Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Prologue
Princess Rules
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
What wondrous adventures are yet to come?
The Secrets of Zen Castle
The Royal Search For Shenanigans
Nita Marie Clark
Illustrations by Kathy Doherty
Copyright Page
The Secrets of Zen Castle
The Royal Search For Shenanigans
Copyright © 2017
By Nita Marie Clark
Illustrations by Kathy Doherty
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
ISBN 978-0-692-93443-2 (E Book) ISBN 978-0-578-19321-2 (Paperback)
A Neat Read Publishing LLC
http://aneatreadpublishing.com
Dedication
This story is dedicated to every young prince or princess that has ever opened a book and thru their imagination become a part of that story. When a reader finishes this story if they have a new respect for the generations that lived before them and how their decisions now affect their lives today, and how their life will impact future generations, I will be very proud to call this work my own.
I also wish to thank my very persistent great grand daughter Lilli who insisted I put my thoughts down on paper. Without her encouragement I would never have fulfilled my dream of becoming an author.
A special thanks to my family and friends for their help in editing this book.
Nita Marie Clark
Prologue
The princess felt her entire body shaking as she hid behind the large flower bed., frozen in fear, with a hundred panicky questions swirling around in her head.
Could she trust her new friend not to give her away? What was going to happen to her if she was discovered? What if she never got home? If she did not get back home, how would her family ever know what happened to her? Why did she believe she could do this?
Tears weld up in her eyes as she considered the consequences of her choice to embark on her big adventure.
Oh my what had she done!
Stop!
Rewind!
We need to start this story at the beginning.
Princess Rules
Princess Rule #1:
Princess Rule #2: A princess always respects and protects her heritage.
Princess Rule #3: A princess always appears calm and in control.
Princess Rule #4: A princess always appreciates those who love and care for her.
Princess Rule # 5: A princess is always seen wearing the appropriate attire.
Princess Rule #6: A princess never gets herself in to a situation, she is not prepared to handle.
Princess Rule #7: A princess never fails to acknowledge acts of kindness.
Princess Rule #8: A princess always trusts her instincts.
Princess Rule #9: A princess knows honesty is always the best policy.
Princess Rule #10: A Princess knows when choosing words to tell the truth, the proper words can keep you from ever telling a lie.
Princess Rule #11: A Princess always believes in herself.
Chapter 1
In The Beginning
Once upon a time, long, long ago in a place far, far away - well, I guess it wasn’t long ago and not really that far away, but all good stories should start that way.
There was a very large and very beautiful castle located on the sunny side of a mountain in the Land Of Zen. Zen was the picture perfect place to live, never too hot or too cold. Ball games and picnics were never rained out, in fact rain only fell in the dark of the night, and never ever during a full moon.
In the land Of Zen lived a very special girl named Lillian this is her story, how the lives of several of her very special ancestors, each from a different century, were interwoven to form a strong bond and how their actions would start Lillian on a marvelous adventure.
So much had changed. A few weeks ago Lillian had just been the granddaughter of the queen, living on the far side of the castle, now she was the daughter of the new king and the first in line to inherit the throne. She soon would be living in the front wing of the castle. It was always the section reserved for the ruling family. It had been assumed the current queen, Queen Katherine would continue her reign for many more years to come, so it came as a complete surprise when she had informed her family she was stepping down, and would become “Queen Mother”.
Princess Lillian kicked off her shoes, breathed a deep sigh of relief, and settled back against the soft leather seat in the limousine. Finally she had a few moments to herself no press, no cameras, and no one watching every move, she could just sit back and enjoy the conversation between the adults. As the limo turned up the drive to the castle the sun was starting to disappear over the mountain creating a lovely hue on the walls of the castle. Lillian’s interest perked up when she heard the head of the castle guard, Captain Coachman saying “You know she really is a grand old lady even if she is over five hundred years old, with five centuries of family history.”
Miss Prudy, Lillian’s nanny, chuckled and added “And a lot of secrets, one big secret is scheduled to be revealed tomorrow, who knows what they will find.”
Lillian drifted off to sleep. Morning seemed to come extra early for Lillian, she loved mysteries and secrets and today there was both. As Lillian got closer to the front of the castle, she could feel the excitement. All of the staff seemed to have found a reason to be in the area today. The door to this suite would be unlocked for the first time in almost ONE hundred years!
This was a historical moment and Lillian wanted to be a part of it. Lillian stood transfixed at the sound of the large metal key as Captain Coachman began to turn it in the lock, she shivered with anticipation as the door was opened. However they soon realized they could not just flip a switch for light, this suite was locked before electricity was run through the castle.
