Chapter 4

Trixie slowly became aware of the quiet around her. She felt like her body was weighted down underwater. She heard voices talking in the distance, but they were muffled.

As the minutes passed, the voices became clearer.

“Are you sure she’s never been this upset?” asked a female voice.

“Not in her 16 years, Penelope,” came another female voice.

“Maybe this change is too much for her, Helen.”

Moms, she thought.

“She’ll be fine,” Helen said. “And it was her time to come home and take her place with you and William.”

“I should have learned what was going on in her life, to see if she was truly ready to learn the truth and come here.”

“We knew that she needed to return when she was 16 because there was so much for her to learn. This is a role she never pictured for herself, but she is a strong young woman with the ability to tackle any situation head on.”

“I just fear I’m the cause of all this.”

“Don’t feel guilty,” Helen said. “For some reason she’s feeling a lot of guilt for everyone and it just got to be too much, so she let it out. You heard the doctor say that rest is the best medicine for her.”

“But she’s been out for two days.”

“She will wake when the time is right.”

Trixie moved slightly on the bed and the two of them stopped talking. She felt someone take hold of her hand.

“Trixie,” Helen said.

“Please open your eyes,” Penelope said.

Trixie struggled for a moment and was successful, wincing against the brightness. When her eyes finally adjusted, Trixie looked at Penelope and the tears came.

“I’m sorry,” Trixie cried. “I told. I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing wrong with telling people things,” Helen said.

Penelope reached up and caressed her cheek, brushing the tears away. “Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t matter anymore. None of it matters anymore.”

“But I told,” Trixie cried. “I ruined it all. He’s going to be angry.”

“He won’t do anything,” Penelope said. “He can’t. Not now. So please don’t worry.”

“I’m sorry,” Trixie cried.

“I know and I forgive you. Everything will be all right in the end, okay?”

Trixie nodded.

“Good. Now why don’t you try to rest some more? We have a couple busy days ahead of us and all of us will need all the strength that we have.”

“Okay,” Trixie hiccupped as she tried to calm down.

“I’ll have someone come up with something for you to eat in a bit.”

“All right.”

Trixie allowed her eyes to close and within moments had sunk back into a dreamless sleep.

Over the next 24 hours, Trixie remained in her room resting. She spent most of her time sleeping, but did wake when a tray was brought to her.

During those times that she was alert, Penelope came in and tried to reassure her that mistakes happen and that she didn’t hold it against her that it had slipped out.

But the words didn’t shake the feeling that she had just sentenced the king, queen and herself to death. She knew as soon as her family from the states left, Ethan would get rid of them. There was nothing she could do and she was afraid to try something as it would make the whole situation worse. She also feared he would go after her friends and she wasn’t going to put them in jeopardy.

The day of the ball arrived and Penelope came to her room with several women who would help her with her hair and makeup and to get dressed.

Trixie sat quietly as they worked, listening to the instructions Penelope gave to make sure Trixie was the most beautiful person at the ball.

She allowed them to work their magic without a fight, knowing they were more experienced than she was in these matters.

By evening, her hair had been pulled in so many directions she felt as if it was all going to fall out. A light layer of makeup had been applied under Penelope’s watchful eye, since she wanted Trixie to keep her “youthful beauty.”

Her gown had been brought to her room and she had slipped it on. She allowed Muriel to secure the buttons. With that task done, Muriel retrieved a small diamond tiara and placed it on her head. She then brought over a single diamond pendant on a silver chain and secured the clasp at the back of her neck.

Trixie look at her reflection in the mirror and was amazed at the transformation. She looked completely different.

“Thank you, Muriel, for all your hard work.”

“You are most welcome, your majesty,” Muriel said. “We will leave you and check on the queen.”

“Thank you.”

Trixie stood in front of the mirror staring unseeingly at her reflection. She was just waiting until she needed to make her entrance.

The only thing going through her mind was making sure she did not fall down the stairs in front of all of the guests.

There was a knock on the door and Trixie knew the time had come. She moved silently to the door and pulled it open. Stepping into the hall, she made her way along the red carpet toward the center staircase. At the top of the stairs, she stopped and gazed down at the people gathered there.

“Introducing Princess Beatrix,” a male voice said above the murmur of the crowd.

