"His likeness to his father is uncanny! He is about our age, if not a year or two younger, tall and very strong, just like the General. I do hope the two of them have met by now! We were all so shocked when he showed up here, as you can imagine."

"I was quite stunned myself when we received word of his being at Crete. It is a good thing we decided to return," Con states firmly. "This is a very important time for my General. I must find him when I have finished eating."

"Naturally," I agree with him.

It occurs to me that I have never asked Con about his family. This must be remedied at the first opportunity. I have missed Con and do hope we find some time to get to know one another better. I sigh realizing that it may not be possible anytime soon. Con's duty lies with General Agrafiotis here as his biographer and my duties will be at Phaistos. We will be separated though thankfully not by any great distance. I was going to ask him to come with us, as we have invited the others, but I know he could not come. Still, I must invite him to visit when he is able.

"I should go find General Agrafiotis now," Con says as he finishes the last morsel of his meal.

He stands and I stand with him, intending to walk him out.

"I wish to speak with you a moment, if I may, so I will see you out. If the rest of you will excuse me," I pardon myself from the others.

We stop together just outside the room in the hallway.

"What do you wish to talk to me about?" Con asks.

I take his hand in mine.

"I just wanted to say that I missed you and I am happy to see you again."

"Ah, Ranae, I have missed you too," he says and raises my hand to his lips.

He gives my hand a light kiss and then pulls me closer, wrapping his arms around me for a brief moment.

"I will see you before we leave for Phaistos. If you cannot come with us today, which I will fully understand with all that is happening here with the General's son and all, promise me you will come see me as soon as you can," I request of him somewhat desperately.

"Of course, my princess" he says calmly, placing the palm of his warm hand against my cheek.

I watch as he walks away and then return to my other friends.