Born to Rule

you know what?”
    “What?” Zelenka said weakly.
    “They never cheat again.”
    “We didn’t cheat, and there are no crocodiles here,” Morwenna said smugly.
    “I’m sure we can arrange something,” Kinna said. Then she turned and walked away.

Chapter 14
    CASTLED!

    The following evening the three princesses of the South Turret slid into their places in the Great Hall with their hair still slightly damp from swimming. They had been practicing hard for the swimming meet. Gundersnap and Alicia had both learned how to swim very quickly and would be competing against the Crimsons in their B-1 level. Even having tied the canoe races, they were still behind the Crimsons.
    It seemed as if everywhere one turned in the castle, there was either a banner or a hanging scroll announcing the score for the Color Wars. The end of the first session would arrive soon, and tensions were mounting. All the campers talked about were the upcoming competitions.
    The Duchess of Bagglesnort was, unfortunately, at their table, and she did not approve of sports talk during meals. She gave the girls a sharp look. “I would expect wet hair from Her Royal Frogginess,” she said, glancing at Princess Myrella, “but not from you three.”
    Why was she always picking on the tiny princess? Alicia thought. This has to stop. But do I really have the nerve, she wondered. Or am I just a puffball princess? Yes, I have the nerve. I am no puffball princess. I was born to rule! She stood and pulled herself up to her full height. Her full height was not all that tall, but still she looked regal and every inch a princess.
    “Duchess of Bagglesnort, your cruel words, spoken to the gracious and honorable Princess Myrella of the Kingdom of the Marshes, were hurtful, perhaps by accident—yes, I am sure by accident. Please, Your Grace, tell the Princess Myrella that you did not mean to hurt her.”
    A tide of red color began to rise beneath the powder on the duchess’s cheeks. A hideous transformation swept across her face. Her eyes became angry slits.
    “Sit down, Princess,” the duchess hissed at Alicia.
    “I prefer to stand,” Alicia said quietly.
    “Suit yourself.” The Snort’s voice had a deadly edge. “I will tell you, Princess, that you have no idea what my intentions were, are, or shall be. But I will say this: The Duchess of Bagglesnort does not do anything accidentally. How dare you, a mere child, tell me what to do? I am your superior.”
    “You are my superior in age, but not in rank. May I remind you that a princess always outranks a duchess.”
    Hatred oozed from the slits of the duchess’s eyes. “You are castled!”
    “Castled?” Alicia said with disbelief.
    “Indeed, for the remainder of this session.”
    The members of the Purple team gasped. Short of being sent back to one’s kingdom, being castled was the worst and most humiliating punishment there was at Camp Princess. It meant that a princess could not leave the stone confines of the castle, so all outdoor activities were forbidden. And when she was not at an activity, she had to remain in her turret. This was a real blow to the team. Alicia’s bird might not be singing, but she had proved herself a strong paddler and was a crack falconer. The Purples needed her.

Chapter 15
    BIRD, BOOK, AND SPIRIT

    “I shall protest, my dear! I believe it is sheer nonsense that you should be castled.”
    “But that’s not the only thing, Lady Merry,” Alicia said. “Poor Myrella. It’s not only the Snort—I mean, the Duchess of Bagglesnort—who picks on her. It’s her turretmates as well.”
    “Which turret is she in?”
    “North.”
    “Oh, yes, a difficult group of princesses. But you know, my dear, changing turrets is nearly impossible during a session. Perhaps we can hope for next session, but not this one. But now quick, child, bring me my lap desk and writing tools. We’re going straight to the Queen Mum. I know she will be most sympathetic.” Lady Merry drew her hanky from the bodice of her dress and began wiping her brow.
    “Gilly, call my corset maid to come and loosen my stays. I can’t write all trussed up like a stuffed goose. Got to get blood to the old brain. Now, don’t you worry, dearie. We’ll have you back in action shortly.”
    At least I told Old Snorty a thing or two, Alicia thought as she returned to her bedchamber. Gilly had just finished helping her out of her many layers of clothes. Alicia had stood still as a statue as Gilly fussed