Trixie began her descent, her eyes focused on the wall behind the guests. She was aware of everyone bowing as she reached the main floor.

William and Penelope stepped forward and flanked her as they proceeded into the ballroom. There were round tables with chairs close to the walls so the floor was open for dancing. Each table had a floral arrangement of native flowers along with two small candles on top of the blue tablecloths.

At the far end of the bathroom there were three thrones. They made their way to the end and Trixie sat down in the chair beside William.

William said, “Let the dancing begin.”

The music started and couples began floating around the room.

Trixie stared stoically ahead, fighting to keep her emotions in control. She was afraid of what would happen if she let them loose.

“Your majesty, may I have the honor of dancing with the princess?” a male voice asked.

Trixie looked at William as he said, “Of course.”

The man moved to Trixie and bowed in front of her. He took her hand and they moved out onto the dance floor.

A ballad began to play and they glided across the floor. She danced with him for just a few minutes before another man cut in. She went through the motions, not really paying attention to who she was with. She had no idea what the song was, but didn’t seem to care. She was certain it wouldn’t matter in the end.

Trixie was confident that Ethan had heard of her slip up and was planning for the worst punishment possible.

It was some time later when Trixie realized her head was resting on someone’s chest. She lifted her head quickly and looked into a pair of warm blue eyes.

“I think you need a break,” William said. “Come with me.”

Trixie secured her arm in William’s and they moved toward Penelope. He held his hand out and she stood up. The three of them made their way around behind the thrones into a small sitting room.

Once the door was closed, Penelope sank onto one of the couches. William moved over to the table and poured three glasses of water. He handed one to Trixie and Penelope before taking one for himself.

Trixie fingered the glass as she stared into it, unable to drink.

“Come sit down for a few minutes,” Penelope said. “You must be exhausted from all that dancing.”

“I’m okay,” Trixie said quietly.

“Please try to relax,” Penelope said. “Everything will be fine.”

Trixie remained silent as she continued standing with her glass of water.

The door opened and they all turned to see Ethan striding into the room,

“Why are you hiding back here?” Ethan demanded. “People are waiting to dance with the princess.”

“She needed a break,” William answered. “She still isn’t feeling well and we didn’t want to push her to the point of collapse.”

“I don’t care,” Ethan said. “The whole evening could have been avoided, but Princess Beatrix wanted her moment in the limelight. Instead of being out there, she is hiding back here. And that is not good.”

“She’s been out there since she made her entrance,” Penelope said. “She needed a break.”

“I’ll give her a break,” Ethan said, taking a step toward her.

“I’m going,” Trixie said as she set her glass down and made her way toward the door.

She went down the short hallway and returned to the ballroom. Several men quickly approached her and she was dragged out to the center of the ballroom again.

The routine continued for a while. When another song came to an end, her partner bowed and walked away.

As the orchestra began a soft ballad, Trixie looked to see who was going to force his way to the forefront.

Suddenly Jim stepped in front of her and bowed. “May I have this dance?”

Trixie smiled. “I’d be honored.”

As Jim took her into his arms, Trixie thought she heard a gasp from the crowd, but she ignored it. She allowed Jim to pull her close and she nestled her head on his chest. It felt so right to be in Jim’s arms and she did not want the moment to end.

When the music stopped, Jim stepped back, lifted her right hand to his lips and gave it a kiss.

“Thank you, Jim,” Trixie said.

“It was my pleasure,” Jim said.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” came William’s voice behind her. She turned and saw he was standing in front of his throne with Penelope. “Thank you all for coming this evening to celebrate our daughter’s coming of age. It has been a wonderful evening and we are happy you could join us.”

As the guests applauded, Trixie made her way to William and Penelope. She turned so she was facing the attendees.

“And as everyone knows, this is the night that Princess Beatrix will become engaged,” William continued. “As our traditions state, during the ball marking her 16^th birthday, one special song will be played and whoever is dancing with her at that time will be her future husband.”

The crowd began whispering, trying to identify the lucky man.

Trixie saw most of the men were adjusting their ties and brushing the wrinkles off their tuxedo jackets in anticipation of being named her betrothed. She felt ill.

“The gentleman dancing with Princess Beatrix, and now her fiancé is James Winthrop Frayne, the Second, of the United States,” William said.

