Taking it On

Author's Note: Wrong chapter sequence, the next chapter is the first one and this is the second. 

The journey back to Oriel began shortly after sunset.

Ernest settled into the carriage while the palace gates slowly disappeared behind him. Outside, the capital continued lighting itself one flame at a time. Lamplighters moved along the main roads carrying ladders and long poles while servants climbed palace steps to ignite chandeliers, lanterns, and wall fixtures before darkness fully settled.

The sight was familiar.

Almost comforting.

Yet after spending several evenings inside Oriel Estate beneath electric light, Ernest could no longer ignore how much effort the old system required.

Every lamp needed oil.

Every chandelier needed candles.

Every flame required someone to light it.

Every wick needed trimming.

Every glass enclosure needed cleaning.

And every night the entire process began again.