Chapter 1

It was a perfect day in the small town of Sleepyside. The spring weather came early bringing leaves to the trees and turning the grass from its dull color following winter to a vibrant green.

A group of young people were gathered on the shore of the Wheeler Lake. There were balloons tied to the ends of the picnic table. There were gifts wrapped in brightly colored paper at one end and a large cake in the middle.

The seven teenagers were on the shoreline playing a game of volleyball as the adults sat and talked. They had just finished eating and were working off some of the food before they had dessert.

The teenagers moved away from the net toward the table to get drinks.

“This is so much fun,” 16-year-old Trixie Belden said as she picked up a bottle of strawberry pop.

“I can’t believe how perfect this day is turning out,” said her best friend, Honey Wheeler.

“I was worried the forecasters were right and it would rain today, but we have nothing but blue skies,” said Diana Lynch.

“And since the weather is holding out, I think we need to have some cake,” 16-year-old Mart Belden said. “I worked up an appetite after that game.”

“How could you be hungry after all the food you already ate?” 17-year-old Dan Managan asked.

“I’m a growing boy,” Mart protested.

“Yeah, growing right there,” 18-year-old Brian Belden said as he pointed at Mart’s stomach.

“He’s getting an early start on storing for winter,” 17-year-old Jim Frayne said.

“Let’s not pick on him,” Dan said. “He’s doing us a favor.”

“And what’s that?” Brian asked.

“The more he eats, the less we have to clean up later,” Dan said with a smile.

“No one appreciates my love of fine cuisine,” Mart grumbled as he sank onto one of the picnic table benches.

“If we pick on him too much, he won’t want any cake and that looks too good to pass up,” Trixie said.

“Then we should cut into it,” Honey said.

“Moms? Dad? We are going to have cake now,” Trixie said.

“We’re coming,” Helen Belden said.

Within a few minutes everyone was gathered around the table. After serenading Trixie with the birthday song, the cake, a delicious confection made by the Wheeler’s cook,  was sliced and everyone was given a generous piece of cake.

The conversation focused on the sweet treat they were eating. As they finished, they turned to the gifts on the end of the table.

Trixie was handed her first gift. As she looked up, she saw two men in black suits making their way down the hill from the Manor House.

She looked at Honey. “It looks like your dad is working this weekend.”

Honey looked and then said, “Dad, you have visitors.”

Matthew Wheeler looked up. He set his plate on the table and excused himself. He met them on the far side of the lake.

“Peter! Helen!”

The Bob-White silently watched as the Beldens moved over to Matthew. Trixie set the package down as she was getting an uneasy feeling about these two men.

She watched as Helen gasped and put a hand to her mouth. Helen shook her head as Peter put his arm around her shoulder. They glanced over their shoulders to the group. Trixie felt their eyes on her.

Peter and Helen turned back to the men. They nodded their heads and the two men made their way toward the table.

Trixie felt the male Bob-Whites move to stand behind her.

They reached the table and bowed. As they straightened up, he held out his hand which held a package wrapped in blue paper.

“Miss, we were instructed to present this gift to you on your 16^th birthday,” the one man said.

“Who is it from?” Trixie asked.

“We are not at liberty to say, miss.” The man placed the gift in front of her. They bowed and walked away.

Trixie watched them until they disappeared from sight. Her gaze shifted to Peter and Helen.

Helen was sobbing openly with her head on Peter’s shoulder. Peter was pale and looked like he was going to be sick.

“Dad, what is going on?” Brian asked.

“Who were those guys?” Mart asked.

“Everything will be made clear after Trixie opens the gift,” Peter said quietly.

“But who is it from?” Trixie asked.

“Someone who really cares about you,” Helen said sadly.

Trixie slowly picked up the package and set it closer to her. She ran her hands over the smooth, blue paper. The package looked like it had been professionally wrapped. Each edge and crease was perfect.

She used her fingernail and broke the seal the tape made. She slid a book out from the wrapping. On the cover of the blue leather were two words written in black: Princess Beatrix.

“Princess Beatrix?” Honey asked. “Is that a fairy tale?”

“No,” Peter said.

“You are sitting next to Princess Beatrix,” Helen said.

“What?” they all exclaimed.

Trixie stared at her mother in disbelief.

