Stopping to look at a piece of metal glinting in the sun, he heard a faint call. Looking up, his dark eyes surveyed the land. Deducing it came from the left, the king turned that way. Cautiously and stealthily he approached. A trap set for the King was a possibility.

     Peeking through the trees he could see a knapsack lying on the ground near a cliff.

     “Help.” it was female, and she was in pain.

     “Hello?” he called.

     “Help me, please.” she called out weakly. Approaching the edge of the cliff, he looked over. A young woman was clinging to a vine. The vine was wrapped around her left arm and with her right arm she clung to the cliff.

     Looking up, Starrea saw a strong, handsome, young man in a black leather vest and pants.

     “Hang on.” he called, looking around. Another vine was nearby. Testing it he decided it was strong enough to hold him. Securing the vine around his waist, he slowly repelled down the side until he reached her.

     “Grab onto my back.” he told her. Covered in dirt and dried blood, her left hand had a purple tinge to it. Jason guessed the vine was cutting off her blood flow.

     “That’s it. Wrap your arm around my neck. You ready?”

     “Yes.” she whispered. Slowly the young King pulled them up the vine. Carefully he helped her to the ground. The girl moaned in pain.

     “Let me get that vine off. Grab my arm. Once the blood starts to flow, it’ll hurt.” he told her, offering her one muscular arm. Gritting her teeth, she wrapped her long fingers around it.

     “I’m Jason, by the way.”

     “Starrea.” she replied, wincing as he cut the vine from her arm. Nice dark eyes, she thought, short dark hair. Very muscular, charming smile.

     “Nice to meet you Starrea. How’d you end up down there?”

     “There was an animal . . . I backed up not knowing the edge was so close. I went over and the only thing I could grab was the vine. I had to wrap it around me to keep from falling. I cut my leg on the way down.” Starrea was struggling not to cry from the pain.

     “You sure did. I’ll get you to where we can patch that up. I don’t think I can do too much out here.” he smiled at her. Weakly, she smiled back then screamed. Jason knew the blood was returning to her arm.

     “Over there!” Jason heard a familiar yell.

     “Hercules!” he yelled back. His friends burst through the trees.

     “Jason, what happened?” Hercules demanded. The boys stared at their friend. He was cradling a young lady in his arms and she was in tears.

     “This is Starrea. She needs some help.”

     “I’ll say. What happened?” Hercules knelt to look at her leg. Jason filled his friends in.

     Hercules observed the sobbing girl. In a short woven top and skirt, most of her legs were exposed, including some dried blood and a nasty cut. The clothes were well tailored and her boots looked expensive. Her hair was thick and long, but he couldn’t really determine the color, from the dirt and dust in it. Some shade of blonde, he guessed. Starrea was curvaceous and pretty and he could see Jason was enjoying his role as the hero.

     “Her leg is pretty bad. Think we can take her to Cheiron?” Jason asked. Hercules nodded, his light blonde hair falling in to his pale blue eyes. The tall demi-god knelt to his friend.

     “The pain’s going away.” she whispered. Jason brushed her matted hair from her eyes. They were a bottomless emerald green, Jason noted, and he was willing to bet she was fair skinned. Her hands were soft, the cuts harsh. By no means was she an Amazon, or even a seasoned traveler. This was a pampered girl, he’d bet . . . some kind of runaway?

     “It’ll be all right.” he soothed her.

     “Who’s Cheiron?” Starrea asked.

     “He’s a centaur. He’s our mentor at the academy.” Iolaus said, eyeing the pretty girl. Why was it he was never the hero to rescue a lady? It was always the King or the demi-god.

     “He’ll know how to treat her injuries."

     “I think I can walk.” she said.

     “There’s no rush.” Jason told her, smiling gently at her. “We can wait until you rest for a while.”

     “When did you go over that edge?” Hercules asked.

     “Yesterday morning. I’ve been calling for help off and on ever since. I finally heard Jason singing.”

     “You sing huh?” Iolaus grinned. Jason groaned to himself. Now his buddies would pester him for eternity. Hercules was snickering. Iolaus’ blue eyes were sparkling with mischief as usual, his long, curly, sandy blonde hair hanging in his eyes.

     “You really think you’re ready?” Jason asked, his ears burning. Starrea smiled seductively at him.

