Princesses Don't Become Engineers

by Aya Ling

  As she carefully placed her precious screwdriver in the trunk, she heard footsteps approaching. Quick as a flash, Elaine kicked her trunk under her bed.

  Queen Valeria entered the room.

  "Elaine, dear," Valeria said, her gaze raking over the younger girl's flushed face and rumpled hair. "I heard from Bran that you're planning to take a trip to Tintagel tomorrow?"

  I'll wring his neck when I see him. Elaine offered an innocent smile. "What's wrong with taking a little trip?"

  "Because you always prefer solitary work with your gadgets than going out. And this involves a long journey. It won't be comfortable."

  "I like Tintagel, and you did say I would enjoy the cream puffs and macaroons and sponge shells they make over there. Why shouldn't I deserve a little vacation?"

  "Have you been packing?" Valeria suddenly said.

  "Since this morning."

  Valeria stepped nearer and dabbed at Elaine's cheek. She held up her thumb, showing the telltale spot of oil grease.

  "You're planning to go to Linderall and sneak into the Exhibition, aren't you?"

  "What are you talking about? I was just putting away my screwdriver. It was such a mess down in the den."

  "Elaine."

  And Elaine knew that she couldn't lie any more. Valeria knew her too well.

  Elaine let her shoulders fall. "All right, Valeria. I have my flying machine, newly assembled and polished, ready for the Exhibition."

  Valeria didn't look the least surprised. "I knew that you wouldn't go on a trip unless you had a huge incentive."

  "You're not going to stop me?"

  "I doubt anyone can stop you unless we lock you up in your room." Valeria shook her head. "No, that wouldn't do, you are a master locksmith. Didn't you sell a padlock model to Tintagel a few years ago?"

  Elaine grinned. "I needed funding for my other projects. You know how Ralph growls if I demand for more pocket money."

  Valeria shut her eyes for a few seconds, her brow furrowed. "I will write to James. Let him send escorts to Tintagel. If you lose your way, you'd be trampling along forever without direction."

  "Done." Elaine waved an envelope, signed and sealed. "And you forget that I have this thing called a compass. It can point the way north, no matter where you are."

  "True, but we'd feel safer if you had more protection." Valeria laid a hand on her arm. "Nowadays, the continent has less ogres and trolls, but it doesn't mean that one can't take extra precaution. Not to mention there might be bandits and thieves. You're Riviera's one and only princess, and you are worth a fortune."

  "I'll be very careful," Elaine promised. "I have a dart slinger that I invented, a wristwatch made of spikes and a serrated dagger. And don't forget that I have my flying machine with me, it will offer excellent protection. Unless I meet a flame-breathing dragon, I believe I can guard myself pretty well."

  Valeria smiled. "Very well, then. Good luck with the journey, dear. May your invention shock everyone at the Exhibition. Oh, and don't worry about those swains after your hand. I'll talk to Ralph; any marriage prospect can be put on hold until you return."

  Elaine hugged her and kissed her cheek. "Oh Valeria, you're the best. Everyone says that Ralph had married beneath him, but I disagree. He's lucky that he has you as his wife."

  Valeria laughed and stroked her hair. "It was a union that benefited both of us. If it weren't for your brother dragging me off to morning runs, I might have died young from the excess of food and lack of exercise."

  The next day at the crack of dawn, Elaine set up her bed as she did numerous times before--arranging the pillows beneath her blankets so it resembled a human shape and fastening her blanket rope by the window. At first, she thought it wouldn't be necessary. Winifred didn't say a thing, but she sensed that her maid knew. Still, she didn't want Winifred to be blamed, so she made it as though she sneaked out all on her own.

  She heaved a large knapsack over her back and nearly sagged from the weight. Her flying machine was packed inside, wrapped in layers of oiled cloths. It was all she could carry. She had asked Bran to prepare her most of her luggage, since she'd be wearing male clothes anyway.

  Near the stables, Andre was waiting beside a sleek, compact carriage. Bran hadn't arrived yet. Elaine's heart skipped a beat when she saw him on the carriage box, leaning against the front, his knees propped up and his elbows resting on his knees. His eyes were closed, but they flickered open as soon as she approached. The only thing she didn't appreciate in Andre--she could never sneak up on him.

