The Lady Machinist (Curiosity Chronicles Book 1) by Ava Morgan Read Free Book Online Page B

mishaps.”
    “Of course.” Lydia clutched the speaking trumpet at her side. Sea breezes played with her clothing, molding it to her figure. As much as she preferred to dress as a London street urchin while she worked, she was unable to hide that beneath coarse canvas rested the soft curves of a woman.
    “Is there anything else you’d like to see, ambassador?” She rested the trumpet against her hip.
    He realized she referred to the automaton demonstration. “I’ve seen enough.”
    “Enough to sign the agreement?” Nikolaos asked, but Sabba was the one who looked the most eager for an answer.
    “Yes, but I have new terms.”
    Lydia narrowed her eyes. He supposed he’d have to get used to her frequent expressions of disapproval.
    Sabba poured over his copy of the agreement in his hand. “What new terms? You said you were satisfied with the demonstration.”
    “The terms are not unduly burdensome, Your Majesty, but it’s clear that no one knows the automatons’ capabilities better than Lady Dimosthenis. I request that she journey to New Britannia with me to oversee their production.”
    Malcolm and Nikolaos spoke in unison. “What?”
    Lydia jerked her head in Rhys’ direction. Fine lines formed around the otherwise smooth skin of her brow.
    “Why does she need to accompany you?” Sabba asked.
    “Having Lady Dimosthenis present will ensure that no mistakes are made. She’ll also have peace of mind knowing that no scientist or engineer can abuse her inventions.” Rhys put the full truth of it before them all. “I’ve taken the liberty of drafting an amendment.” He opened the envelope containing the addendum. “Never mind the handwriting.”
    Malcolm opened his mouth to blurt out something. Rhys shushed him with a glare before he gained the opportunity.
    The king read the addendum before passing it onto Lydia. “Do you understand what Ambassador Cartret requires of you?”
    She managed a stiff nod as she read the terms. She sighed heavily and looked to Rhys. “How long am I to be away?”
    “Until the first production is complete,” he answered. “You can return to Aspasia afterward, if you wish.”
    “I trust you to hold true to these terms, ambassador. Don’t make me regret it.” Lydia gave the addendum back to the king and walked away to return the automatons to the cavern. Her steps were noticeably heavier.
    An urge to go after her took hold of Rhys, but he held firm. This was the simplest, most effective way to ensure Lydia’s cooperation. It had to be done.
    “We’ll adjourn to the palace,” announced Sabba. “Nikolaos will be witness to the signing.”
    “And I for New Britannia,” Malcolm rejoined.
    “We’ll meet you there shortly,” said Rhys.
    Nikolaos and Sabba were escorted back to the palace by the guards. Malcolm turned on Rhys with a face of complete disbelief. “What was that?”
    “What?”
    “Don’t play daft. Your new terms . The COIC will have your head for bringing that woman to New Britannia without express orders. ”
    “It was necessary. Lydia took repeated stance against me about maintaining control of her inventions.”
    “Is that why her dainty hand was bandaged with your handkerchief, because she struck you and bruised her fingers?” Malcolm smirked. “I’d not have known but for the overhand knot you commonly use for the sail rigging.”
    “She didn’t strike me.” Rhys found himself rushing to explain away the morning’s dalliance in the Guild. “She suffered a minor mishap while handling an automaton. It was before the demonstration.”
    Malcolm’s braying laugh started the seagulls that pecked for snails scattered in the mortar blasts. “So you did have a private audience with her after all.”
    “And nearly lost my neck in the process.”
    “A feisty one, is she?”
    “Get your head out of the bilge water. Lydia keeps the automatons in the Guild. She showed them to me and one happened to go on the attack.” Rhys ran his hands through