Dion suddenly grinned and then gulped. He grinned again. He wiped a hand over his face and realized his heart was pounding like a drum. He felt like he’d been holding his breath underwater for an eternity and was only now gasping for air at the surface.

The beautiful young woman next to him took his hands again. ‘Well?’ she asked.

‘Your father . . . Does he . . . ?’

‘He knows.’

Seeing through a shimmering haze, Dion blinked moisture from his eyes. He was the youngest child and his father had always been distant, preferring Nikolas’s company. His father had never seemed to realize that surely every child had something to offer.

He knew he could do better.

Warmth and affection flooded through him. He met Isobel’s concerned gaze and squeezed her hands back.

‘We should be married,’ he said. ‘I mean, that’s if . . . ?’

She smiled. ‘I would love to be your queen.’

Dion’s arm reached around her back. He was reluctant to squeeze her too tightly, but she pulled him close as they kissed. She tasted sweet and her body felt soft, so that before his senses left him he pushed her away, gasping as he stood, pulling her up with him.

‘I’m going to have a son,’ he murmured, shaking his head with disbelief.

‘Or a daughter.’

‘Or a daughter.’ He laughed. ‘But I know he’s going to be a boy.’

Dion felt so seized with emotion that he didn’t know what he was supposed to do. ‘Isobel, what’s . . . What’s the protocol in this situation?’

‘Well, the wedding will have to be very soon.’

Realization dawned. ‘Yes. Yes, you’re right.’ His sluggish thoughts finally came into focus. ‘Your father. I have to ask his permission to marry you.’

‘Dion, you’re a king. And like I said, he knows.’

He shook his head. ‘He must think I’m terrible.’

‘Trust me, he doesn’t. Come. Let’s go and see him together.’

She led a dazed Dion from the sitting room and down the hallway. As he walked, Dion felt as if his body didn’t belong to him. His mind was so active that he wasn’t sure he was walking properly; he felt like a puppet on strings.

Philippos and Glaukos both stood as Dion and Isobel entered the reception. From their knowing expressions, Dion realized immediately that Philippos and Glaukos were well aware of the nature of the conversation he and Isobel had just had. But the thought didn’t rankle in the slightest; he didn’t care at all.

‘Lord Philippos,’ Dion said. He nearly stumbled over the words. ‘I would like your permission to marry your daughter.’

Philippos grinned broadly. ‘And you have it. Of course you do.’

The two older men cheered. Philippos and his daughter embraced, while Dion’s uncle gave him a hearty hug.

‘I’m going to be a father,’ Dion said.

‘You certainly are, my boy.’ Glaukos beamed.