Trixie’s mouth fell open as she stared at Jim’s shocked face. She couldn’t believe it. She glanced at the rest of the contingent from the states and saw the same expressions. A glance at the Bob-Whites revealed their mouths hanging open. Except for one. Honey’s wasn’t shock, but a smile.

“Thank you all for coming,” William said.

He placed his hand on Trixie’s back and guided her toward the sitting room behind the thrones. They stepped into the room and Trixie turned to them.

“It’s Jim?”

“He was the one who danced with you during the specific song,” Penelope said.

“Did you arrange this?” Trixie asked. “Did you let him know when it would be played?”

“We didn’t,” William said. “We can’t influence the tradition and had no clue who would be the person.”

“The song is different every time and we are told what the song is,” Penelope said. “It just happened to be the last song.”

Before Trixie could comment, they heard a commotion coming from the ballroom. They quickly left the room again.

Stepping into the ballroom, Trixie saw that Ethan had Jim pinned to a table with his hands around Jim’s throat.

“What are you doing?” William demanded.

“This stupid American has ruined everything!” Ethan raved, tightening his hold on Jim.

“Let him go,” Trixie said.

“Be quiet!” Ethan said. “Everything had been planned and he ends up ruining the entire plan. And now because you had to go through with this stupid ball, everything is ruined!  I am not going to let my plans get thrown down the tube.”

“You’re hurting him,” Trixie said.

“He’s getting worse, because he should have listened to what he was told,” Ethan said. “No one was supposed to dance with her for the last dance. If he had just stayed away, then he wouldn’t have to suffer now.”

“He doesn’t know anything about the tradition,” Trixie said.

“What do you mean no one was supposed to dance with her?” William demanded.

“Every male that entered tonight was told that she was not supposed to dance with anyone for the last dance,” Ethan explained.

“Then that would mean no one would be designated as her future husband,” William said.

“Exactly,” Ethan said. “And without a man at her side, she would not be allowed to rule. The crown would be mine.”

“If you want the crown, then take it,” Trixie said. “But let Jim go. He hasn’t done anything to you.”

Trixie started toward Jim and was roughly grabbed by the arm and yanked back. Turning she saw Clarissa standing there, anger in her eyes.

“Don’t try anything stupid or you will pay,” Clarissa said.

“What are you going to do?” Trixie demanded.

“Bring them in!” Clarissa yelled.

They heard footsteps and Trixie turned in time to see the Beldens, Wheelers, Lynches and Dan being ushered into the room. There were 20 guards surrounding them and they all looked terrified.

“What is going on?” Penelope said.

“We are now taking what is rightfully ours,” Ethan said, pressing harder onto Jim’s neck, making him gasp as his face turned red from the lack of oxygen. “When this night is over, word will spread that the young Americans in attendance at the ball had a party of their own afterward and in doing so, caused a fire that destroyed the palace as well as the royal family.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Trixie said.

Ethan reached for one of the brass candelabras on the table. He took it and swung it at Jim’s head, knocking him unconscious, a stream of blood spreading down his head onto the blue tablecloth.

“Jim!” Madeleine exclaimed.

The men fought against the guards and were quickly subdued, being pinned to the floor with a foot against their necks. The women were pushed into a corner by more guards with guns pointed at their heads.

“Do you see what happens when you don’t do as you are told?” Ethan said, turning to face the royal family. He focused on Trixie. “You decided to push the envelope to try to figure out what to do to let William and Penelope keep the title and get rid of me. Well, guess what you stupid little American? You aren’t going to be able to do anything, because there will be nothing left of your body when this evening is over with.”

Trixie felt a sense of strength she thought she had lost fill her body. “Do you really think that I had a plan to make sure you were punished and they would be able to continue on? If you did, then you must be really delusional because I’m 16 years old. How would I know how to do anything like that?”

“Your little innocent American school girl act is old,” Ethan said.

“And you are a liar,” Clarissa said, stepping forward. She reached up and plucked the tiara from Trixie’s head. “You should have been killed when we first stormed the palace years ago. “

“You were behind the uprising?” Penelope asked.

“Of course,” Clarissa said, examining the tiara closely. “Who else would want to throw you out on your duffs? Neither of you are capable of ruling this country like it should be ruled. The true and rightful leaders should be in power.”

