At the same moment Marika boarded the black Aquila Shuttle and headed for the Transport Ship bound for Vostonia, Petronella Viva let out an excited little cry.
"Lord Nimrod has agreed to see me."
She stepped in courtly dance steps, calling out in a light, bright voice.
"Babes, choose a gown for me."
After trying on one splendid gown after another, Petronella finally settled on an elegant, dignified outfit—a cream-white long dress with an ivory lining that flattered her figure.
She also abandoned the heavy cosmetics of the Terran court, using only a little antimony powder to darken her eyeliner.
On her forehead she wore a mesh-style rose-gold necklace, sapphires and pearls like falling raindrops covering her brow.
With a reserved smile on her face, Petronella arrived outside the door to the Primarch's office and said to her bodyguard Magad, "Magad, stay outside."
Petronella knew Magad had always admired the Astartes, and revered the Primarchs as gods. He surely longed desperately to behold Lord Nimrod's bearing.
But today, she did not want to share Lord Nimrod's attention with anyone else.
"As you command." Regretful but meticulous, Magad carried out his mistress's order, then looked curiously at the two people by the door.
One was a Shadow of Order from the Honor Guard; his towering build was similar to the warriors he had seen aboard this ship.
The other was not Astartes, but with the long spear on his back, he was the tallest and strongest warrior Magad had ever seen apart from the Adeptus Custodes and the Astartes.
What drew Magad's attention even more was the loathsome chill he gave off, so much like the Sisters of Silence who walked the Imperial Palace.
[Magad.] Nimrod looked up toward the door.
He remembered the name. After Magad began following Petronella Viva,