Burke said hoarsely, "Ariadne, what happened? I thought—How'd you get here?"
"How indeed, my lord Dion!" Of a sudden the slim princess was laughing through her tears. "I walked, as you did, though it took me longer, for I wanted to be sure we were free of that dog Theseus before I joined you."
"Free of Theseus—?"
"Of course. When he came seeking me at my quarters in the night I fled, then followed him, till I knew for certain he was aboard his ship."
And that brought up another matter: "But—the cloak—the woman—"
"The woman?" Never had Ariadne looked more a picture of wide-eyed innocence. "I do not understand, my lord."
Burke gave her back stare for stare, holding his tongue; and after a moment, with a sound suspiciously like a giggle, she murmured, "It could not be my maid you mean, could it, my lord?"
"Your maid—?"
"Yes, the peasant girl who found such favor with Theseus." Ariadne's dark eyes held more than a hint of laughter. "I thought it only fitting that he be rewarded for his efforts, Lord Dion. So I wrapped the wench in my cloak and told her that if she kept her face hidden and played the role of Princess Ariadne long enough and well enough, she might end up as Theseus' queen."
The picture was perfect. Burke laughed till he feared he'd open his wound again.