She therefore started another page of her letter and told her mother how very kind and considerate the Duke had been to her.
The only good news she could think of concerning her own future was that her mother would doubtless enjoy coming out to Larissa.
The engines of the battleship, having slowed down, started up again.
As they did so, the Duke woke up.
“Have I been asleep?” he muttered.
“You have,” answered Valona, “and I think it must have been the engines that woke you.”
“Engines? What do you mean?”
Before Valona could explain, the door of the Saloon opened.
The Steward announced,
“His Royal Highness Prince Ajax, Your Grace.”
Both the Duke and Valona stared at the newcomer in astonishment.
Then, as he entered the Saloon, Valona gave a gasp.
For one moment she thought she m
