***
Five days later…
"Here I was ready to be insistent for years and you've already given up after only days," Philip said, "Fascinating."
"It seems you underestimated how much of a bother you are," Athenodora said with a relaxed smile, "A few days was the most I could handle before I'm overwhelmed with a need to get rid of you."
Philip laughed. He was in such a merry mood that he didn't even bother to glower at Caius who stood in the lounge with his arms folded and a neutral expression on his face.
"Fair enough, Dora," Philip said, and then he paused, "If you really want to get rid of me that much, I can't help but wonder if the information you're about to offer is actually true. Once I leave to confirm it, you might have taken the chance to go after the real deal yourself."
"You'll know I'm telling the truth because I'll be coming with you," Athenodora said.