“You should all sit down,” Peter said. “And we will try to explain.”

Jim slid onto the bench beside Trixie as Peter and Helen sat down across from them. The others pulled chairs close so they could hear the story.

Trixie stared at her parents, hoping she had heard them wrong. There was no way she was a princess. She was Trixie Belden, the daughter of a banker and a housewife.

“It was back when Mart was 15 months old and Brian had just turned three,” Peter began. “We were in the city so that I could attend a training class. We had taken Brian and Mart to one of the parks so that they could play as they had been cooped up in the hotel.”

“While we were in the park, a young couple came up with their six-month old daughter,” Helen said. “We ended up sitting together and talking.”

“They left a while later and we returned to the hotel,” Peter said. “After the seminar we came back to the farm. It was about a week later when the couple showed up at the farm. William and Penelope told us that their country was in upheaval with militants trying to take over the crown. They were worried about the safety of their daughter, Beatrix. They knew that if they returned with her, their enemies would use all their powers to try and kidnap her to claim the title.”

“They asked if we would watch over their daughter while they went home,” Helen said. “They felt her safety was imperative for the future of their nation.”

“So we agreed,” Peter said.

“Days turned into weeks and then months,” Helen said. “Spring arrived as did William and Penelope.” She looked Trixie in the eye. “They were tired because the conflict did not seem to have an end in sight. They knew you needed to remain safe and the best way was for you to stay with us.”

“Why am I only being told now?” Trixie asked, her voice soft.

“We promised William and Penelope that we’d keep your secret until you turned 16, at which time you would return to your home and take your place beside King William and Queen Penelope as Princess Beatrix.”

“This isn’t real,” Trixie said, pushing the book away. “This is just a story.”

“Trixie, it’s all true,” Helen said. “We couldn’t say anything because we were trying to keep you safe.”

“Sweetheart, we wouldn’t lie to you,” Peter said.

Trixie shook her head as she stood up. “It’s all a lie,” she said. “This is all a lie.”

“Trixie,” Helen said.

“No!” Trixie turned and ran. She heard her name being called, but she just ran.

She dodged around the trees and jumped over fallen trunks, not even paying attention to where she was going. She pushed her body beyond its limit, trying to get away from the lies.

Trixie stumbled and fell face first to the ground. Dried up leaves flew up into the air around her. She buried her face into her arms and allowed the tears to come.

My whole life has been a lie, she thought. All my life I thought I was the only daughter of Peter and Helen. But I’m not. I’m no relation to any of them. Brian, Mart and Bobby are not my brothers.

I honestly don’t know who I am. There is no Trixie Belden. She was a lie. I’m a lie.

After a while the tears subsided and a numbness settled on her. She pulled herself to a seated position with her knees to her chest. She wrapped her arms around her knees and put her head down. She was shocked at the news.

Time passed and she was vaguely aware of the sun changing positions. She knew everyone would be worried about her, but she just couldn’t bring herself to get up and head for Crabapple Farm.

Trixie heard her name being called in the distance. She didn’t want to be found. She wanted to be left alone.

“Trixie,” a voice said breathlessly beside her a few minutes later.

She slowly lifted her gaze to look into a pair of green eyes filled with worry.

“Are you hurt?” Jim asked softly.

Trixie slowly shook her head.

Jim moved to sit beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Everyone is worried about you. Especially your parents.”

“They aren’t my parents,” Trixie said bitterly.

“You may not be their flesh and blood, but they love you as if you were their own,” Jim said. “Trixie, they are devastated you found out this way. They were asked to keep you safe from a country in distress. You had the opportunity to grow up in a free world and truly be a kid.”

“They should’ve told me.”

“If you knew, do you think you would be the same Trixie that you are today?” Jim asked. “It’s possible you might have been acting as a royal, expecting people to wait on you.”

“I would never do that,” Trixie said.

“Maybe not,” Jim said. “But that is your response now. It’s possible had you known you would be acting that way. Do you think that you would have had a lot of true friends if everyone knew you were a princess? You’ve seen how people act around Honey and myself because they know we are the children of Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler. A lot of people see that and only want to be our friend because it might get them something in the end.”

“I never treated either of you that way.”

“No, you didn’t. But others did. And still do.”

