“Oh, hush honey, you’ll see soon,” Mom replies. Evie listens to music while looking out the window. The highway soon turns from fast-moving cars to gentle meadows.
“We look to be somewhere in the country,” Evie says.
“We are near a kingdom called Cordana,” Dad says.
“Kingdom? You mean like with royalty? Princes and Princesses? Kings and Queens?” Kattie asks excitedly.
“Exactly. King Carter and Queen Perdita have a son, Prince Lloyd,” Dad replies.
“Why have you never told us before that you knew royalty?” Kattie asks.
“When do they ever tell us anything cool?” Evie comments.
“Oh, Evie quiet. We’re here,” Mom says. Kattie and Evie widen their eyes at the sight. A huge castle stands before them. A crowd of cars are lined up at the gate. There are women in fancy dresses and men in nice suits.
“Okay, this is why we had to look nice,” Evie says amazed by all of the people.
“I don’t think I've seen you this amazed ever,” Kattie says.
“Don’t get used to it,” Evie says.
“Evie, can I now convince you to lose to earbuds?” Mom asks.
“Never, besides I don’t think that they’ll be needing me for anything,” Evie says.
“Why are we here?” Kattie asks.
“Today we were invited to meet Prince Lloyd on his birthday,” Dad says.
“But we don’t have a gift?” Kattie questions.
“There are no gifts for this birthday. It’s strictly a meeting,” Mom replies.
“How old is he turning?” Evie asks.
“He’s turning 17,” Mom replies.
“Oh, so, he was 16 yesterday?” Kattie comments.
“Yes,” Mom says. The car moves slowly to the gates. A guard talks to each driver of the cars with a list in his hand. Soon their car reaches the front of the line. Dad rolls down the window.
“Name.” The guard commands.
“Jared Waring.” Dad replies.
“Relation to King and Queen.”
“Friends.”
“Wife’s name.”
“Dana Waring.”
“Kid’s names.”
“Evelyn Waring and Katherine Waring.”
“You may pass.” The guard waves his hand allowing us to pass. Dad rolls up the window and continues on. A man helps them to a spot to park. Evie unbuckles her seatbelt and opens the passenger door. She nimbly comes out of the car, her loose raven hair flying behind her. Kattie comes after her. She smooths out her light pink dress. Kattie’s long brown hair is tied back in a braid. Evie stands above Kattie by about two inches with her heels. Evie and Kattie are only two years apart.