by Holly Law
“That was the Prince’s doing no doubt,” the Countess smiled at her. “Don’t let it trouble you. If the Prince decides you are to be addressed as a lady, who are we to argue?”
“And any mechanic of your caliber deserves a title,” Carllo agreed.
“But Elisha is just an orphan!” Asinoa objected.
“A sad twist of fate,” the Countess said, looking at Elisha sympathetically. “In Melink, I would think you might have been adopted very quickly once your ability became known, and by the best families.”
“Have you been enjoying your acquaintance with Duchess Lenora?” Carllo asked her politely. “I hear she thinks very highly of you and regards you as one of her best students.”
Elisha again blushed at the unexpected praise. She wondered exactly what stories had gotten back to Melink about her. “Lenora has been exceedingly kind to me, and I am very grateful to her for taking me in. I am far from her best student, however,” Elisha told him earnestly. “I barely passed the test necessary to attend this event at the school.”
“Really?” the Countess looked intrigued. “We all assumed your coming was guaranteed. Your presence at this function had been announced with the party, as an honored guest.” Elisha didn’t know what to say to that. She hadn’t even known that people in Melink knew who she was. She wondered why the Prince felt inclined to tell them she was coming in that manner. “You are very young, Elisha, and this world is a bit new to you. Don’t doubt yourself. You are doing just fine. If you had ever been the poor orphan I have been told you were, it is not obvious. You have learned your lessons well, and of your whole class, your entrance was the best. Be proud of yourself, my dear. You have accomplished much.”
There came a light chiming from the other side of the room. All stopped and looked. There was a servant with a gilded set of chimes standing by the entrance of the dining room. “Dinner is served,” the servant announced.
Slowly, they all made their way into the room. It took Elisha a moment to find her spot. She was in the very middle of the finely set up table. A servant pulled out the chair for her, and she sat down. Looking up and down the table, Elisha saw many wonders that others were admiring. The Prince was showing off his wealth and power with machines that served only a decorative purpose.
There were machines on the table that danced and spun in complex ways. Others spouted bright flames of varying color into the air. It was an amazing display, and they fascinated her so much she ignored some of those near her for several minutes as they sat down. There were a few little machines that raced each other around the table. Those really fascinated her. She had never seen anything move like that.
“Fascinating, aren’t they?” the Countess said from the other side of her.
“Very. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
“The Prince has an extensive collection of machines.”
Once everyone was seated, the Prince stood at the far end of the table. All fell silent and looked at him. The Prince looked pleased by the instant sign of respect. “This meager selection of pieces on the table will serve to entertain you as you eat. For those of you who have never had the pleasure of traveling to Melink, the dishes served tonight are specialties from my home. I hope you enjoy them.” The Prince sat down and instantly the servants were moving.
Elisha had never seen anything so well-choreographed before in her life. A warm exotic smelling soup was placed before them. Elisha could smell the spice drifting up from it. She wasn’t the only one sniffing the deep red soup curiously. All the others from Sumvale had the same reaction. Those from Melink were eating it without hesitation. Cautiously, Elisha took a bite. The effect of the spice was instant. Elisha quickly drank down her water, and that barely seemed to help.
The Countess chuckled beside her. “Sun pepper soup is one of the Prince’s favorites, but it does take some getting used to,” the countess told her.
“How can you eat that?” Elisha asked softly.
“I’ve grown up with it, but there are some things on this table provided to make it more bearable for those of you who have not. If I may?” the Countess asked. Elisha nodded as a servant, clearly fighting a smirk, refilled her water. Elisha cast a quick glanced down at the Prince. He was eating calmly, but clearly enjoying the reaction of those from Sumvale. The Countess picked up a golden vessel that contained a white substance and dropped several spoonfuls into her soup carefully. “It will change the taste a bit, but should help. As should the bread on the side of your plate. Water doesn’t do much.”
“I noticed.”
Further down the table, Demisi had just taken her first bite of the soup and had violently spit it out. She had an expression on her face like someone had poisoned her. Those around her looked at her in distaste, and the Prince’s expression was clearly displeased. Lenora’s glance at Demisi was frosty.
“At least I fared better than Demisi,” Elisha noted.
The Countess chuckled. “Yes, that one has clearly disappointed Duchess Lenora. I wonder if she will last the whole night without being sent home.”
Elisha managed to finish the soup. The flavor of it wasn’t unpleasant, but her taste buds still burned slightly when the empty bowl was taken away. Next, was a salad, and its mild flavor relieved her taste buds. She savored every bite, but was still among the first done. It was after that course and with dinner that the wine was served.
Dinner consisted of a finely cooked steak topped with a mildly spicy sauce. It fell apart as Elisha cut into it and realized it wouldn’t even require a knife. Next to it was a creamy potato soufflé and exotic vegetables she did not recognize. All of it was the finest food Elisha had ever eaten. If someone had told her a year earlier she would experience such a feast, she wouldn’t have believed them.
Elisha finished well before everyone else. That was one of the lessons she had struggled with the most. Lenora often told her she needed to slow down as she ate. Some part of her told her that any meal could be her last, and she should eat it all before it disappeared. Elisha fought that instinct, but it was no use. She finished quickly.
