I didn't go to school the next day.  James had knocked on the door, but I had ignored it.  

I didn't have time for school.  I needed the whole day to plan.

Step-mother.  If only she knew who was coming to her house every day.   She would flip.

The ship would arrive around sunset.  The Jackal would probably attack thirty minutes before, when the ship was far enough from shore.  That would mean I needed a boat.

I sighed.

James could have gotten me a boat.  But he would never disobey his father.  I would have to get a boat from somewhere else.

I decided to take a walk through the forest.  That's where I usually solved the toughest of problems.

I was thinking about how bad it would be to steal a boat, when I ran into something solid.  At first I thought it was a tree, but when I looked up I saw James staring down at me.

I groaned, turning around and walking away from him.

"Lily, wait!" he called after me.

I kept walking.

"Please! I talked to my father and he listened," he continued. "He decided to look into the ship coming in from Cassandora, and he saw that there is going to be a prisoner on that ship."

"I told you," I mumbled, quickening my pace.  He jogged to keep up with me.

"He's taking a chance with you," James said. "He agreed to use your idea."

"I'm honored," I replied sarcastically.

"He'll supply you with anything you need. He's also requested audience with you."

"When?" I asked.

"As soon as possible. He wishes to be prepared."

"I guess we'll go now," I replied.

James smiled and lead me in the opposite direction. 

King Henry was in the throne room, seated on the highest, fanciest chair I had ever seen.  The crown on his head was larger than the bucket of water I used to wash in.

His wife sat in the chair next to him, her attire similar in riches.  I could tell most of James' features had come from her.  She had golden eyes and golden hair, but she was petite and much smaller than her husband and son.

"You should curtsy," James whispered to me.

If I hadn't needed that boat so badly I would have run out of there right now.  

Curtsy?  

Did I even know how?

I bent my knees and dropped into the most ungraceful curtsy.  

Yes, I could take down five men twice my size with one hand tied behind my back, but curtsy?  I was lucky I didn't fall over.

"Thank you for coming, Miss Petronelladaughter," the king said.

"Thank you for having me," I replied politely.  

I nearly vomited inside.  It was a miracle I was keeping myself together so well.

"I have spoken to my son, and I have decided that we will consider your idea," the king said.

"Do I explain it to him?" I whispered to James.

"You have to walk closer and kneel in front of the throne," James whispered back.

"Do I have to?" I hissed.

"If you don't want to end up in the dungeons," he replied seriously.

"Wow, your father is dramatic," I said a little too loudly.  I walked forward before James could answer.

I kneeled before the king, not bothering to lower my head.

"You may speak," the king said.

"The ship from Cassandora will arrive at sunset," I began. "Thirty minutes before it docks, it rests far from shore. Small boats will probably go to and from it but nothing major. I think this is the perfect time for a prison raid. They are far enough from land where they can't get help, but not too far off in the middle of nowhere that it is difficult to reach.

"The Jackal will probably arrive in between the small boats. If they need to get rid of anyone, they can just throw them overboard. We need to stop them, or they will probably end up killing a lot of people, not to mention releasing that prisoner."

"May I ask what that prisoner is locked up for?" James asked from behind me.  

He was probably asking for his father, who was too proud to ask the question himself.

"I heard he was murderous criminal. I think he was being sent to Ajal to be locked up for life," I replied.

"Isn't Ajal that island for the worst of criminals?" James inquired. "Being sent there is worst than death, isn't it?"

"I've never been," I answered. "And I plan to keep it that way."

"So, we know this prisoner is a really bad guy," James concluded. "So how did he get the map in his head?"

"It was probably passed down from his ancestors," I replied. "I heard his family was the first to discover the mine."

"Miss Petronelladaughter," the king commanded. "Share with us your plans and the supplies you will need."

"Alright," I replied.  

