(Jenny's POV)
I'm awakened by the vibration of my watch-communicator the next morning – and the sun in my face as the curtains are wide open. It must have stopped raining in the middle of the night. I roll to my side and reach for my device on the table next to the bed. It's just after nine o'clock. It also says that I have a message – and it's from Frank. I open up the watch-communicator and look at what's been written.
Hi Jen, I'm glad you're all right – and you're right when you say that I worry about you.
I saw how your room was bugged since I've been watching you through the Camera Contact Lens (genius idea about using the device to send messages). I hope you can stop the person in the castle from carrying out their threat on the princess – but I know you can.
I love you and I miss you, too.
Frank
I smile about how right I was about him worrying about me, and how he knows that I will stop whoever is trying to harm Astrid.
There's a knock at the door. I swing my legs out of bed, crossing across the room and open it. Niklas is standing outside.
"Good morning," I say.
"Good morning, Miss Brownstone," he responds. "Breakfast is waiting for you."
"Thank you. I'll be as quick as I can."
"Very good. I'll be waiting here for you."
I nod, and close the door. I gather my stuff and head for the bathroom.
I emerge out of my room fifteen minutes later, fresh as a daisy, dressed and fitted with my Camera Contact Lens. I follow Niklas back down the corridor and to the dining room. Astrid and Ophelia are already seated, having their breakfast.
Astrid is the first to see me. "Good morning, Jenny!" she says.
"Good morning, Astrid, Ophelia," I respond, taking my seat.
"Morning," says Ophelia.
"This looks good," I say, staring at the food laid on the table.
"This is a traditional Faärlandic breakfast," says Astrid. "We have oatmeal porridge with cranberries and apples, rice porridge pancakes, sotsuppe or sweet soup as its known, with fruit and compote, and kanelbullar or as you would call them, cinnamon rolls."
"Great!" I take the oatmeal porridge, the fruit soup and a cinnamon roll and dig in. "Oh, wow – this is delicious!"
"I'm glad you like it," says Astrid. "Listen, I was thinking maybe after breakfast I could give you the grand tour of the castle."
"I would very much like that."
"I would come too, but the organizers for your birthday party are coming at around eleven o'clock and I need to assist them with the design, planning and management," says Ophelia. "Also, later today, there's the rehearsal for your coronation."
"Don't worry, Ophelia – the tour won't take long," Astrid tells her. "We'll be finished before rehearsals."
We spend another fifteen minutes eating our breakfast. As the butlers come in and clear our table, Ophelia takes off and waits for the arrival of the organizers, while I begin my tour of Harvonia Castle.
Astrid tells me that there are over one hundred rooms in the castle altogether. The castle itself, according to her, has utilized architecture dating back to the 13th century. She takes me to the Great Hall first, located off the entrance hall. It's where the birthday party and coronation ceremony will take place. It is a spacious room, with large windows kept under deep arches, and large double doors which bring you to the terrace. The garden itself is accessed down a set of steps. By the windows are many assortments of benches decorated with gold brocade upholstery, possibly for guests to sit on during events. There are crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. To the northern part of the room is a path way to the chapel, kept underneath a corbel of Astrid's emblem.
"Oh, my gosh, Astrid. This room is spectacular!" I say.
"It'll look even more spectacular when the room is decorated for my birthday and coronation on Saturday," she says. "Let's go see the rest of the castle."
She leads me out of the ballroom and to the other side of the entrance hall to double doors where two doors are located in the short but wide corridor. The first next to where we came in is a staircase that leads to the dungeons, but it has been unused for hundreds of years and it's out of bounds so no-one goes there. There other door at the end of the corridor is where the kitchen is. It is a gigantic, high-ceilinged room with a stone-flagged floor and a big wooden table and a huge dresser with shiny pots and pans hanging off, and a large brick fireplace at the other end of the hall from the door, just like a Victorian kitchen.
A middle-aged, moustachioed man is preparing a massive cake on the vast kitchen range. His white nylon overall and white cap and black and white trousers look far too modern.
"That's Jonathan. He's working on my birthday-slash-coronation cake," Astrid whispers to me. "It's best not to disturb him when he's working. Let's go."
