They had barely made it three steps toward the training ground when a familiar voice came from the direction of the main entrance.
"Grandfather."
Theo stood at the far end of the courtyard.
He had clearly arrived recently, and his collar was slightly off, the way it gets when someone has been walking fast and hasn't noticed. His eyes shifted from Rex to Diana and back to Rex, reflecting the expression of someone who was making a strong effort to appear composed but was not entirely succeeding.
Rex watched him without any particular expression.
Diana also looked at the courtyard stone.
"Theo," Therion said. "You're late."
"I know. I had to..." Theo paused, clearly deciding not to finish that sentence. "But still, I came as soon as I could."
He crossed the courtyard with the deliberate step of someone who had made a decision somewhere between the gate and here, and when he reached Therion, he placed a hand briefly on the older man's arm.
"Can I speak with you? Privately."
