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“It will be fine,” Arne assured me. “There’s always a good breeze late in the day, and we still have an hour before we start.”
I spent every bit of that hour worrying, even though the flags on the castle below were snapping in the breeze before the time was up, and then, right on the hour, we climbed the steps, my mates and I and Eleanor Dover, and all the guests turned to face us.
I hadn’t made many speeches so far as queen, but this one was important. “Welcome all. We’ve been working very hard, and by we, I include all of you, to get to this day. I have wondered what my parents would think if they saw the progress we’ve made. I like to think they’d be proud.” Applause and cheers rose from the listeners. “Now, I know you want to get to all that good food. The cooks here at the palace worked their Crocs off, and I see how many additional delights arrived with you. So let’s not waste any time. And don’t forget, after the picnic, we’re having the first pack run of my reign.” More loud cheers and cries of my name that brought tears to my eyes. “This windmill is dedicated to the memory of my parents and to the future of this kingdom. Count down with me? Ten. Nine. Eight.”
Voices rose in unison. “Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One.”
I held my breath. We had only had time for one very quick test…if it didn’t work, it didn’t bode well, and we’d have to turn it right off to avoid damage. Eleanor stood to the side holding a tablet where she could monitor the output.
She also turned on the device, but I did fling my arm in the direction of the turbine—I could learn terminology eventually—with a cry of “Spin!”
The roars of the crowd made my ears ring. As the great blades began to move, I watched Eleanor break out in a smile.
It worked.
Our first wind turbine. And our first pack run on the very same day.
It was good to be the queen of this place.