  "Good morning, princess," he smiled at her and launched off the box. "Did you sleep well?"

  "Um, I..."

  "I'm afraid not, there are dark circles under your eyes." He opened the carriage door. "But you can have some rest on the road."

  "Not in the beginning." Elaine ducked into the carriage and crawled under the seat. "We have to get past the guards first. Can you see me?"

  He chuckled. "Of course."

  Elaine blushed hotly. What a stupid question it was.

  Footsteps approached. Bran appeared, two bags slung over his shoulder

  "We'll have to put a rug over the seat," Bran said. "For the last time, are you sure you want to do this, cousin?"

  "Do you know how hard it is for me to get up so early? Get in the carriage before someone comes and sees me."

  Bran let out a sigh and entered the carriage. A heavy, dusty rug fell before Elaine's eyes; she sneezed twice and held her nose when she felt a third one coming.

  Andre cracked the whip and they began to move. Moments later, the carriage stopped.

  "Halt! Who goes forth?"

  Elaine groaned. Jayden was speaking.

  "Andre of Tintagel. I am planning to return to my home country for a visit."

  "Look!" Kayden's voice. Obviously, he always stationed with his twin. "Ain't that the new champion of the Academy tournament?"

  "Why, I believe it is him! Wasn't he a beast in the field tournament?"

  "I have just received my shield, so I would like to go back and celebrate."

  "Good for you, Sir Andre," Jayden said, sounding friendly. "Must have been a while since you last went home, huh?"

  "Who's traveling with you?" Kayden asked.

  The seat above her squeaked as Bran moved to one side and opened the window. "It's me. Been planning to see Tintagel for a while. Now that the University is on vacation, I decided to go with him."

  The two guards said in unison, "Prince Bran."

  "It's not every day you can have the new champion for your bodyguard," Bran said. "So if there isn't anything else you want to question, we'd like to be off. "

  "Of course, Your Highness. Have a safe trip."

  "Wait!"

  Elaine's heart pounded faster.

  "Will you..." Jayden's voice sounded nervous. "Will you sign my gauntlet, Sir Andre? Just for luck?"

  Elaine breathed easier. If she wasn't worried about being caught, she would have giggled. Fancy Andre signing on a gauntlet! It was almost like asking for his ribbon as a token.

  Once the carriage was a good distance from the palace, Bran plopped back against the seat. "Coast is clear, cousin."

  A disheveled mop of golden hair emerged under the seat. Elaine crawled out and fanned herself.

  "Do you know how hot and stuffy it is in there? If you waited a minute longer, I would have suffocated."

  "Excuse me, cousin, but whose idea was it to sneak out of the palace?"

  Elaine sat down and started twisting her hair into a bun. "You know how it was when I went with Valeria on trips. The procession is longer than the queue for that famous crepe shop on Market Square, and we moved slower than a snail. If I followed the conventional way, by the time I reached Linderall, Professor Hugo would have returned to Riviera." She put a hand on her heart. "Thank goodness the guard didn't check more closely."

  "They're more lax when it's leaving the palace." Bran scowled and crossed his arms. "You have written James, haven't you?"<
br />
  "Of course; the post went out yesterday. I threw in an extra piece of gold for express delivery, so don't worry." Elaine dug out a worn tweed cap from her bag and stuffed her hair into it. She brought out a small jar of darkening rouge and applied it liberally over her face. "How do I look?"

  Bran surveyed her with a frown.

  "Like a thirteen-year-old boy."

  "Excellent, as long as I'm not recognized as the princess." Elaine smudged one last dollop of rouge over her face and grinned. "Come on, Bran, lighten up a bit. We'll be fine. Think of the gorgeous Linderall girl and the surprise you'll give her when we arrive."

  At mention of the 'gorgeous Linderall girl', a sparkle lit up Bran's eyes. He leaned forward. "Do you think...I...do you think she'll be happy to see me?"

  "Why not? You're travelling all the way to see her. I'd be thrilled if someone would do that for me."

  "Tomboys don't count," Bran muttered.

