Sunrise.

Leonidas awoke and was instantly alert at the sound of approaching hoofbeats. He moved to stand over Gorgo, ready to face off with whatever threat there might be. The woman woke and moved to cover herself with the cloak that had acted as a blanket only moments before. She stood behind Leonidas, her heart pounding.

Who is coming? Have the Ephors sent for me?

They had worked themselves up for nothing, however, as the rider became clearer as he approached. It was only Dilios, riding Leonidas's own horse. He smiled as he came to them and easily dismounted. "My apologies, sire. King Androcles ordered me to take your horse and search the area for you."

Leonidas nodded, feeling foolish. He had taken Gorgo away and likely held up the journey back to Sparta; behaving like a love-sick adolescent was not proper conduct for a king. No matter- the need for such foolishness was behind them. Leonidas glanced over to Gorgo and smiled only slightly. They would be married soon, with no reason to sneak off to be alone.

I can have her whenever I please...

He shook his head, "No need to apologize, Dilios. I know my father might have been worried, it is I who should make amends to all the men for disappearing."

Dilios looked over his shoulder to Gorgo who, though draped in her king's cloak, was obviously naked beneath. "I think in the circumstances, the men might understand."

Leonidas frowned, and reached over to replace the leather at his waist and the scarlet cloak over his shoulders.

Gorgo smiled at Dilios, her cheeks flushing. "Good morning, Dilios of Sparta. Thank you for finding us."

Dilios smiled at her in return as Leonidas dressed. It would have been inappropriate to tell her how relieved he was that she had been set free by the Ephors, as she had been his friend for years, ever since she had aided him just after a battle, saving his life.

Dilios did not say so, but in Gorgo he could see the potential for a wonderful queen and he was happy for Leonidas to have found such a good woman.

Simply, he said all he could. "We are glad to have you back, my lady."

She smiled back to him. "Thank you, Spartan. It will be wonderful to return home."

Leonidas moved to her and touched her shoulder. "Then let us return at once. The journey back will be quicker, and once we return we can begin wedding preparations."

Gorgo smiled, eager to begin her new life with Leonidas as her husband, her king.

"It's about time you two rejoined us," King Androcles called out to them upon their return.

The other warriors moved in from their posts to see Leonidas arrive at the camp, riding his stallion with Gorgo seated in front of him in the saddle. Dilios walked by their side, easily keeping pace. The Spartans cheered their return as they dismounted. Androcles embraced his son and kissed Gorgo on her forehead, a gesture of his approval.

"For all the trouble you've caused, Gorgo, I hope you prove to have been worth it all once you take the crown," Androcles told her sternly, though there was a smile in his eyes.

Gorgo bowed her head to him as Leonidas rolled his eyes at his father's teasing.

"She will be one of Sparta's finest queens, father. Now she must be dressed as such,"

Leonidas took her hand and led her to the palace servants that had prepared Gorgo and the helot for presentation to the Ephors. "My intended queen needs a robe for the journey back to Sparta," he told them. "I'm afraid my cloak is unworthy to be worn by such a vision."

Gorgo couldn't help but laugh at her friend, soon to be her husband. "Leonidas, when have you ever been such a poet?"

He smiled at her, and nudged her in the ribs with his elbow. "Perhaps being with you makes me feel inspired," he teased her back. "You are as beautiful as Aphrodite! As giving as Demeter! My queen, my wife, you will be my Hera," he groused.

Playfully, Gorgo slapped at his arm. "Leonidas!"

He left her in the attendance of smiling servants and returned to his father. The other warriors, all of whom he had fought beside in battle, smiled at him and left the two kings to speak in private. "Father, I apologize for making off with Gorgo alone last night. We were just swimming-"

Androcles held up his hand. "There is no need to explain yourself to me, my son. You are a grown man and once we return to Sparta there will be no more reason to put off taking your crown. It takes a certain strength to challenge so many years of tradition, but I should have known that if anyone were to stand up against those so powerful as the Ephors, it would have been you. You have been ready to be king for some time already; all that was missing was your queen."

Leonidas smiled. "Thank you, father."

"I speak the truth. Your mother would have been proud to see the man you've become."

"Just as I have been,"

Both Leonidas and Androcles turned to find Gorgo stepping in close to them, her strong body now clad in a linen robe of pale blue. Leonidas would have preferred her naked once more, but with so many soldiers about them he might have gone mad from the effort to keep their eyes turned away.

Yes, the robe is best for now.

Leonidas reached forward to take her hands into his. "I've watched you grow from girl to woman and now I can't imagine taking another woman as my queen."

Androcles smiled. "Well, then. It pleases me greatly that you will wed- I will have a scount go ahead of us to Sparta, all the way to the palace to begin preparations for a royal wedding, followed by a coronation."

It was a myth began by jealous Athenians and the even more envious Trojans that Spartans were unable to show enjoyment of life. Their people were strong, it was true- strength was what made Sparta great but love and expression had never been denied to them. A smile or laughter had never been seen as a sign of weakness; joy was as welcome in Sparta as it was anywhere else in all of Greece.

Leonidas kissed Gorgo's cheek amid the cheers of his fellow warriors and the king.