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  Kayla’s wings disappear and she drops down to the ground, seemingly deflated. “Guys, if we’re right, no one will believe Rapunzel is working with Alva. Not Flora, not the Dwarf Police Squad.”

  “I could get word to Father,” Jax says miserably, “but I’m not sure he would believe me either, especially without proof. This is a conversation I need to have with him in person and that’s impossible since he’s away trying to deal with this ogre mess.”

  “So let’s follow our hunch and see if we’re right,” I say. “We can confront her on our own.”

  “School be starting soon, buckaroos!” Blackbeard bellows from above. “Best to be getting this Pegasus home. The sea is no place for a flying horse.” I hear the pirates begin stirring and calling out orders.

  Jax still looks dazed. “How do we do that?”

  “You guys will join me at the royal dinner Rose is throwing,” I decide there and then. “She already invited me, and Maxine will get an invite too since she’s an RLW now. We can go and try to talk some sense into Rapunzel. Jax, she may not know you, but you are her brother. Maybe she’ll listen. Lock her away and make her!”

  “The rest of us will be on guard for Alva,” says Jocelyn. “A dinner with all the princesses and village guests would be the perfect place for her to make her move and snatch Gilly. I would do that.” I glare at her.

  “You guys have all this worked out when all we have is a hunch?” Kayla sinks into a big pirate chair.

  “Come on, guys!” Maxine rallies. “We’ve done this before. We just need to stick together and maybe use my gingerroot.” She pulls the smushed flowers out of her pocket. “I’m glad I didn’t give these to Rose now.”

  “Hold on to them,” Jax suggests, smiling weakly. I feel bad. Learning your sister is evil is not easy to swallow. “We’re going to need them.”

  I look at the group before me. A pirate, an ogre, a witch, a fairy, a royal, and me. These aren’t good odds, but maybe Father and Maxine are right: together, we can do anything.

  I smile. “Yes. Let’s show these villains they’ve got nothing on our crew.”

  From the Official Stationery of the Royal Court of Enchantasia*

  Princess Ella, Princess Snow, Princess Rapunzel, and Princess Rose

  Gillian Cobbler

  is officially invited to a dinner meeting at Royal Manor this Thursday evening. You may bring guests!

  Dinner hosted by Princess Rose and the Royal Ladies-in-Waiting Club of Fairy Tale Reform School.

  *Write like a royal! Order your own royal-looking stationery today at the royal court gift shop. (Please note: It is not official and cannot be used to issue orders.)

  Please be prepared for a security briefing by the Dwarf Police Squad led by Chief Pete. Royal meetings are not taken lightly in these times!

  Dinner will consist of roast beef and figgy pudding, but the royal court does not discriminate based on palate or breed. For alternate magical creature options, please contact our chef, Patacake BakersMan, by Pegasus Post.

  Does your guest want to be a Royal Lady-in-Waiting? Do you have what it takes? Contact Princess Rose for a meeting at her office at Fairy Tale Reform School today!

  CHAPTER 16

  To the Castle We Go

  I have one foot in the Pegasi carriage when I hear Miri loud and clear. “Gillian Cobbler, you must halt by order of Headmistress Flora!” The mirror in the Pegasi stables is flashing red, which is a very bad sign.

  I point innocently to myself and glance quickly back at my friends and Jocelyn, who shrugs. “But I haven’t done anything wrong.” Like lock up a princess to protect our kingdom. Yet.

  “The headmistress would like a word,” Miri says. “She’s on her way now.”

  “Mind if we jump ahead of you, Gilly?” Azalea asks uneasily. She and Dahlia were in line behind us, but at the mention of their mother, they push their way forward, their heavy perfume making Maxine sneeze. Both girls are wearing poufy ball gowns in different shades of purple with their new RLW sashes. Azalea grabs Dahlia’s hand, yanks her sister into the carriage, and rushes the driver to take off. “Don’t mention you saw us or our new glass-slipper high tops, okay?”

  Their flight takes off seconds before Flora opens the stable doors. Professor Wolfington is with her and seems calm, but Flora’s mood is stormy. The look on her face makes the stable boys dive out of her path. Macho neighs nervously from his stable.

  Don’t worry, boy, I say, knowing he can hear my thoughts.

  “Did you not get my note?” asks Headmistress Flora sharply, and the rest of my crew steps back.