“That’s not you,” Trixie said. She reached over and retrieved the tiara from Clarissa’s hand and placed it back on her head. “You’re just power hungry. You don’t have the best interest of the people in mind. You just crave the power that comes with the title and those who depend on you will end up suffering because you really don’t care.”

Clarissa swung her hand out and slapped Trixie in the face, her head twisting to the side.

Trixie turned her head back. The spot on her face stung, but she was not going to dignify Clarissa’s action by touching it. “That just proves what I was saying.”

“How dare you?” Clarissa said.

“What do I have to lose?” Trixie countered. “You and Ethan have this stupid plan to take over and I’m quite sure we’re not to be witnesses to your rule. Why should I stay quiet? I think everyone needs to know how devious you two are and maybe someday, you will get what you deserve for your evil ways.”

Clarissa’s face went red and she charged at Trixie. The two of them took a tumble to the floor and the fists flew. Trixie tried to block several of her punches, but she underestimated Clarissa’s strength and rage as she continually hit Trixie in the head. Several hits slipped through and connected with her ribs. Trixie was able to get a few swings off on her own, but in her weakened condition after being stuck in the dungeon with little food, it was a losing battle.

As one swing connected with the side of Trixie’s head, her head snapped to the side and hit the floor hard. She saw stars and her body went limp. She wanted to fight to keep her eyes open, but she couldn’t. They slowly slid shut and darkness swallowed her as she heard several voices scream.

Trixie slowly moved her head. As she opened her eyes, she realized she was on the floor. Glancing across the room, she saw the others were staring at Jim’s motionless body. She turned her gaze away, unable to look at their faces. She just couldn’t. There was nothing she could say or do that would change what had happened. She had brought them there with the thought that they could help her, but in the end, she had caused them the most grief.

She knew there was nothing she could do to make it up to them. She knew what was to come and she wasn’t going to back down from it.

Trixie lifted her head and took her breath. Her gaze focused on Ethan. “You win. You can have it. I don’t want it. I never meant for anything to happen to him, or to any of them, but I know that I cannot be a leader for this nation. I just hope that when you do take control, you understand the role you need to play and keep the people in mind because they’re the ones that are counting on you.”

“The people of this nation understand me and know that what I do is always in their best interest,” Ethan said.

“Really?” Trixie asked. “Because if what happened here tonight is in their best interest, then I am terrified for the future.”

“Don’t worry about it because you won’t be around,” Ethan said.

He turned and looked at the guards. “Escort them to their rooms so that they can pack. They are leaving tonight.”

“No,” Peter said. “We are not leaving without her.”

“She’s not your daughter, so you don’t get a say in this,” Ethan said as he glanced at his watch. “You have one hour to get ready and then you will be on your way. If you are not packed, too bad.”

The guards ushered them out of the room and Trixie watched them go, glancing over at Jim’s still body. She knew they didn’t want to leave without her, but Ethan was right. Her parents were William and Penelope and she had to stay with them. She could not leave and let them take the punishment that Ethan was preparing to unleash.

Once they were out of the room, the doors to the ballroom slammed shut and Ethan walked past them. He made his way to the throne and sat down.

“So, now that we are alone and those pesky Americans are on their way out, we can take care of this once and for all,” Ethan said pulling out a lighter. He moved over behind the curtains and pulled out several gas cans that had been hidden by the curtains.

“That’s gasoline?” Trixie asked.

“Once the Americans are off the grounds, this place is going up,” Ethan said, returning to the throne again and taking a seat. “And when help arrives, there will be nothing they can do because of the antics of those no-good Americans that killed the royal family, leaving me and Clarissa in charge of this nation. This just shows that the American education is not worth anything.”

“The lessons she’s learned were perfect for her,” William said. “She has a much bigger and better understanding of the world and that is what a true leader needs to have.”

“She won’t be a leader here or anywhere,” Ethan said getting off the throne and walking past them. “She is nothing but a whiny American teenager who has no sense.”

“I have no sense?” Trixie countered.

Ethan spun around to face her. “Yes, you. It amazes me that you have lived this long because you know absolutely nothing. I doubt you could even cook an egg if you had to.”