Astrid takes me out of the kitchen and shows me the rest of the castle. She shows me the maids and servants' rooms on the first floor that is divided into two wings: the East Wing and the West Wing. The East Wing is where the female staff stays and the West Wing is where the male staff stays. They also have a dining room where the staff can eat.
Then Astrid takes me to the second floor or as I like to call it, the Entertainment Floor, where there's a snooker room and private cinema, a theatre and a music room. But my favourite room on the whole floor is the library. It is an extremely large room with a high roof and fret worked walls and roof. There's a big globe, a writing desk, some paintings, a magnificent fireplace, carpets and a few chairs on the colourful ceramic floor. The library possesses thousands of cupboards and endless books with some staircases that lead to the higher shelves and books; also there are a few ladders in it. There are two long windows with long green curtains that overlook the fountain. The two shelves closest to the main entrance are at least two stories high, while the shelf at the back is three stories in height.
"I can't believe it! I've never seen so many books in all my life!" I exclaim when I see the library. "It's like being in a bookshop!"
"Well, do many bookshops have a secret passage way?" says Astrid.
My eyes widen. "No way! Are you serious? There's a secret passage way?"
Astrid nods. "Behind the fireplace is a tunnel that leads to the forest."
"That is so awesome."
Once we're finished in the library, Astrid takes me to the third floor where, of course, are where the dining room and the parlour. But there's also a bar, an armoury room, a trophy room that displays the trophy heads of animals shot by family members hundreds of years ago, a cabinet room and an art gallery where objects of historical, artistic, and cultural interest, paintings, and antique artefacts are stored.
As the fourth floor consists of the royal guest rooms, I'm taken up to the fifth floor where the bedrooms of the royal family are. Astrid shows me her room first – it is decorated with assortments of paintings and plants, as well as pottery. The polished wooden floor is carpeted in two areas; one carpet outlines the bed area, while the other outlines the door. In the northern side of the room, is Astrid's bed, which is elevated by an extra layer of flooring, and has a curled up curtain to the sides of it, as well as a wall of leaves decorating the above area. And to the right side of her bed is a fireplace with a mirror over it.
"Your room is gorgeous, Astrid," I say.
"Thanks," she replies. "But after Saturday, it won't be my room anymore. Let me show you the master, or in this case, the mistress suite."
She takes me to the far end of the corridor. The suite is large and contains, a desk, a bookcase, a four-poster bed and is decorated with portraits. There is also a balcony – I'm guessing all the rooms on this floor have a balcony.
"Wow. This really is a room fit for a king – or in this case, a queen," I say.
"Thank you," says Astrid. "Come on – we still have a couple of more rooms to look at."
We leave the large suite and head up the big flight of stairs. The last room in the castle is the throne room. The room is large and luxurious. A throne is set up with a raised elaborate pomp, with red-carpeted steps, and under a canopy, appropriately decorated with a relief of a peacock which reflects the fitting style for a regal woman.
"Beautiful…" I breathe.
"If you think this room's beautiful, wait until I saw you the last room in the castle," says Astrid. "It's also my favourite room."
Astrid takes my hand and together we run down the corridor and stop in the centre where a large framed portrait of a young girl with flowers takes up one panel of the wall. Suddenly, Astrid pulls the portrait and it pivots out with a piece of the wall… to reveal a passage!
"Oh, my God! It's a secret door!" I cry.
Astrid grins. "Pretty amazing, isn't it?" she says, and goes through the door, with me following after her.
Astrid flicks on the light, but there is nothing much to see – a little round room with a stone spiral staircase leading upwards.
"The stairs are a bit steep, but trust me it'll be worth the climb," Astrid tells me.
"I'll take your word for it," I say. "Let's go." I hold on to the railing and start climbing.
We climb up and up and up. I can feel myself starting to pant heavily, and my legs and bottom tightening up, but I soldier on. Like Astrid said, it'll be worth the climb.
I edge upwards, holding my breath at each step – and then at last I look up and see the room above me. I decide to run the rest of the way, excited to see what is in store for me. I step up into the room.