  “The one that said, ‘I’d rather you not go to the dinner’?” I ask innocently, playing with the gold thread in the dress Mother sent me for the meeting. I sent back the glass-slipper high tops. I prefer my boots. My hair is pulled into an updo that highlights the purple stripe in my hair. It’s kind of growing on me. “It seemed more like a request than a demand.”

  The growl that comes next sounds like it could be from Professor Wolfington, but it’s still Flora. “Under the circumstances of what’s happening in Enchantasia, I do not feel it is wise for students to leave the grounds. I cannot protect you if you’re not in my care.”

  “Seems like you’re not doing a great job of protecting us here either,” I say and Maxine pinches me. Her fingers are pudgy so it hurts! But she’s right. I can’t be snippy or Flora might realize I overheard her talking to Harlow.

  Flora’s face hardens. “This dinner is poor timing. I have a very bad feeling about tonight. You were lucky last time, but who is to say your luck won’t run out if you encounter Alva again?” Macho neighs again softly. “You have to trust that we’re doing everything we can to stop her. We’re working with people like Rumpel. I never thought I’d speak with him again unless he agreed to a transformation under our care, and yet here we are.” Her eyes are pleading. “Let us do what we need to bring that fairy in and then you’ll be safe to visit Royal Manor another time.” I say nothing.

  “I’d go, but no one can enter Royal Manor without an invitation. Strangely, Princess Rose did not give any to the FTRS staff,” Professor Wolfington adds, and I notice he’s staring at me and Jax intently. “I guess our opinion on Alva isn’t warranted.”

  “We’ll bring you back a souvenir,” Ollie says. “I hear the silverware is solid gold. One spoon could buy the school a Pegasus.”

  Headmistress Flora sounds flustered. “Oliver, this is no time for follies! Now I cannot tell you all to ignore a royal invitation, but I strongly suggest you do so. I forbade my own daughters to attend tonight under the circumstances.”

  “Uh, you might want to go check on them in their quarters,” Kayla suggests. “And look for new glass-slipper high-top boxes too.” Flora’s nostrils flare.

  I feel ill and I don’t think it’s that extra pot pie I had at lunch with Maxine. I think Flora is hinting that we might not make it back from Royal Manor. What does she care? Isn’t she working with Harlow to get rid of me to save our school? I glance at Jax and know we can’t wait to find out what Flora is really up to. This isn’t just about my safety. It’s about our whole kingdom’s, including the royals. Like it or not, I have to go.

  “I’m sorry, Headmistress Flora,” I say. “Madame Cleo told me it’s uncharming of a proper lady to ignore an invitation from a royal.”

  “Fine! But remember, I can do nothing for you from here.” Flora stomps off and stable boys dive out of the way again, but Professor Wolfington stays behind. He’s chomping on a piece of straw between his lips, studying me closely.

  “Sir?” Jax sounds very proper. He looks regal in a white dress suit, gold buttons lining his chest.

  “The headmistress is right that we cannot protect you if you’re not on the grounds, but I believe there’s something she forgot to mention.” His eyes are almost playful. “Different castle, different rules. You can’t get in trouble for breaking FTRS codes of conduct if the staff is not there to see it happen.” His eyes
glimmer. “Princess Rose is not a teacher; she’s a club advisor. Understood?”

  Is he trying to say it’s okay to be bad tonight? I’m not sure, but I nod anyway.

  “Good. Then I bid you a good evening,” he says. “I also have a gift.” He pulls a small velvet sack out of his jacket pocket. “Gingerroot. It can bind magic. I believe Miss Maxine has been growing some in her dorm room for a rainy day, but my batch is already mature. Extra might come in handy this evening.”

  I hold out my hand in wonderment. Maybe Wolfington really is one of the good guys. “Thank you,” I say, tucking the bag into my small clutch.

  “Mine is mature too. I think,” Maxine mumbles in my ear, blowing hot breath on me.

  “Gingerroot is great, but it only works a short while,” Wolfington adds. “Use it at the last possible second. You’ll have fifteen minutes to a half hour if it’s potent enough.”

  “The next carriage is approaching,” a stable boy informs us, and two Pegasi swoop down with a golden carriage attached behind them. They land outside the stable doors.

  “Guess we should go,” says Kayla, sounding anxious as she takes Ollie’s arm and heads toward the carriage. With a nod to the professor, I take Jax’s arm while Maxine and Jocelyn walk together.

