Shimmering slivers of starlight danced across the room as the ribbon-like curtains swayed, undulating in the warm breeze. But it was not the temperature that caused him to wipe a thin layer of perspiration from around his eyes as he looked down at the dark haired beauty sleeping by his side. Without thought his fingers reached out to touch her cheek but he drew them back sharply.
Almost as if she perceived his thoughts, she sighed and stretched slightly; just enough for the sheet to slip down a bit. Just enough. He exhaled strongly and closed his eyes for a moment, marshalling his thoughts and willing his body to obey decades of discipline. Then he carefully pulled the sheet back up to her shoulders, his fingers just grazing the softness of her arm.
Noiselessly he slid out of bed, barely causing the satin covers to stir, and dressed. He stood over her as if burning the contours of her face, the feel of her body into his psyche. For that was where she must remain, never again to grace the eyes of his memory with her beauty. He breathed deeply, filling his senses with the fragrance that permeated the room.
He did not allow himself the pleasure of touching her one last time. She might awaken and if she did, he would never find the strength to go.
For a brief moment he considered leaving a note, but quickly dismissed it. What could he say to make her understand that he must not, could not stay? Better she should hate him rather than languish in the despair of their forbidden love.
He quietly slipped out onto the balcony. Before he dropped to the ground below and his waiting starfighter he permitted himself one last glance through the billowing curtains.
'Goodbye, my love. I pray that someday you will forgive me.'
There would be another for her and perhaps she would come to forget this one solitary night. But for him, he must return to his first love and beg for forgiveness.
As he disappeared over the wall, she moaned softly, tossing as if trapped in a deep, dark dream.