It's like stepping into a fairytale! The sun shines through the lozenge-shaped leaded windows. There's a soft Persian rug on the floor, patterned birds and roses. Tapestry wall-hangings are pinned all-round the room, with woven castles and pale people with tall hats and long pointy feet. There are gold-framed paintings too, of women in dark velvet gowns with long wavy hair falling about their shoulders. Bookshelves run around the walls, with big red and white books with gold lettering on the spines. There's even a rose velvet sofa covered with soft shawls and cushions. It's small, but even so it must have been a terrible struggle to get it up the winding staircase.
"Wow…" I whisper. "This room is… incredible."
"This is the tower room – my mother's secret room," says Astrid. "She used to come up here and just… relax. Either reading books or gazing out the windows and daydreaming."
"Did your mother take you up here?"
Astrid shakes her head. "I didn't discover this place until I was about ten, eleven years old. I had a pet dog – a Scandinavian Hound called Sven – and I was looking for him as he had run off. I looked everywhere for him – I searched in every room. I was just about to give up when I saw one of doors open. But it wasn't like any door I've seen – this one was a door with a secret staircase. I climbed up the spiral stairs, not knowing what I will find at the top… until I heard barking. Sven must have known that there was a door behind the painting and went through it. When I found him, I was in awe, just like you were right now. I just love how this room isolates itself from the rest of the castle – it's like living in your own private world."
"You're not kidding. I mean look at this view: you can see forever," I say, looking out the window to the sight of the lush green rolling hills and the forest. "This really was worth the climb. It's a very beautiful room – romantic, too."
"I think so too. And I'm afraid that's the end of the tour. Let's go down to the garden – it's a nice day."
We go back down the spiral stairs and out of the tower altogether. Then we head down to the Great Hall where the organizers have arrived, with Ophelia assisting them. We head out the double doors onto the terrace, and down the steps to the garden where we go on a walkabout.
"You have a very pleasant," I say to Astrid. "I've never seen another like it – and I've been to Kew Gardens."
She smiles in response. "The garden was laid out in 1850, taking inspiration from the French formal style of the Gardens of Versailles," she tells me. "The total landscaped area is one thousand, three hundred and seventy-nine acres."
I give a low whistle. "That's a lot of land. And I suppose the architect threw in the lights in the trees, too."
"Oh, that. My father had the servants put them up for me. You see when I was little… I used to be scared of the dark. I used to spend my nights sneaking into my father's room and sleeping in his bed. Then one night when the lights in my room went out, the lights in the garden came on. They acted as my nightlight. I was able to sleep at night in my own room with those lights – even when I stopped fearing the dark."
"Ah."
We stay silent for the next few minutes, enjoying our surroundings – nothing but nature and the fresh air and the trilling and chirping of the birds. It's so peaceful and tranquil – not to mention beautifully warm. We stop at one of the ponds, admiring the koi and goldfish swimming around.
"You know I've told you so much about me, I don't know anything about you," says Astrid. "I mean you're going to be here for a bit, I might as well get to know you."
"Well… I don't know if give out certain information," I say with uncertainty.
"I don't need to know your line of work – I kind of figured that out already. I want to know about your personal life – the woman outside MI9."
"Oh. Right, well… Well, as you know, I live in London – as does my family: my mum, my dad, my sister, and my auntie and uncle. I'm very athletic and I love to play sports, especially football, video games, and I enjoy shopping, drawing and Chinese cuisine. I also have a fiancé whom I'm marrying in a few weeks' time."
Astrid gasps. "You're getting married? Congratulations! I never would have thought that a secret agent like you had time for a relationship. I suppose this man knows what he's in for, huh?"
"Yes, he does – he's a secret agent, too. Although he works in tech rather than a field agent, like me. He's the brain to my brawn."
"He must be really something special."
"He sure is. What about you? Have you got a bit on the side?"
Astrid is about to answer when something shoots past her head. "Just a silly wasp," she says, waving her hand in the air. "Anyway I was about to say that there is no-one at the moment, but soon I hope I find my Mr. Right, as you British would say."
"Don't worry; I'm sure he's out there somewhere. Let's go back inside – we can help assist Ophelia with the decorations."
"Good idea."
