The procession back to the palace was a slow and silent one. Seronisis had shared a kiss and a comforting cuddle with Pan while the Hapsid troopers created a makeshift travois out of spears and the clothing of the dead. When they had finished and Bathor had been secured on the sturdy construction, the troopers and few of Bathor’s men, led by Seronisis and Pan in the royal chariot, moved off.
“I’m sorry we had to be reunited like this,” said Seronisis, leaning across to place a kiss on Pan’s cheek.
Pan wrapped his arm around the small of Seronisis back. “I’m just glad to be back.” He touched the side of his head to Seronisis’ arm. “And I’m deeply sorry about your brother. I wasn’t aware that you had one.”
For a moment Seronisis was silent, staring at the way ahead. “It wasn’t a secret, P