Elisha watched the machines when she finished. They fascinated her more than the food. There were two little machines hopping down the table sprinkling salt and pepper on food if the person asked for it. There was a whirling little machine in front of her and as Elisha watched it, she got an idea. It wasn’t running in perfect condition as it was. She suspected she could make something much more interesting out of the parts.
She reached out cautiously and took the machine in her hand. “I don’t think you’re supposed to do that,” the Countess cautioned her. “The Prince is very protective of his machines.”
“He’ll like what I do to it,” Elisha promised. “And if not, I’ll put it back the way it was.” With a quick twist of her hand, it all came a part. It made no noise as it happened, but several others noticed her, including the Prince, who made no move to stop her. The Countess still looked uneasy.
She worked very quickly with the parts, not wanting to make a scene. Yet more watched her as she worked, and she noticed the room became quieter as attention focused on her. Within a minute, the machine was no longer recognizable. Within two it had begun to take on a new shape. After five minutes, she snapped the new shape closed.
In her hand was the perfect replica of a sparrow. It was lifeless and unmoving. She put it down on the edge of the table and touched it gently. Immediately, the bird stretched out its wings and lifted its head. It looked at Elisha once quizzically. Then it took a small step forward. The Countess gasped in amazement. Then the bird launched itself in the air. With a few flaps of its metal wings, it was over their heads.
The table applauded in appreciation. It soared through the air with ease. It spun itself through the flames and around the whirling machines. It even sang a pretty little song like a real sparrow. It was a joyous display, and Elisha enjoyed it as much as anyone else. She enjoyed it the most when it dive bombed Demisi and Asinoa. She la
ughed, as did some of the other girls. Then the Prince held out his hand, and the mechanical bird flew straight to him. It gently landed on his hand and cooed happily. The bird then hopped onto his shoulder.
“I thank you for the new pet, my lady,” the Prince said simply, a slight smile on his lips. The table applauded again, and Elisha flushed in embarrassment.
Elisha was relieved when dessert was brought out, a rich piece of chocolaty cake with just a hint of chili in the flavor. She forced herself to eat it slowly and enjoy every bite.
“I had almost forgotten that about the Prince,” the Countess said conversationally between bites.
“What did you forget?”
“It was said, a long time ago, he had complete dominance over machines. That they would do as he commanded. I have never seen him exercise that ability before.”
“It’s not him. It’s the ring he’s wearing,” Elisha explained at once. “It was broken. I repaired it for him.”
“Could you make a ring like that?” the Countess asked curiously.
“I’d have to look at it again. It was a very complex little machine with extremely delicate parts. I don’t know if I could ever make a machine of that sort.”
“That is an interesting machine. I have never heard of another like it.”
“Most machines seem to be singular in nature. There are variations that come across with their own effect, but it almost seems like the makers of the original machines all had different ideas of how they could work.”
“Well, yours was simply inspirational,” the Countess told her with a smile. “I have never heard of a machine that could fly before.”
“Really?” Elisha frowned and thought about it. The more she thought, the more she realized she had never heard of such a machine either. She had created something entirely new.
“I think you are destined to become a very influential member of the Prince’s court. Such talent…!”
When all had finished eating, the Prince rose again and all attention turned to him. “I hope you have enjoyed our marvelous meal and our improvised entertainment,” the Prince told them all, and as he spoke, the sparrow flew from his shoulder and landed on a chandelier. “Let us return to the ballroom to dance and enjoy ourselves.” With that, the Prince walked back to the ballroom. All rose and followed him, talking and laughing as they went.
Music was already being played as they entered, and she recognized it as a prolonged introduction designed to give those interested in dancing time to find a partner. Elisha was interested in dancing, but wasn’t certain how to go about acquiring a partner. She wasn’t allowed to ask any of the men herself. Elisha expressed her uncertainty to the Countess, who had been so friendly and helpful.
“You’ll be asked to dance,” the Countess assured her. “The men are very curious about you. I can guarantee you will get to dance as much as you want. But a little flirting never hurts if you get a bit desperate. Would you like me to introduce you to some of my friends?”
“Yes, please, I would appreciate your help,” Elisha told the Countess gratefully. She didn’t know what she would do without the Countess’s kindness.
“I’m afraid your assistance will have to wait, Countess vil Amark,” the Prince said from behind them. Elisha turned, startled, but did remember her manners and curtsied to him politely, as did the Countess. The Prince smiled at Elisha. “I was hoping I could interest you in a dance, Elisha. I did promise you a dance if you chose to come.”
“I would be honored, your highness,” Elisha said, startled by the honor of having the very first dance with him. The Prince looked pleased and offered her his arm. Elisha took it and he escorted her onto the dance floor. Others were assembling there already. Across the floor, she could see Lenora, and Lenora was staring at her, startled.
“I appreciate the mechanical bird,” the Prince told her with genuine gratitude. “I have never heard of a machine flying before. You are truly very talented.”
“Thank you, I hadn’t realized I had done anything so extraordinary,” Elisha confessed.
