Ares and Louisa go off to enjoy their meal, and I am happy that my dearest friend is able to have a quiet evening away from the court’s prying eyes. Goddess knows she deserves it! Lou had just gone off when all of a sudden a familiar voice whispers behind Minos & I. “Proton Basileon, a word if you please.”

We turn in unison to see dear Jihanus. My heart leaps and I exclaim before I can stop myself, “Han! What are you doing here?” I am so happy to see him whole and healthy after the recent reports of the attacks against him.

"So, you're still rushing into trouble head first without even looking back," Minos cryptically remarks. I look at the only two men who have ever captured my heart and affection and am struck by the tension between them that never existed before.

Jihanus answers my husband’s cryptic taunt in his straightforward manner. “There are some things that really can’t be avoided. Can we discuss heroism elsewhere, please?” Minos nods and they are about to step away to a private conference when dinner is announced.

Before he can leave my side, I take Minos’ arm. “Can you two have your discussion after the meal? We should all be here to support the Twins as they preside over their first State Dinner. Will you please join us Jihanus and give me news of Knossos? We are returning tomorrow and I’d like to know the state of the reconstruction before getting there.” I slip my hand in the crook of his arm before he realizes it, and I lead the two unwilling men into the dining room.

I find the three of us seats near the head table and I take the seat between them. Minos & Han have no real polite option by to sit at either side of me…and if there is one trait they share, it is politeness. I notice the man in Jihanus's helm sits nearby. As the first course is served, I ask Jihanus, “How is Zegros doing at Knossos? Is he resting and healing?”

He smiles, “He is. He even turned over his tasks to Anna already. She saw me off on my trip here with inquiries over Admiral Georgios. I am surprised not to see him here.”

I smile back, “Louisa sent Georgios off to catch the General’s ship. Arie’s son arrived at Court right as his father had set off in search of him. I’m surprised they haven’t made it back to Agia Triada yet.”

Minos joins the conversation. “I’m sure they’ll be here shortly. Louisa’s General couldn’t have gone far before Georgios was dispatched to catch him.”

“And you know all about dispatching messengers, don’t you Proton?” Han queries.

I look back and forth as the two men continue their tense discussion in front of me. I am glad I chose to sit between them so I can act as a kind of buffer, even if I'm a rather ineffectual one. They might speak rashly, but at least neither of them will act rashly with me in the middle.