Chapter Thirteen

Her feet moved silently across the grey and white marble floor as she followed Adeline onto a large balcony that overlooked a room that was easily the size of Kennedy High School’s football field.

Gasping, Brooklyn stammered, “It’s stunning!”

“Princess, this is all for you. The most beautiful ball the King has ever thrown and that any Necohian has ever seen,” said Adeline.

Brooklyn could literally feel her jaw drop. People anchored to the ceiling with long ropes and swung from spot to spot, carefully hanging beautiful soft white fabric. The effect was breathtaking.

Below, striking purple and teal flowers were being arranged in large crystal vases that were scattered around the room. Next, Brooklyn’s eyes swept to a large but delicate white arbor, which was covered in white and purple flowers. Behind it stood four intricately carved golden thrones, decorated with precious gems.

“What is the arbor for?” asked Brooklyn.

Adeline replied, “Ah, well, it’s, um, it’s for your ball.”

Brooklyn wrinkled her nose and said, “Oh? I thought that was something you usually see at weddings.”

Adeline snapped. “Princess Sophie, they are always at royal celebrations, including balls.”

Brooklyn felt her cheeks turn crimson. Why does she always act like she’s so superior? After all, I’m supposed to be the Princess!

“I guess I can add that to the list of things I have forgotten,” retorted Brooklyn.

The look on Adeline’s face instantly went from snobby to beyond mortified. “I apologize, Princess, I didn’t mean to sound so rude,” she said.

Yeah, right. I think I would like some time to myself. I’ve had enough of this girl for now!

“You know, Adeline, I think it might be helpful for me to look around by myself for awhile. You’re dismissed,” commanded Brooklyn.

Adeline bowed her head, curtsied, and then immediately excused herself.

That’s better!

Brooklyn turned one last time to look at the ornately decorated room below. Fascinating stone sculptures dotted the room. Suddenly, her eyes settled on something that made her heart stop and her blood turn ice cold.

Near the arbor stood a horrifying sight—Grishma. Her razor-like claws clicked impatiently against the stone floor. Within seconds, the scent of rotten fish and death overwhelmed Brooklyn and she could feel the bile rising in the back of her throat.

What the hell is that monster doing here?

A low gravelly voice filled the room. “So she’s here? Safe?”

Why would Grishma be allowed in the castle and who is that disgusting beast talking to?

As soon as she heard the other speaker’s voice, she knew it belonged to the King. “Yes. Laro, a member of the Tribe of Topher, returned her yesterday.”

“The Tribe of Topher,” roared Grishma. “I thought they were all dead or in the dungeons?”

“Well, several were cast away from the castle and told never to return. The rest are in the dungeon,” stammered the King.

Grishma snarled and let out a deadly growl.

The hair on the back of Brooklyn’s neck stood up straight. Panic washed over her like a tsunami slamming into the coast.

“I will see that the rest are apprehended and sent to the dungeons,” said the King in a shaky voice.

Oh no! Albie was so sweet to me! This is all my fault!

“Good idea, Your Highness. Now, is everything set for tomorrow? Has Prince Algid arrived?” asked the Grishma.

Who the hell is Prince Algid?

“Yes, he arrived early this morning,” said the King.

Grishma nodded. “Ah, good. Is Princess Sophie aware of what is to commence at the ball?”

“No, she isn’t, and I’m just not sure if it’s the best option? After all, she just returned home, why not let her stay here with me for awhile?” asked the King.

Grishma stamped her foot and seethed. “No, we need an alliance with the north and this is the absolute best option!”

What the hell is going to happen to me at the ball? What does Grishma have to do with any of this? Darn it! Where is Ryder?

Her heart raced and she could feel sweat dampen her brow. Too terrified to move, Brooklyn stood frozen on the marble balcony and forced herself to focus on the conversation below.

The King hesitated for a moment and then said, “Yes, I suppose you are right. It’s what’s best for the kingdom.”

Grishma replied, “It is, King, it is. Now, I must be off. I will be here tomorrow for the ceremony.”

Ceremony?

“Very well, then,” said the King.

Turning, Grishma marched out of sight, her long nails scratching the floor loudly with every step.

After she was sure Grishma had gone, Brooklyn took a deep breath and crept off the balcony, wandering the halls of the massive castle.

Her head was filled with questions and she had never felt such uncertainty in her entire life.

What was Grishma talking about? Why would the King agree with everything that came out of that foul beast’s mouth?

Off in the nearby distance, Brooklyn heard two male voices. Deciding it was best to remain unseen, she ducked into the nearest room.

While in hiding, she heard a deep husky voice say, “Is the Prince resting comfortably now?”

“Yes,” replied a higher pitched, more nasally voice. “Will he be joining Princess Sophie and the King for dinner tonight?”

“Grishma gave strict orders, the Princess is not to meet the Prince until the ball commences tomorrow,” said the first voice.

Who is this Prince and why is it such a big deal that he’s here?

The voices were getting closer and Brooklyn looked around the room for a better place to hide. Before she could find a suitable spot, a massive portrait caught her attention. The painting showed the King and a woman Brooklyn assumed was the Queen. She was holding a baby girl, the real Princess Sophie.

Suddenly, the door budged ever so slightly and a large furry creature walked in on all fours.

What the hell is that?