  Elaine sat up. "I'll have you know that almost every man at the coronation..." she put a hand to her mouth. What if Andre heard them? What if he thought she was bragging of male attention? What if he thought she didn't mind having potential suitors swarming around her?

  Bran raised an eyebrow.

  "We're out of the city now," came Andre's voice. "The horses need to rest. Would you like to come out?"

  "Of course." Elaine made sure her cap was secure before opening the door. She grasped his proffered hand and darted a quick, furtive glance at him. His posture was relaxed, he looked serene and serious, just as usual. Hopefully, he hadn't heard her conversation with Bran.

  Still...Elaine gave a mental sigh. What could she do to let him know that she cared for him and wanted to be more than friends?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Elaine did not find the journey a pleasant one. Once the excitement waned, she was faced with sore limbs, lousy food and heavy rain pattering against the carriage. In the past, when she travelled with Valeria, things had been easier--the carriage was padded with luxurious cushions, the food supply was abundant, and they stayed at the best inns available. In the hurry to reach Linderall as soon as possible, she had Andre engage the lightest, smallest coach available, and unfortunately, it was not comfortable to travel in. The coach was easily jostled and bumped when the roads were rough, forcing her to grab on the side of the window.

  Fortunately, they managed to reach a clean, nice-looking inn before nightfall.

  "Come and warm yourselves by the fire!" the innkeeper said heartily, throwing several heavy logs into the fireplace of the dining area. "Marge, bring up a pitcher o' hot mead and some tankards for our guests."

  It was still pouring heavily outside, the air damp and the temperature cool. Elaine was ready to remove her cloak--the hem was drenched by rain and smudged with mud--and stick her hands near the crackling fire and receive a steaming tankard of mead to warm her insides.

  The best rooms were taken by a Tintagel count and countess who had traveled to Riviera to see the coronation. They settled down by a table near the fire, both looking weary from travel. Their appearance was of the typical Tintagelese--blond, blue-eyed, fair complexion. Elaine took a seat in a corner--the furthest one from the count and countess. She did not want to be recognized.

  "How long do you think this rain will last?" the count asked.

  "Probably for another week, my lord," the innkeeper said. "'Tis common during this time of the year."

  "I shall be glad to return home." The countess removed her gloves and warmed her hands by the fire. "Avon is worth a visit, but the weather is abominable."

  "But I'm still glad we made the trip," the count said, smiling genially. "It isn't every day you can witness a coronation."

  "Did ya see the princess of Riviera?" The innkeeper said. "Heard that she's the best-looking girl in the kingdom."

  Elaine choked. Hastily, she scrubbed off drops of ale with her sleeve and looked down on the floor, trying to act as though everything was normal. Andre looked over at her briefly, concern written in his eyes, but did not say anything.

  Luckily, a roll of thunder occurred at the same time. The countess looked startled and splashed ale over her dress. The innkeeper's wife went for a clean cloth; the count admonished his wife.

  "We didn't have the pleasure of meeting her." The count sounded regretful. "Our seating was too far away from the royal family. But I know that every young man who managed to see her was greatly taken by her beauty. After all, her mother was known as the Rose of Riviera. Strange, however, that the new king does not share the same taste as his father. That princess from Amaranta is as plump as wedding cake."

  Elaine felt like punching his nose. It would take far more than a pretty face to break through her elder brother's emotionless barrier. Valeria's sweet, unaffected manner and genuine passion for life had captivated him--something the Rivieran royal court failed to accomplish.

  "I cannot comprehend the new generation of Rivierans," the countess said. "They said that Princess Elaine is studying to be an engineer. How perfectly revolting!"

  The innkeeper guffawed and refilled his tankard. "Imagine that, a princess fixing machines. What'd she be thinking, when she lives in that great big palace with all the servants to wait on her?"

  "I can't understand it either. Were she my daughter, I would have made sure she received a proper education. Did you know she actually pulled out a drill from her dress during the ceremony?"

  "It was a screwdriver, actually," Elaine piped up. Bran instantly shot her a look of warning. "I...I heard it from someone who was at the ceremony."