  “Ready, thief?” Jax asks.

  “I guess I have to be.” I step up into the carriage and sit down on one of the velvet seats. This is the first time I’ve traveled by carriage. Well, if you don’t count our return trip from the village in the carriage trunk. Somehow I suspect this trip will be just as rocky—in a different way.

  • • •

  “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.”

  “Here we go!” Ollie whispers as we approach Rapunzel. He pulls a deck of cards out of his pocket. “I’m going to impress Rapunzel to get her attention. Jax, you follow me and try to pull her away.”

  At Jax’s sister’s name, I feel him tense up. He hasn’t been in the same room with her in years. (She was locked in that tower and then was told her brother was at boarding school when she moved into Royal Manor.) Their father also charmed Rapunzel’s memories so any image she has of him is distorted. She shouldn’t recognize him, but knowing what we know now, I am worried.

  I open my mouth to express my concern and find Jax already bowing before his sister. “My princess, it’s so lovely of you to invite the students of Fairy Tale Reform School to dinner this evening. I’m Jax Porter, and this, as you know, is Gillian Cobbler.” I quickly curtsy. This time I don’t fall. RLW class is working! Woot!

  “Jax, what a pleasure,” Rapunzel says, clearly impressed by his royal dress and speech. “Although I must admit, the invitation was not mine.” She frowns ever so slightly. “Princess Rose was insistent we invite you all this evening. The rest of us were very concerned about safety with everything going on, but I guess we do have the Dwarf Police Squad here.” Her eyes move toward Olaf and ours follow. He’s eating one of the floral arrangements. Those guys are going to be a huge help tonight.

  “Well, I look forward to discussing the matter with you, Princess,” Jax says smoothly. “If you have a moment, I’d love to talk about how Fairy Tale Reform School is fairing under Alva’s threat. The students are worried about ogre attacks.”

  Rapunzel clears her throat, but it sounds more like a squeak. Her blond hair is in a side braid that is woven with flowers and drapes around her neck like a scarf. “Absolutely,” she says. “Although I dare say ogres are usually peaceful when they aren’t under Alva’s rule.” She sighs. “We will talk more after I finish this receiving line.”

  Yes! Jax is in.

  “Smooth,” I say as a page hands us gift bags
with Rapunzel’s latest hair-care ad sketched on the side. I peek into the bag and see shampoo, conditioner, and detangler, along with a purple detangling brush. There is also a bar of chocolate that smells divine. Anna will flip over this stuff, and the boys will love the chocolate. I wonder if I can get a few extra bars. We watch as the page nervously gives Jocelyn two instead of one.

  “Come on, guest of honor.” Jax offers me his arm and walks me along the pink carpet to the ballroom. The others are already inside. “Let’s scout out this overthrow—I mean, party. Wait ’til you get a load of this place.”

  “Jax, it’s just a ballroom. I’ve seen them before.” In Happily Ever After Scrolls. But when a page opens the doors for us, I inhale sharply. “Whoa.”

  “Told you so,” Jax brags.

  The Royal Manor ballroom is as big as the village—and I’m not exaggerating. I can’t see from one end to the other with all the large rose arrangements on the tables. Some of the RLWs are already seated at a long table with napkins folded like roses (nice touch), confetti, and enough candles to light a whole boot. There is even a narrow upper level filled with thrones of every shape, size, and color that overlook a gold-and-white dance floor lit by the largest candelabra I’ve ever seen. Where is Jocelyn? I want to keep my eyes on her. The others may trust her completely, but I still have my doubts. Tessa, Olivia, and Raza are dancing in the middle of the floor already, while Ollie, Kayla, and Maxine ogle the plates and silverware. They must be solid gold.

  For a moment, I feel a familiar pang of longing. Just one or two forks would feed my family for months. But no! That’s not why I’m here.

  “I wonder where Rose is,” I whisper to Jax. “Do you think I should tell her about Rapunzel?”

  Jax raises an eyebrow. “No. We need definite proof. Let’s make sure we have the right princess before you go blabbing to everyone else. Let me talk to Rapunzel first.”

  “Gift bag?” Raza sees us and runs over, practically throwing a bright-pink tulle bag at each of us. “It’s got rose-flavored chocolates inside. Don’t they smell divine?” Jax sneezes. “Bless you! They’re delicious. Far nicer than the royal court gift-bag chocolates.”