     “Sure.”

     The boys helped her to her feet, but with the first step she stumbled. Jason held her up.

     “Let me make this easy.” he said, picking her up carefully.

     “I can walk, Jason!” she protested. Hercules and Iolaus glanced at each other. Jason was in love already with the mystery girl.

     “That leg will take some time to heal. But heal it will and you’ll be fine.” Cheiron told the young cadets and their guest.

     “Thanks Cheiron.” Starrea smiled gratefully at the centaur. Finally cleaned up, now the boys could see she was fair skinned, and her hair was thick, and reddish blonde.

     “So how did you end up here?” Iolaus asked. “Where are you from?”

     “That’s a debatable question.” her lovely forehead knotted itself into a frown.

     “What do you mean?” Jason asked.

     “Well . . . I grew up in Potaidaia. . . but other than that, I don’t really know where I’m from.”

     At the boys’ bewildered expressions she continued.

     “The man who raised me was a wealthy merchant, I never had to work for anything. My mother told me he had married her when she was pregnant with me. She had run away from home, went north. My real father was a king, she told me, but never named him. When my mother died, my stepfather went mad.” She wiped her gray eyes. “I finally left. But he did confirm I was the daughter of a king. But he named off gods instead of kings, and then started climbing the walls, literally. I . . . had him committed and then I left to try and seek out my real father.”

“But if you have no idea who he is, how do you expect to find him?” Hercules asked, his interest piqued. Maybe the crazy stepfather wasn’t crazy and she was the daughter of a god instead. . . .maybe even Zeus. Maybe she was a half sister of his. . .there were so many running around it wouldn’t be unreasonable.

     Iolaus kicked Hercules gently, knowing what his friend was thinking. Most of the time Iolaus wished that Zeus would show himself to Herk so that his friend wouldn’t get blind sided with meeting his extended family.

     “I have the family birthmark, but so far no one has recognized it. My mother never said how far north she went, I really don’t know, just that it was the mark of a royal family.”

     “Where is it?” Jason asked. A mysterious girl of royal blood?

     “If you’ll hand me my sack, I’ll show you. I made a drawing of it.”

     “Why can’t you just show us?” Iolaus asked. Starrea blushed.

     “It’s um . .. Not. .. .”

     “That’s ok. A drawing will do. I might recognize it.” Jason interrupted, smacking Iolaus’ arm. Hercules chuckled, handing the girl her knapsack. Digging through the pack she handed Jason a piece of parchment. Holding it out, he studied it, then turned it around.

     “If anyone can recognize it, it’s Jason.” Iolaus remarked, trying to be helpful.

     “Why is that?” Starrea asked. Jason glanced at Hercules and shook his head quickly. Iolaus, however didn’t see the signal.

     “Jason studies a lot of the other kingdoms and such.” Hercules lied.

     “That’s a good way to put it. He’s the King of Corinth.” Iolaus blurted out. Jason groaned to himself. Leave it to Iolaus. Starrea was shocked.

     “You’re a king?”

     “Well, yeah. I managed to get away from the castle though. My father died a while back and. . .” Jason realized he was babbling. Herk was frowning at him. Why didn’t Jason want her to know he was King?

     “Don’t worry, I don’t think your father could have been mine.” Starrea smiled at him. Iolaus felt a twinge. Why didn’t women smile at him that way? The sweet, seductive smile she had. . .

     “Corinth is way south of home. . .and mother was clear that she went north.”

     Jason contained his excitement. There was something special about this girl. And if she was a princess, or at least the daughter of a King. . .

***

     “I want her to like me for me, not because I’m the king of Corinth.” Jason said. Hercules nodded, his tall, thin frame stretched out on his bunk.

     “Understandable.”

     “Why do you guys always get the chicks?” Iolaus demanded. He was lying on his bunk below Hercules’.

     “I don’t get chicks Iolaus. I’m not allowed to.” Jason grumbled.

     “Yeah you get to marry a princess.” Iolaus reminded him. “Some beautiful princess to serve you every need.”

     “There are plenty of ugly ones out other Iolaus, trust me.” Jason shook his head.

     “I think you believe you’ve found her.” Hercules said. Iolaus sat up from his bunk.

     “You just met her!” he exclaimed.

     “Did I say anything about marrying her?” Jason demanded.

