12.

complementary

Marie hustled down the stairs, her large skirt flowing behind her like a waterfall. She was a noblewoman, too proud to carry the violet silk and too stingy to hire servants to do it for her.

She was late to the opera, she knew that without looking at the huge clock above the foyer. Throwing her lacy shawl over her shoulders and securing it with a swirly silver cloak pin, she nodded at the robotic servant that stood at the door. The latest model, this one was all shiny chrome and diamond accents.

His robotic voice sounded oddly affectionate when he intoned, "Good evening, Mrs. Goodsby, that color greatly compliments your hair."

She froze for half a second, taking a moment to touch her brass curls before giving him a tight smile and nod. "Thank you, number four."

Bowing smoothly, he said, "I will call for the hovercar, shall I?"

She nodded, staring at him. She knew the new models came with artificial intelligence, but...

No, it was silly.