We start to head back to the castle – and there's a reason for the quick exit. What Astrid thought was a wasp that whizzed past her head, it was actually a bullet. It narrowly missed her by a tiny margin and instead hit a small bird that is now lying dead on the grassy path just a few yards from where the princess stood, with a small black hole in its breast and blood spilling out of it. This person was either brave or stupid to try and pull a stunt like that. I have to try and find out who this person is – and fast – before they strike again.
The day passes. After assisting Ophelia with the decoration in the Great Hall we have our lunch, with me scanning Astrid's food to see if anything unpleasant has been added – it hasn't. Then Astrid and I hang out up in tower for a couple of hours before returning to the Great Hall for the princess' rehearsal of her coronation.
A few hours later we settle down for dinner. Tonight it's dried blueberry and mushroom soup with steamed orange and mustard buns and slow-cooked peach and vinegar salad as a side dish. Once again, I'm on hand to scan the contents of Astrid's dish to check for poisons – as well as her vanilla cheesecake dessert – and once again the food is safe enough to eat.
Or so I thought…
About an hour after dinner, Astrid, Ophelia and I are in the parlour enjoying an after-dinner drink and talking more about the coronation when suddenly Ophelia clutches her stomach and hisses in pain.
"Ophelia? Are you all right?" Astrid asks.
"No, I… I don't feel so good," she mumbles as she stands up, but can barely keep herself upright. "Oh, I-I feel dizzy…" Ophelia sways and her knees give out as she falls. Fortunately, I'm here to catch her.
"Astrid, call for an ambulance," I instruct, putting Ophelia in a recovery position. I feel her forehead – she is burning up. "Don't worry, Ophelia, the ambulance will be here," I say.
"J-Jenny…" she heaves. "I-I don't feel so good. I think I'm going to be… oh… oooooh…"
I can only watch as Ophelia throws up. She horribly revoltingly disgustingly throws up on the floor – again and again and again. Tears stream down her pale face as well as sweat and her body starts to twitch convulsively.
"The ambulance is on their way," Astrid tells me. "What should we do until they arrive?"
"The only thing we can do is make Ophelia as comfortable as possible," I reply.
And for the next seventeen minutes that's what we do. The paramedic comes into the parlour with Astrid in tow as she led him here – along with Niklas and a few of the staff members wondering what is going on. After I explain the situation to them, Niklas instructs the paramedic to take Ophelia to her room rather than the hospital as the nearest one from which the ambulance came from is twenty or so miles away.
Astrid, Niklas and I wait patiently outside Ophelia's room while the paramedic checks on her. After nearly twenty minutes he comes out.
"How is Ophelia? Is she all right?" Astrid asks.
"Miss Ingebreston is stable but otherwise fine," says the paramedic.
"Do you know what happened to her?" I ask.
"We believe that Miss Ingebreston is suffering from a mild form of gastroenteritis."
"You mean a stomach bug?"
"Yes. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea. This combination can lead to dehydration, muscle spasms, and circulatory collapse."
"Do you know what could have caused her illness?"
"My guess would be either being food that has gone past its sell-by date or the food itself was contaminated. But you needn't worry – the gastroenteritis can resolve without treatment in a couple of days. You just need to keep a close eye on her."
"We will, Doctor. Thank you for coming," says Niklas, and shows the paramedic out.
"Come on, Astrid. We should let Ophelia rest," I say. We head back down to the bar as the servants are busy shampooing the carpet in the parlour and calm ourselves with some brandy. I notice how quiet Astrid is when I hand her a glass.
"Astrid? You all right?" I ask.
No reply.
"There's no need to be upset. You heard what the paramedic said. Ophelia will soon be up and running in a few days – just in time for your birthday-slash-coronation," I say.
The princess is silent for another moment before she speaks.
"That plate of food wasn't meant for Ophelia was it?" she says quietly. "It was meant for me. It should be me lying in bed with the stomach bug, not her."
