The next evening, Magdalyn sat on the window seat, gazing out at the second twilight while the servants quietly and efficiently set up the table that she and the High Lord would dine at. Earlier, she had been brought to the fourth floor, and the round tower that was the High Lord's private rooms. She had been told only that he would join her shortly.
Drawing her knees up, Magdalyn rested her chin on them, continuing to stare out at the lush countryside. Her home planet had been barren rock, both inside the dome and out. There were no gardens, except those grown to feed the colonists. She was discovering the joy in such simple beauty as a daisy or morning glory.
"I see that my delay has not caused you either boredom or distress."
Magdalyn slowly turned her face towards the room, her hair whispering over the linen shift she wore. Ice blue in color, it was thin enough that she had protested initially, only to be informed by Cyrenia that the High Lord had specifically requested that she wear the garment. At those words, she knew that no amount of protests would benefit her.
Nictolanus smiled slightly, drawing his gloves off and tossing them lightly on the table. With a wave of his hand, the servants left the room as silently as they had worked. Sitting down, Nictolanus inclined his head in her direction. "Will you join me now, Magdalyn?"
Uncurling her legs, Magdalyn slipped to the floor, the rug thick and plush beneath her bare feet. As she slid into the chair provided for her, she brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. After a moment, Nictolanus said, "Well, shall we?"
The food was simple, but well prepared. Thinly sliced ham and roasted chicken shared space with small potatoes swimming in butter, steamed asparagus, and more dishes than Magdalyn had ever seen on a table at one time. The colony had long since reverted to a no meat diet, and one that was rationed strictly. Magdalyn took a little of everything, and sat her mind to her plate.