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“I think you’re overreacting a bit here. The guards knew you came in and I’m certain they knew you didn’t leave so your visit is documented anyway. I mean, what exactly is it that you planned to keep secret if the guards had to allow you in?”

“No, Bart, they didn’t allow me in. I used my key and came in through Au'revele’s quarters because I knew she was in medical with the Sirena. No one knows I’m here but you.”

Bart’s mouth fell slightly ajar, his brows hiking up in surprise. “So, you really didn’t want anyone to know about us. That’s quite an effort to make sure you weren’t seen associating with me.”

“It’s not what you think. It’s nothing more than exactly what I’ve already said. I have a reputation to protect. I’m a member of the staff. You’re a visiting dignitary. I can’t openly spend the night with you in your bed. And then to make matters worse, to not be on time to carryout my duties the next morning. It reflects poorly on me and my role in the palace.”

He understood what she was saying, the literal meaning of her words anyway. But he couldn’t help but feel there was more meaning running beneath them. It wasn’t just her position she was worried about. She’d referred to her reputation several times, and that’s the part he seized on. “You don’t want anyone to know that you’ve spent time with me. You will do anything possible to keep from being seen associating with me.”

“Please understand, I wish things were different, but they’re not. Not in my world anyway.”

“It’s fine. I understand,” he said, taking a step back from her as he shuttered his expression and his emotions behind the wall of professionalism he was required to present to the world as the Chairman of the Board of the Unified Consortium Defense. “If anyone asks, tell them you came during the night, or much earlier than your shift would have started this morning to let us know about Vivian and the baby and just got caught up talking to us. We were worried about her, but stayed away until all had settled and she was able to receive visitors. You sat with us to keep us company.”

She hesitated for a few moments before lifting her hands, palms up to the ceiling as she shrugged. “It’s not fully explanatory of how late I am, but it’s better than I fell asleep in Chairman Bartholomew’s bed after having relations all night.”

“Relations?” he asked, obviously offended.

“Bart…”

“It wasn’t relations, Mirilla. And you know that.”

“Please, just try to understand my position at this particular point in time. I have so much to catch up on and check on. I’ll have so many questions asked of me.”

“You’d best get going, then.”

“Bart, I’ve so much to lose! I’m the one that will have to justify my actions here, not you.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine. Whatever you use as an excuse for your brief absence, I will support.”

Mirilla moved quickly to the still closed bedroom door. “I’m hoping that not many have noticed!”

“Obviously.”

“If I can I’ll see you later?”

“If it’s appropriate and can be done in a clandestine manner, I’m sure you will.”

“Bart…”

“You’d better hurry before you’re later than you already are.”

Mirilla met his gaze for only a few seconds longer, seeing for herself the wounded look in his eyes. “Please understand.”

“I do. You should hurry.”

She grasped the doorknob and pulled it open.

Samuel stood there, but a few feet back. He didn’t seem at all surprised to see her quickly exiting Bart’s bedroom.

“Good morning, Mirilla.”

“Good morning, Samuel.”

“Thank you for updating us with news of Vivian and her baby.”

Mirilla had already taken several steps past him, but she paused and looked back at him.

Samuel met her gaze with his own steady and unwavering.

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