Chapter 7
It was Saturday and final preparations were being made for the twins' birthday.
Queen Miranda looked over the ballroom. "Everything is lovely, Ballywick!"
"Thank you, your Majesty!"
"Now I need to get the twins out of the castle so Rollie can bring their gifts in without them seeing them.
"I know! Duchess Tilly is coming in for the party! She and I will take the twins into the village to get some candles."
And within the hour, the Duchess Matilda had arrived. Queen Miranda and King Roland greeted her.
"Tilly! I'm so glad you were able to make the party!" exclaimed Roland.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world!" she replied.
"Good to see you again, Tilly!" Miranda said warmly, as she embraced her.
"You, too, dear! I can't wait to see children! I have the twins' gifts in the back of the coach."
"Tilly, would you be kind enough to accompany me to the village to get candles for the cake? We'll take the twins and Sofia too. That way Rollie can get our gifts into the ballroom without the twins seeing them."
"Of course, Miranda."
The twins were somewhat happy to see their Aunt Tilly, but Sofia was very happy.
"Aunt Tilly! I'm so happy to see you! Will you come with me so I can show you my latest stained glass project?" Sofia asked.
Tilly glanced at Miranda, who smiled and said, "That's alright Tilly. The twins will come with me to the village so we can pick out just the right candles for the cake." And the threesome were on their way.
"Why, Sofia dear, you seem very excited about this project!"
"I am, Aunt Tilly! But I want to get your opinion."
Soon Tilly and Sofia were in Sofia's room.
"This is what I made for the twins," and she showed Aunt Tilly the necklace and badge.
Tilly gave them a smiling once over.
"They are beautiful, Sofia! I especially like the 'With love' lettering in sun stones and moonstars. The signature on the back is very touching as well. I'm sure they will prize these gifts for a long time."
"I hope so, Aunt Tilly, because nothing has been going right this past month for me!" said Sofia, as she wrapped the gifts.
"Oh? Why don't you tell me about it, dear."
And Sofia did. She went through all the scenarios of wrong homework, poor class work, and terrible extra curricular activities.
"Hmmmm, I see. Have you talked to your Mom and Dad about this, dear?"
"No...I'm too embarrassed and ashamed to!"
"Sofia! You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk anything over with your parents. You know they love you and will help you any way they can! I really think you should tell them."
"Okay...But tomorrow, after today's birthday party."
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As Queen Miranda was waiting for the candles to be wrapped, James and Amber saw a woman peddler they had never seen before down the street.
"Necklaces and badges for a half penny! Get them here! Ahhh, children interested in my necklaces and badges?"
"No thanks," replied James.
"Why not? I remember some princess of some sort buying one of each for a birthday today"
"I'm SURE it's not anyone we know!" insisted Amber.
"Maybe. Maybe not. At least look at the design!" She said as she gave them a good look before packing up and leaving.
"Who were you children talking to?" asked Miranda, as the twins returned to the coach.
"Oh, some peddler selling junk jewelry!" replied Amber.