"Now you don't know that, Astrid," I say. "Maybe the food was meant for me, seeing that I'm the one who has to protect you. Or maybe Jonathan accidentally used food that was past its sell-by date when he was making the dinner…"
"Jonathan would never do that to me! He has cooking for my family for nearly twenty years. And he would never so much as use ingredients that is about to or has already expired – he would have had them thrown away than use them in any of his recipes. Second of all, given that someone has been trying to kill me for the last few weeks I think it's safe – or unsafe – to say that that meal was for me! I mean, what could I have done to make this person want to kill me? I'm a kind and pleasant person, beloved by everyone. I've never treated anyone spitefully or unfairly or spoke badly to or about them. I just don't understand why I'm being targeted, OK? I just don't…"
Astrid is red in the face, tears spurting down her cheeks. It seems that these past few weeks she's been trying to stay strong, but now because of the death of Apollonia and Ophelia taken ill, the floodgates have finally burst open.
"Oh, Astrid. Hey, don't cry," I say, hugging her. "Look, I don't understand why this person is targeting you either. I see that you're a good person who in a few days is going to be a great queen. But rest assure I'll be on hand to find this person and give them a right beating. MI9 know that when it comes to someone who wants to make someone else's life a misery and needs their arse kicked, I'm the person for the job."
"Oh, Jenny," Astrid giggles weakly, hugging me back. She sniffs. Her eyes are still brimming. "I'm so glad MI9 picked you for this mission. You are a truly wonderful friend."
I take hold of her shoulders. "Stay strong, princess. Don't let this prick win – if you pardon my French. Don't let him see that you're in a vulnerable position. Keep calm and carry on – that's what we Brits say. Just hold on for a few more days and I promise you that he'll be arrested before you have a chance to blow out the candles on your cake and have everyone sing 'Congratulations' by Cliff Richard. Is that a deal?"
Astrid nods, causing the tears to run down her cheeks. "It's a deal."
"Good. Now let's dry those eyes and get that brandy down you and we'll hop off to bed."
Astrid straightens up and dabs her eyes with her handkerchief, and then downs the brandy in one fell swoop – as down I. We had back upstairs and say goodnight to each other before entering our rooms.
Once inside I bring out my notepad and pen and sit at the dressing table where I write my messages about Astrid's near misses – what they already saw with the food poisoning and the 'wasp' that turned out to be a bullet that killed the bird in the garden this afternoon. I write that I'll begin asking the staff if they hold any grudges against the princess.
After writing up the message and holding it in front of me, I take out the Camera Contact Lens and get changed into my pyjamas. I hop into bed where for a second night in a row sleep takes a long time to come.
xxoOoxx
Astrid and I are driven into Schonan the next morning. Astrid didn't want to spend the day cooped up in the castle – nor did she wanted to have any breakfast in case her assassin succeeded in poisoning her – and wanted to show me the sights of the city. Before we left I gave the princess the Tracking Brooch Device should we become separated. I also bring along with me the Tangled Net Grenade and the Hologram Projecting Earrings. You can never be too careful if you get caught up with the paparazzi – or would-be kidnappers.
"Tourism is a major industry of Schonan due to its famous landmarks, such as the Grand Metropolitan Hotel, and the Schonan Museum," Astrid tells me when we arrive at the city. "And as your unofficial tourist guide, I'm here to show you the sights of the city."
We stop at a plaza that's located at the intersection of all the streets in Schonan, and Astrid tells the driver to meet us back here at four o'clock. Then we step out of the car and begin our sightseeing.
We spend the morning seeing the sights of the bustling capital city, visiting the prime locations and top attractions including historical museums, striking parks, and modern galleries. When that's done we spend the next hour and a half punting on the canal, exploring lesser-known areas of Schonan, with Astrid entertaining me with interesting facts and stories. By the time that's finished it is lunchtime. We head back to the plaza and order ourselves kringle topped with flaked almonds from a small stand.
"That was one amazing tour, Astrid. I can't thank you enough for showing me around," I say. "It's like you know this city like the back of your hand."
"You can thank my Uncle Sigurðr for that – he used to bring me here on the weekends," she says. She sighs. "You know, I haven't heard from him for nearly a week. He left no note, and he hasn't called to say where he's gone or when he's coming back."
"Don't worry – I'm sure he'll be back before your coronation."
"Me too. Anyway, look at me getting all flustered. I need to do something that will cheer me up – and I've got just the thing."
