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

inhaled sharply at the word “daughter,” but did not say anything.
    Aleck continued, “The princesses have awoken each morning to ruined dancing slippers and swollen feet. They believe they have been dancing all night, but have no recollection or knowledge of doing so.” His legs began to bounce as he became excited. “But you see, I do wonder if it is more than just your family suffering such happenings.”
    The king’s eyebrows rose and Aleck thought it best to explain before the man assumed he was responsible for it all. “Your daughter mentioned cousins who were experiencing the same thing.”
    “Did she, now? And when did you speak with her about this?”
    Aleck swallowed. “A few days back. She found a letter of her aunt’s written to you and was concerned.”
    “I see.” The king’s eyes squinted a bit, but he did not say what he was thinking. Instead, his gaze roamed over Aleck’s features a moment before he nodded. “Continue.”
    “Well, I have been mulling over this and I wonder if perhaps other kingdoms are suffering the same fate—maybe the princes? Why just the princesses? Would it not make more sense that, with the sturdier shoes that men wear, they may not have realized what was happening to them?”
    The king’s expression did not waver. But his breathing became much more forced and his gaze more intense.
    Aleck ploughed on. “It would make more sense if the girls were dancing with someone. My question is, who? Who would do such a thing as this? And why make a mockery of royalty in such a way?”
    “You do have many opinions, my boy.” The king cleared his throat. “Well, they are interesting, to say the least. I will need some time to ponder them, as well as to make some inquiries around.”
    “I see.” So the king would not wish him to begin solving the mystery at the moment. Aleck sat back in his chair.
    “I wish you to start tonight. If it is possible.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “I will give you three nights’ leave of anything in this castle. You are to have full run and will not be detained anywhere. I will see that my servants answer any questions you ask of them and treat you as my particular guest the whole length of your stay.”
    “But my gardening duties?”
    “I will see that another fills in as a replacement for you until you can return. But, young man, you do understand there is a prize for the man who is able to solve this, do you not?”
    “I had heard rumor there may be.”
    The king looked him over. “The greatest reward is the hand of one of my daughters.”
    Aleck gasped. He had known it, but to hear such words from the king’s own mouth made it almost possible, so very real.
    “I will not give any of my daughters over to some flop of a man. You must understand this.”
    “Yes, Your Majesty.”
    “But I like you, Aleck. You may not have been born royalty, but there is a sharpness about you—a sound mind that does much to please a father with so many precious daughters. If you continue to prove your worth and solve this riddle for us, I give you my solemn vow, you may have the hand of any of my daughters you wish.”
    “Thank you, Your Majesty.” He shook his head. “It is a wonderful reward, indeed, but I would only accept such a prize if the princess herself is willing. I do not offer my assistance because of the reward—it is because I was asked by your daughter to do so. Nothing more. I would help any, if I had the means and ability, any at all.”
    The king leaned back in his chair. He rubbed his jaw a moment and stared at him a long while. Finally he said, “I believe you. And I believe you are just the man I have been hoping for. Cascadia was right. She often is, which is why I sent for you, but she truly has found a hidden gem. I wish you luck, my boy.” He stood up and held out his hand.
    Aleck quickly stood, and the two men clasped forearms.
    “You will begin this moment,” the king said. “Let us put an end to this charade