“But I can’t be a princess. Look at me. Princesses are beautiful and I’m not.”

“You are beautiful,” Jim said.

Trixie snorted.

Jim chuckled. “I know you don’t believe it, but it’s the truth. I see a beautiful young woman who has a big heart and is always willing to do something for others. There is a princess in you. She just needs to be found.”

“I can’t do it, Jim.”

“Trixie, I am quite certain you will be fine.”

Trixie looked up at Jim with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t want to leave my home.”

Jim pulled her even closer and she felt the tears dampen his shirt.

She cried knowing the life she had was going to be taken away. She was going to be taken from the people she loved dearly and there was no way to change that.

“Trixie, please don’t worry so much,” Jim said. “You are not alone. All of us Bob-Whites are here for you. We will help you through this.”

“Really?”

“Of course. One for all and all for one, right?”

“But I won’t be here,” Trixie cried.

“Trixie, you are not leaving the planet. If you have to return to your country, there are still ways for us to communicate. There are phones, letters, e-mails. We will still be the Bob-Whites. We managed with Brian and I in college. We can do this.”

“Do you mean it?”

“Trixie, you are very important to all of us,” Jim said. “We’d all be missing a part of ourselves if we can’t keep in touch. All of us would stay in contact. I’m sure of it.”

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Trixie said.

“It will all work out.”

“I hope so.”

They sat in silence for several minutes until Jim asked, “Are you about ready to head back? I’m sure the Beldens are frantic.”

Trixie remained quiet.

“I know you feel lied to, but they were doing what King William and Queen Penelope asked. You can’t be made that they were doing what was asked to keep you safe.”

“I just feet so lost,” Trixie said.

“I think everyone is feeling that way now, and maybe, just maybe, we all can find our way together,” Jim said.

Trixie lifted her head and looked at Jim. She gave him a small smile. “Thanks, Jim.”

“Anytime,” Jim said.

A short while later, the two of them exited the preserve near Crabapple Farm. Jim had his arm around her shoulder. Nearing the farmhouse, they could hear voices on the porch.

They rounded the corner of the house and the Bob-Whites stopped talking. Mart flew from his seat on the porch swing off the porch and over to Trixie. He hugged her tight to his chest.

“You will always be my sister,” Mart said. “No one will ever take that way from either of us.”

Trixie held onto him, grateful to hear his words.

“That goes double for me.”

Trixie looked up and saw Brian had joined them. As Mart released his hold, Brian pulled her into his arms and held her close.

“Thank you,” Trixie whispered.

She suddenly became away of the hug getting stronger. Glancing up, she saw all of the Bob-Whites had joined in.

When they broke apart, Trixie asked, “Where are…?” she didn’t know what to call them.

“Moms and Dad are inside,” Mart said. “They said they had a phone call to make.”

Trixie knew who the call was to. “If you would excuse me, I better go in.”

“We’ll be here if you need us,” Dan said.

Trixie stepped inside and could hear voices from the den. She stopped in the doorway and saw Helen was talking on the phone.

“She didn’t take the news very well,” Helen was saying. “She never had any clue she wasn’t really ours and the truth seemed to just break her. We’ve never seen her so lost or upset.”

Helen paused and looked at the door. She motioned for Trixie to come into the room.

Trixie did as requested and sat down in the chair across from them.

“She is here now,” Helen said. “Do you want to speak with her?” Helen held out the phone. “She would like to speak with you.”

Trixie slowly took the phone and put it to her ear. “Hello?”

“Hello, Trixie,” came a female voice. “I’m Queen Penelope.”

“How are you?” Trixie asked.

“I’m doing all right,” she answered. “I’m sorry you found out this way. We never meant to hurt you, but the turmoil our country was facing meant you needed to be someplace safe. We wanted to do everything so you wouldn’t get hurt, and allowing you to live in the states with the Beldens was the best solution at the time.”

“I understand,” Trixie said quietly, looking down at the floor.

“Your father and I cannot wait to see you and really get to know you,” Penelope said. “And we are anxious for you to take your place on the throne beside us.”

Trixie felt like she was going to be sick, but she got out, “I’m looking forward to it as well.”

“We can have a plane in New York on Monday,” Penelope said.

“Can I pass you back to Helen to hash out the details?” Trixie asked.

