The Perfectly Proper Prince by Suzanne Williams Read Free Book Online

of everyone, Jerome gave Gabriella a great big kiss on the lips.
    Â 
    The wedding date was set for the next week to give Jerome’s parents and younger brother time to travel to Zamora. His family was overjoyed to find out that he was still alive. Whenthey arrived, there were lots of hugs and kisses and tears as Jerome’s parents greeted their long-lost son and future daughter-in-law.
    As Lysandra and her friends waited to be introduced, Elena pointed to the handsome young man shaking hands with Jerome. “That must be Jerome’s brother,” she said.
    Lysandra nodded. “Gabriella says Jonathon was only four the first time she and Jerome were engaged.”
    â€œHe must be thirteen now,” said Tansy.
    â€œHe’s very good-looking,” said Fatima in a dreamy sort of voice.
    Just then, Jonathon looked up and saw the princesses. He smiled and came toward them.
    Fatima blushed. “I hope he didn’t hear what I just said,” she whispered.
    The princesses introduced themselves. Then Jonathon said, “This is a beautiful place. I’d sure like a tour.”
    Lysandra grinned. “I bet Fatima will take you. She’s got a flying carpet. From the sky, you can see all over the grounds.”
    Jonathon’s face lit up. “I’ve never been on a flying carpet before. Would you mind?” he asked Fatima.
    Fatima blushed again. “I’d be happy to take you.”
    After Fatima and Jonathon had gone, theprincesses went up to Lysandra’s room. It was over an hour before Fatima rejoined them.
    â€œHave a good time?” Lysandra teased.
    Fatima smiled. “Mm-hmm.”
    â€œFind out much about him?” Elena asked.
    Fatima nodded. “He’s really interested in magic. He’s been studying with a wizard for a year, and already he can do small transformations.”

    â€œLike what?” asked Tansy.
    â€œWell, after we landed, we went to the kitchen. He changed a cooking pot into an apple for me.”
    â€œHow did it taste?” Lysandra asked.
    Fatima made a face. “A bit like iron.”
    The princesses laughed. Lysandra looked forward to getting to know Jonathon better. After all, once Jerome and Gabriella were married tomorrow, she and Jonathon would almost be family.

12
A Sweet Ending
    H UNDREDS OF PEOPLE CAME TO THE WEDDING the next afternoon—nobles and villagers alike. Lysandra had invited Jack Flack, but she’d made him promise to leave the other guests’ purses alone.
    It was a pleasantly sunny day. The ceremony took place on the stage that had been built for the talent show. The rosebushes were in full bloom, and garlands of white gardenias woundaround the stage’s pillars. Gabriella wore a gown with an embroidered silk bodice and a lacy train sparkling with diamonds. To Lysandra she looked like a beautiful white butterfly.
    After the ceremony Lysandra spotted Owen in the crowd of guests. He gave her a nasty look and started to walk toward her.
    â€œOh, great,” said Tansy. “Here comes trouble.”
    But before Owen could reach them, Jack Flack stepped into his path. Owen turned pale, then bolted away. Jack smiled at Lysandra and tipped his hat.
    At the wedding feast Gabriella was positively glowing as she sat beside Jerome. The Royal Chef had outdone himself. The buffet table groaned under huge roasts of beef and pork, and platters of fish and vegetables. A gigantic silver bowl of fruit, as well as a great slab of cheese, stood in the center.
    As Lysandra helped herself to the asparagusin white sauce, she glanced toward Gabriella. She smiled to see the large helping of boiled cabbage on her sister’s plate.
    Jugglers and tumblers entertained the guests as they ate. They put on a splendid show. Balls whizzed through the air, narrowly missing the guests. And at one point, the boy at the top of a human pyramid toppled into a punch bowl.
    Out of the corner of her eye, Lysandra saw Jonathon