Lilli pushed with all her might, but she knew the drawer was way to heavy to be moved from the position she was in on the floor. As she crawled out from under the vanity and got to her feet there came a knock on her door.
The head of housekeeping popped her head in giving the customary twenty minute notice for the serving of the Traditional Royal Family Sunday breakfast. Lilli felt a twinge of disappointment.
At least she did not have to explain what she was doing on the floor under the vanity. Imagining that made Lilli giggle. She quickly dressed and rushed to join the others. Not being on time would be very impolite and was frowned upon. However as she walked down the long hall towards the dining room, Lilli paused and looked at the large portraits lining the wall.
She now looked at them with a new interest. For the first time Lilli realized each one had a life and each had their own story to tell. Lilli could not help but take a couple of extra minutes and stare at the portrait of Queen Flora. She was a beautiful lady. Who was Flora and why had she created this mystery? Lilli could hardly wait to have those secrets revealed.
Pulling herself back to reality, Lilli rushed into the dining hall. The servants were just entering, carrying large silver trays stacked high with enough food, tea, and coffee to serve everyone seated at the table.
She breathed a large sigh of relief, as she took her seat at the table. She had made it, just in the nick of time.
Scanning the room, Lilli noticed Grammy was not in her seat, nor was she anywhere in the room. This was Sunday breakfast, all the royals were expected to be here. She was more then just disappointed, she was completely annoyed. She had planned on getting some more details regarding Queen Flora. Now her questions would have to wait.
Lilli had just taken the first bite of her breakfast when Mrs. Scott entered, stopping behind the Queen Mother’s seat. She was there to issue an apology for the Queen Mother’s absence. There were very important matters that demanded her attention. Mrs. Scott then continued around the table, straight to where Lilli was sitting. She placed a white envelope by Lilli’s plate, then quickly walked back around the table and out of the room.
Lilli felt all eyes on her. She tried to stop her hands from shaking and appear calm, as if this was no big deal. Regaining her composure she slowly opened the mysterious envelope and read the message:
Lilli still felt all eyes glued on her, she refolded the note and slipped it back in the envelope. Glancing around the table she flashed her best princess smile and returned to her meal.
Princess Rule #3:
A princess always appears calm and in control no matter the situation.
What was so important that it had caused the Queen Mother to not attend her traditional Sunday breakfast and summon Lilli to her quarters?
Lillian was nervous as she entered Queen Mother’s study. She was very surprised to see Grammy, Mrs Scott, and Miss Prudy in a video conference with her parents who were in Switzerland on royal business. Her heart filled with joy! She really missed them. It made her happy to see their faces and hear their voices, at that moment her parents didn’t seem so far away.
No wonder Grammy had skipped breakfast! This was more important. During the next few minutes they caught up on all the exciting events of the last few days.
Lilli’s mother had a special message, “We will not be returning as scheduled. The conference on Climate Change and World Hunger has been rescheduled and will require an extension of our trip. To make things a little less boring Lilli has our permission to invite a friend for a sleepover.”
Lilli’s response, “I want Kammy to come over!”did not surprise anyone. Mrs. Scott’s daughter Kammy had been Lilli’s best friend since they were infants.
The King had another message for his mother the queen, “Concerning the other matter we agree Queen Flora would approve of Lilli as the recipient of her special legacy. It’s time to fulfill Queen Flora’s request, so we can all share in this great moment!”
Lilli had noticed a strange small wooden box on the desk when she arrived. It was definitely out of place. Grammy began to share an amazing story. Queen Flora herself had entrusted this box to Grammy, with orders to keep it safe and unopened. The contents of the box were to become the property of the princess who was to occupy the room that Queen Flora had ordered sealed, after the ninety ninth year, but before the beginning of the one hundredth year, but like most great stories, there is always a catch.
The princess to receive this legacy must have demonstrated imagination, confidence, loyalty, kindness, and appreciation of her heritage and country.
Grammy spoke as she moved the wooden box towards Lilli. “We know it was meant for you. You possess all of the necessary traits to pass Queen Flora’s test. It is time we fulfill Queen Flora’s wishes.”
Lilli trembled with anticipation as Mrs. Scott ran a letter opener across the royal seal and around the edge of the lid. It seemed to take forever. With shaking hands and a pounding heart Lilli opened the box and looked inside. Much to her delight there was an antique music box. She gently placed it on the desk, slowly lifted the lid and listened to it’s lovely melody. Lilli could hardly believe her eyes, there was more! Inside the music box was a small red velvet box, tied with the same shiny silver ribbon that was under the vanity!
Lilli was so excited she could hardly breath. She seemed frozen in time, Grammy came to the rescue, opened the box and removed a beautiful heart shaped locket. She placed it around Lilli’s neck.
Lilli felt embarrassed by the tears welling up in her eyes. As she raised her head, she saw the look of love and pride on the faces of her parents. She could not have felt more loved! Even from half way around the world, they were here to share this special moment. Everyone knew that this would be a memory to last a lifetime. Wiping tears from their eyes, they each gave their regrets that the call must come to an end.