Trixie saw movement behind Ethan and tried not to look. She didn’t want to give away the element of surprise that they had. She didn’t want to look at Penelope or William figuring that would also blow what they were about to do.

“Do you have idea of where I lived or how I grew up?” Trixie countered.

“I don’t care,” Ethan said.

“I grew up on a farm taking care of chickens and working for what I wanted,” Trixie said. “I know the value of a dollar and don’t take it for granted. I had to help around the house and do chores because that was expected of me. I wasn’t allowed to just lounge about because I was royalty. I was treated like a member of the family. If I got into trouble, I was punished. I was not allowed to get away with anything.”

“Boooorrrring,” Ethan yawned. “That is what the Americans do because they don’t have royalty. But that doesn’t change the fact that you can’t handle authority.”

“And you can’t tell if someone is dead or not,” came a voice behind Ethan.

He spun around to see Jim standing there, alive. Jim swung out with a fist before Ethan could react and caught him in the chin. Ethan’s head snapped back and he hit the floor.

Trixie ran to Jim and hugged him tight. “I’m so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“It’s okay,” Jim said, returning the embrace. He looked past her toward William and Penelope. “We need something to tie him up with.”

“We can use the ties from the curtains,” William said, hurrying toward the window.

“I think there’s some tape in the sitting room as well,” Penelope said and turned to head in there.

As they went to get the items, Trixie looked up and saw the bruise swelling on Jim’s head. “I can’t believe he did that.”

“I’m okay,” Jim said, his voice a bit huskier than Trixie was used to. “But we need to get this taken care of before we can go and get the others.”

“Do you think we can?” Trixie asked.

Jim leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Everything will be all right. But I need your help.”

“I’ll do whatever you need me to do,” Trixie said. “I’m just drawing a blank.”

“Here are the ties,” William said.

“Tie him up, nice and tight,” Jim said. “If you have to, secure his hands and then tie his hands to his feet. That should really and truly keep him from going anywhere.”

As William worked, Penelope returned from the sitting room with a role of tape.

“Will this work?” Penelope asked.

“Absolutely,” Jim said. “Wrap the tape around the rope and that should help hold it even if he comes to.”

When the tape was on, Penelope tore off another piece and placed it over Ethan’s mouth. All three of them looked at Jim. “What do we do with him?”

“Is there anyplace we can hide him in the sitting room?” Jim asked.

“There’s the old closet,” William said.

“Let’s put him in there. That should keep him out of the way while we get to the rest of them,” Jim said.

“All right.”

Jim and William quickly carried Ethan into the sitting room and secured him in the closet so that he was well hidden.

When the door closed, Trixie asked, “What’s the plan?”

“Hopefully Honey was able to get to the others and they’re on their way down here,” Jim said.

“Honey?”

“Let’s just say your partner has been doing a lot of research and has learned a lot of valuable information,” Jim said.

Trixie stood there in stunned silence. She couldn’t believe Honey had done all that. She has a feeling Honey had found out something none of them knew.

The minutes passed as they waited impatiently for the Bob-Whites to appear.

Trixie began to fear something had happened to them, when they ballroom door opened. They all looked to see Brian, Honey and Dan hurrying into the room, dressed in their normal clothes.

Honey ran straight to Jim and grabbed him in a tight hug.

“It’s okay,” Jim said. “You prepared me for what might happen and I’m okay.”

“I was so scared,” Honey said.

“We all were,” Brian said. “But I think now we can make sure this really and truly ends.”

“But how?” Trixie asked. “The guards believe Ethan and Clarissa are in charge. The won’t listed to a word we say.”

“They will with this,” Dan said, pulling out a necklace covered with blue diamonds.

“Where did you find it?” William asked.

“In Ethan’s bedroom,” Dan said with a smile.

“What is it?” Trixie asked, looking confused.

“That is the family heirloom that signifies the entitlement to rule,” William said, taking the necklace from Dan.

“And it is usually kept secured in the family vault where all the precious jewels are kept,” Penelope said.

“Then Ethan went in there and took the necklace so that he could claim the title and rule without opposition,” Honey said.

“It seems so,” William said.

“But now that you have it back, you can rule once again,” Trixie said.

“Unfortunately, it cannot transfer back to someone who has already been a ruler of this nation,” William said.

“Then who is going to rule?” Trixie asked.

