The Documents of Teen Royalty and Troublemakers

Chapter 4/ Dinning with Royalty

Whitney came at exactly six, wearing a bold pink dress. Her hair was braided into a pattern like tree branches. The first thing she noticed was the boots that Camryn was wearing under her deep purple dress. "What are you wearing under your dress?"

Camryn studied the tips of her boots. "Nothing." She curtsied for dramatic effect.

Whitney rolled her eyes feeling comfortable with Camryn. "My parents won't care if that's what you're thinking."

"Oh good. I'm not about to wear those useless slippers." The girls laughed, oblivious to Ransom.

"Hi! My name's Ransom." He limped forward with a crutch under his arm and bowed to the princess.

She lit up. "Nice to meet you, Ransom. Please, call me Whitney."

He limped toward the open door his crutch going clank every time it hit the ground. "Are we going or what? I'm starving."

Camryn rolled her eyes. "You're always hungry."

"Am not."

"Are too."

As they bickered like always, Whitney watched silently. "You know, I wish I had a brother and a sister. You two are so lucky that you have each other."

The two stopped and looked at the princess. "We are aren't we?"

"Ya Camryn, you are."

"Whatever Ransom. I thought you were hungry. Let's go."

The grand dining hall was bigger than Camryn thought possible. Bright-colored rugs, that were bought from Queen Jade and King Aladdin, lay covering the cold floor. Three fireplaces were lit sending a warm glow across the huge room. The long, thick wooden table sat in the center of the room. Chairs and benches were placed around the sides. As soon as the guests and the princess entered, the King and Queen became silent. Ransom stumbled slightly at seeing them. Camryn in turn elbowed him to behave. They rose to greet the guests and soon everyone was seated. Camryn was shaking. This meal was not at all like royal families had with guests. Things were so laid back. She ran her small hand across the white cloth laid out on the table. It was smooth and Camryn wanted to keep feeling it. Little branches with flowers and birds, were stitched into the white cloth. The feast was brought in by servants seconds after they sat down. Platters with roasted duck, fish, and pork were set down first. Then the servants brought out plate after plate of vegetables, fruit, and other meat dishes. There was so much food, and it was all so different than what our troublemakers had ever eaten. A young girl placed a little bit of different dishes onto the guests' plates while an elderly man did the same for the royal family. The gold plate shone brightly and Camryn was sad to have the food dirty it up. Glasses of a honey-colored drink were placed before them.

Queen Ebony raised her glass to her cherry-red lips. "Ransom, I do hope you're feeling better?"

Ransom chewed his food. "Yes, Your Highness. I'm feeling much better. Thank you for your generosity." He went back to devouring his feast and the king and queen chatted with their daughter.

Camryn tried the duck first. It was sauteed in spices and left a pleasant aftertaste on her tongue. The duck was cooked to perfection. As it melted in her mouth, Camryn thought back to her mother. She must know that they were missing. Good. That'll make her think of all the nasty ways she treated Camryn. She can do whatever she wants. Camryn washed the duck down with a gulp of the honey-colored drink. Immediately her eyes lit up. It tasted like honey and vanilla. She had better hurry and finish before the servants brought out even more food. Bread and all sorts of cheeses were soon to come.

The king called for more wine. Then he asked her, "Camryn, how are you enjoying the meal?"

Camryn gulped down the bread and spicy cheese she was munching on. "Your Majesty, this is wonderful. I love all the different types of cheese and whatever this drink is."