Lilli clutched the music box tight in her arms as she and Miss Prudy walked back towards their quarters. As though it had been planned they both stopped in front of Queen Flora’s portrait.
Lilli stared at this lovely lady, that had suddenly become such an important part of her life. She gave a gasp when she saw the object in Queen Flora’s left hand, it was the locket! As they finished the walk, neither Lilli or Miss Prudy said a word. Lilli had way too many questions to know where to start!
Lilli sat down in her favorite chair still holding the precious music box, almost as if she was afraid it would disappear if she let go. Miss Prudy, was well aware that Lilli needed some time alone to think about everything that had taken place.
Miss Prudy gave Lilli a hug and said “You know all secrets are eventually revealed in time” Miss Prudy excused herself, leaving Lilli deep in thought.
Unclasping the locket, Lilli gently removed it from around her neck. She slowly opened it and discovered a small gold key inside which she examined carefully. What did it all mean and how would she ever figure it all out?
Lilli did need time to think. She closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair. She was so tired, it had been an exciting but exhausting couple of days.
Chapter 4
Treasure Retrieved
Lilli sat up in the chair, how long had she been asleep?
That question was soon answered. Miss Prudy was sitting in her rocker enjoying her afternoon tea. Upon seeing her there Lilli was filled with a strong sense of security. Even though her parents could not always be there with her, there were always people around to love and care for her, Lilli was a very lucky girl.
Princess rule #4:
A princess always appreciates those who love and care for her.
It only took a few minutes and Lilli was being served a late lunch. She had been too nervous to eat much at breakfast, after sleeping through lunch she was starved. Lilli’s mind kept going back over all of the events of the past two days. She was eager to get back under the vanity. What was she going to find? How soon was she going to have the time by herself to do the search? Someti
mes opportunity seems to appear right when it is needed the most!
With a knock on the door, came a request for Miss Prudy to meet with the rest of the castle staff. There were plans to be made and details to be covered before the arrival of the royals of Montanzia.
Lilli finally was alone. Time to remove the mysterious object from the vanity. She twisted and turned until she was beneath the vanity drawers.
Realizing she would have to slide them forward to reach what was hidden, she scrambled out and tugged at the bottom drawer until it was on the floor beside her. Then she noticed something strange, the end of the top drawer could be moved forward as to provide a false back and a perfect place to hide things.
Lilli slowly slid the drawer forward, then stopped. She did not want to damage her treasure.
Once again she wiggled back under the vanity, this time the prize was in her hands. A soft white leather satchel embossed with the royal seal and the name “Flora” written in gold. Lilli could hardly stop shaking as she slowly untied the silver ribbon wrapped around the satchel.
Hearing the familiar sounds of Miss Prudy’s whistle. She quickly returned everything back to their original places and hid the satchel under the bed, just as Miss Prudy came through the door. Again Flora’s secret would have to wait. But step by step it was getting closer for Lilli to solve.
The evening seemed to move very slowly. Lilli could hardly wait until bedtime. Then she could open the satchel and see what was so important to Flora that she had created this mystery.
Finally it was bedtime. Lilli was so excited, it was like the night before Christmas, when all was quiet through the house and not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. It was time to investigate her treasure!
Chapter 5
History Lesson
Lilli gently untied the silver ribbon, broke the royal seal, opened the satchel, and removed an envelope addressed to:
Lilli was awe struck as she read the following words:
At the bottom of Queen Flora’s letter was a curious drawing of golden hand prints and a dragon. Were these more clues?
Lilli sat cross legged on the floor clutching the letter tightly against her chest. She was completely flabbergasted! With a quick start she jumped to her feet, she had to call Kammy. As she reached for the phone Lilli realized it was midnight, she couldn’t call Kammy. It would have to wait until she came for the sleepover tomorrow.
Lilli sat back down and reopened the satchel. She removed the small book of poetry that had once belonged to Ruth. Tucked inside she found a list of important facts and details of a hidden kingdom. The list stressed the importance of a magic golden key. This key had once been the only way to enter the Land Of Shenanigans. However a century before Ruth, there were steps taken to provide another source of magic, shavings from the handle of the key had been melted down and redesigned.
However the gold key was vital, without it a visit could only last three hours and it was need for ceremony that breaks the spell that exiled the kingdom. Ruth wished she could share more information, but she could not. However Ruth was confident that at the right time those secrets would be revealed to the Special Princess of Zen. Also included was the instructions needed for the ceremony; to end the spell, but not a clue about the location of, or how to get through the magic entrance. Lilli knew it must be in one of the castle walls, but which one and how would she know where to place her hands to open the door?
Lilli tried to sleep but dozens of questions kept popping up in her head. Especially about Ruth. Why was it so important that her story be included in the letter? Could the locket play a part, and if so what? Lilli fell asleep, with dreams of a great adventure on her mind.
