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home.”
    I bit my tongue and smi led at him.  Michael had informed me earlier that he had sold our former luxury townhome in Great Falls and built a new multi-million dollar estate.  The car veered onto a quiet, sun dappled street lined with mature trees and eventually stopped at the end of a cul-de-sac.  In front of us was a set of massive iron gates with a twenty foot high brick wall stretching out in each direction.
    “Home sweet home,” Michael said with forced cheerfulness.
    Seems more like a prison .  I looked at him and smiled.
    “All the homes in the area have been outfitted with the latest in security systems.  The outer walls are actually made of steel with laser sensors if anyone tries to breach them.  I paid professional masons to give them a cosmetic facelift because I know how much you like the look of old bricks.  Don’t worry, princess, you’ll be safe here.”
    I couldn’t help but frown at his words.  Why would I have to worry about my safety?  My thoughts dissipated the moment we went through the gates.  The lush greenery made me gasp in delight.  There were too many trees to count and several flower beds.  I also noticed flagstone paths curling in and out of small nooks containing marble fountains, cedar gazebos and biomorphic outdoor metal sculptures.  As the car wound its way up a long cobblestone drive, a stunning two-floor contemporary house came into view.  The modern construction was composed of mainly glass and stone, with a few artisan touches crafted from wood.  Several decks graced the upper level, and the lower level had a wraparound slate patio with attractive outdoor furniture.
    “Do you like it?” Michael asked.
    “I love it!” 
    “What do you th ink of the pool?”
    “What pool?” I inquired, following his gaze.
    “That one,” he replied, pointing.  “I had it built with you in mind.  In fact, this entire home was designed in your honor.  I know how much you like the outdoors and natural materials.”
    The big free -form pool was surrounded by lush landscaping and included a rocky waterfall.
    “It ’s gorgeous.”
    We got out of the car and he took my ha nd.  As he led me inside, I could not believe this was to be my new home.  I had never imagined living in such grandeur- our former townhouse was already luxurious enough for me.  The kitchen was huge.  The sophisticated looking appliances had the same opalescent sheen as the car, so I assumed they were made from the same material.  The enormous living room boasted an open fireplace that was shared with an equally big dining room.  The décor was an eclectic mix of ultra modern and tasteful ethnic pieces. 
    “Come and see your studio ,” Michael said, leading me to a section of the house that was apart from the main living areas.
    “ I’ve never had my own studio before.”
    “Well, it’s about time, isn’t it?”
    We went through a glass corridor that contained a bathroom and a storage room.  Trees and shrubs grew on each side of the glass, which gave this part of the house privacy.   Where the corridor ended was a metal door.
    “Open it,” Michael urged.
    I opened the door and stepped into the past.  “Oh, Michael!” I cried.
    T he room was filled with antique furnishings.  Even the massive wooden desk where a holographic computer monitor sat was a priceless antique.  The legs of the desk were twisted like ropes, and ended in carved lion’s claws gripping balls. Three walls boasted medieval European tapestries and paintings; the fourth wall was made entirely of glass.  The view outside was of a traditional mini-Tudor garden, complete with an ancient stone sundial.
    “And look there,” Michael pointed to the space above the door.
    “Your family’s coat of arms,” I said, admiring the slender unicorn dancing upon a single rose.  The entire shield was expertly carved in white marble with many embellishments.
    “It’s not a replica.”  When I looked at him sharply, he