We spend hours and hours and hours walking around the Schonan with bags of shopping that Astrid purchased from the shops and boutiques. She's got enough clothes, shoes and make-up to start up her own shop.
But as we go from shop to shop I can't help feeling that there's someone following us. I look behind me, but there's no-one suspicious-looking to be found. I like to think that it's only my imagination but I like to keep my wits about me. While we're out here, everyone is a suspect.
Anyway, as we leave a corner boutique with some accessories and we make our way down the boulevard, something catches my eye that makes me stop in my tracks.
It's from a dress shop window – the most glamorous satin ball gown I have ever seen. A full skirt, sheer black sleeves and a beautifully tailored, off-the-shoulder bodice define the brilliant turquoise gown. A striking black ribbon accents the waist and black opera-length gloves adorn the arms of the mannequin. A dazzling diamond brooch adds the final sophisticated touches.
"It's beautiful," I breathe.
"Is it, isn't it?" I hear Astrid say, causing me to jump nearly a mile high. "And it would look incredible on you. Hey, how about I get it for you?"
"What?! Oh, no, no. Please, you don't have…"
"But I want to. Think of it as a gift for doing such a good job. Besides, you need something to wear for my coronation." Then Astrid dashes into the shop before I can protest. She doesn't need to buy me anything just because I'm doing a great job – though it would be nice if people who I escorted did buy me nice things.
I'm about to enter the shop myself when that niggling feeling of being followed comes back to me. I glance over my shoulder, but no-one is there – just people going on about their business. I'm about to dismiss the fact that my mind is playing tricks on me when I catch a glimpse on the shop window of a small gang on the other side of the road. There's about six of them: two young, reckless women in punk rock attire and four young brutish men wearing studded leather clothing. They're not saying much, just laughing and smirking. But the way they keep looking in this direction – the way they keep looking at me. It's as if I'm an alien from a planet. Maybe it's not me they're after. Maybe it's Astrid – I can't be too sure.
"Beep beep, coming through!" I nearly jump again at the sound of Astrid's voice. She giggles. "That's the second time you've done that – within the time of ten minutes. Anyway, I've paid for the gown, along with some accessories that go with it. I'll have someone from the castle come to pick it up on Friday. Let's go visit a few more shops before we head for the plaza."
We set off again to the next shop. As we walk, I discreetly glance sideways at the shop windows, and it seems my suspicions have been confirmed. That silly little gang of punks are following us. But again, I'm not too sure – maybe it's just a coincidence that they're heading in the same direction that Astrid and I are taking. Maybe there's a shop just up ahead that sell giant cans of hairspray and giant tubs of hair gel so that their spikes and mohawks can stay up.
But I'm afraid that's not the case – for as we enter the shop and Astrid has a look around, the punk gang wait outside the shop, keeping their distance.
And they keep their distance in the next two shops we go in.
It's obvious that the assassin has hired these punks to kidnap the princess so he can finish her off. I've got to stop that from happening.
"Finished!" says Astrid. "Just one more shop and we're done."
We come out of the shop head up the avenue. I glance at the window and see that the gang are crossing the road. They are definitely following – and they are definitely after Astrid. I need a plan to stop these punks in their tracks – they're starting to catch up to us.
"Er, Astrid, let's step in here," I say hastily, and I drag her into a designer fashion and luxury boutique. I grab some jeans and shirts and skirts and jackets, and some sweaters and I push Astrid to the changing rooms where we squeeze into one of the cubicles.
"Jenny, what is going on? Why did you pull me in here?" Astrid asks, bewildered.
I drop the clothes at our feet and I take a moment to get my breath back. "OK," I begin. "Now, Astrid, I don't want you to panic, but… we're being followed."
"What? Who's following us?"
"A gang of punks – and I think they're after you."
"But why? Unless…"
I nod. "Your assassin. They've probably hired these punks to kidnap you. But you needn't worry – I'm not going to let that happen. I've got a plan – and it's going to involve this." I point to my Hologram Projecting Earring.
"How is that going to help?"
I smile at Astrid and tug the earring. A holographic image of me appears.
