"When will you go to Phaistos, Brother?" Ranae asks after we leave our mother's bedside.

"I should go today but do not wish to with Mother being so sick."

"It frightens me to see her so," Ranae says sadly. "But I will go with you if you wish me to."

"They can do without us for one more day. I will send word that I will come tomorrow and inform the necessary people of the situation here. They will undoubtedly understand."

"The people at Phaistos have always been kind to Mother."

"Yes, they have a high respect for her as she does for them."

Movement in the hallway catches Ranae's attention.

"Look, here comes Prince Kamiros and Nicholas," she says, her eyes brightening at the sight of the two handsome men coming our way.

A thought of the hope of seeing Megara soon goes through my own mind.