51 A warm welcome

Two days have passed, and Ginevra's attitude didn't change one bit. But now Cael could be frustrated about it in a different location.

A day before, his father had finally led the army home. An hour before, they had entered the gates of Sanremo di Mare, to be greeted like heroes—with flowers and colorful banners hanging on the route between the main gate of the city and the Oliveira tower.

Inside, a feast waited for the war heroes. Mother's touch was clearly felt in its organizing—from the ornate tablecloth to elaborate ways cheeses and meats were arranged on the plates.

It was HOME.

Then, of course, there was his family. Vittorio grinned to Father like HE defeated Ginevra in direct combat, not Cael. Mother was a picture of propriety, but she came to kiss her husband on the cheek. Cael got a kiss on his forehead—like he was a little boy again.