Thea cooed.
Ariston smiled. “I know my lady asked this of you already, but I would repeat her request. This boy, Spiridion, and his babe of a sister are yours now.”
Again, Thea cooed.
“When I return, we’ve a long journey to make. But I promise your days will be filled with fish and peace. For Rhodes is a peaceful place amidst a reckless world.” He stroked her again. “It pleases me to know you will see it.”
Thea cooed again, climbing closer to Ariston.
“Will you keep me company then? Until it’s time for me to go?” he asked.
He sat, reveling in her slight weight burrowed in the folds of his heavy exomie. It was only when little Kore’s cries broke the dark night that Thea stirred. She clicked, cooing, and fluffing her feathers.
Ariston smiled, stroking her head. “Go then, calm Kore with your sweet sounds. It eases my heart to know you’re with them.”
Thea’s gaze lingered on his for a moment longer.
He smiled at the owl.
Thea cooed once more, then flew toward the sound of the wailing babe.
He’d no more good-byes to make, no reason to dally any longer. In no time, he packed his meager belongings, penned a note to Xenia, and headed to the courtyard gate. As he opened the latch, the faint call of an owl brought a smile to his lips.
“Farewell, little one,” he whispered.