Chapter 10

“Come, sit,” the princess entreated once more, and Adrien felt she could do naught but obey

The princess served Adrien spiced wine with her own fair hands as if Adrien were the princess and she but a servant, and then she sat upon the other chair, which was large enough it could have seated ten of her.

“Your Highness,” Adrien began, taking out the telescope from its case. “Here is the instrument I spoke of this morning.”

The princess smiled, her small, white teeth more beautiful than the pearls strung loosely around her graceful neck. “Yes!” she cried, clapping her hands together, almost as if she had until now forgotten the purpose of Adrien’s visit. “Yes, tell me of it, I pray. How came you by this marvel—was it your own hand that fashioned this device?”