Honor waited nervously in the sitting room, the young red haired man having vanished shortly after seeing her seated, leaving her to her own devices. She gazed around the room, its intricate details piquing her interest. The flow of the floor-length curtains in the summer breeze as the floor to ceiling double doors stood open caught her eye, the material seeming to dance on the wind. She smiled to herself, lifting from her perch on the pristine sofa-back. Her heels echoed throughout the great room as she made her way out onto the balcony, unable to deny herself a view from the lofty height.
“Exquisite..” she murmured to herself as her eyes took in the radiance of the gardens below, its floral residents waving in the breeze, sending a barrage of fragrant auras up to permeate her lungs. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, the warm sun dancing on the backs of her lids. The wind swirled around her, lifting the stray strands of her auburn locks to tickle her face and neck.
Honor wondered how many attendants it must take to keep a garden such as that of Nobel, its vast array of blooms a masterpiece in its own right. “I hope I get the chance to paint even a fraction of it…” she breathed, her eyes opening once more to explore the grounds beyond.
She’d been called to Nobel upon the request of Lord Michel himself, a dear friend of her father’s. She’d been nervous to accept the commission, having barely finished art school. She’d done her fair share of jobs, to be sure, but a commission of this magnitude.. And for Lord Nobel. It was an honor to be asked, to even been considered. This would be a test of her skill, and she prayed she not screw it up, lest her father be shamed.
Honor rested her hands on the balcony rail, its stone warm from the summer rays. “Mother.. Give me strength to see this through without fail, and lend me your artist’s heart,” she looked up to the heavens, pleading for her mother’s guidance. She hoped to one day have half the skill of her mother, a greatly under-appreciated painter in her day. Not until her passing had her works been truly recognized, and even then only at the great promotion of her father’s company.
“Mom.. I want to make you proud..” she smiled thoughtfully as she waited in the summer sun.
The young lady, Honor, Zain had learned, had great talent from the portfolio he had seen, but it seems she has less experience than most artist called upon by his master. Zain wondered who this Miss Honor was to catch Lord Nobel’s attention. The daughter of a friend, he knew, but there had to be more reason than that for her to be summoned so quickly after finishing her studies. Regardless, he was soon going to find out, he reasoned. He raised his fist to the lounge door and knocked to announce his arrival before entering, his master in tow.
Zain could make out a feminine form on the balcony. Her hair flying lightly as the gentle breeze played with it. It was not until he stepped out into the balcony that he realized how pretty the young woman was. “Miss Honor,” he greeted politely with a small bow and smile. “Lord Nobel is ready to see you inside. Please,” he gestured with one hand, unbeknown to him the significance of this encounter.