Chapter 117: First Flight Part 3
"My father mentioned you in his letters." Princess Celia held Prince Tam gently, inspecting him at regular intervals as if to be sure he still breathed. "I had made my peace with God and determined to die bravely, keeping my son safe to the end. It still feels like a dream to be here, alive, warm and returning to the palace. I never imagined being rescued."
"Your father wanted Anglia to have its own airship. The one I flew is a prototype. I will have to design heating to make them useful."
"My husband's ship is cold, but we dress warmly and get heat from the boiler set in the centre of the ship. He will not be pleased to see your ship, which makes his look primitive. But I have never seen anything as beautiful."
"You are an ally, I'm sure we can help the prince improve his design."
"That too might anger him. He's a proud man."
As the steam carriage pulled into the palace grounds, HRH Hubert ran out to meet them, followed by Prince Stanagia of Ferandica at more dignified pace.
The Crown Prince hugged his daughter, unabashedly shedding tears. He ran a gentle finger across Tam's cheek.
"I am pleased to find you well." Prince Stanagia bowed over his wife's hand.
"My husband, I am pleased to be returned to your side." Princess Celia held Prince Tam up for her prince to see. "And your heir is safe and well."
The prince put his hand on his son's head as if in blessing. He walked over to Cal. "Commander Shillingsworth, I am forever in your debt." He bowed deeply. "My heart grieved at the loss of my family. It is as if you have restored them from death." In the depth of his eyes emotions flashed which put the lie to his formal tone.
"Your Highness." Cal bowed to him. "I am happy to serve you and the peace between our countries. I'm sure you, too, would have done the same."
Prince Stanagia smiled and for an instant, his cold face transformed into a brilliant joy before it vanished and she wondered if she'd imagined it.
"You honour me to assume such bravery of me." He swept another low bow, then took his princess' arm and walked with her back into the palace.
"I don't know what you said, but that's the most emotion I've ever seen from him." The Crown Prince offered her his arm, which made Cal suddenly aware she still wore her leathers, her goggles and cap hanging from her belt. She giggled as she put her hand on his arm and let him lead her into the palace.
***
Cal fought her body's desire for sleep. All day she'd been telling and retelling the story of the rescue. Princess Celia almost fainted when Cal talked about pulling her and Tam across the rope between the two ships.
"I am not fond of heights." She sipped at the brandy Prince Stanagia gave her. "But to please my husband I sail in his airship. To think of hanging by a thread so far above the ground." The princess went pale and sipped at her brandy. Prince Stanagia put his hand on hers. Her eyes widened, then she smiled at her husband.
"Personally, I am sure you are insane." The Crown Prince sipped at his tea. "I heard a report from a police officer who requested the Navy to recover a flying thing and a book. He said a woman came out of the sky like a hawk and drove a traitor to the ground. I didn't know you were working on something other than the airship."
"It was an early project which terrified me. However, when necessity forced me, it became a useful way to escape."
"Escape." HRH Hubert rolled his eyes and Cal had to restrain her giggles again. "Only you would plan to escape a burning building by leaping from the roof on a contraption of cloth and sticks." Then he frowned. "The fire will have set us back. My mother is not happy."
"Not as much as you might think, Your Highness. I expect to find a complete set of stolen plans in Lord Sifton's carriage. The journal returned to you holds the information I need to use the plans. All we need is a space to work and we can have a prototype ready for the spring."
"A space with a movable roof?"
"I would like to build such a place, but to do so now would slow us down. Anywhere sheltered from the worst of the wind will do for now."
"Movable roof?" Prince Stanagia looked over at Cal.
"If you wish, I can show you, but perhaps not today."
He nodded and whispered something in Princess Celia's ear. She smiled at him and he stood to offer his arm and escorted her from the room.
"The Prince is not a man given to showing his emotions. My daughter has been dutiful, but not always happy. What I've seen gives me hope she may find joy to match her duty."
"There is nothing like almost losing someone to give you perspective." Cal fought back a yawn. "Is there any news about Bundo and the others?"
"I haven't got a report yet from the Shed. Now, you are exhausted. I'm scared to guess when you last slept. My coach will take you to your home."
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