“One day before you’re older than Ivy and me!” Clara declared. She was the tallest of the three, and her long blond waves bounced as she hopped on tiptoes. Clara was the most outgoing and fearless of the group. In fact, Bella would never have even met Clara (even though Ivy had brought her to the castle) if Clara hadn’t been brave enough to walk right up to Bella and say, “I know you! You’re the princess! Is it fun being a princess?”
None of the other kids in Crystal had ever come up to Bella to talk to her the way Clara did. Bella admired how fearless Clara could be—she often wished she could feel even half as brave as her friend.
Now, all three girls walked down the castle hallway to the sunny room where their lessons were held every weekday. Six other kids of castle employees attended school in the royal classroom.
“You’re so lucky,” Ivy said. She tucked a lock of straight, chin-length blond hair behind her ear. “I can’t wait to turn eight!” Ivy was the opposite of Clara—she was quieter and listened more. That meant Ivy always had the best gossip!
Bella nodded. “I wonder if I’ll feel any different tomorrow.”
“I bet you’ll wake up at exactly midnight,” Clara said. “Or maybe you won’t be able to sleep at all! You’re going to be Paired tomorrow!”
Paired.
The thought alone made Bella’s stomach do backflips and rumble nervously at the same time.