Chapter 6
The Summer Festival Committee and a Sleepover
When Lilli awakened the sun was shining brightly through her window, lighting up the painting on the west wall of her bedroom. Through sleepy eyes Lilli stared at the mural. She could not help but notice a ray of sunshine that seemed to be brighter then all the rest. She scrambled out of bed for a closer look. The answer she had been looking for was in plain sight. There it was! Golden hand prints and a dragon just like the one on the bottom of Flora’s letter. On the bottom corner of the mural Lilli saw this inscription:
This had to be it, but when would it be the magic time to go through the entrance and how could she have unsupervised time to investigate? Lilli knew this was going to be tricky!
The sound of Miss Prudy’s whistle could be heard long before she rushed in with a quick, “Good morning and why aren’t you dressed Miss sleepy head?” She continued without a pause, “Kammy and Ethan are on their way, why they could be here already so get dressed. You can’t greet them in your pajamas!”
Princess rule # 5:
A princess is always seen wearing the appropriate attire.
Miss Prudy was out of the room as quickly as she had entered. Lilli wondered why was Kammy here so early? She was scheduled to arrive after lunch, and why was Ethan with her?
Within a few minutes Lilli was dressed and welcoming her two friends, who immediately apologized for being early and for their attire, jeans and backpacks. Kammy, Ethan, and his father, Captain Coachman, had just started a hike up the mountain when Captain Coachman had been summoned back to the castle.
The Queen Mother’s Summer Festival Committee was in a panic. The original theme planned had been canceled. Many of the exhibits used by the keynote speakers had been damaged in a wind storm. An alternative plan had to be chosen immediately. As head of security the Captain’s input was essential.
Lilli squealed with delight. She begged Miss Prudy to call Grammy. If Grammy’s Summer Festival Committee needed a new theme, Lilli wanted to be a part of that meeting! She had an idea to share.
In few minutes Lilli, Kammy, and Ethan were being led into the committee meeting.
For just a few seconds Lilli felt butterflies in her stomach. Maybe she should have given this more thought! Too late now, Grammy was introducing her to the committee. It sounded strange to hear Grammy saying, “It is my honor to introduce, The future Queen of The Land Of Zen, Princess Lillian”
Lilli could feel her legs shaking but she had some thing special to share, and she was going to do it!
Clearing her voice and as queen like as she could, Lilli explained her wonderful plan for the Summer Festival. Lilli felt the words just rolling off her tongue, “For two hundred years the Summer Festival has honored the grown ups. This year let us honor the future of our country. Let us honor the children of Zen, with “A Practically Perfect Pretend Parade.” The children of the town could dress in their favorite costumes and march from the carousel in the park up the long drive to the castle. Take rides in the royal carriages, play games, attend a royal feast, and then at night have a royal ball. All just for the children.” By the time Lilli finished, she was completely out of breath.
It was quiet for a few seconds, then she heard the clapping. All the committee members were standing and clapping. But the thing Lilli noticed the most was the look of pride and approval on Grammy’s face. Even on short notice the theme would be quite easy to plan. Lilli had solved the crisis and the meeting was adjourned.
Captain Coachman and Ethan left the castle to continue the hike, Ethan’s mind was not on the hike, he had too many questions regarding his friend Lilli.
Lilli was formulating plans for the Summer Festival as she, Kammy, and Miss Prudy walked back the long hallway to Lilli’s quarters. Kammy had been very quiet, then suddenly she stopped and looked at Lilli, as if she was seeing her for the first time. When they had entered the meeting Lilli was just her friend but when they left, Kammy realized Lilli was her future Queen!
The two friends spent the day packed with fun activities, riding lessons, a picnic by the lake, and then an evening spent gazing at the stars in the Observatory. Lilli loved looking at the stars through the telescopes but the information Lilli found most interesting was that in two days there would be a full moon
!
Something written in the back of Ruth’s book of poetry flashed in Lilli’s mind.
Was that the magical time to enter The Land of Shenanigans? She was sure going to find out.
Kammy and Lilli were almost too tired to enjoy their very favorite Pizzalo’s pizza and they were both fast asleep before the end of the movie, the one they had spent a long time choosing. It had been a very busy day!
The sleepover ended very early the next morning much to both girls disappointment. Kammy had to leave for her annual trip to visit her grandmother.
Lilli was glad that her sleepover had been so much fun, even if there had been no time to share her new found secret with her best friend. However when Kammy returned in two weeks Lilli was sure she would have the mystery solved, and have quite a story to tell.
Chapter 7
And the Adventure Continues
Princess rule #6:
A princess never gets herself into a situation she is not prepared to handle.
Lilli’s brain was going a mile a minute. As it had been written “the magic time” was in just two days.
Lilli sat at her desk making a list of things she might need if she was going to the Land Of Shenanigans. She had to go prepared. She did not want to reveal her identity, so first thing on her list was a disguise. Lilli looked though her large wardrobe for anything she might use, it was impossible! Everything looked like a princess. Getting a disguise without raising suspicions was impossible.
Frustrated, Lilli was beginning to think there was just no way this adventure was going to happen! The very sad and disappointed princess walked across the room to look out her widow at the view of the village below. Much to her surprise the answer to her dilemma was setting in plain sight, Kammy’s backpack!
The Royal Search for Shenanigans Page 2