— CHAPTER THREE —

  Moonlight

  The morning sunlight streamed through the parlor windows. Ariella lounged on the divan across from me, her azure eyes following my movements with thinly disguised disinterest while I played with Ambassador Bellamy's gifts. I couldn't stop smiling as I examined the strange contraption in my hands, turning it over to find the tiny winding key underneath.

  "It's exquisite! Look at the craftsmanship, Ari. Have you ever seen anything like it?" I held up the mechanical bird so that the polished brass wings caught the light.

  Ariella sighed, examining her nails. "It's just another trinket, Liv. Alba Colles sends these novelties to every court they wish to impress."

  I ignored her dismissive tone and began winding the key. When I couldn't turn it any further, I placed the bird on the table and stepped back. The bird's wings spread wide and its tiny beak opened. It wobbled back and forth, singing a tinny rendition of the overture of Magnolia's national anthem, 'Honor of the Fallen Blossoms.'

  I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me. The song always reminded me of my parents, even if I had no memories of them.

  When I opened my eyes again, I caught Ariella watching me, her expression softer than before. She knew what the song meant to me. But as soon as our eyes met, she looked away, rising to examine the other gifts spread across the table.

  "What's this one supposed to be?" she asked, poking at a flat contraption with runes, dials, and a metal holder covering its surface.

  "The ambassador said it was a camping stove. It's for travelers."

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  "How perfectly... provincial." Ariella said. "He does know we have a kitchen, doesn't he?"

  I ignored her and reached for a crystal set into the device's center. "He said this activates the runes. You just touch it and-"

  "Your Majesty!" Elara darted forward, moving my hand away. "Perhaps I should demonstrate."

  I stepped back as Elara flipped a switch on the side. A burst of blue flame shot up from the crystal I had been reaching for. She then adjusted a dial on the side, bringing the flame down to a manageable height.

  "Oh!" I laughed, clapping my hands with delight. "It works!"

  "Perhaps we should have the palace runesmiths examine these items more thoroughly before you handle them." Elara suggested.

  Ariella said, "A wise suggestion. After all, we wouldn't want any... accidents."

  "Nonsense." I said, already moving to another device - a box with a hinged lid and strange metal arms inside. Before Elara could intervene, I flipped a small switch on its side. The arms began to move, reaching out as if to grab something.

  "This must be the clothing folder the ambassador mentioned." I said, reaching into the box. A spark of discharged mana stung my fingers, and I jerked back with a small yelp.

  "Lavinia!" Ariella was at my side in an instant. "Are you all right?"

  "I'm fine." I assured her, flexing my fingers. "Just a small shock."

  Elara quickly shut off the device while another servant handed me a cool cloth for my fingers. Several more palace staff hovered anxiously nearby.

  "I don't understand your fascination with these contraptions." Ariella said, returning to her seat with a dismissive wave at the table of gifts. "They're crude imitations of what any capable mage could do better."

  "That's exactly why I find them wonderful, Ari! Not everyone has your gift for magic. Most people can barely summon a light spell, but with these devices, anyone can fold clothes perfectly or heat their dinner or..." I gestured to the mechanical bird. "... carry music with them wherever they go."

  "You're the Queen of Magnolia." Ariella said. "You don't need gadgets; you have an entire staff to attend to your needs."

  I wound the bird again, smiling as it spread its wings and wobbled back and forth. "It's not about what I need; it's about what's possible!"

  The bird began to sing again, and I closed my eyes, letting the anthem fill the room.

  Eventually, Elara cleared her throat. "Your Majesty, Lady Marigold requested I remind you of your afternoon appointments."

  I nodded, reluctantly beginning to gather the scattered trinkets. "Have these taken to my chambers, please. I'd like to examine them further when I have time."

  Ariella stood. "I should check on the preparations for tomorrow's garden luncheon."

  After she left, I stood there until the bird's clock ran out. The things people came up with were truly wonderful.