Chapter 60: And Then ... Part 2
After the wedding, a select group were invited to tea in the Royal Gardens. Cal wandered about taking in the celebration. Crysabel and Pentam stood hand in hand greeting people.
"You would be First [KB3]Mate and Engineer of the HMSV Kestrel?"
Cal turned to look at a man about her father's age. He looked familiar, maybe a relative of the Baron?
"That would be me." Cal inclined her head.
The man smiled broadly.
"You put on quite a show at the Royal Society."
"Mostly Pentam's doing."
"An extraordinary young man. I will be keeping an eye on him, maybe get involved in one of his expeditions." He offered Cal his arm and they walked through the gardens.
"I'm sure he would be delighted to have you along."
"Now that would be a treat, but sadly mother doesn't like me leaving the country for long periods of time." The gentleman reached down and removed a dead flower from its stem.
"A pity."
"Nonetheless, I get to enjoy the excitement vicariously through the Royal Society for Science."
"It's a wonderful idea, to have the Society. It keeps the people interested in the sciences and exploration."
"I'm glad you approve." The man smiled as if he had a huge secret.
Cal's heart raced. She was missing something, something immensely important. Her hand trembled as they turned to head back to the party. The Baroness looked in their direction, then her jaw dropped. God, who is this guy?
"The Royal Society for Science, wasn't it started - "
"By the Crown Prince of Anglia. Yes."
Cal closed her eyes. It hit like a bolt of lightning.
"What am I supposed to do, your Highness?"
"Walk and enjoy our conversation, Calliope." The Crown Prince put his hand on hers. "It's a delight to be able to talk with someone without worrying about the protocol. It is as tiresome for me as for the people I meet."
"Since you are here, your Highness, would you care to greet the happy couple?" Cal led him over to where Crysabel and Pentam stood, taking a break from greeting people to stare into each other's eyes.
"Pentam, Crysabel," Cal spoke firmly to get their attention. "May I present, his Royal Highness, the Crown Prince Hubert." She stopped at a gentle squeeze from the Crown Prince's hand on her arm.
Crysabel curtseyed gracefully as she did everything, while Pentam bowed low.
"We are honoured, your Highness."
"I am pleased to be here on such a happy day." The Crown Prince lifted Crysabel and Pentam, then kept hold of their hands. "My mother sends her greetings. She approves of my interest in the sciences."
Cal had stepped back wishing fiercely that she had her sketchbook and a pencil. She felt something pushed into her hand.
"Please?" the Baroness whispered.
Cal took the tiny diary and sketched the scene as fast as she could and still capture the likeness on the small page.
The Prince looked over at Cal.
"Let's see it."
Cal handed him the book. He examined it carefully.
"I'm impressed, you're very quick and I truly look like I should." He put his hand out. "Pencil." Cal handed it to him and he signed the opposing page.
Congratulations. HRH Hubert.
"Here, a keepsake for your special day." He handed the book to Crysabel, who held it as if it were made of gold. He turned to Pentam. "Fine presentation the other night, thoroughly enjoyed it. Send to my office when you're planning your next expedition. I would be delighted to contribute." The Prince nodded at them, then sauntered away.
***
Cal checked her bag and her satchel. She had everything.
"Back to work, Father." She gave him a hug.
"Be safe, write me about your travels."
Cal left the house, refusing to turn back. She expected to see Hans waiting with the steam carriage, instead a gilded coach waited on the road. A young man jogged over to Cal.
"First Mate and Engineer of the HMSV Kestrel?"
Cal nodded.
"The Crown Prince's compliments, he would like to speak with you on a matter of importance."
"Let's not keep him waiting then." The young man looked a bit shocked but recovered quickly and led her to the Coach. He opened the door to reveal the Crown Prince seated inside.
Cal bowed. "Your Highness."
"Come, Calliope, we walked together in the gardens." He waved her into the coach. The young man closed the door and they headed off down the road.
"Your Highness, a Prince may presume to break protocol. A First Mate may not."
He sighed.
"You are right of course. You remind me of my daughter. In a way, she is the reason I have abducted you." He sat back and sized her up. "Tell me more about this steam cannon you built."
"The cannon was an act of desperation, your Highness. We needed to get the rudder, and the sea serpent swam between us and it. I had the engine room in as good a shape as possible, but without a rudder, it was useless."
"You used an oak shaft for the weapon? How effective was it?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
