regret it, but he knew that Lord Philippos wouldn’t be pleased that they’d been together outside marriage. They’d only known each other for a few days.

Glaukos glanced across at him and saw his expression. ‘Dion, I was jesting. He knows kings aren’t asked to dinner like merchants and consuls. All will be clear soon.’

The steward came to a halt, indicating a side path as he bowed. ‘Right this way.’ He allowed Dion and Glaukos to enter first.

The wide path was paved with marble and framed by stunted evergreens, the trees carefully trimmed into the shapes of lean pyramids. Dion saw a villa at the end of the path: a grand, single-storied residence hidden from the lower city by a section of gardens and a final barrier of poplars. A sudden gust rustled the trees, making them sway from side to side.

Lord Philippos stood in front of his home with his servants arrayed behind him. As Dion approached, they all bowed as one, from the youngest, a girl in the costume of a cook’s helper, to the oldest, a stooped manservant with thinning hair. Dion returned the bow and smiled, making the cook’s helper blush as she grabbed hold of the girl next to her and they giggled together.

‘King Dion.’ Philippos stepped forward and gave a small bow before clasping Dion’s hand. He then turned to Dion’s uncle. ‘Lord Glaukos . . . It is a pleasure to have you both in Phalesia, and a great honor to welcome you to my home.’

Philippos smiled broadly, opening his arms in a gesture of welcome. He was dressed in a white tunic fastened with a navy cord, contrasting with Dion’s crimson tunic belted with gold. His dark hair was cut shorter than when he and Dion last met, but was still oiled. The eyes above his patrician nose were as sharp as ever.

‘I was surprised and pleased by your invitation,’ Dion said, choosing his words carefully. ‘Fortunately, though matters in Xanthos are busy as always, I was able to make the journey, although by necessity I will be returning home tomorrow.’

‘Of course. I understand completely.’

Dion looked around. ‘I was expecting to see your daughter here. How is she?’

‘Isobel is preparing herself, but will join us soon. You know how women are.’

‘We do indeed,’ Glaukos said with a smile. ‘We look forward to her company.’

‘Now, please. Come. Let me show you inside.’