Skyship Pirate

Automaton Princess Nilya of Clockwork Kingdom is a mechanic of renowned skill. Even her fiancé, Prince Monterrian of Maraland, looks to her in matters of a mechanical nature. For a year, the two have been working side-by-side to root out the threats of the ancient weaponry that stalks through the Praying Forest, which lies between their kingdoms. They've learned they make a good team.

But while Nilya can handle the monstrous machines of the Old Kingdom, she's running into roadblocks in her laboratory work using the old tech. Not only is her sister's heart crystal rejecting every chassis Nilya builds for her, but her mother keeps interrupting to insist she focus on preparing for her betrothal ball.

Nilya knows she needs guidance in her work with the Old Kingdom's technology, and despairs that there's no one left to impart any wisdom. But when the receptors in the heart of the Old Kingdom pick up a mysterious transmission, Nilya discovers she might have one last chance to find a teacher.

That is, if she can get the imprisoned sky pirate captain Kyre to share his knowledge of the treacherous skies…