     “You didn’t have to. It’s written all your face pal. You’re in love with her.”

     Jason glowered at his friend. “She’s pretty, that’s all.”

     “Uh-huh.” Hercules took a bite of bread, watching his friend squirm. Iolaus reached up and grabbed some of the bread from his friend.

     Iolaus listened to his friend tease the King. Herk kept telling him one day he’d meet the right girl, but to Iolaus it seemed he never met any girls. Not unless he stood real close to Herk when girls were fawning all over him. He’d been trying to get Kora to go out with him for months, but she clearly preferred the demi-god, and even with she wasn’t overly friendly.

     “I have to start thinking about the future.” Jason sighed. It gets real lonely up at the castle without you guys. Stupid Ohpistus is always lurking in the corners, telling me how to behave with this person, and protocol for this person.” Jason sighed unhappily. “And he’s pushing me to find a bride.”

     Herk almost choked on his drink. That was news.

     “You’ve only been King for a short while.”

     “I know. But he fears lack of heirs. I was my father’s only one, and he fears that if I don’t start soon, my kingdom may be in jeopardy someday. So instead I get to have sons that’ll quarrel over the throne.” Jason said. Herk shuddered, knowing how competitive his own half brother Ares was. Apollo and Pollux were pretty competitive too . . .Hephaestus really wasn’t though . . .

     “But think about all the fun you’ll have while uh. . .you know . . .” Iolaus’s voice trailed off. “And you’re a king, you don’t raise your own kids anyway.” he added. Jason shook his head at Hercules in exasperation.

***

     Later that night Jason sat studying the symbol Starrea had drawn. A circle with three lines slashed through it. It looked like a wheel with five spokes, he thought. And he knew of no such symbol for a royal family anywhere. Maybe it was outside of Greece somewhere. He’d check when he got back to the castle. His tutor would probably know. Jason decided her would send it to the castle, and order the finest painter be sent to the academy. One who didn’t need a subject to sit still, but rather could memorize every detail of her face. And one would could be discreet, and not be seen while observing her. Jason decided to extend his vacation a few days.

     Knocking on the door to the infirmary, he waited for her to call out “come in”.

     “Hi.” her face lit up when she saw him and he received a big smile.

     “Hi. I thought I’d stop in and bring you some dinner.”

     “Thank you. I really haven’t had the time to eat in the last two days.” He set the tray down next to the bed. Her long hair was in two braids, and she sat up in the bed, against the pillows.

     “How’s your leg?”

     “Better thanks to you. My arm feels fine and Cheiron says my leg shouldn’t take more than a few days to heal.”

     “What do you think you’ll do after that?” Jason asked. She shrugged.

     “Start out for the north I suppose. I didn’t realize I had gone south until I reached Corinth and was told. I’ve never really traveled much.” she blushed. Jason smiled.

     “When you’re leg gets better you must let me show you around Corinth. It’s a beautiful city.” he said proudly. She nodded.

     “It’s a date. I didn’t see too much of it I was only there for a few minutes.”

     Hercules walked by the infirmary and glanced in. Jason and Starrea were talking and laughing. Smiling to himself, Hercules continued on his way.

***

     “When you going back?” Iolaus asked Jason, sitting at the table. Kora’s was crowded already in mid-afternoon.

     “I sent word I’d be a few more days. They know how to find me.” Jason grinned. “All work and no play makes for a cranky King.”

     “So how are things progressing with your princess?”

     Jason smacked Iolaus’ arm. “None of your business.” Then he smiled. “Wonderfully. She walked a little today and it didn’t hurt her too much.”

     “Any idea about that symbol?” Hercules asked.

     “I sent it to my tutor, asked him to find out what country, if any it belonged to and if there were any missing daughters or anything to go along with it.” he replied.

     “What if she turns out to be a princess?” Hercules asked. Iolaus was staring at some pretty girls on the other side of the room.

     “I don’t know. I really care about her, Herk, and it scares me a little.”

     “Why?” the tall demi-god asked.

     “Both of my parents are dead, Herk and. . . .well. . . you know. . . “

     ”Yeah.” Herk nodded, understanding his friend. Jason pushed his fork around in his food. Kora stopped by.

     “It is dead you know. Fully cooked. It won’t starting clucking.” and moved away. Jason half smiled while his buddy chuckled, Hercules’ his light blue eyes following Kora.

