Nero arrived less than an hour before they were due to leave for the reserve.
He brought Hale with him.
Dean learned both facts when Hunter entered the breakfast room and said, with suspicious calm, "Prince Nero has landed."
Dean looked up from his coffee. "Already?"
Across the table, Arion checked the time.
The government residence was only beginning to wake. Cold morning light spilled through the eastern windows, turning the harbor silver beneath a low ceiling of cloud. Dean wore dark trousers, hiking boots, and a cream wool sweater under a fitted weatherproof jacket. Arion had chosen black trousers, practical boots, and a dark green winter coat.
Hunter was dressed entirely for the field, equipment concealed beneath layered black clothing and a compact waterproof jacket.
"Press?" Dean asked.
"Two photographers are already scheduled for the reserve departure."
Arion stood. "Good."
