I sat in the school greenhouse with a sketchbook in my lap trying to think of what design I wanted before I could make a prototype. All six of my elemental familiars flew around me inspecting the plants I had been growing. It seems that I had named them after their elements when I created them and our bond and they only like to be called by their elements or simply called spirits.

They had snuck me some tea and cookies from the cafeteria while I worked. The headmaster had called for me that morning to ask me questions about my enchantments. After explaining only a few of the ones she had made for her family he had made her a proposition. He said she could consider it a grade and he would gift her a plaque on her graduation along with an official badge to be an enchantress. He wanted her to make something similar to her protection enchantment, but alter it in a way that could be used in the upcoming tournament.

The idea seemed to interest her, but she was only allowed to sell her enchantments to the king. It was a rule her father agreed to.

"I can start working on ideas right away, unfortunately, I would not be allowed to hand them over to you without approval from the king. I will write him a letter you can send with yours asking for permission as well."

She had written the letter to the king before she left and found herself in the greenhouse. Her brain already thinking of ideas to try. The original design wouldn't work as she would need to keep them safe but not too safe or the match would never end. The only things that came close to her mind were video games and having multiple lives. Although resurrection wasn't a skill she wanted to even attempt. If she could make a shield that could only sustain a certain number of blows before the match is final.

The more she thought of it the more she liked the idea. She could enchant crystals with minimal magic to protect the holder but to shatter after one blow. Depending on the number of crystals she added would depend on the number of hits they could take before sustaining injuries. I looked up from my sketchbook when I heard the door open.

"So this is where you've been hiding."

"I wasn't hiding."

I smiled as Chris sat down next to me.

"Your brother and a few other people were looking for you."

"What time is it?"

He let out a small laugh before saying. "Already after lunch. You missed your only class."

"Shoot."

"Missing class isn't like you? What happened?"

"Robert asked me to make a new enchantment for the tournament. Which might I add is in a week? I figured while he waits for the king's reply I could start on a prototype."

He burst into a fit of laughter which I was confused about.

"Now it makes more sense. A new enchantment would be the perfect reason for you to be so distracted."

I rolled my eyes at him.

"I'm not distracted I'm just focused. Not to mention they will have to start making them as soon as possible before I can enchant them. I'm gonna send out a letter to Dad and have them be made a top priority in the workshop."

"You're taking this very seriously."

"He said if I succeeded then he would gift me the badge to label me as an official enchantress! I would be an officially certified enchantress! I didn't even know that was a title until I found a book about them this morning. I know I'm technology already one with all the things I've already made and sold to your dad, but I want that title."

He chuckled at me as I continued drawing.

"I'm sure you can do it. You always manage to make amazing things."

I stopped drawing to look up at him. I had never met someone so handsome who cared for me as much as he did. It made me feel stupid how I never saw his attraction to me before the ball. Anyone who looked into his eyes could see how much he loved me. I reached over and pushed a small strand of white hair out of his eyes.

"My kind prince."

He grabbed my hand and held it firmly to his cheek as he closed his eyes.

"My queen."

He opened his eyes and I could see the want he held. Desire was never a thing I had experienced before I met him. The way he looked at me made me feel so exposed and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. His eyes flickered to my lips. Before I could protest he smashed his face to mine. Gentle but longing. He wanted more and I could tell, but we were still young and at school. There would be time for that later on.

I finished my sketch and had a bird deliver it to Father to start making as many as they could for the tournament. That whole week I spent enchanting many stones to be placed in the bracelets when they were finished. I had little doubt that the king would accept the offer to allow me to make them in the first place.

The day before the tournament a few chests had been delivered to my room and I was able to assemble all the bracelets.



Each bracelet could take eight hits with the largest gem being enchanted to heal the wearer if any injuries are sustained after all eight shields have been demolished. The fight would be considered over after the eighth hit, but not everyone plays fair. I figured it would be better safe than sorry considering the important nobles that would be participating.

Examining the final product I felt excitement rush through me at the upcoming events. Not only at the chance to see other people performing magic but at the chance to show everyone something beautiful. All that was left was to test it out and make sure it was working properly. Now to find her test dummy.