     “She’s really something Herk. I’d like to . . . “his vice trailed off. Herk leaned closer.

     “Court her?”

     “Yeah . . . I think so . . . “ Jason smiled at his friend. “In two days, she’s changed my entire outlook on life. When I’m with her, just sitting next to her, talking about her plans or whatever, I get this funny feeling in my chest.”

     “What if she’s not a princess?” Hercules asked. He brushed his platinum hair back from his eyes. “You have to marry a princess or give up your throne.”

     “I’m trying not to think about it.” Jason replied. Starrea was in his thoughts constantly, and when she wasn’t, she wasn’t far away. His concentration was blown as soon he thought of her. Iolaus had taken him down in training that morning because he was thinking of her beautiful green eyes.

     “Where’s Iolaus?” Hercules asked suddenly. The boys looked around and saw him talking to an attractive girl near the door.

     “Trying to score.” Jason took a sip of his drink. They watched as she said something and Iolaus’ face fell. The girl left and Iolaus returned to their table.

     “No luck?” Herk asked.

     “Nope. She thought I was bringing her a message from you.” he replied, downhearted.

***

     Starrea leaned on the crutch Jason had made her, to keep the weight off her foot and still get around. They had been out walking and stopped near a lake to rest. Jason helped her to the ground so she could sit comfortably, then sat next to her.

     “I expect a messenger today about your birthmark.” he told her. No need to mention the painter. That would be a surprise for her. Biting her lip, Starrea hesitated.

     “I don’t know whether I should be excited or scared.”

     “Why would you be scared?” he asked. She looked away.

     “If I’m not. Then I’m out here wandering around like an idiot. . .I have no idea how to support myself. And I’ve been fooling myself all this time.”

     “And if you are?”

     “Then I’m really lost, I’ve never set foot in a castle.” she laughed. Her long blonde hair was swept up from her face and neck, except for a few strands that had escaped. Gently they blew in the wind. Jason couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

     “Well you’re in luck, cause I do, and I can teach you whatever you need to know.” he grinned.

     “Sure you can.” she laughed.

     “I can. Let’s start with dancing.” Jason jumped to his feet and held out his hand to her.

     “And if I’m not a princess?”

     “Then you’ll still know how to dance. You up for it?”

     “Of course.” she laughed, getting to her feet. Jason placed one of her hands on his shoulder, his arm around her waist, and took her other hand in his.

     “Ok, now it goes like this. Watch my feet and count . . .”

***

     That night when they returned to the academy, Hercules and Iolaus were sitting outside talking. Their friends’ laughter stopped the conversation. The boys noticed Jason’s arm around her waist.

     “Hey guys. Where you been all day?” Hercules asked.

     “Just out, walking.” Jason said. “Why, what’s up?”

     “Messenger from your castle came. I couldn’t find you to give this.” Herk waved the scroll around. Jason grabbed for it but Herk tauntingly held it above his head.

     “The messenger looked rather sober.” Iolaus remarked. Herk finally let his friend have it. Jason ripped it open and read quickly, disappointment crossing his handsome features.

     “Bad news?” Starrea asked, heart pounding.

     “Not really. Nothing yet. He’s searching the smaller northern countries. If it is a royal crest, he thinks it may be Norse.”

     Starrea nodded. The girl was almost relieved. If she and Jason had any chance to be together, she would pray to every god and goddess out there to be of royal blood.

***

     Kora kept an eye on the young King and his lady friend. Though she would never let on, she was fond of the young man. Only Hercules knew her secrets, and she enjoyed his antics as well. Iolaus . . .well . . . he was rather amusing.

     Jason was enthralled completely with the pretty young lady. Kora wondered if the girl wasn’t royalty. Though Jason was King .. . for him to marry would require a Princess, or some form of royal blood. The way she carried herself, her manners, she was of excellent breeding. Kora wondered what it would be like to be free to be with a man. That one brief moment in the cave with Hercules, to actually hug him had been an exhilarating experience.

     Kora brought them their food.

     “Kora, this is Starrea. She’s a close friend of mine.” Jason introduced them.

     “Hi Starrea.” Kora smiled.

     “Hi. You have a fabulous inn.” Starrea smiled back at the woman.