“You are an extraordinary woman, Elisha, perhaps that clouds your judgment a bit,” the Prince suggested with a grin. Elisha flushed at the compliment. The chords in the music changed and Elisha curtsied to him politely. Then, as the dance called for, the Prince pulled her closer, his hand resting on her waist and his other taking her hand. So close she could smell his fine cologne. And he seemed all the handsomer just inches from her. The Prince smiled at her, and he seemed truly pleased. “Amalia told me you learned very fast. I have been looking forward to this dance.”
“I hope I don’t disappoint you, your highness.”
“I don’t think you will.” The dance started a beat later and she quickly discovered the Prince was the perfect partner. Every step was effortless for him, and he had a natural grace she had only seen Amalia possess. She was thankful that her own practice paid off, and every move was easy for her. “I have to say you look truly stunning, Elisha,” the Prince complimented her. “I knew you were a beautiful woman, but dressed up as you are, you simply dazzling—like a diamond being shown off in its finished setting. Such finery fits you.”
Elisha had not anticipated so lavish of a compliment and could only say, “Thank you.”
The Prince spun her as the dance called for, and when she returned to where she started, she found herself a hair closer than she had been previously. “I think I am very fortunate for my rank this night,” the Prince said casually. “Otherwise, I would have had to worry about another stealing you for this dance. I think many are disappointed I have the most beautiful woman in the room in my arms for the first dance. It is a pleasure few can dream of.” Yet again she was spun. “It is a pity you were so horribly abused at that orphanage. I can still make out just a faint glimmer of the scars that horrible woman caused. Do you still have many more beneath that dress?”
“I barely notice them, your highness,” Elisha confessed, feeling uncomfortable about the intensity of his eyes. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him.
“In Melink, there are hot springs and many spas that profess to healing properties that may aid you in eliminating them. Perhaps you should come and bathe in the hot springs. I would be glad to show them to you.”
“Lenora arranges for nightly treatment of my scars,” Elisha confessed. “She says they have already improved significantly.”
“Then perhaps those spas are just what you need. Come when you wish, I will arrange everything. I would be glad to enjoy them with you.”
“You are too kind. Are you going to remain for much longer in Sumvale?”
“Some months more. Perhaps I will stay a year in total. I would find it difficult to leave such a pretty face behind.”
Elisha was not blind or deaf, and the Prince’s interest was very apparent to her. She didn’t know how to react to it. She didn’t know what she had done to attract him. He had always been kind to her before, but he seemed like another person entirely at that moment.
“I am embarrassing you?” the Prince asked her seriously.
“You are,” Elisha confessed.
“Then perhaps you have not been told often enough how beautiful you are. I suspect you will hear it much tonight.”
The dance came to a close a few measures later. Elisha curtsied to him politely, as the dance called for. The Prince gave her a shallow bow in return. As she rose, he took her hands to help her. He kissed them gently, making his interest all the more apparent. “Thank you for the dance, Elisha,” the Prince told her. “I hope to have the pleasure again tonight, but one never knows if the opportunity will present itself. If you find yourself eager for another partner later and none will have you, then do not hesitate to approach me.”
“Thank you, your highness,” Elisha said, and the Prince showed her off the dance floor. His attention was quickly taken by a lord who wanted his attention. Not knowing what else to do, Elisha wandered away and looked for Lenora. Lenora was talking with the c
ountess she had sat beside earlier.
Lenora smiled at Elisha instantly. “You looked lovely out there, Elisha,” Lenora praised her. “You looked like you were born to dance.”
“The Prince is a very good partner,” Elisha said, trying to deflect some of the compliment away from her.
“A very fine partner,” the Countess agreed.
“You look a bit flushed, Elisha. What did he say to you?” Lenora inquired.
“He was just a bit more complimentary than I would have expected,” Elisha confessed. “Perhaps flirtatious is the better term.” The Countess and Lenora exchanged a knowing look.
“I do not generally make an issue of it,” Lenora said cautiously, “but you should be aware that the Prince does have a bit of a reputation with women. Do not take his attentions too seriously. He has sweet talked many women into his bed and he has loved none of them. Appreciate the compliment, but never think there is anything more serious behind those words.”
“They did confuse me,” Elisha confessed. “He did not seem so interested in me before and I thought his words odd.”
“What exactly did he say?” the Countess asked curiously. “If I may know. I am curious how seriously he tried his charm on you.”
Elisha struggled to recall every word that was said. Lenora looked very unhappy when she was done, and the Countess looked a little startled. She wondered what she had said that had come out so wrong and expressed her confusion.
“You have done nothing wrong, Elisha,” Lenora ensured her at once. “The Prince was merely being a bit more…forward than he would have been with a girl from Melink. Enjoying the spas with you? People do not go into the spas fully clothed, Elisha.” Elisha flushed at that information. “He has seduced many women in that place. You will definitely want to keep that in mind, but if you ever do go to Melink, the spas would, without a doubt help your scars. I would simply suggest you come to find me to guide you to them rather than the Prince.”
“I’m so embarrassed,” Elisha flushed. She had never thought Prince would suggest such a thing to her. She felt so confused by the sudden shift.
