Megara's touch on my arm is warm and inviting. I smile at her as I fight the urge to take her into my arms and give her a kiss. I am so glad she is pleased already by what she sees. I offer my sister my other arm and lead the two women above deck.

"First you shall see Knossos, Lady Megara. It was our first home. Though it is not in the best shape at the moment, you will at least get an idea of the grandeur it once was. After earthquakes rocked the palace, we were sent to live in Athens, but I will not bore you with those details for now. Our home is now at Phaistos, thanks to the kindness of Prince Radamanthys, who, via a messenger to us in Athens, offered us his palace upon our return. I have not had the honor to meet him, though my mother and my sister both have."

"Oh, yes!" Ranae interjects. "He is a most handsome and kind gentleman," she gushes and blushes all at once. "I met him at his home on Thera, while I was a guest there."

Paton approaches us and seems quite anxious to be off the ship, even though we are just now entering the port. If I did not know he was in hot pursuit of Admiral Mari, I would think he was flirting with my sister. I place my hand on top of Megara's hand on my arm as Paton wanders off once again.

"Well, that was strange," Ranae says.

"Yes, I wonder what the man is about. He is an odd one."

"Oh, I am sure he is quite harmless, or Mari would have nothing to do with him," my sister laughs.