Our mother's announcement has sent the whole room into a whirlwind. Darius and I are both shocked, naturally. I never expected this would happen quite so soon and never imagined that Mother would not return to Phaistos with us, especially now. I look at Prince Kamiros who bows his head in acknowledgement of the elevation. Next I wonder why the General and Con are not present for this. Finally, the opportunity to approach my mother arises.

"Thank you, Mother," I say to her with a hug.

"I am sure you have many questions, but we will all sit down and discuss it later today," she responds.

"I do want to ask one question now though."

"Ask then."

"Where are General Agrafiotis and Con?"

"They have left the island," she says flatly.

"What?! Why?"

"That too, is for a later discussion."

"He did not even bother to say goodbye to me."

"I know, and I am sorry, Ranae."

Lady Varilla, who is standing next to Mother, gives me a hug and congratulates me. She then whispers in my ear.

"Ranae, she is very distressed over all of this. Perhaps it is best to drop the subject for now."

I glance over Lady Varilla's shoulder and see that she is right. My being outwardly upset at this time is not going to help matters. I step back so that Lady Varilla may congratulate my brother who has just joined us.