Returning to Nuria should have restored order to Mezos's life.
Instead, General Theron Aradia came with them.
The first indication that retirement had done absolutely nothing to soften the man appeared less than twenty minutes after they passed through Deira's imperial gates.
Mezos stepped from the transport beneath the covered entrance of the eastern palace, already speaking into his communicator about the overnight security rotation, when his father emerged from the vehicle behind him and stopped.
"Your left shoulder is dropping."
Mezos went silent.
Arik, who had been helping Liam from the other side of the car, slowly looked over.
Theron adjusted the cuff of his civilian coat.
"You favor it when you are tired."
"My shoulder healed months ago."
"That was not what I said."
Mezos straightened without meaning to.
Severin laughed.
Not discreetly.
Mezos turned toward him.
