The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Faerie Tale Collection) by James Jenni

Author:James, Jenni [James, Jenni]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fairy Tales, Twelve Dancine Princesses
Publisher: StoneHouse Ink
Published: 2013-11-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

WHEN ALECK LOOKED UP to see the footman approaching him, the surprise he felt was nothing compared to the man’s words.

“His Royal Majesty wishes to speak with you in his study immediately.”

Aleck wanted to ask a few questions, but was too nervous. He was not sure it would be proper. Instead, he set his tools down, brushed his hands upon his trousers, and silently followed the footman back in the castle.

He had only been inside once before, and it was when he was much younger. The grandness of Princess Casey’s home was overwhelming. He attempted not to overly gawk as he walked past marble pillars and lavish draperies and furnishings.

Briskly, the servant made his way up the grand staircase. Aleck stayed close. As they turned into the hall, curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, “Why not the servants’ stairs? I am not dressed well enough to wander down these corridors. What if someone were to see me?”

The man paused and looked down his nose at Aleck before stating simply, “The king has requested that you be treated as a guest.” He then turned on his heel and marched toward a door at the far end of the hall.

Aleck paused before following the man. A guest. A guest? What was happening? His heart pounded as he made the last few steps toward the room where the footman was even now announcing his presence to the king. When he heard the king’s positive response, he walked in and bowed before the man seated behind a large chiseled desk. “Your Majesty.”

“So you are the young man my daughter is convinced can help us?” the king asked.

“I, uh—yes. At least, I would be happy to try.”

The king nodded. “Good. Being willing to attempt such a thing is half the battle.” He pointed to a chair. “Please, sit down, young man. What is your name again?”

“Aleck Littleham, Your Majesty,” he said as he sat in a chair across the desk from the king.

The king leaned forward, placing his elbows upon the gleaming surface in front of him. “Do you fully understand what it is that we are asking you to do?”

“I believe so. I have been puzzling over this greatly for nearly a week now, since your daughter first mentioned it to me.”

The king inhaled sharply at the word “daughter,” but did not say anything.

Aleck continued, “The princesses have awoken each morning to ruined dancing slippers and swollen feet. They believe they have been dancing all night, but have no recollection or knowledge of doing so.” His legs began to bounce as he became excited. “But you see, I do wonder if it is more than just your family suffering such happenings.”

The king’s eyebrows rose and Aleck thought it best to explain before the man assumed he was responsible for it all. “Your daughter mentioned cousins who were experiencing the same thing.”

“Did she, now? And when did you speak with her about this?”

Aleck swallowed. “A few days back. She found a letter of her aunt’s written to you and was concerned.

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