     “Thanks. Well, you guys enjoy yourselves.” Kora moved from the table. The couple was so involved with each other she was surprised they acknowledged her.

     “Hi Kora.” Hercules and Iolaus entered. Kora gave them her usual greeting.

     “Hi boys. Here to tear up my place again?”

     “Now would we do a thing like that?” Iolaus asked, batting his eyes at her.

     “Hmpf.” Kora walked away.

     “Should we interrupt?” Iolaus asked, nudging Hercules.

     “I don’t know. I don’t think they’re in this world.”

     “You’re right. They’ve got stars in their eyes.” Iolaus said. He chucked. “Well, Jason does. Get it? Star, Starrea. . .”

     Hercules rolled his eyes. “I really think they’re falling in love.”

     “What makes you think so? She’s not the first pretty girl to cross his path.”

     “There’s something different about this.” Hercules said. Look at the way they look at each other. That’s not a friendly look.”

     “I wouldn’t know. Most of the women I meet don’t look at me in a friendly manner at all.” Iolaus said bitterly.

     “Well, if you chose someone other than an Amazon that could break you in two pieces with a snap of her fingers, you might have better luck.” Hercules pointed out.

     “Cyan likes you well enough.” Iolaus reminded him.

     “You think so?” Hercules perked up at the thought of the Amazon queen. Iolaus rolled his eyes.

***

     Jason stepped out into the cool night air. Starrea had left the infirmary he discovered, and he wondered where she went.

     In the dirt he could see footsteps and a small round circle next to them. Her crutch.

     “Starrea?” he called softly. Hopefully the other cadets wouldn’t hear him. Searching the shadows he finally saw her, standing at the edge of the academy grounds, looking into the darkness. Approaching quietly he called her name again. She turned. Her arms were wrapped around herself but she smiled. Her crutch leaned against he wall.

     “Are you alright?” he asked.

     “Yes, I just couldn’t sleep.”

     “Are you cold?”

     “A little.” she admitted. Stepping closer Jason wrapped his arms around her. In response she wrapped her arms around his neck, their bodies close.

     “Why couldn’t you sleep?”

     “Just a lot on my mind. . .anticipating the next message I guess.” she laughed nervously. He shook his head.

     “Don’t think about it. You’ll just end up spending your nights out here.”

     “If you’re with me I won’t mind.” she replied. He grinned.

     “Neither do I.” he moved a lock of hair from her eye to behind her ear. “Now tell me why you’re so worried about this heritage thing.” Starrea leaned her head against his neck.

     “Because any future I have with you depends on it. And I don’t want to lose whatever it is we have.” she said. Gently he moved her chin so they could look at each other.

     “Me neither.” Staring into each other’s eyes deeply they shared their first kiss under the moonlight.

     “I’ve been thinking about the throne. . . and giving it up.”

     “No Jason.” shaking her head she pulled away from him. “I won’t let you.”

     “It may be the only way for us to be together.”

     “Then we won’t be, because I won’t let you give that up. You are the rightful heir to that throne, there’s no one else.”

     “I can abdicate.”

     “You would disappoint your father.” she pointed out. He sighed.

     “I know. I wish he was here to advise me.” Jason pulled her back into his arms.

     Iolaus, restless after too much late night snacking finally left his bunk. Hercules was passed out on his bunk, oblivious to the world. Iolaus noticed Jason’s was empty. Willing to bet his friend had snuck off to see Starrea, Iolaus prowled the Academy silently. The ex-thief was grateful for his stealth.

     Deciding to walk down to the lake, he paused in the doorway when he heard voices. Peering around the corner, he saw Jason and Starrea in an intense embrace. Iolaus sighed. He couldn’t get to the lake without passing them and he didn’t want to interrupt. Grumbling to himself he returned to pacing through the Academy. Mindlessly he headed to the kitchen, hoping to find some leftovers.

***

     When Jason received no further word, he decided to return to the castle. The painter was there, studying Starrea without being seen. If they couldn’t be together, he wanted a portrait.

     Starrea had talked to Cheiron about becoming a cadet. To pay the tuition, Jason asked Kora to give her a job. Without many practical skills, Starrea didn’t fare well the first few days. Once she caught the trick of waiting tables, Kora was pleased with her.

