As soon as the crowd caught sight of the smoke, panic spread from person to person. People were pointing and shouting, Bella’s celebration temporarily forgotten.
Any activity from the Dark Forest and the Blacklands was not good. Bella didn’t know much about the Dark Forest or the Blacklands, but she did know one thing: Never go there. She had been taught since she could walk that the Blacklands and Dark Forest were dangerous and she was never to set foot on those grounds bordering Crystal. Bella had heard rumors about an evil queen ruling the lands, but her parents always said the same thing when she confronted them: “We’ll tell you about it when you’re older.”
She really wanted to talk to her mom and dad, but they had their heads together on their float a few feet in front. The princess gripped the float’s railing tightly, in shock that this was happening on her big day. Was that why there was extra security? Bella wondered.
“Your Majesty!”
“Is evil threatening Crystal? What shall we do?”
The townspeople shouted questions at the king and queen as they climbed down from their float.
“C’mon,” Bella said. She grasped Ivy’s and Clara’s hands as a security guard helped them to the ground. “We have to find out what’s going on.”
The three girls hurried up to Bella’s parents. “Mom?” Bella asked as she reached her mother’s side. “What’s going on?”
“Shhh, sweetie,” Queen Katherine said. She placed a hand on her daughter’s head. “Dad’s going to address everyone. The smoke isn’t anything to worry about.”
“But—,” Bella started, but she was interrupted by the crackle of a bullhorn.
Silently, Lyssa appeared at Bella’s side. Since she worked at the castle, Lyssa was able to slip through the shield spell. Bella slipped her hand into the older girl’s comforting grasp.
King Phillip, sword gleaming at his side, was atop the podium in the town’s center.
“Kind people of Crystal,” King Phillip said. Bella realized her dad was using his deep I’m-king-so-listen voice. She, Clara, and Ivy huddled together next to Queen Katherine.
“The smoke is merely a misguided birthday message to my daughter,” King Phillip continued. “Neither you nor our fair kingdom is under attack. As a precaution to ensure that everyone continues to enjoy this glorious day, extra guards will patrol Crystal’s boundaries. Please go about your plans and do not let this act of childishness ruin the spirit of Princess Bella’s birthday.”