House of Mirrors
Merope lives in a palace of diamonds. There is no need for mirrors in this palace of diamonds because she can already see herself at every turn in every facet. She struts about in her white dress and bouquet of flowers, beloved by all. She sweeps her subjects a bow as they defer to her. Then he comes up the stairs, his eyes laughing, and he sweeps her into his arms. Into his ear, she whispers, "Tom, Tom, Tom."
Tom tells her she is the most beautiful and ravishing creature he has ever seen. He asks her if she can make the rest of them disappear.
She smiles. Of course she can.
Merope lives in a palace of diamonds, after all.
Merope lives in a mirage.