Page 5 of Reign or Shine

I want to know more about her. I want to know everything. Her voice is soothing a part of me I didn’t realize was hurting.

“I’m sorry,” I speak up, meeting her eyes in the mirror. “What’s an adventure guide? Like a tour guide?”

“Kind of, but for nature. I lead hiking groups of different experience levels through the mountain trails to the north of here. Most groups are only day trips, about seven hours of hiking, but sometimes we get overnight groups.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Her smile is almost blinding as she turns around, placing an arm across the back of her chair. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

I pause for a moment, considering my next words.

“No, but I’m thinking of extending my stay.”

“You definitely shouldn’t leave without doing a hike and exploring the mountains. The company I work for does all kinds of outdoor activities.”

She turns back to the mirror where she adjusts her wig and nods in approval, and then Ellie stands and makes her way over to me. Fingering the sash that is across my chest, she makes a quiet humming noise.

“If you don’t live here, how did Tallie find you? Were you working with another party company?”

“The opportunity magically appeared before me,” I tell her, not wanting to lie but not ready to reveal my true identity yet.

“Huh.” Her hand drops from my chest. “Well, I guess you’re one lucky prince then.” Ellie laughs, shrugging her shoulders. “So, tell me, what’s the secret to being a good princess out there? Tallie already promised I don’t have to sing, but I don’t want to ruin the illusion for the kids.”

“The secret to being a good princess?” I ask, a little taken aback.

“Yeah, to being a good party princess. What have the women you’ve performed with in the past done that the kids have loved?”

Oh. The party princess. My heart rate begins to calm when I understand her meaning. She’s not asking about being my princess, she’s asking about the role. The line between what was pretend and what was my real life was very thin.

“Just be yourself. Smile. Laugh. Engage with them. They may be children but they are smart and observant.” I grin, thinking about my niece. “They’re going to try to trip you up with question after question but keep cool.”

“And twirl.”

“Pardon?”

“Keep cool and twirl on. It’s like Rapunzel’s thing. Or, like, a princess thing, right? Twirling in your dress so that it flares out.”

“Sure.” I was assuming that was a party princess thing. I had never seen my cousin or any member of the royal family twirl in my life. I think the queen, would have a conniption if she ever saw such a thing.

“Do you—” She stops talking when the melodic jingle of her cell phone goes off. Looking over, she must recognize the number because she instantly reaches for the phone.

“Hey! I’m all ready to…what?”

The instant her eyes dart to me, I know my ruse is up.

“What do you mean? I’m in the suite…the room? No, you texted 1405… Then who is in this suite with me, looking like a prince?”

The person on the other end of the conversation says something, but I can’t make it out, not able to take my eyes off Ellie. She’s looking a little pale all of a sudden.

The phone falls from her hand, landing with a thud on the carpeted floor.

“Perhaps now is a good time to tell you I’m here for the party, but not as a performer.”

She doesn’t move, doesn’t say anything as we continue to stare at one another.

“Wh-who are you?” she finally whispers, eyes growing larger. I believe she knows the answer before I even speak it.

“My name is Henry,” I begin, hoping that will reassure her. “I just left off all the fancy bits.”

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