“Of course,” Penelope said. “I love you, my daughter. I can’t wait to see you.”

“Me too,” Trixie said.

She shoved the phone to Helen and hurried out of the den. She made a beeline for the kitchen and flew out the door, heading for the preserve once again. She had just made it to the trees when she sank to her knees by a maple tree. Everything she had eaten came back up.

“Trixie?” It was Honey.

When Trixie was certain she was done, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Are you all right?” Honey asked.

Trixie looked up.

“I know it’s a stupid question because I can see you are not all right, but I really wasn’t sure what to ask because everything that has happened today is really crazy and I don’t think any of us know how to react to something that is so unbelievable.”

Trixie reached up, grabbed hold of Honey’s arm and pulled her down. She wrapped her arms around her best friend and hugged the stuffing out of her. Honey clung tightly to her as well.

“I never thought my best friend would be a princess,” Honey said. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Neither can I,” Trixie said.

Honey leaned back and looked at her. “What are you going to do?”

“I have to go there.”

“When?”

Trixie said, “Monday.”

Honey’s eyes went wide. “This Monday?”

Trixie looked at the ground as she nodded. “Penelope said she could have a plane in New York on Monday.”

“Oh my.”

There was a flash of lightning and then an immediate crash of thunder.

“We should get back to the house,” Honey said as she stood up.

“You’re right,” Trixie said as she climbed to her feet.

They walked in silence toward the house. The porch was vacant, but voices could be heard in the living room. Stepping through the doorway, Peter said, “We’re glad you’re back. We have some information for you.”

Trixie moved over to the fireplace and sat down in front of it. “What time will the plane arrive?”

“Plane?” Mart asked, looking from Trixie to their parents.

“The plane will not be here until June,” Helen said.

“What?” Trixie asked.

“Penelope and William would love for you to come home tomorrow. They realized that pulling you out before the school year is over could be problematic,” Helen said.

“They know that if you left before finals, many people would question your disappearance and their secret could be released,” Peter said. “They figured once your finals were complete, that would be soon enough.”

“So, I have about six weeks?” Trixie asked.

“We’ve already made flight arrangement for your trip and departure is set for the Saturday after your last final,” Helen said.

“And they are aware that your true identity was told among your friends,” Peter said. “But they must insist that none of you talk about this in front of others. Trixie’s safety, as well as that of the royal family, must be of the utmost importance.”

“We understand,” Brian said.

“We know you all were going to bed down and sleep in here as part of the festivities, so we are going to head upstairs,” Peter said.

“Night,” Jim said and the others followed suit as Peter and Helen left the room.

Once they were along, everyone looked at Trixie, trying to come up with something to say.

“What movie were we going to watch?” Trixie asked.

“We have a few choices here,” Honey said. “Do you have a preference?”

“Something that doesn’t make me think,” Trixie said.

“Got it,” Honey said.

“We’ll go make popcorn,” Di said grabbing Mart’s hand and dragging him into the kitchen.

“We’ll get the drinks,” Jim said with a nod to Brian, and they followed the other two out of the room.

Honey slipped out, leaving Dan and Trixie. He got up from his seat on the couch and moved over to Trixie.  He sat down beside her.

“How are you doing?” Dan asked.

“Like I’m on a roller coaster that doesn’t seem to want to end.”

“I have a feeling this roller coaster ride is going to continue for a while.”

“I just wish I knew what to expect.”

“I don’t think anyone can plan for something like this,” Dan said. “But there is something I know for certain.”

Trixie looked at Dan. “What’s that?”

“I think you will be a marvelous princess and an even more extraordinary queen when they day comes for you to rule.”

“Dan,” Trixie blushed.

“Let me explain.”

Trixie nodded.

“We’ve all heard the stories of princesses who are mean and cruel. They constantly demand every little thing. They don’t care about the people who are not nobility. They act as if they are truly better than everyone else because they are royal and don’t have to answer to anyone.

“But you are different. You grew up learning you need to treat everyone the same. You understand hard work when you want something. You have a loving and generous heart that will help you deal with the problems of your people and give them the help they need.”

“Do you really think so?”

“You’ve learned a lot living here and all those lessons will be of a benefit to you,” Dan said. “I know you will do fine. You’ve done great leading us on our adventures and the different cases, and you will continue to do so on a much bigger level.”