     Hercules was assigned as her tutor to start the basic training. Outside of lessons, she asked him dozens of questions about Jason, and spoke of the King frequently. Jason sent her letters almost daily, and she responded to every one. They had located the birthmark as the family crest of a Norse country, as predicted. They were now waiting to find out about illegitimate or kidnaped daughters.

     Hercules and Iolauskept her entertained or busy, and Lilith, the only other female cadet was warming up to her. Starrea had the feeling there was an attraction between Iolaus and Lilith, despite their constant bickering.

     One afternoon she wandered down to Kora’s to meet Hercules and Iolaus. In her hand was Jason’s letter and she wanted to share it with the boys. Jason would be returning soon, he expected his messenger back from the North any day now.

     Re-reading the letter she didn’t notice the brute who stepped in front of her until she bumped into him.

     “Excuse me, please.” she tried to step around him but a friend appeared. Starrea swallowed, her heart sinking.

     “Where’s a pretty little thing like you going?” he asked. He had spikey black hair and was covered in tatoos. Neither he nor his friend had bathed in a while.

     “I’m going to meet some friends. Please let me by.”

     “Are they as pretty as you?” he reached for her but she jumped back, taking the defense stance Hercules had taught her.

     “She wants to play.” the cretin snarled. Starrea tried to remain calm. There was no else around, that would notice her being attacked. Unable to block Hercules when he was teaching her, how could she defend herself against the man in front of her. At least seven inches taller than her and could crush her with one hand.

     With luck she blocked his first lunge and dodged, sending him to the ground. Backing up she ran into someone.

     “Hang on, it’s just me.”

     “Hercules.” she whispered. The big guy got to his feet.

     “Stay outta this Hercules. I’m making a new friend.”

     “I don’t think she wants you as a friend. Starrea, get back.” Hercules and Iolaus stepped forward.

     “You wanna fight?” Hercules asked. “Then fight me, not an innocent girl.”

     “You’re not worth it.” he snarled, walking away. Hercules turned to Starrea, who was shaking.

     “You alright?” he asked. Starrea nodded.

     “Herk, what if you hadn’t shown up? I couldn’t fight him. I couldn’t even defend myself.”

     “Hey, don’t worry about it. We’re here, you’re fine.” Hercules smiled and pout one arm around his shoulders. “Come on. Let’s go to Kora’s. We’ll just start workingmore on self defense tomorrow.”

***

     “Now come at me but don’t watch my body. Watch my eyes, anticipate what I’ll do.”

     Starrea lunged as Hercules directed, and successfully blocked her first blow.

     “That’s much better. You’re improving.” Hercules smiled at her. Jason was so lucky, he thought.

     “Good. Maybe I’ll learn to not be so helpless.” she laughed.

     “And steal my fun of rescuing you?” Jason interrupted. Starrea whirled around.

     “Jason!” she ran to him and he embraced her tightly, kissing her quickly. Herk hugged his friend.

     “Shirking duty to come hang out with us delinquents again?” Iolaus asked, patting the King on the back.

     “Yeah. Actually I received word back from the North.”

     Starrea’s smile vanished.

     “And?”

     Jason hugged her tightly.

     “Your mother left to protect you from your father’s wife. She hid herself well so enough he never found her, but neither did his wife.”

     “Who was my father?”Starrea whispered. Jason grinned, holding her tightly.

     “A King. Your brother rules now, and is anxious to see you.”

     Starrea’s knees weakened. She and Jason could be together after all.

     “Are you certain?” she asked.

     “Yes. From the description I sent, and he sent back, you’re not an heir to their throne, but you are of royal blood.”

     Thank the Gods, she thought.

     “Will you guys excuse us? I need to talk to her alone.” Jason pulled her out of the room. Herk and Iolaus glanced at each other. Iolaus held up his left hand, wiggling his third finger. Herk nodded. The boys crept silently after their friends.

***

     “Where are we going?” Starrea asked.

     “Ask me again and you won’t find out any time soon.” Jason chuckled.

     Finally he led her to the lake where they had danced.

     “I came here a couple times by myself but it wasn’t the same.” she laughed. It’s hard to dance alone.”

     “Well, you won’t have to ever again. Sit.” Jason led her by the hand to a large rock. Once she was seated, he knelt down.