“You are,” Penelope said. “You can put this necklace on and order the guards to stand down. They will not disobey the order from someone who is holding the key to the country.”

“I can’t rule,” Trixie said. “I’m only 16 years old. I don’t know enough about the country or how to rule. I can’t do it.”

“If you don’t, any person who walks through the door can claim the necklace and we will be removed from power,” William said. “It could be 10 times worse than what Ethan had planned for us.”

“But I don’t know what to do,” Trixie protested.

“Trixie, you can do whatever you put your mind to,” Jim said, his voice rough. “You may not know everything you need to do as ruler, but I don’t think your parents will just let you do this on your own. They will stay by your side until you are truly ready to do this all on your own.”

“We will help you every step of the way,” William said. “We know this is new territory for you, but you can do this. We have faith in you.”

“You told us to have faith in you as you tried to figure a way to beat them and in the end, it did happen,” Penelope said. “Trust us when we say that you can do this.”

Trixie looked at the two of them and could see the positivity in their eyes that she would be able to do what was to come. She had her doubts, but it seemed as if they were certain she would be able to handle whatever challenge came her way as queen. She knew she needed to put the necklace on and take control. There were a lot of people who were counting on her.

“Will you secure it around my neck?” Trixie asked.

“With honor,” William said.

Trixie turned with her back to him and he lowered the necklace over her head. She felt the cool of the metal touch her neck and waited as he secured the clasp. When it was set, she walked toward the ballroom doors and pushed them open. She then entered the main hallway and turned toward the staircase.

Ahead of her were two guards. She quickly approached them and they looked at her with a start. They quickly snapped to attention when they saw the necklace.

“Call the rest of the guards to come here immediately.” Trixie said.

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” one guard said and pulled out a whistle. There were three soft toots and then it was put away.

There were quick footsteps hurrying through the upper levels and a moment later two dozen guards made their way down the stairs into the main foyer. They stopped at the bottom and quickly stood at attention.

“There is a man in the sitting room that needs to be taken to the dungeon,” Trixie said. “You also need to locate Clarissa and escort her to the dungeon, no matter what.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I also want all of my guests to be invited down to the ballroom.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the head guard said and they quickly dispersed to do her bidding.

Trixie turned to see the others standing by the doorway. “Let’s wait for them inside.”

They returned to the ballroom. Trixie, William and Penelope moved toward the thrones and William ushered Trixie to the one in the center so that he and Penelope could flank her. Brian, Jim, Honey and Dan sat down on the steps in front of them.

No one said anything, just waiting for the others to arrive. They all knew there would be a lot of explaining to do once they all arrived. There would also be a lot of questions.  Trixie just hoped she would be able to answer all of them.

Footsteps were heard in the hall and they all turned to see the rest of the American contingent entering the ballroom.

“Jim!” Madeleine exclaimed when she saw Jim. He got to his feet and met her halfway, giving her a big hug.

“I’m okay,” Jim said. “I’m okay.”

“Son,” Matthew said, taking his turn to give Jim a hug.

“I’m all right, Dad,” Jim said. “He really didn’t hurt me.”

“What a relief,” Matthew said.

“What is going on?” Peter demanded, moving toward them.

“Come sit down and I will try to explain what has happened,” Trixie said.

“Are you all right?” Helen asked.

“I’m okay,” Trixie said.

As everyone gathered a chair and pulled it toward the thrones, Trixie wasn’t sure how she was going to explain the turn of the events as she really didn’t understand it herself. She knew there was one person who knew more than she did and hoped she would be able to explain how everything had come to be.

“I guess you’re all wondering what has happened,” Trixie said. “A lot has changed since you left here. The biggest thing is that I am now the ruler of this nation.”

“What?” Mart asked.

“It’s true,” Trixie said.

“I don’t understand,” Helen said.

“Honey, do you think you can tell us how this all changed?” Trixie asked. “I’m still a bit unclear as well.”

“Sure,” Honey said.

“The other night I went to see Trixie because she just didn’t seem to have her sparkle and I wanted to make sure she was all right. I figured she needed her best friend to talk to. When we were together, Trixie let me know that during the ball there would be a song that would be played that would indicate who her fiancée was since she was not betrothed when she was born. She didn’t tell me much about what the song was or who could be the lucky person. Then she said something that made me worry. She said something about being killed and completely freaked out.”