Trixie felt the color rising in her cheeks. She really didn’t like the praise, but for some reason, his words seemed to ease for of her anxiety.

“Thanks, Dan.”

“I would do anything for a Bob-White,” he said.

The others returned to the room at that moment and they quickly got lost in an action movie.

Over the next several weeks, the news of Trixie’s true lineage sank in for everyone. The Bob-Whites became more introspective, as they knew the groups’ composition was about to be changed forever. They spent as much time together as they could making memories that they would be able to look back on when the time came.

During these weeks, Trixie also spent time on the phone with Penelope and William. They talked about a variety of things, just as a way to get to know one another. The conversations were nice, and more of the anxiety was easing.

The day of her departure was nearing and Trixie took some time to talk with Peter and Helen. She knew they really wanted to accompany her back to her homeland, but she knew saying “goodbye” would be hard.

Trixie didn’t want to have an emotional moment in front of William and Penelope. She didn’t want to arrive with red-rimmed, bloodshot eyes. She felt that if she had time to get the tears out of the way, she could present a stronger front to the royals. She didn’t want them to think she was weak.

She knew this was a trip she needed to make on her own.

The day came for her departure and she embraced all of the Bob-Whites at Crabapple Farm. She hugged them and took a mental picture that she would keep close to her heart for the rest of her life.

Honey and Di tried to fight the tears, but it was a losing battle. Promises were made to keep in touch and Trixie knew she would try her hardest to keep her word.

Dan kept his face expressionless, but a close look at his eyes showed how hard this was for him. She gave him the tightest hug she could muster letting him know he meant the world to her.

Trixie and Bobby held one another and she allowed her little brother to just cry. He was having a hard time which this life changing moment and she hoped he would be able to adjust to her absence.

Brian told her to be strong and everything would be all right. She could see this was hard for the eldest Belden child as they had been together for as long as he could remember and did not like the way the future looked without her.

Mart was a loss for words. He stumbled and stammered several times to find the right words to say, but in the end, just pulled her close as if he would never let her go.

As she turned for the last Bob-White, she saw him standing off to the side. He was looking in her direction, but his gaze was focused on the ground under her feet. She moved toward him and took his hands in her own. She looked up and caught his gaze.

Jim swallowed as their eyes locked. He choked out in a whisper, “Don’t forget me.”

Trixie shook her head. “Never. You’ll remember me?”

“Forever,” Jim whispered.

Trixie gave him a quick hug and then headed for the Belden station wagon that would take her to the airport.

The goodbyes at the ticket counter were just as hard. She clung to Peter and Helen, wanting their love to fill her soul so that she could deal with what was to come.

After saying goodbye, Trixie grabbed her bag and made her way through security. She retrieved her shoes and bag before heading for her departure gate.

Even though she was tempted to look back, she kept walking toward the gate, certain she would run back to them so she wouldn’t have to go. But she had an obligation and she had to follow through.

Reaching the gate, she heard her flight called, allowing first class passengers to board. She had declined the private plane, but they had insisted on the prestigious accommodations. She handed the agent her ticket and was ushered onto the plane. She stored her bag in the overhead bin before settling in her seat by the window.

Trixie rested her head back as she stared out the window. She took in the image to store in her memory since she was certain she would never return to the states.

Feeling the tears threatening to fall, Trixie closed her eyes in an attempt to keep them at bay. She hated what was happening and knew nothing she would say could change anything.

Trixie felt someone sit in the seat beside her. She turned her head a little more and leaned it against the plane window.

She half listened as the flight attendants went through the safety procedures.

When she felt the plane begin to move away from the terminal, she knew Sleepyside and the family she loved would be just a memory.

Once the plane was in the air, Trixie leaned back and finally opened her eyes. She looked to her left and just stared at the person beside her.

“I thought you’d like some company,” Jim Frayne said.

Trixie didn’t know what to say. She was stunned.

Jim reached over and took her left hand in his.

“I know you didn’t want your family coming along, but I just couldn’t let you do this by yourself. Your life is about to have major changes and thought having a familiar face might make the transition a little easier.”

The tears of sadness that had been threatening to fall switched to tears of gratitude that someone was with her.

