Image by Sally-Ann Livingston from Pixabay

Michi looked at Lakshmi. “Well? What did you learn?”

“The courtesan is far more dangerous a creature than we first expected, but I can see no threat to our plans for Lord Kuen,” Lakshmi said.

“Dangerous? How is she dangerous?” Michi turned away from the window and gave Lakshmi a sharp look.

“She was well armed, and it was she who killed Chanda. I would also safely say she was the one who was recently treated for Xenospar exposure because Chanda carried a blade made of that like I do,” Lakshmi said.

“So she’s a skilled fighter?” Michi frowned.

“Many courtesans are given the means to defend themselves, but this one – this one is like me, Lady Nakano,” Lakshmi said. “She hunts for something.”

“What?” Michi took a step forward. “What is she hunting, Lakshmi?”

“Money right now. She seeks wealth to further her aims. She is much like other courtesans in that regard. She hopes to start her own House, or so she says.” Lakshmi folded her hands and waited.

“Do you believe her?” Michi wasn’t sure she did.

Lakshmi pursed her lips. “I believe that is her intention right now. She may find a worthier goal for her fortune later. But I truly do not believe she is a threat to our plans for Lord Kuen.”

“We’ll watch the career of this Blue Butterfly and make certain she continues to not be a threat to Kuen.” Michi turned back to the window. “Thank you, Lakshmi.”

“Do you need anything more from me right now, Lady Nakano?” Lakshmi’s voice grew strained.

“No, Lakshmi. I appreciate you taking the time away from your mourning to run this errand for me. If I need you, I’ll call for you again.” Michi turned her head slightly and nodded once, her signal that Lakshmi was free to leave.

“Thank you, Lady Nakano.” Lakshmi turned and left the room.

Michi waited until she was sure Lakshmi was gone before walking to her desk. She pressed her fingers to the bio scanner on a particular drawer. It popped open.

Michi lifted a holo image out and stared at the grinning face in it. “Leonidas, what is one of your children doing masquerading as a courtesan? Or is she a grandchild?” Michi touched the man’s lips. “Or am I delusional and that red hair is just a Gaiteran trait and she’s the offspring of some other person from your world that ran to the Colonies?” Michi held the picture close for a moment before sliding it back in the drawer and closing it.

Michi pressed her hand to her mouth. It had been over fifty years since he’d abandoned her and still she loved him. Why couldn’t she let him go? It was just like losing her children. Those she loved best were always taken from her in one way or another. Her hands clenched. She would not let this Blue Butterfly take her son away from her too.