“Announcing our royal guest, Miss Gillian Cobbler of 2 Boot Way!”
Having passed through security with Pete, who seemed none too pleased to see me, we are escorted into the castle compound where I’m announced like royalty.
I hate to admit it, but Royal Manor is pretty impressive. From my view in the village, I couldn’t tell that there were actually four castles inside the main gate—one for each princess—and a fifth central castle used for hosting lavish balls and princess meetings. When we flew overhead, we could really see how differently each princess had modeled her castle. Ella’s is made of glass like her slipper; Snow’s is hand-carved wood (said to be designed by her adoring dwarfs); and Rapunzel’s is the most modern with pictures of her latest hair-care ads projected onto the white stucco walls. Rose’s is covered with rose-covered ivy that climbs to the tallest turret.
“Isn’t it enchanting?” Maxine gushes, clutching her RLW sash. She looks at me and frowns. “Where’s your sash? Princess Rose sent it over to the dorms last night in a lovely rose-scented box.”
“Maxine, have you hit your head? They have trackers in them,” Jocelyn hisses as we make our way along the receiving line.
Maxine clutches hers in horror. “That’s not true. Tessa told me Headmistress Flora made Rose take them out.”
“So you’re wearing that thing for fun?” Jocelyn snickers. “I’d rather be eaten by a wolf than wear that sash.”
Knowing what I know now, I kind of agree. That makes two times I’ve agreed with Jocelyn in the last few days. The stress of this Alva business must be getting to me.
Maxine pouts. “I’ve always wanted an RLW sash. I can’t give it up now!”
Jocelyn rolls her eyes and steps forward to shake hands with the first of the princes. I watch his face as he realizes who is before him. The young witch dressed all in black is easily recognizable as Harlow’s sister, but he treats her like any other guest, as does Snow. Kayla and Maxine, who are next in line, drool over Rapunzel and Ella, who have the most spectacular gowns I’ve ever seen. Ella’s sparkles like diamonds. I don’t see Rose, but I guess she’s busy getting ready for our dinner meeting.
Ella takes my hand in hers. “I’m glad I finally got the chance to meet you in person, Gillian. I wish it were under better circumstances, but I’m still glad you’re here,” she says in a wispy voice as her tiny hand holds my own. I can’t get over all her rings and the jewels on her wrist. “We owe so much to you and your bravery. Your family must be so proud of all you’ve done for Enchantasia.”
“Thank you, Princess Ella.” I am astonished. We move along and Maxine shakes Ella’s hand fiercely, but I can’t stop thinking of the compliment I just received. I haven’t done it alone, says a little voice in my head, and that makes me feel sheepish. Look at Jax. He’s has been undercover for years, never getting glory, never getting to go to royal family dinners or have Rapunzel know his true identity, all to help his kingdom. Now he has to take on his own sister! Me? All I’ve done with the hero title is watch my family reap the reward and let others heap praise on me.
I interrupt Ella and Maxine’s conversation. “Princess? I appreciate the praise, but what the people don’t seem to realize is that my bravery was only made possible because it was part of a group effort.” I look at Jax and Maxine. “My friends are stronger than I could ever be. They did just as much if not more to save our school. I wish they could get the same recognition.” Maxine is so flabbergasted that drool puddles in her mouth. Jax’s royal mouth practically hits the floor.
“That’s lovely of you to commend your friends,” Princess Ella says, surveying me closely. “Please be sure to take a gift bag on your way into the dining hall. It’s full of Rapunzel’s latest hair-care products, one of which benefits the Three Blind Mice Charity, plus a discount card for my new favorite salon, Molly Whuppie.”
“What was that about?” Jax asks as we breeze through introductions with Snow White without incident. “Are you going soft?”
“I just want you guys to get credit for your part in all this too.” I hear a string quartet begin to play something dinner worthy in the next room. I look at the tips of my trusty boots. “I’m sorry I’ve been so selfish.”
Jax pops a treat in his mouth from a waiter rushing to the ballroom. “We would have knocked that chip off your shoulder eventually. Or Jocelyn would have.”