The Duke’s Table
The Duke's private solar was flooded with bright morning sunlight.
Large glass windows overlooked the blue mountains in the distance. The room smelled of sweet honeysuckle and rich roasted meats. A heavy round table sat in the center of the patterned rug.
Duke Varn stood up as I walked into the room. He wore a rich tunic of purple velvet with gold lace around the collar. His grey hair was neatly trimmed.
"Lady Arianna," Duke Varn said with a warm wide smile. "Come sit down child."
He pulled out a high wooden chair with carved velvet cushions for me. I walked over and sat on the soft seat.
A silver tray sat on the white tablecloth before me. It held fresh red berries, warm wheat bread, and honeyed butter. A silver pot of hot tea steamed gently in the cool morning air.