Jim let go of Trixie’s hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. He said, “It’s all right. Everything will be all right.”

Trixie let the tears fall.

She wasn’t sure how long she had been crying when she heard a voice ask, “Is everything all right?”

“We’re fine,” Jim said. “Just sad to be leaving the states.”

“All right. Is there anything you need?”

“Could we get a couple bottles of water?” Jim asked.

“Sure,” the flight attendant said and walked away.

“She probably thinks I’m insane,” Trixie said softly.

“No she doesn’t. If she knew everything you’ve been dealing with for the past month, she would understand your urge to cry.”

Trixie leaned back and wiped her eyes. “All I’ve been doing is crying.”

“If you keep it bottled up, it will just make you sick,” Jim said.

“I just don’t want to do this. I don’t know how to be the person they are expecting.”

“You just have to be you, Trix. You don’t have to be anything you’re not. You just have to be Trixie.”

Trixie leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. “I am going to mess this up so badly.”

“You will do fine.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know you,” Jim said. “You face any obstacle head on. Nothing stands in your way for you to reach your desired goal. And you will do the same with this.”

“But I can’t do this. I can’t be the person they are expecting. I’m not graceful or elegant or beautiful.”

“You are beautiful,” Jim insisted. “You have a beauty that most women would die for. Your beauty glows from your loving heart, radiating to all around you. There is no one who is as beautiful as you.”

“But I don’t know if I can be the person they expect me to be.”

“Just be Trixie,” Jim said. “They will love you for who you are.”

Trixie wasn’t so sure.

“Can we talk about something else?” Trixie asked. “I don’t want to think about this anymore.”

“What do you want to talk about?”

Trixie opened her eyes and looked at Jim. “How about how you convinced the Wheelers to let you take this trip.”

“I told them I wanted to go with you.”

Trixie quirked an eyebrow as she looked at him. “Tell me the real story.”

Jim held her gaze for a moment and finally sighed. “I told them that I thought I could be some help because I’ve gone through a lifestyle transition similar to what you will be facing. I thought that if I was there, you would have someone to talk to about it all, maybe making it a bit easier.”

“A friendly face to share my woes?”

“A friendly face to let you know you can get through this and you will be fine.”

“And your parents are okay with you following me all over the globe?”

“May parents would do anything for you because you helped them reconnect with their daughter and truly made them a family.”

“I also gave you to them.”

“That was the best thing for me,” Jim said.

“I’m glad it all worked out.”

“And they agreed with me that this was important because you are important to us.”

Trixie looked down at the floor as a blush rose on her cheeks. She was always uncomfortable when people talked about her that way.

“So, have you picked your classes for the fall yet?”

“I’m taking an English, science, math, a couple business and a couple education classes that I need for my degree.”

“That sounds like a lot.”

“The sooner I finish my schooling, the sooner I can get my school open.”

“It looks like your dream is coming true,” Trixie said sadly, as she realized her dreams had been relegated to wish status.

“Trixie…”

“Can we just sit quietly,” Trixie interrupted.

“Sure,” Jim said.

As best as he could in the seats, Jim placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She leaned her head on his should and tried not to think about all she was losing.

By the time the plane finally landed, they had talked about non-important stuff. They waited their turn to disembark. They silently followed the rest of the passengers through the terminal toward baggage claim. The closer they got to the carrousel, the more Trixie felt like she was going to be ill. She couldn’t believe this was finally happening and there was no way for her to keep her old life.

Jim’s bag arrived first and he quickly grabbed it. They watched for Trixie’s and a moment later it came through. He retrieved it and looked at Trixie.

“Where do you have to go next?”

“I’m supposed to make my way toward the exit. Someone is supposed to meet me,” Trixie said. “I was told I would know the person.”

“Lead the way,” Jim said.

“You don’t have to go with me,” Trixie said. “You probably have to meet someone to get where you’re staying.”

“I don’t have to meet anyone,” Jim said. “I have a rental car waiting for me when I’m ready to leave. Besides, it would be ungentlemanly for me to leave you here all alone in an unfamiliar place.”

“I know you don’t want to, but…but…it may be better…”

“I am not leaving you until I know you are safely on your way.”

“Why do you have to be so honorable?” Trixie asked.