     “I don’t want you to ever dance alone, or do anything else alone. This is where I first realized it.It’s only been a couple of months since we met, but I know I love you and I want you to marry me and be my Queen.” he rushed the last words together. Starrea gave him that seductive smile. From his pocket he withdrew a delicate ring with a white stone.

     “I’ve been praying this day would come.”

     “I would have given up the throne for you, but now. . .you deserve the life of a queen and I wish to give it to you.”

     “Your wish is my command.” she threw herself at him and they tumbled onto the grass. “Of course I’ll marry you, my King.”

     “This was my mother's. I want you to wear it.”

     “Of course.” she breathed as he slid it on her finger.

     Jason kissed her passionately. “Let’s go tell the guys.”

     Herk and Iolaus couldn’t get close enough to hear them so they had returned to the Academy.

     The couple rushed into the training room, disrupting practice. Hercules was leaning the against the wall chewing on a long piece of straw. Iolaus was practicing his moves with a fighting staff.

     “Hey everybody! I have an announcement!” Jason yelled. He pulled Starrea close to him. Everyone turned to the King.

     “We’re getting married!” he announced. The room erupted into cheers. Hercules was the first to hug them, Iolaus right behind him. The cadets were congratulating him when Cheiron entered. The centaur made his way to the couple.

     “I understand congratulations are in order.” he smiled. Jason couldn’t stop grinning.

     “Everyone’s invited.” he announced, drawing more cheers. He and Cheiron shook hands. Hercules and Iolaus couldn’t believe it. Their friend was going to get hitched.

***

     A month later . . .

     Hercules and Iolaus stood with the crowd watching the happy couple dance. Tonight was their formal engagement party. Draped in white lace, a crown of white roses in her hair, Starrea adoringly looked at her fiancee as they danced around the room. Several half siblings had arrived from the north to witness the marriage and meet her.

     “I still don’t know why we have to wear these things.” Iolaus whispered to Hercules. Both wore formal clothing Jason had had made for them. They were to stand with him at the wedding.

     “Because it has something to do with protocol.” Herk whispered back. “Now be quiet.”

     “You know, I wish someday I find someone to love that much.”

     “Me too. And we will. Now shush.” Hercules whispered back to his much shorter friend. Iolaus watched his friend dance, his eyes locked on his bride to be. Within two weeks, on the next full moon, they would be married. Jason would have his Queen. At that time he would present the portrait to her.

     Through the crowd came a disruption. Herk and Iolaus stared in horror as the man raised a bow and arrow at the King. Both boys lunged forward.

     Starrea saw him as he let the bow fly. She spun Jason around and her body slammed against his as the arrow struck her in the chest. Iolaus tackled the assassin and pinned him down, shouting for the guards.

     “Herk! Help me!” Jason screamed, kneeling on the floor. In his arms he cradled his beloved, blood seeping through the white lace. Hercules knelt next to him.

     “Jason, I can’t. The arrow didn’t go through all the way. Look at the design. It would rip through her worse.”

     “Save her.” Jason whispered, face pale, tears welling in his eyes. Herk shook his head.

     “I can’t.”

     “The physician is coming.” Iolaus knelt next to his friends. Wincing when he saw the wound, the younger boy knew it was hopeless.

     “She’s trying to talk Jase.”

     The boys leaned closer.

     “Jason. . . Don’t be afraid.” she whispered, the color draining from her skin. Jason wept. “I’m not. . .I’m in your arms. . .and I love you.” her eyes closed.

     “No! Rea! Don’t leave me!” he cried. “I love you! Don’t leave me!”

     Starrea’s body went limp. Holding her body close, Jason screamed.

***

     Iolaus joined Hercules in watching Jason. The young King stood at the palace window, staring at the assassin’s hanging body. The only words he had spoken since Starrea died was to condemn the man to execution. Food was ignored and when he slept, it was only for a few minutes at a time. Cheiron had excused Hercules and Iolaus from classes to be with Jason. The portrait of Starrea, meant to be Jason’s wedding gift to her hung opposite the throne, and he would sit and stare at it for hours.

     “I’ve changed my mind.” Iolaus said softly.

     “About what?” Herk asked.

     “I don’t ever want to fall in love. It’s too painful.”

     Herk nodded in agreement. Silently the boys walked up behind their friend, each putting an arm around him.