Rescue Princesses #3: The Moonlight Mystery Read Free

around the room. But Tufty was sleeping peacefully on her lap, so she contented herself with giving his soft ears another pet.
    “The Rescue Princesses will be here soon,” she whispered to him. “They’ll come as fast as they can.” Her heart thumped with excitement.
    Then she was struck by a sudden thought. How was she going to explain to her mom and dad that she’d invited her friends to the palace, and that they were already on their way?

Lulu frowned, trying to work out what she was going to say to the king and queen. How could she tell them that she needed her friends to visit without giving away their secret? She had to think fast.
    Lifting up the sleeping lion cub, Lulu laid him down carefully on her pillow and sneaked out of her room. There were lights on downstairs, so her parents were probably still awake. She hurried down, determined to persuade them to let her friends stay.
    The Great Hall was empty, but there were voices outside in the courtyard.
    “It’s difficult running a circus.” Lady Malika’s voice was sharp. “It’s hard to find new acts that people want to watch.”
    “Yes, but I think using animals would be the wrong thing to do,” said Queen Shani quietly. “A circus really isn’t a suitable place for a wild animal to live.”
    Lulu took a deep breath and marched into the courtyard. Her parents and Lady Malika were sitting next to the fountain, enjoying a cup of Undalan tea.
    “Goodness, Lulu!” laughed Lady Malika. “You’re up late!”
    Queen Shani rose from her seat, her silver crown glittering. “What’s the matter? Are you feeling ill?”

    Lulu shook her head. “I wanted to ask you something important.”
    “You’re very dusty!” Lady Malika’s eyes narrowed. “Have you been out into the grasslands today?”
    “Yes, I went in the truck with Walter to check on the animals,” Lulu replied.
    “What was it you wanted to ask, Lulu?” said the king, his golden turban gleaming in the lamplight.
    “I’d like you to invite my friends, princesses Emily, Clarabel, and Jaminta to visit us soon.” She hesitated. “Actually, I, er, sort of already told them they could come.” She crossed her fingers and hoped her parents wouldn’t ask exactly how she’d invited them. She really couldn’t give away how the secret rings worked.
    “Lulu!” exclaimed Queen Shani. “You really must think a little harder before you rush off and do things like that. Now I shall have to telephone their parents to explain.”
    Lady Malika stared at Lulu, her head tilted to one side. “Sister!” she said. “Maybe it would be a good idea to invite these girls to stay. Then they can do princess things together, rather than roaming around the grasslands.”
    Lulu stared back at Lady Malika. She was grateful that her aunt agreed with her. She just wasn’t sure why her aunt had spoken up like that. It was hard to tell what Lady Malika was thinking behind her sharp eyes and half-smiling mouth.
    The queen’s brown eyes were thoughtful. “Well, it would be nice for you to have some friends here,” she said at last. “As long as their parents are happy to let them come.”
    “I’m sure they’ll come if you send a proper royal invitation, sister,” said Lady Malika.
    The king and queen exchanged glances. “All right, then,” said Queen Shani. “The other princesses can come and visit.”
    “Thank you!” cried Lulu.
    The queen raised her hand to quiet her daughter. “But only if you promise us something in return.”
    “Anything!” said Lulu, her dark eyes lighting up. “I’ll do anything.”
    “The princesses can come as long as you are nicer to Prince Olaf,” said the queen.
    Lulu groaned. Being nice to Olaf would be really hard work.
    “And we want you to take some lessons with Madame Rez,” added the king.
    “What? Why? Who is she?” asked Lulu.
    The queen sighed. “Do try to speak gently, my dear.”
    “But who is she?” said Lulu.
    “Madame Rez is your new etiquette