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“Bart,” she breathed his name out on a sigh.

~~~

Bart was in the downstairs kitchen of Vivi and Quin’s quarters having a quick snack from the leftover platters the chef had delivered for Vivian earlier, when he thought he heard a knock at the front door of the suite. He stepped out of the kitchen and looked around, but there was no one to be seen. In fact, he hadn’t seen anyone since he’d returned from his meetings with Zha Tahl. “Anybody here?” he called out. No one answered.

He walked over to the stairs and stepped up one or two, his face lifted toward the second floor of the royal residence. “Vivian? Are you up there?!”

When nothing but silence could be heard, he took it up on himself to answer the door. He walked over and pulled the door open.

“Chairman Bartholomew,” Yaghn said, addressing him quickly before he could speak, and giving a slight bow. “We have an individual that has arrived with a message from our Sovereigna. As it is a personal message for the Sirena, we cannot turn her away without attempting to allow her to deliver it.”

“Oh, of course. But, I don’t think anyone is here but me.”

“I believe that our Sirena is inside, along with her personal guard. But in an effort not to disturb her, perhaps you can receive the message and you can deliver it to Sirena Vivian,” Yaghn suggested.

“I can do that,” Bart said.

Mirilla stepped out from behind Yaghn, and though her eyes were downcast, she gave only the hint of a smile as she spoke. “Hello, Chairman Bartholomew.”

“Mirilla!”

She allowed herself to smile demurely. “If you wouldn’t mind, may I repeat the message the Sovereigna sent for the Sirena?”

“Of course, but why don’t you just come in. You can tell her yourself when we manage to locate her.”

“Oh, I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not. I just finished up work for the day, and I’m the only one in the whole of downstairs at the moment. You’re welcome to wait for Vivian to join us. Please, come inside.”

“Well, if you’re sure.”

“I’m very sure. Come on in.”

She smiled up at Yaghn. “Thank you, Yaghn.”

“You’re welcome, Mirilla. If you need anything else, let us know.”

“I will.”

Bart held the door wide, inviting her in, then closed the door behind her. “Is the message of any importance? Should we begin a search for Vivian right away?”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s just a personal update.”

“Are you hungry, thirsty? We have plenty if you are,” Bart said.

“No, thank you. I just had a meal.”

“Okay. Would you like to sit down?”

“I’m fine right here.”

“So how have you been?” Bart asked.

“Very well. And you?”

“I’m great. Busy, but doing great. No real complaints.”

“And, you know Sirena Vivian,” she said.

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