The Perfectly Proper Prince by Suzanne Williams Read Free Book Online Page A

sneaking peeks at Fatima. “I think he likes you,” Lysandra whispered. Fatima blushed.
    When the banquet was over, the guests began to leave. Jerome’s family was leaving too. Jerome and Gabriella would be going with them, but riding ahead in their own carriage.
    Lysandra felt a pang of regret for all the times she’d wished her sister gone. She hugged Gabriella through the carriage window. “I’ll miss you,” she said.
    Gabriella hugged her back. “We’ll still seeeach other,” she promised. “I’ll be back to visit three or four times a year. And we’ll find a time to chat at least once a week through the Crystal Ball Room.”
    Â 
    That night the princesses decided to have a midnight picnic and one last flying carpet ride. Sneaking down to the kitchen in their nightgowns, they packed a basket with bread and cheese, olives, custard, almonds, and cider.
    As they were leaving to go back upstairs, Fatima stumbled into a bench and stubbed her toe. “Bats and bullfrogs!” she yelped, hopping around on one foot.
    â€œShh,” said Lysandra, stifling a giggle. Fortunately, no one seemed to have heard them.
    Soon the four princesses were sailing through Lysandra’s window and over the castle walls. Moonlight glittered on the moat as they floated down to the village below, landing in the very same meadow they’dvisited when they’d rescued Jerome.
    Lysandra opened the basket and set everything on top of the carpet. The princesses dived into the food. Fatima grabbed a handful of almonds. “I can’t believe I’m hungry again after eating so much at the banquet.”
    Elena reached for a piece of bread. “Maybe being in love gives you an appetite.”
    Lysandra and Tansy giggled.
    â€œI’m not in love,” Fatima protested. Then she smiled. “But I may be in like .”
    When the girls finished their picnic, Lysandra and Fatima lifted the carpet and shook off the crumbs.
    Elena cocked her head. “I think I hear music. It’s coming from somewhere in the village.”
    The princesses listened and began clapping their hands to the lively tune. “Let’s dance!” Lysandra yelled.
    â€œYes, let’s!” cried Tansy.
    The four princesses joined hands, and Lysandra led them in a merry dance all around the meadow. If only this night could go on forever, she thought. But at last her feet grew tired. Lysandra collapsed onto the ground, taking the others with her.
    Giggling, Fatima sat up. “Time for bed?” she said, stifling a yawn.
    â€œAfraid so,” said Elena.
    Lysandra retrieved the basket, and the four princesses settled themselves on Fatima’s carpet. Then they sailed back to the castle and tumbled into bed.
    The next morning it was time for Fatima, Elena, and Tansy to return home. “I’m going to miss you so much,” said Lysandra as they stood around the carriages in the courtyard. “You’re the best friends a princess could ever have.”

    â€œLikewise,” said Tansy.
    Fatima stood with her flying carpet tucked under one arm. “I don’t know when I’ve had such fun.”
    â€œIf I had sisters,” Elena said softly, “I’d want them to be just like you three.”
    Lysandra stared at the ground, a lump in her throat. Elena put an arm around her. “Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”
    Tansy nodded. “And if we keep our eyes and ears open, one of us is sure to discover a new adventure.”
    â€œIn the meantime, we can keep in touch through our crystal balls,” said Fatima.
    Lysandra cheered up. “Of course we can.”
    Hugging one another, the princesses said good-bye. Then Tansy and Elena climbed into their carriages, and Fatima unrolled her carpet.
    As the carriages clattered over the drawbridge and Fatima rose into the sky, Lysandrathought how wonderfully everything had turned