The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James Page A

outwit whoever is attempting to make us look like fools, it is worth the price of such a prize.” He looked around the room. “Now, girls, what questions do you have?”
    For the next thirty minutes or so, he answered everything he could. Then, as her sisters were leaving the room, Casey approached her father.
    “Father, I have already asked a man to help us. He is someone I believe could actually succeed, if he is given a chance.”
    “Who is this person?”
    “Aleck Littleham. He works here at the castle in the gardens.”
    “Does he now?” He raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at her.
    “He is a good man who has an eye for seeing things others do not.” She rolled her eyes when he continued to stare at her. “We have not had any trysts or any other such nonsense, Father. You can halt your looks. All is well between Mr. Littleham and me. He is a very respectful man.”
    “He had better be.”
    “He is.” She clutched her father’s hands. “Now please promise me you might allow his hand at trying to solve this mystery?”
    “I promise to give him a chance and allow a moment with him to assess his character.”
    She smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. “You will love him—truly you will. May we bring him in now?”
    Her father seemed a bit taken aback by the quickness of the whole thing. But he nodded. “Yes, it would be nice to know this could possibly be solved tonight.”
    “Very good. I shall go and tell him immediately.”
    “No, my dear. This will be done properly. I shall send for him. And you—” He shooed at her with his hand. “You will wait for me upstairs. Go and do something productive. I will let you know how it goes.”
    She kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Father. You are wonderful.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    WHEN ALECK LOOKED UP to see the footman approaching him, the surprise he felt was nothing compared to the man’s words.
    “His Royal Majesty wishes to speak with you in his study immediately.”
    Aleck wanted to ask a few questions, but was too nervous. He was not sure it would be proper. Instead, he set his tools down, brushed his hands upon his trousers, and silently followed the footman back in the castle.
    He had only been inside once before, and it was when he was much younger. The grandness of Princess Casey’s home was overwhelming. He attempted not to overly gawk as he walked past marble pillars and lavish draperies and furnishings.
    Briskly, the servant made his way up the grand staircase. Aleck stayed close. As they turned into the hall, curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, “Why not the servants’ stairs? I am not dressed well enough to wander down these corridors. What if someone were to see me?”
    The man paused and looked down his nose at Aleck before stating simply, “The king has requested that you be treated as a guest.” He then turned on his heel and marched toward a door at the far end of the hall.
    Aleck paused before following the man. A guest. A guest? What was happening? His heart pounded as he made the last few steps toward the room where the footman was even now announcing his presence to the king. When he heard the king’s positive response, he walked in and bowed before the man seated behind a large chiseled desk. “Your Majesty.”
    “So you are the young man my daughter is convinced can help us?” the king asked.
    “I, uh—yes. At least, I would be happy to try.”
    The king nodded. “Good. Being willing to attempt such a thing is half the battle.” He pointed to a chair. “Please, sit down, young man. What is your name again?”
    “Aleck Littleham, Your Majesty,” he said as he sat in a chair across the desk from the king.
    The king leaned forward, placing his elbows upon the gleaming surface in front of him. “Do you fully understand what it is that we are asking you to do?”
    “I believe so. I have been puzzling over this greatly for nearly a week now, since your daughter first mentioned it to me.”
    The king