His eyes widened again.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"But I might choose badly."
"Then I surmise, you will learn very hard not to."
Abi clapped once. "You really have an excellent parenting."
"Quiet."
"I meant it."
"That makes it worse. Don't make me throw things at your face."
Spiro's lips twitched. The mood lightened, but only at the surface.
Beneath it, the report remained.
I stood.
"Enough. We leave in half an hour."
"Can I come with you, Father?" Spiro asked immediately.
"No."
He expected that, but disappointment still flickered.
"You will remain here," I said. "William will teach you the familial greeting. You can ask Bernard about things but he will answer only approved questions. You will eat lunch. Then, if the physician agrees the children are steady enough, you may write a greeting note to Mil."
"A note?"
"Yes."
"What should I write?"
"That is for you to decide."
He looked uncertain.
"Just... greet him?"
"If you want, and perhaps tell him that maps are useful."
