Meret spent all of her trip back to Endor writing her resignation. How could she live in a system, a faction that was so cruel? She thought that was good in Lucien but apparently she was wrong. She would review her resignation letter over the next few days not wanting to do anything in the emotional state that had affected her so deeply. Lucien could see into her mind, her heart and her soul; why did he not see her reverence for life?
Emma came running up the circular staircase that ascended the look out tower where Meret was observing the migration burgundy striped butterflies. In her hands the housekeeper help the music box and the gold box of truffles. Meret spoke before Emma opened her mouth ” I know, put it down I will take a look when I am ready. I saw him, you can go.” When Meret was alone she opened the music box and listened to the Hapan Tango. Her lips smiled as she recalled dancing ever so close to Lucien. She heard her mother’s voice “they are just things, you need someone who will hold you tight when it is cold, someone who will kiss you with the passion of a Kiffar warrior, someone who honors you…” She closed the box knowing Lucien was incapable of passion. She read his note and again her mother’s haunting voice challenged the precise choice of Lucien’s word…”his actions are deafening, his words silently seduce you.”
Meret slowly trudged down the spiral staircase and entered her cabin. She walked into the kitchen and gave the box of truffles to Emma. “Here share these with the staff. I am going to soak in the hot tub.” Meret walked to the back of her cabin and fired up the wooden hot tub. She went into the cabana, removed her clothes, and wrapped her naked body in a towel. She was all alone so she removed her towel and eased her sun kissed body into the bubbling blue water.