Trying to remain calm, Brooklyn forced herself to calm her rapid breathing. Animals can always read body language, calm down! You have to make yourself less threatening! Trying to take her own advice, she plastered a smile on her face, held out her hand, and whispered, “Hey there. What’s your name?”

As the creature approached her, its long golden fur shimmered like a wheat field before harvest. Its cat-like gait and warm brown eyes mesmerized Brooklyn. She immediately felt at ease.

“It’s okay, I won’t hurt you,” said Brooklyn as she beckoned the creature to come closer.

Obeying her command, the creature inched forward. When it was within five feet of her outreached hand, she could hear loud vibrations. Is it purring?

Before she knew what had happened, the creature nuzzled its wet black nose in the palm of her hand. She stroked the animal’s silky fur and inspected its face. With long floppy ears, a long poufy tail, and wet black nose, it looked like an equal mixture of bunny, dog, and cat.

“Well aren’t you just precious,” said Brooklyn.

All of a sudden, two large gruff looking men burst through the half open door and immediately found Brooklyn. “Princess Sophie! We have been looking everywhere for you! Why in the world are you in here?”

“Uh, I, um…” she stammered, frantically trying to think of something to say.

Shifting his gaze, he noticed the creature that was practically in Brooklyn’s lap. “Oh, did you find Boonum? The King was hoping your childhood pet would rekindle some memories,” said one of the guards.

“Yes, that’s why I’m here, actually. I saw this creature wander into the room and it looked familiar, but I couldn’t figure out why,” said Brooklyn.

Man, I hope they buy that story!

“Ah, Princess Sophie, this is Boonum. He has been a faithful companion of yours ever since you were a little girl. Your mother gave him to you for your second birthday,” said the guard.

Smiling, Brooklyn continued to stroke Boonum. “Did you miss me, buddy?”

Softening a bit, one of the guards smiled back and said, “He seems to remember you.”

The second guard coughed and then said, “Princess Sophie, Lenora and Pinga are waiting for you in your chambers, please allow us to escort you there.”

Standing up, Brooklyn attempted to carry herself as a royal would do. “May Boonum come along?”

“Of course, Princess Sophie, whatever pleases you,” replied the guard.

“Come, Boonum,” called Brooklyn as she followed the two guards out of the room. The creature padded behind her, never more than an arm’s length away.

Winding through the halls of the castle was disorienting. Feeling utterly lost, she followed the guards closely, for fear of not finding her way back. Finally, they arrived at her massive bedroom. Boonum pushed open the door with his nose and promptly walked into the room, his long furry tail wagging.

“Boonum! What are you doing here?” Pinga giggled as she reached over to pet the furry creature. Boonum’s tail wagged happily and he gave her a big lick. “Ew!” squealed Pinga.

“I thought he might help jog my memory,” said Brooklyn smiling.

“Ahem!” Lenora said, purposefully cleared her throat.

Brooklyn and Pinga looked up. Lenora stood with her hands on her ample hips, tapping her left foot. “Princess! Please come here, we must try on your dress!”

Shooing the two guards out of the room, Lenora and Pinga pulled out the largest garment bag Brooklyn had ever seen. As they carefully unzipped the protective covering, the beautiful shimmering amethyst fabric started to peak through.

Pinga and Lenora smiled as they held up the gown
together.

“Oh my, it’s absolutely gorgeous,” breathed
Brooklyn.

“I’m glad you like it, Princess Sophie,” replied Lenora as she and Pinga pulled the dress completely out of the bag.

“Pinga, please help her out of that dress,” said Lenora.

Pinga’s thin fingers quickly unlaced the corset and before she knew it, the dress she had been wearing had been placed neatly on the chair in front of her vanity.

“Come,” instructed Lenora.

Following her directions, Brooklyn stepped in front of Lenora and raised her arms in the air.

It took both Pinga and Lenora to lift the gown above Brooklyn’s head. As they carefully lowered the hand-sewn masterpiece over her body, Brooklyn could see from the expression on their faces just how pleased they were with their handiwork. Pinga pulled gently and quickly laced up the back.

“Oh, Princess, you look stunning!” exclaimed
Pinga.

Nodding her head in agreement, Lenora said, “You look absolutely exquisite! Here, come look at yourself in the mirror.”

Brooklyn had to do a double take to make sure that she was really looking at herself in the reflection. The dress was unlike anything she had ever tried on before. It was as light as a feather and shimmered with every move she made. Not to mention it made her waist look impossibly small and it showed just the right amount of cleavage.

For a moment, she was truly speechless. I look amazing!

Pinga beamed. “Princess Sophie, you will be the most beautiful bri—I mean, the most beautiful princess in all of Necoh!”

“Damn you, Pinga!” hissed Adeline.

Whoa! Where the heck did she come from?

“Wait a minute, you said I’m going to be the most beautiful bri—did you mean bride?” asked Brooklyn. She looked around at everyone. No one would even make eye contact. “I thought this was supposed to be a royal ball to celebrate my return? What’s going on here?”

Adeline grabbed Pinga by the arm and threw her out of the room.

“Lenora, help me get her out of the dress,” spat Adeline.

Brooklyn sent Lenora a pleading look. “I’m so sorry, Princess. Please let me help you out of that dress.”

Brooklyn stood with her arms crossed firmly across her chest. “I’m not doing anything until someone tells me what’s going on.”

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