“That’s when she came to our room,” Helen said.

Honey nodded. “I wasn’t sure what she had meant about being killed, but was certain something wasn’t right. I was able to use my laptop to do some research on the customs here and found out which songs were to signify the impending engagement. I also was able to do some research on Ethan because it seemed as if he was always near Trixie and wanting her to do things or to pull her away when any of us had a few minutes of her time.”

“I noticed he was around a lot too,” Jim said.

“With some searching and some conversations with the locals, it was easy to find out that Ethan has some financial debts and being the first cousin and the next in line should anything happen to King William, Queen Penelope or Princess Trixie, it was easy to conclude that he wanted the title to pay off his debts and to wipe the slate clean.”

“If he wanted to pay off his debts, he could have just asked for the money and we would have given it to him,” Penelope said.

“I don’t think you would have wanted to do that. His debts exceeded millions,” Honey said.

“How did you find out all this?” Brian asked.

“I was able to talk to the right people and they were more than willing to tell me all about the troubles Ethan has gotten into,” Honey said. “The more I learned, the more I realized that Ethan was probably up to no good.”

“Right before the ball, Honey told us that something may go down this evening,” Brian said. “She wasn’t sure what, but that something would happen.”

“I never expected Ethan to go after Jim,” Honey admitted. “That threw me for a total loop.”

“But at least I was able to play possum until everyone was out of the ballroom,” Jim said.

“It definitely surprised Ethan when you came walking up behind him,” William said.

“It surprised all of us,” Penelope admitted.

“But how did you get past the guards to come down here?” Trixie asked.

“Prior to the ball, I told the rest of the Bob-Whites that something was going to happen,” Honey said. “I wasn’t sure what, but had a feeling it wasn’t going to be good. So, when we were heading back to our rooms to pack, I was able to catch Brian and Dan’s eye. We snuck out of rooms through the balcony doors and met down in the garden. We then headed for the ballroom, ready to do whatever we could to make sure that everyone was all right.”

“I just can’t believe you all did this,” Peter said. “I’m just amazed.”

“But that doesn’t explain why we’re here now,” Helen said.

“And where is this Ethan person?” Madeleine asked.

“Ethan is now in the dungeon, along with Clarissa, and they will stay there until they are sentenced for their crimes,” William said. 

“As for why you are here now,” Penelope began. “You were released when the guards realized there was a change in command and that they were to take orders from their Queen.”

“What?” Helen asked.

“I have taken the place as the ruler,” Trixie said and fingered the necklace hanging around her neck. “The guards saw that I was wearing this necklace, and that as tradition dictates, they need to listen to that person because she is the rightful leader and that should they disobey, they could easily be tried for treason.”

“You are the ruler?” Di asked.

Trixie nodded. “This necklace signifies who is in charge and unfortunately, it cannot be passed back to a previous ruler. It can only be passed on to another generation. And that is me.”

“This doesn’t make sense,” Peter said.

“A lot of our customs follow traditions that have been passed down for centuries and we follow them as our ancestors have,” William explained. “We have no control over what has been done, but we need to continue the same path. And now she is queen. A coronation ceremony will be held in a few days where it will become official.”

“What?” everyone asked.

Trixie looked the most shocked. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No, we’re not,” Penelope said. “It is our custom and you will be crowned queen.”

“Does that also mean I have to get married?” Trixie asked, trying not to look at Jim.

“That’s right,” Madeleine said. “You said that Trixie is now engaged to Jim.”

“You will have to get married,” William said.

“No,” Trixie said, standing up and pulling the necklace off. “I am not going to get married. I’m only 16. I don’t know how to rule and I am too young to be married.”

“It is tradition,” Penelope said.

“It’s cruel,” Trixie said. “And I’m not doing it.” She thrust the necklace into Penelope’s hand. “I’m sorry, but it’s not happening. Not now or ever. Jim is my best friend and I’m not going to let you force him or me into something.”

Trixie got to her feet and walked the length of the ballroom. She left the first floor and headed for her bedroom. She had enough of the royalty and was more than ready to return to home. She was not one to have her life played with and that was exactly what it seemed like to her.

TO BE CONTINUED….