The Prince of Machines (The Last Mechanics) by Law Holly

Author:Law, Holly [Law, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2012-09-02T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Elisha climbed out of the tube at first light. She had a few scraps of machines with her and parts she could use to fix machines. It was nothing compared to the stash that Lenora had given her, but it was better than nothing. She could charge a little more than she had before for the machines and remedy that.

She walked to the market square and found a corner to set up her work. Those who saw her looked surprised and confused. Those who were nobility frowned at her, clearly recognizing her. The merchants knew her from the time she had spent in their shops with the Prince. Elisha didn’t care. She was done pretending to be a lady. It had never been true and made no difference in the grand scheme of things.

And Elisha did get customers. They came to her just as they had before. Elisha fixed the machines, and they did not scoff at her higher price. Within a few hours, she had enough silvers that they jingled together pleasantly. She was busy fixing a scrubbing machine when a pair of Melinkin nobility approached her. The Countess Beliana and her son Carllo stood before her.

“My dear,” the Countess began, looking shocked ,“what in the world are you doing out here?”

“I had a falling out with Lenora,” Elisha said simply. “I left the school and have gone into business for myself.”

“I’m sure if you went back and spoke with her you could resolve this problem,” the Countess said at once.

“Duchess Lenora is very reasonable,” Carllo agreed. “You can’t possibly want to remain out here. You don’t even have a cloak to protect against the cold.”

“I should have enough coin by the end of the day to buy something.”

“This is completely unnecessary. You’ll come with us, and we’ll have you situated in the manor we’ve rented. You simply cannot remain out here.”

“No, thank you all the same. I think I’ve had my fill of pretending to be something I’m not.”

The Countess didn’t seem to know what to say, and Carllo looked just as uneasy. “If you change your mind, please come by. We insist on having you for dinner at least once this week.”

“I thank you again for the offer, but I think you would find my company displeasing. Good day.”

The two left looking a bit wide eyed. They talked quietly to each other, their expressions worried as they continued their shopping. Elisha wished them no ill will and was glad for the kindness they tried to show her, but she knew that part of her life was done. She bent her head back to the machine in her hand.

She looked up again when a shadow fell over her. Four of the Prince’s soldiers stood before her. Their faces were stern and uncaring. “May I help you?” Elisha asked slowly. She felt nervous with their stern demeanors.

“The Prince requires your presence,” the commanding soldier said firmly. “You are to come with us.”

Elisha frowned. That was not the type of greeting she typically received from the Prince.

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