The sound of water pipes told him that Helene was running a bath. Having walked around the island for hours, freshening up sounded like a fine idea. After a cool shower, he wrapped the towel around his hips and strolled out into his bedroom. Automatically, his gaze landed on the vault. Every day he brought the figurine out and enclosed her again before leaving his quarters. Back at the palace, she would also be safely locked away. By the time he needed to return her here to this island, that cave would have been cleared and reinforced. But more and more, Darius balked at leaving the figurine alone in that chamber again. He could have workers sign confidentiality agreements, but he feared the cave’s location would be leaked. Suspicion behind the reason for the reinforcement would no doubt spread. Perhaps the press would pick up on rumors, sniff around, ask questions. Despite a regular sea patrol to keep the island safe, it was a miracle the cave and its hidden treasure had remained a secret this long.
