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“The stadium, where they hosted games similar to the Olympics.” In a lower voice, she said to the men. “I think we’ll have to straighten out a little of his history later.”
“I want to be an Olympian,” Adonis proclaimed, hands on hips and legs spread wide.
“In which event?” Leo asked, amused by his son’s antics.
Adonis’s expression turned thoughtful, and he looked to Rose, as if for guidance.
She beckoned to Adonis, who walked over to her. “That’s a tough question. There are summer and winter Olympics to choose from. Shall we do some research, find out what events there are, and then choose a few you’re excited about?”
He nodded. “Can I fire my cannons now?”
“Sure.”
Adonis clambered to the floor and dumped out the bag of soldiers and a smaller bag Leo hadn’t noticed.
Leo raised a brow at Rose.
Adonis emptied toy canons which clattered against the marble table. He lined them up in rows facing each other and then mounted the canons behind the soldiers, with a soldier attending each cannon.
Rose explained, “On our way back, we passed through a charming part of town full of shops, including a toy shop. He spotted the cannons, and I bought them. I hope that’s alright.” She fidgeted with her wedding band.
The barest of glances at Stavros indicated Leo’s answer.
“That’s fine,” Stavros answered.
“He may need a cavalry or a navy in the future,” Leo added, and Rose’s fidgeting stopped.
Stavros stood. “I’ll check in with you later. Thank you, Rose for taking care of the children.”
She nodded and began to stand.
He waved her down. “I’ll see myself out. The children look happy. That’s what I care about.”
“I took lots of pictures.” Rose pointed to her tablet, which had become a tactical feature in Adonis’s table war.
“Thank you. I’ll see you all before bed.” He exited the hotel room with a wave.
A slight frown deepened Rose’s features.
Leo decided her frown was the one expression he wanted to banish from her countenance.
“I still don’t understand him,” she said.
“Care to show me the pictures?” Leo asked.
She nodded and moved from the chair to the couch. She reached for her tablet.
“We can view them on mine.” Leo indicated Adonis. “We wouldn’t want to ruin his game. He and Nefeli seem quite engrossed.”
She agreed.
With a few swipes and taps, Leo pulled up the shared photo album on his tablet.
As Rose shared the pictures with him, the children gathered around, exclaiming about what they’d liked and disliked at each point of interest.
“Here’s the treasury,” Rose said.
Adonis scowled. “There wasn’t a single pirate, and I didn’t find any treasure. Just a bunch of old rocks and columns.”