“Because that’s who I am,” Jim said. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Together they headed for the exit with Jim dragging both of their wheeled bags. Stepping through the sliding doors, they both saw a black limousine parked at the curb. A man in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie stood next to the rear door. He wore a pair of black sunglasses. He stood well over six feet tall and was muscular, in a way that couldn’t be hidden by the suit.

“Miss Beatrix?” he asked as they approached.

“That’s me,” Trixie responded.

The man nodded. “I will take your luggage and we will head for the residence.”

He stepped forward and retrieved the bag from Jim before turning to the limousine.

Trixie and Jim looked at each other.

“I guess this is it,” Trixie said.

“It’ll be all right,” Jim said. He reached into his packed and pulled out a piece of paper. “This is the number of where I’m staying. If you need anything, anything at all, just call, okay?”

“Okay,” Trixie said.

Jim handed her the paper and then pulled her into his arms. Trixie hugged Jim, hating to let him go, fearing she would never see him again.

“Ahem,” came the clearing of a throat.

They broke apart and Trixie looked at the ground, embarrassed. After a moment she looked up and locked eyes with Jim.

“Thank you for keeping me company,” Trixie said.

“Anytime,” Jim said with a smile. “Have a safe trip.”

Trixie turned to the limousine to see the man was holding the back door open for her. It was time.

Trixie gave Jim a small smile and then headed for the car. She climbed in and the door was closed behind her. A moment later another door closed and the limousine pulled away from the airport.

She blinked back the tears as she stared unseeing at the passing landscape. She did not know these people and was not going to cry in front of them.

They had been driving for almost an hour when the limousine turned down a lane, blanketed with tall trees that blocked the sun from the road. Looking out the front windshield, the road ahead of them was dark.

Suddenly in the beam from the headlights, a large black steel door appeared. The limousine slowed down and the door began to open.

Once it was fully open, they went through and Trixie saw a magnificent castle that had her mouth hanging open. Nestled within 12-foot tall hedges was a sprawling green lawn that looked well maintained. In the midst of the lawns was a white two-story building with four 20-foot columns across the front creating an open porch.

Tall circular parapets stood at the front with blue banners hanging from the top. She had never seen anything so breathtaking.

The limousine pulled to a stop and the man who greeted her at the airport quickly climbed out of the front seat. He moved to the back door and opened it.

As Trixie stepped out, he said, “Welcome home, Princess Beatrix.”

“Thank you,” Trixie said, shocked at the beauty in front of her.

“If you will follow me, your parents are waiting in the study.”

“Okay,” Trixie said.

She followed him up a set of eight concrete steps to a set of white doors, which were opened from the inside by two men in royal blue suits. They bowed as Trixie crossed the threshold.

The main foyer exquisite marble tile covered the floors and walls. A glass chandelier hung from the 20-foot high ceiling.

Clang.

Trixie spun around to see the two men had closed the doors and knew they were much stronger than any door she had ever seen. They began turning switches and knew they were locking the door.

Instead of feeling safe, a sense of dread washed over her with security being so tight.

“Princess Beatrix?”

She spun around and hurried to catch up. “I’m sorry.”

“They are waiting for you.”

“I’m sorry,” Trixie repeated.

They continued on and Trixie tried hard not to gawk at the décor. This was more extravagant than she had ever seen.

The two of them continued down the hall toward another suited man standing outside the closed door. Trixie watched as he opened the door as they neared. He stepped inside and said, “Your Majesties, Princess Beatrix.”

Trixie stepped into the study, anxious to see her parents. She stopped just inside the door and stared in disbelief.

The man and woman were each seated in a plush leather chairs with books open on their laps. Both of them had bright red straight hair with vibrant green eyes that seemed to glow.

Both of them were dressed in tailored suits and gave off an air of authority and nobility.

Before anything could be said, Trixie heard a gasp from her left and quickly turned her head. Sitting on a wooden bench were a man and woman, in tattered clothes and covered with dirt. Both of their faces were pale and gaunt.

It wasn’t what they were wearing, but their faces. Looking at the woman, she felt like she was staring in a mirror. And she looked like Helen “Moms” Belden.

“Yes, lass, that is your mother,” came the thick Irish accented voice of the well-dressed man.

TO BE CONTINUED….