Inexperienced Mage (Reawakening Saga) by D.W. Jackson

passage into the palace proper. The palace was abuzz with excitement as he came out of a small sliding section of wall that led to an unfamiliar hallway. Following the other party goers with his wrapped present under his arm, he was soon standing in the grand hall that was so packed it was hard to move around without bumping into someone. Each person made their way to where the princess sat, handing her their gifts and making polite conversation for a few seconds as two guards one on each side searched the crowd for potential threats.
    Shrugging his shoulders he got in line to present the princess with his gift. While waiting he started going through names that he could use as an introduction finally settling on stealing Clair’s name for the night. The wait to see the princess was almost half an hour, but it was well worth it. She looked stunning with her hair done up, wearing a light pink dress that seemed to float around her like a cloud. She kept a smile on her face but it never seemed to reach her eyes, if anything it appeared to him that she was undeniably bored.
    Once in front of her he bowed deeply holding the gift out in front of him. She took the gift and opened the box trying to make herself look enthused, she didn’t have to act once the myriad of color lights sprung into the air to the gasps of the other party goes. While everyone else was watching the dancing light the princess looked at him and he gave her a sly wink wiggling his ringed hand at her. She got the hint and gave him a bright smile.
    The princess closed the box. “It is a fine and wondrous gift I would like to know whom to thank and why.” She asked as if the question had been rehearsed, then again it most likely had been.
    “I am Clair of the Rose Trading Company and we have recently started trading here in Farlan, we just wanted to show our appreciation to you and yours for the fine reception we have received.”
    “Yes I have heard of the Rose Trading Company, they unloaded a fair amount of magical items in the capital the last time they came through. I would be most pleased to learn where they are getting access to such valuable artifacts.” Thad nearly jumped up and ran when he heard the voice of the queen. “Though I sent a message to your headquarters in Rane I doubted it would be answered so quickly and with such fanfare.”
    Thad bowed lower touching his head to the ground. “I was unaware of such a missive your Majesty, I was dispatched some time ago and only reached the city yesterday, I was surprised I was even allowed insid e the palace. The original plan was for me to arrive days ago and petition for an audience, but due unforeseen occurrences I was delayed, I most humbly apologize.”
    “And where has your company been able to get all of these magical devises, I must say it has me intrigued.” The queen’s voice was kind, but Thad could feel the underlining thoughts behind her words, she suspected him and the Rose Company working together, and she was right.
    “I don’t rightly know Y our Majesty. The company is fairly new and I have not worked for them for long. There is a lot of gossip among the other members, that the mistress of the house found a treasure trove of magical items, and others that she had rediscovered magic herself, but in all honestly I do not know the truth of these rumors and just for speaking them I could well lose my place within the company.” That let some of his fear slip into his voice hoping that the queen would see him as a simple messenger that had would out of her debt.
    “When you can get a message to your superiors I suggest you tell them I would love to have an official meeting to discuss the potential for some contracts. Now enjoy yourself I am su re you and my daughter will get along well especially considering the gift you have brought her, but first I need to have a word with her.” The queen signaled for Maria to follow her.
    Maria returned quickly flashing him a dazzling smile;