The courtyard of the Borin estate buzzed as the demonstration settled, the sun dipping low by 3:30 p.m. — a time now casually tossed around by the crowd, proof the clocks were already sinking into their minds.
Adrian had walked everyone through the inventions, and verything was sorted — his inventions were a hit, and the deal with Cedric was sealed.
As the crowd thinned, Adrian found himself cornered by the three visiting dukes from.
The Varyn Duke spoke first. "Adrian, you've done a great thing here. The kingdom will thank you." The Thalren duke, a big man with a bushy beard, clapped his shoulder.
"We can't give you much without the king's say-so, but come to us anytime. You've got a wish from me."
The Miralith Duke nodded. "One from each of us. Use them well."
Adrian kept his face calm, but inside, he was thrilled. He had six wishes now, and he could imagine how they could come in handy.
"Thank you," he said, bowing just enough to be polite. "I'll keep that in mind."
