When Elladine’s voice woke her over the intercom, Reine groaned. It was two am. She sleepily stumbled out of her room and toward the deck. Reine ran into a grumbling Iona. “If Elladine thinks I’m going to put up with this, she’s got another thing coming.”

She looked over at an almost comatose Reine. “I’m seriously considering throwing her in the pool.” Reine managed a sleepy smile that became a jaw-splitting yawn.

Rafi walked over with a mug. “Here, babe.”

Reine accepted the mug of coffee and took a sip. “You, sir, are amazing.” She kissed him on the cheek.

We need to head to assemble at the bow. The islanders shuffled to the bow as they looked around to see what Elladine was so excited about. Soon there was a heated discussion about the ocean-going on. Reine sipped at her coffee and tried to wake up as she leaned against Rafi.

“Tonight is about what is up above.” Elladine finally said. Everyone looked up. Reine had to admit the night sky was amazing. Even better than at the Villa. Elladine gasped, and that was when Reine saw it. A shooting star followed by another and another.

“The Perseids!” Ciaran said. “I always wanted to get up at night and watch them, but my ma said I needed my sleep.”

“No way,” Rafi said, shifting Reine off him as he ran back toward the rooms. He came back out a few minutes later with his helmet on.

“Did you really bring it?” Harry asked giddily.

“Yea,” Rafi said, “I just hope no one notices.”

Reine chuckled at the two as she sipped her coffee and watched the light show going on above them.

“This is what I was most excited for,” Elladine said with a pleased smile.

“I’m glad Elladine did this,” Rafi whispered as they watched another streak of light flash across the sky. “I’d like to talk you alone. But let me take this off. I want to be taken seriously for a bit.” He chuckled as he took the helmet off, and he led her away from the others. “You know I like you, but I haven’t asked what your plans are once you get off the boat.”

“I’m continuing my vacation,” Reine said, “I’ve already booked a cruise from Ibiza to Mykonos. I’ll spend about a week in Greece before heading over to Malta, and then I have to be back in Italy for a photo shoot. After that, I’ll head back home to London.”

Rafi’s mouth dropped in surprise. “You want to do some traveling, don’t you?”

“Ever since I won,” Reine admitted. “Ciaran never wanted to go. I decided before we left port, Ciaran and I were through, so I made my plans before we met up.”

“I see,” he said thoughtfully. “Want to stay up and watch the sunrise?” The other islanders had left, presumably back to their cabins to sleep.

“I’d love to,” Reine said, taking the last sip of coffee from the mug.

Rafi put a blanket down on the lounger closest to the tip of the prow. “Shall we?” They lay on the lounger, looking up at the sky. “Do you know constellations? I’ve tried to spot them, but it all just looks like dots to me.”

“Actually, I do,” Reine said. Rafi could hear the smile in her voice as she spoke. “You see right there?” she raised her arm, directing his gaze. “That’s the big dipper. It’s also called Ursa major.”

“I see it,” Rafi said happily, “but why is it also called Ursa Major.”

“The name came from Greek mythology.” Reine explained, “they named Ursa Major after Callisto. A beautiful nymph. Zeus fell in love with her and pursued her.”

Reine stopped, so see if Rafi was really interested or not. He put an arm around her. “Go on. I want to hear more.”-

“Some stories say he took on the guise of her patron goddess Artemis to lure her. Others say he forced himself on her.” Reine continued. “She became pregnant and was expelled from Artemis’ group. She had a son named Arcas.”

“If I remember, Hera was jealous of anyone who got Zeus’ attention,” Rafi said.

Reine nodded, “Hera was furious and turned Callisto into a bear. She had to hide from hunters and no longer saw her son. One day Arcas was hunting and came upon Callisto, and just as he pulled out a spear to kill her. Zeus blew both Callisto and Arcas into the heavens. Some say that Arcas became the Ursa Minor constellation over there. Also called the little dipper.” She pointed out the little dipper so Rafi could see it.

“Bravo,” Rafi clapped. “Do you know any others?”