“We keep Her Majesty safe,” Teleus said, pain in his voice. “We have always kept her safe.”

“Guard my back, Teleus, and I will keep her safe.”

Moving more easily, but favoring his left leg, he went through the door, leaving the Guard and returning to his attendants, no doubt waiting outside.

“Will he keep her safe? Phokis could break him in half with one hand.”

“If Phokis could lay a hand on him.”

“Do you doubt him?”

The guards shook their heads.

“Basileus,” someone hidden in the steam whispered. Others echoed the praise. “Basileus.”

Only Teleus shook his head. Costis watched him, not surprised. “The Basileus was a prince of his people, what we call a king now,” Teleus explained. “That one”—he nodded toward the closed door—“will rule more than just Attolia before he is done. He is an Annux, a king of kings.”