CHAPTER 27

Ximena

Ximena adjusted the crown on her head, then announced, “I want a royal wedding!” It wasn’t exactly a “law,” but Ximena was queen and that’s what she wanted. So she got it.

Everyone everywhere agreed that royal weddings were wonderfully fun. All citizens were given the day off so they could throw their own royal-wedding-watching parties or come see the festivities in person.

As the morning arrived, every channel in the kingdom was broadcasting the ceremony. It was the biggest televised event since… well, ever.

Reporters tried to guess who the lucky husband-to-be was. There were lots of hunches. When asked, all the kings and queens of Classroom 13 had different opinions. Ava thought it would be “a YouTube celebrity famous for, you know, stuff.” Preeya wanted it to be “an attractive prince, of course!” Sophia hoped he would be “a rich aristocrat with an air of mystery.” Liam guessed, “A toad—but like an actual toad, not a prince in disguise.” (Oh, Liam.) Isabella suggested, “A dark and handsome cowboy.” Mark said, “A dark and handsome cowboy,” and then he blushed.

When the music began, Ximena walked out in the most beautiful white dress you’ve ever seen. Her family was moved to tears. “Such a beautiful bride,” they all cried. She walked down the aisle as white rose petals fluttered down from above. It was like something out of a fairy tale. There was only one problem.

“Uh… where’s the groom?” the officiant asked the bride.

Ximena scrunched up her face and said, “Ew! I’m too young to get actually married. I just wanted a royal wedding and a royal dress and a royal wedding cake. Is that so wrong?”

The nation felt bamboozled. (That’s a fancy word that means fooled or tricked.) That is, until they tasted the cake. Ximena made sure everyone in the country got a slice. It was the best cake anyone had ever had.