Chéri could not dispute that. It was something personal, but also something they could understand. No place like home vs the exotic. They actually lost themselves briefly in the meditation, as no one, despite the compliments, had ever gone as far as actually taking the time and the patience to discuss complex artistic topics with them. They might even start to suspect Darius *actually* intended to simply paint them.

Chéri nodded, but did not deny or saw any decrease in their fear. But it was too late to go back: right in front of them there was Carrington Manor. Calliope turned to Darius and repeated “Carrington?”