The "Sleep System" (Mattress) was intended for Arthur's personal use. But in the Pendelton family, nothing stays private.
Duke Kaelen tried it. He slept for 14 hours straight and missed a war council. He woke up declaring it "The Cloud of Valhalla."
Naturally, he bragged to the King.
...
Two days later, a Royal Carriage arrived at the Pendelton Emporium.
King Roland stepped out, accompanied by a small girl. She was Princess Vivian (Age 6). She had golden curls, a dress that cost more than the city block, and a look of utter boredom.
Arthur, wearing his work apron, bowed. "Your Majesty. Princess."
"Arthur!" The King beamed. "Your father tells me you have invented a device that cures back pain and induces comas. I must see it."
"It's in the showroom, Your Majesty," Arthur gestured.
The King went to inspect the mattress. Princess Vivian stayed behind, staring at Arthur.
She had heard of him. The "Genius Boy." The adults wouldn't stop talking about him. She expected him to be dashing. Instead, he was covered in soot and holding a caliper.
"You're dirty," Vivian stated flatly.
Arthur looked at his apron. "I am industrious. There is a difference."
Vivian blinked. No one spoke back to her like that. "I am a Princess."
"I am aware of the hierarchy," Arthur said, checking his clipboard. "Are you interested in lumbar support?"
Vivian huffed. She walked over to the mattress display where her father was poking the fabric.
"It's bouncy!" The King laughed. "Vivian, try it!"
Vivian looked at the bed. She looked at Arthur. She decided to test this "genius."
She climbed onto the bed. She stood up. And she jumped.
BOING.
She flew higher than she expected. She landed, giggling despite herself. She jumped again.
Arthur watched with a frown.
[Observation: Unauthorized Stress Test in Progress.] [Analysis: The subject (Princess) weighs approximately 22 kg. The springs are handling the dynamic load well.]
"Stop," Arthur commanded.
The room froze. The King looked surprised. The Royal Guards reached for their swords. You do not tell a Princess to stop.
Vivian stopped mid-bounce. "Excuse me?"
Arthur walked up to the bed. "You are applying uneven point-load pressure. This is a sleeping instrument, not a trampoline. If you wish to jump, I can build you a trampoline, but do not misuse the inventory."
The King's eyes went wide. Then, he threw his head back and laughed.
"He scolded you, Vivi! He cares more about his springs than your title!"
Vivian's face turned red. She was furious. She was embarrassed.
And she was... interested.
Usually, boys stuttered around her. They gave her flowers. This one gave her a lecture on "point-load pressure."
"Fine," Vivian crossed her arms, sitting on the mattress. "It is comfortable. I want one. With pink silk."
"Silk slips," Arthur noted. "Cotton is more breathable. I will make you a blend."
"I said pink silk!"
"And I said breathability is priority!"
The King watched the two children bickering over fabric physics. He smiled at Duke Kaelen.
"Kaelen," the King whispered. "I think we should arrange a playdate. Perhaps... a permanent one in the future?"
The Duke grinned. "I'll start saving for the wedding."
Arthur, completely oblivious to the political marriage pact being formed five feet away, was busy measuring the Princess's height to customize the mattress length.
"Hold still," Arthur muttered. "You have poor posture."
Vivian glared at him. I am going to marry him, she decided, just so I can order him to make me a trampoline.
End of Chapter 16