"Oh, my goodness!" Astrid gasps. "How is that possible?"
"She's a hologram – enough said," I reply in a hushed tone. "Now listen very carefully – I'm going to leave the cubicle and find a way to get that gang of would-be kidnappers off our backs while you stay here with the hologram."
"Why does the hologram have to be here?"
"You'll see. Now, when I come back I will give a special knock on the door – that'll let you know it's me. You come out of the changing room and together we'll calmly – very calmly – leave the shop. OK?"
Astrid nods. "OK."
I turn to Holographic Jenny. "If I'm not back in five minutes, you take the princess to the plaza – there'll be a car waiting for her to take her back to the castle. Got it?"
"Affirmative," she replies.
"Good." I turn back to Astrid. "You've got the Tracking Brooch Device on you should anything happen to you – but I know it won't. Now wish me luck – and try not to freak out when this happens."
Before the princess can question what I mean, I activate my cloaking device and I turn invisible. I thought Astrid would scream, but instead she's standing stock-still, too stunned to say anything – or scream.
"Right. Here goes," I say, and I open the cubicle door. When I see that the coast is clear, I come out of the cubicle and leave the changing room.
It seems that the punks know that I'm onto them – they're in the shop 'having a look around' and they don't intend on leaving until the princess leaves. And it seems that I'm not the only one who doesn't want them here – two security men on two ends of the shop floor are giving the gang the eye. An idea comes to me – maybe there is a way to get these wannabe kidnappers off our backs.
I go over to the accessories case against one wall of the shop. It's filled with belts, gloves, jewellery, watches, shawls, scarves, socks, and stockings. I look around to see if anyone is coming this way. There are very few people in the shop and the security men are too busy making sure that the punk gang doesn't steal anything… not knowing that they will steal something – because I'll be the one who will make it look like look they stole something.
My hand reaches out, quick as a wink. I snatch some of the jewellery, watches, scarves and socks from the shelves. I look around – no-one has seen me – or no-one has seen an invisible figure take fashion accessories from the shelves. I creep to one of the punk guys and carefully place some of the jewellery in his pocket. I move to the next gang member and put some watches in his pocket. I creep up to each member of the punk gang and put the accessory in their pockets, being careful not to let the security men see what is happening. I'm done by the time I've tied the scarf to the punk girl's leg. I straighten myself out and head back to the changing rooms. I approach the cubicle that Astrid and the hologram are in and do the special knock on the door, tapping the first five notes of 'Shave and a Haircut', with a response of 'two bits' from the other side. The door opens and I enter the cubicle.
"Deactivate cloaking device," I say, and I become visible. I turn to Holographic Jenny. "Well done for responding to the knocking rhythm of 'Shave and a Haircut'."
The hologram gives a small smile in response. I tug my earring and my hologram disappears.
I turn to Astrid. "The trap has been set. Are you ready?"
"I think so," she says.
"Now remember to act as if you're not being followed. Try and be normal – just until we're a few shops down, OK."
Astrid nods. I pick up the clothes that I picked out when we entered the shop. We leave the cubicle and the changing room. We casually put all the clothes back from where I got them and together we leave the shop.
Suddenly a loud, shrill noise cuts through the air. Astrid and I are some distance away from the shop. We look over our shoulders to see the security men pinning the arms of the punk gang. One of them is calling for the police. Everyone in the street is staring and pointing and tutting.
"I told you I could get them off our backs," I say to Astrid with a smile. "Let's get out of here."
But then people are shouting. I turn.
The gang is coming after us.
"Shit!" I cry. I grab Astrid's hand and we run. We race up the avenue, our feet pounding on the pavement. We fly through crowds, past the small shops and cafés, running red lights and green lights and everything in between.
I glance over my shoulder and see the pissed off expressions on the punk gang's faces, and the shell-shocked pedestrians that we are leaving in our wake.
"Jenny, I don't think we can outrun them!" Astrid yells – and she's right. The gang are starting to get close – only eight, maybe seven steps behind us. There has to be a way to get rid of these losers.
Just up ahead there's a young man with long hair and glasses playing a beautiful melody on his acoustic guitar. He's playing next to a café, and if I remember correctly from my three-hour shopping spree, next to that café is a narrow street.