  The countess ignored her. "Really, I don't know what the world is coming to. First we have that Matilda lady from Linderall who started the trend of warrior maids. Then we have the eccentric Amarantan princess working in the palace kitchens–when she ought to be at her husband's side! And now we have a princess who wants to be an engineer and carries her tools in a grand ceremony. What is the world coming to?"

  The innkeeper coughed, darting his gaze nervously at Elaine and Bran. No doubt he was concerned that these Rivieran people would be offended. "By the way, isn't there going to be another coronation? Her Majesty Salome's health has been failing these years. She's turning sixty; it's high time that she is relieved of the responsibilities. Who's expected to ascend the throne--Felipe or Renee?"

  "I don't know about that," the count said slowly. "Felipe is a good man, but he isn't ruthless enough. His ideals are well, let's say, too idealistic."

  The countess gave a tinkling laugh. "If you ask my opinion, I'd rather Her Majesty chose Renee for her successor. Now that's a capable young man; what a pity that he is only the nephew, not the son."

  "Agnes." The count dealt her a warning look very similar to the one Bran just gave Elaine.

  "Felipe will be a good ruler," Andre said quietly. Elaine did not say anything, but she silently agreed. Having seen both Renee and Felipe, she very much preferred the latter. Imagining Renee as the future Tintagel monarch, with his dark, piercing eyes and cold, calculating expression...she repressed a shudder.

  "Well, we ought know by the first week of the spring festival," the countess said with a shrug of her elegant shoulders. "It's about time Her Majesty makes the announcement."

  "Ah, the famous spring festival," the innkeeper said, nodding. "I saw it when I visited a relative years ago. Flowers everywhere, on the houses, carriages, people...prettiest sight I've ever seen in my life."

  Another clap of thunder. The rain fell heavily against the roof.

  "Goodness, I hope this weather doesn't last," the countess said, drawing closer to her husband. "I'd hate it if our journey was delayed."

  Of all the things she said, this was the only thing Elaine agreed with.

  Since the conversation at the inn, Andre was in a greater hurry to get to Tintagel. He confessed that it was due to the countess mentioning that the empress's health was suffering.

  "She's always have had a difficult time–the late king died too soon
, leaving her with Prince Felipe and Princess Marcella, who were still very young. She worked herself crazy trying to raise her children and run a country."

  Elaine recalled how tired Ralph had been when he was learning how to manage state affairs. It was only when he met Valeria that he learned to relax more and laugh.

  "You never received a reply from her when you wrote you were going back to Tintagel?"

  "Not a word." Andre rubbed his temples. Dark circles were visible beneath his eyes. Elaine longed to put her arms around him, but she didn't dare do it when Bran was sitting next to them.

  "We'll be in Tintagel soon," Bran said. "You'll be able to see her then."

  The only comfort was that the rain gradually ceased as they headed east. Elaine guarded her precious machine like a lioness watching over her cubs; she wrapped it with three layers of oiled cloths and checked every single day to make sure not a drop of water spilled on it.

  As they sped on the journey, one afternoon they were forced to stop. There was no farmhouse nearby to beg for a bite, and the horses needed rest. So Andre halted at the first running stream in sight and proposed that they rest for a while. He seized his bow and arrow and hunted for lunch. As the tournament champion, he soon returned with a rabbit and disappeared again for more. Elaine tried her hand skinning and roasting the animal, but she failed miserably and left the task to Bran, who was surprisingly deft with his hands.

  "You learn more when you have to brew potions every day," he said, turning the rabbit on the spit. "Tell me, cousin. About Andre...do you fancy him?"

  Elaine flushed, glad that her face was covered with darkening rouge. "Whatever gave you the idea?"

  "I've seen you looking at him, I can't believe I didn't notice before." Bran's face was grave. "Listen, I've no objection towards Andre--he's a decent fellow--but you're the princess. He's a blacksmith's son of mixed heritage. I doubt Uncle and Ralph will approve."

  "Andre's a Tournament champion," Elaine said, feeling her cheeks heat up. "A champion is just as good, or even better, than those slow-witted dukes and lords. And besides, I don't know if he--" she clamped a hand over her mouth. She nearly admitted she wasn't sure if Andre cared for her. Not in the way she wanted, not yet. "Uh, I'd better hunt for some berries. All meat and no vegetables don't sit well with my stomach."