AS SOON AS SHE SIGHTED Alek, Elena gave the signal to the musicians, who drummed out the Thalian anthem. The stunned look of delight on his face told her the answer she'd been waiting for, that and the sparkle from Cat's ring. Queen Ariadwen's ring looked stunning on the girl, just as she knew it would. Yakov touched her arm lightly and they exchanged a quick look of delight, then she stepped forward to announce them.

'Presenting, His Royal Highness, Prince Alekander Nikias ...