I explained all of my plans to them.  I gave them as much inside information as I could supply.  I also told them what supplies we needed, how many men, and what kind of men.  I was surprised at how well the king listened.  He didn't veto any of my ideas or question any of my decisions.

"Is that everything?" King Henry asked once I had finished.

"I believe so, Your Majesty," I replied.  I couldn't believe I was gathering enough respect to call him, Your Majesty.

I quickly shook the thoughts away.

"Then you are dismissed," the king said. 

"Do please stay for dinner," Queen Mary insisted, speaking for the first time.

"I must be getting home," I replied, dipping into another awful curtsy. "I'm already later than my step-mother expected."

"We can send a messenger on our quickest horse," the queen said quickly. "Your step-mother won't have a minute of time to worry."

"I don't--" I began.

"Please stay," James pleaded next to me. "You won't regret it. Our chef is the best in all seven kingdoms."

"Alright," I consented. "But I can't stay too long."

The queen sat up excitedly. "Then we haven't a moment to lose!" she exclaimed, rushing toward me.

I took a step back. "What do you mean?" I asked hesitantly.

"Well you can't go to dinner dressed like that," Queen Mary replied.

"What's wrong with this?" I questioned, pointing to my outfit.

The queen simply shook her head.  Before I could say another word, she grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the door.

I stared at James with wide eyes and mouthed, "Help me!"

He just laughed.  But I thought I saw a tinge of sympathy in his golden eyes.

The queen led me down what felt like thousands of halls before she stoped in front of a large door.  She opened it and I gasped when I saw what was inside. 

It was even more extravagant than the one I had stayed in while I was recovering.  It was everything I imagined for a princess's bedroom.  The canopy bed was draped in colorful silks and fabrics.  The beautiful carpet matched the pink walls with gold accents.  But the most wonderful part of the room was the enormous window looking out into the royal gardens.  I rushed toward it and stared out.  There were all kinds of flowers and butterflies and the golden sunshine lit up every dark part of it.  There was a pathway through it that led to a pretty little bench.  A perfect spot to watch the beautiful nature.

The queen set me down in front of a fancy, white vanity with intricate engravings and golden accents.  A china vase with sweet smelling roses sat in the center.  

I turned away from the mirror before I could take a look at myself.

"I'll be right back," the queen told me and rushed toward a walk-in closet.  I didn't get a very good look at it, but it seemed endless.  

When she came back she was holding two large, extremely fancy gowns.

"Are those for me?" I questioned in horror.

"Of course!" the queen replied. "Which one do you like better?"

"Neither!" I exclaimed.

The queen frowned. "You don't? These were my favorite pick."

"Can I choose?" I asked.

"I suppose," she replied.  She led me into the walk-in closet, and I took a step back.  My eyes were blinded by all the gold and jewels.

"You may use whatever you want," the queen said. "I will send a maid in to help you get ready!" She left before I could protest.

A maid?  Just to help me get dressed?

I sifted through the assortment of fancy dresses, cringing at their extravagance.

"Is nothing of your liking?" a voice asked behind me.

I jumped.

"So sorry to have scared you," the voice said.

I turned around. "That's quite alright," I told the young girl before me.  She was wearing a maid's uniform and a white bonnet.  She didn't look older than thirteen.

"I'm Greta," the girl introduced.

"I'm Lily," I replied, shaking her hand. "I can't find anything wearable."

She laughed.  It sounded like little bells.  I couldn't help laughing with her.

"You're different," Gretta said suddenly.

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"You treat me like a friend. Not someone of lower status than you," she replied. 

"I don't think you are a lower status."

"Well, you aren't treating me like I'm not a human being."

"Of course! Does no one else treat you like this?"

She shook her head. "They usually don't talk to me--except for orders."

"That's terrible."

"It's alright," she said quickly. "Now let's find you a dress to wear. Dinner begins in less than and hour and the king does not excuse tardiness."

A/N Thanks for reading! Please don't forget to comment! Thanks!

Ciao,

SiSi