The housekeeping staff began removing the heavy black drapes from the windows to let in light. No one was quite prepared for what they saw.
The room was magnificent, with beautiful murals painted on it’s walls. Lillian was wide eyed as each dust cover was removed from the various pieces of furniture. She knew this was where she was meant to be and Miss Prudy agreed! With a private sitting room and very large bedroom where she could gaze out the
window at the homes in the village below, and imagine the lives of the families living there. She would have the best view of the valley. If she could choose anywhere in the castle, this would be her choice. Here she felt like the princess she was!
It was very unlike Lillian but she was too excited to ask why the door had been locked all those years ago.
In just a few days she was moved into her new quarters. She was unaware her destiny had been set in motion by another young princess, living in this very same room of the castle three hundred years ago. In fact this part of the castle had many mysteries to solve and secrets to share.
Lillian would have rather been a regular girl, where she did not have to be perfect and always watch for any little misstep. She fantasized what it would be like to put on some old jeans, a pair of sneakers and ride her bike, her hair blowing in the wind, down the long curvy driveway. She would stop at the Manor House where her friend Ethan and her very best friend Kammy would be waiting.
They would ride to the park, stop by the ice cream truck, and sit on the soft green grass. They’d listen to the lovely sounds coming from the nearby carousel. The very best part though, she and her friends would spent the afternoon eating hot dogs, and popcorn, and riding the beautiful carousel.
But Lillian knew that probably was never going to happen. But then again, nothing is impossible. Sometimes the impossible does happen.
Chapter 2
So The Adventure Begins
Lillian stepped out into the massive hall, and quietly closed the door behind her, she paused to enjoy the significance of the moment. For the first time in her young life she was going somewhere unattended, no ladies’ maids, or nanny.
Lillian loved this new found feeling of independence. She was finally growing up and ready for the adventures that were awaiting her.
Lillian hummed a little tune as she did a half skip and step down the long hall. She barely noticed the house keeping staff busy polishing the large portraits of her ancestors that decorated the walls, like silent guards to secrets of the past.
Lillian could hardly contain her excitement; she was invited to a private tea with the Queen Mother.
As she entered through the ornate archway, Mrs. Scott, the Queen Mother’s private secretary, motioned for Lillian to accompany her across the room and out onto the balcony overlooking the beautiful green valley below.
The Queen Mother was already seated at the small table, awaiting Lillian’s arrival. Lillian could not stop herself, when she saw the Queen Mother, everything she had been taught about protocol when in the presence of the Queen Mother was forgotten. She ran across the balcony, threw her arms around the Queen Mother, “Oh Grammy, I missed you so much and I’m so happy you are home!” Realizing her mistake she feared the worst, had she just ruined the entire tea? Apparently not, Mrs. Scott and the Queen Mother were laughing with delight.
Still, embarrassed, Lillian stepped back and did a little curtsy while giving her apologies to the Queen Mother for her breach of etiquette.
The Queen Mother assured Lillian, “Oh, sweet girl, I love you too, and to you I will always just be Grammy” With that Lillian gave Grammy another hug, she took her seat at the table happy and ready for a lovely afternoon tea.
Grammy shared stories of her trip, that was designed as a thank you to the leaders of other countries for their friendship and support during her thirty year reign. There were stories of interesting people and exciting places.
However, it was the stories about the history of the castle, that made Lillian sit up right and sparked her imagination. Lillian was surprised to learn that the bedroom she now occupies belonged to her great-great Grandmother Flora and according to Grammy, Lillian looked just like Flora. By the time the tea was over Lillian had a lot of things to think about swirling around in her head!
Princess rule # 2:
A princess always respects and protects her heritage.
Lillian had loved her new bedroom from the moment she stepped through the door. With it’s hand painted murals, the room had a feeling of magic. There was talk of how the room was to be redecorated, however Lillian had insisted that it be left just as it was, she loved it. With the addition of her personal treasures, her favorite books, dolls, and on the nightstand her most prized possession, a very old copy of the princess rules, in it’s beautiful silver frame, made her room complete. The princess rules had been a gift from her grandmother on her eighth birthday, handed down from one generation to the next for centuries. Though the author had been long forgotten, their importance was timeless. The room was perfect, just like living in a fairy tale.
She had a fancy canopy bed and a hand carved vanity with a padded bench. Lillian could sit and gaze into the large oval ornate mirror, oh how she wished it could talk, the wonderful tales it could tell! Lillian now understood why this room felt special, it had been locked in time waiting for a princess just like her. She was sure this had been one of the most wonderful days of her life.
