If there is one universal truth about revolutions large or small it's that as soon as you resolve one crisis, another is already peeking around the nearest pillar, plotting a dramatic entrance.
By mid-morning, the palace was abuzz with an energy that bordered on the manic. Messengers darted down every corridor, councilors whispered in anxious clumps, and the scent of jam and trampled grass still lingered suspiciously in the air. I had barely settled into my study my stack of letters and "urgent reports" already threatening to mutiny when the door flew open and Mara marched in, a look of grim purpose on her face and both twins clinging to her cloak like barnacles.
"Elira sent word from the Academy," Mara announced, tossing a sealed letter onto my desk. "There's been…an incident."
I eyed the twins warily. "What kind of incident?"
Aeris piped up before Mara could answer. "Magic went kaboom!" she said, eyes round with delight. "The whole east wing is sparkly now!"