Lillian was a princess, but in someways she was like other kids her age with a nightly routine: dinner, homework, and bath time, all before hugs and kisses and wishes for sweet dreams. When her parents were unavailable all these duties become the responsibility of Miss Prudence Good.
To Lillian though, she was her beloved Miss Prudy. She had been Lillian’s nanny since the day she was born. Over the years, she had become so much more then just a caregiver, she was a trusted friend and confidant. Lillian loved Miss Prudy and she loved Lillian. Miss Prudy always whistled a happy tune as she went about her duties. Those happy sounds could be heard long before she was seen. That sound always gave Lillian a sense of security. Lillian also loved how Miss Prudy would call her Lilli instead of Lillian.
Lilli always laughed when Miss Prudy shared her stories of the misunderstanding of her name. When asked her name, Prudy Good was often mistaken as “pretty good” with a “I did not ask how you were I just need your name.”
Miss Prudy’s reply of “That would be Prudy Good,” always got her in trouble, it sounded like a comedy routine and always made for a fun story.
Lilli felt like a princess as she sat in front of the large mirror, brushing her long hair. She was lost in thought. What was Flora thinking as she had sat here doing the very same thing? Her mind filled with wondrous ideas of what life was like back when Flora was a girl.
She was startled back to reality by the sound of her hairbrush falling to the floor! She soon realized, much to her dismay the only way to reach the brush was to crawl under the vanity on her hands and knees. Feeling the hairbrush in her hand, she started to back out, when suddenly her eyes caught a glimpse of something strange. Why was there a shiny silver ribbon dangling from the small space between the drawer and the back of the vanity?
Giving a gentle tug, she felt the ribbon start to slide forward only for it to stop. The ribbon was attached to something large enough to be have become wedged. Lilli realized this was more than a ribbon, it was attached to something of great importance. Why else would it have been so well hidden? Lilli, shivered with excitement at the thought of what secret treasures she might have uncovered.
This had to have been hidden by great-great Grandmother Flora, more then a hundred years ago. It only took a second for Lilli to decide to wait until she was alone to investigate her new discovery. It was her secret to explore!
Lilli heard Miss Prudy’s happy whistle as she came through the door. Miss Prudy gave Lilli a curious glance. However she was too distracted by the news she just received to show much concern as to why Lilli was sitting on the floor holding her hairbrush.
“Well Lilli,” Miss Prudy began, “I have some news for you. Your cousins from Montanzia are coming to visit, the princes, Ryan and Aidan, and princess Kaylyn, will all be joining you for the Summer Festival.” Lillian squealed with joy! Miss Prudy gave a little shake of her head, having three more royals to keep an eye on was certainly going to be a challenge. Miss Prudy had to smile though, she really did enjoy the c
hildren when they came to visit.
As Lilli climbed into bed she knew this was the time to ask the question that was going in circles in her head, “What do you know about my great-great Grandmother Flora?”
Miss Prudy chuckled, “Well now that is quite a story, way too much to tell to start at this time of night. I will tell you this, she ordered this room be closed and left unoccupied for these last ninety-nine years. Why, now that is still a mystery!” With a “Goodnight” and “Sweet dreams” Miss Prudy closed the door behind her. It only took a few seconds before Miss Prudy reopened the door and continued her conversation as though it had never stopped, “The Castle Historian, he would be the one person most likely to answer your questions.”
Lilli thanked her for the information, as Miss Prudy shut the door. She had not been aware that there was a castle historian, she would have to pay him a visit.
Lilli was certain whatever was hidden in the vanity was placed there by Flora. What was this secret and why did Flora feel the need to hide it?
All of this excitement and wonder was going to make for a long, sleepless night.
Chapter 3
The Treasure
On most mornings, when the sun would come peeking in the window, Lilli would simply roll over, pull the covers over her head and go back to sleep. Today when she opened her eyes she sat up in bed. Did she have the most amazing dream or was yesterday for real? She was wide awake now. No, it wasn’t just a dream, it really happened!
Lilli knew she must get an early start, before the palace staff started their daily chores. Once the staff finished their breakfast, she would have no privacy. She jumped out of bed, quickly pulled the bench out from in front of the vanity. Laying on her back she wiggled herself under the vanity into the center opening, then she gave herself a little push hoping that would get her in reach of her treasure.
Stretching her hand she felt the silky ribbon in her grasp. She gave it a few tugs, but soon realized there was only one way to free her prize. She would have to slide the center drawer a few inches forward.
The Royal Search for Shenanigans Page 1