"I've got an idea," I say to Astrid. "This way."
We run into the narrow street – a back alley with a number of dumpsters and rubbish bins lined up against its sides. I skid to a stop.
"Huh?" Astrid stops and rushes over to me. "Why are you stopping – we have to go!"
"No – I'm staying so I can teach these punks a lesson and make sure they stay off our backs," I say. "You'll be the one who's going – but you won't be alone." I tug my earrings and four holographic images of me appear. "These holograms will take you to the plaza where the car is waiting for you. Should anything happen – and I pray to God it doesn't – I'll be able to use my watch-communicator track you down on your Tracking Brooch Device. Holograms, keep the princess safe. Make sure you don't let anything happen to her. Understand?"
"Affirmative," the holograms respond.
"Good. Now go – get out of here!"
The holograms take Astrid and dash down the alley at full speed – just as the punks enter the alley.
"All right, missy, where's the princess?" the punk guy with the bright blue spiky hair demands. I can only presume he's the leader
"She's long gone," I say. "Good luck trying to find her."
"I think I'll take that chance." He turns to one of the punk guys and the two punk girls. "Head for the plaza – that's probably where her Royal Brattiness will be going. We'll stay here and take care of this one."
The three chosen punks nod and they backtrack out of the alley and hurry to the park.
"It's just you and us now, girlie," the punk leader smirks – as does his two friends.
"Fine by me, pin cushion," I say, assuming a fighting stance. "Bring it on!"
The leader charges at me – but I'm much faster than him, dashing towards him at a fast speed.
"What!" the leader exclaims when I suddenly appear in front of him. I launch a flurry of punches which move faster than the eye can see to every single section of his body.
"What!?" the two punk guys cry, their eyes wide with terror, when they see how beaten up their leader is by my quick attack.
The leader isn't much too pleased. "Y… You…!" he cries, lunge punching for my face. At the last moment, I sidestep and deliver a stabbing kick to his midsection, and then I finish him off by smashing my elbow into his nose, sending him flying.
"Take that, arsehole!" I say as he lands on his back.
"Stig!" the punk guys cry as their leader lies unconscious with a battered body, and a broken and bloody nose.
"You're gonna pay for this, bitch!" says the punk with the purple mohawk. He runs towards me, ready to launch himself at me, but I leap up and place both hands around his head, fall back, and using the combined forces of my legs and inertia to throw Purple Mohawk over my head.
"Aagh!" he cries when he lands painfully on his back.
I get back on my feet see the third punk with crimson red liberty spikes racing up to me. I flip over him and deliver a fast kick to his back, sending him crashing on top of Purple Mohawk. But no sooner is Liberty Spikes on the ground; Purple Mohawk climbs onto his feet. He digs into his pocket and draws out a butterfly knife, performing a complex, flashy and noisy flip. He lunges towards me, but I jump into the air and kick his hand to do damage and knock the weapon from his hand. I catch the knife by the handle, doing my own flashy moves up against Purple Mohawk's throat. I pause to enjoy the scared shitless look on his face, and then knock him out with a punch.
Liberty Spikes is back on his back feet again. He charges towards me and throws a low front kick. I go to block, only to find it is a fake for a wheel kick that hits me in the face. I stagger, wincing.
"Ow, that smarts," I groan.
"Now I'm really gonna kick your keister, bitch!" says Liberty Spikes.
That's what he thinks.
He lunges at me, ready to kill me. I don't move. At the last moment, I raise my hand, palm out, and intercept Liberty Spikes' fist. He stops dead in his tracks. A sly smile spreads across my face as I slowly apply pressure to Liberty Spikes' fist, forcing him down to his knees. Then I kick him in the head, knocking him out.
I let out a sigh. The battle is finished. I turn to walk away when a voice says, "Hold it right there!" I turn to see the punk leader, Stig, staggering to his feet. "I'm not finished with you, yet. Prepare for the beating of your life!"
He charges towards like a bull seeing a red rag, but I roll my eyes – I don't have time for him. I dig into my pocket and bring out the Tangled Net Grenade. I throw the gadget at him and as soon as it hits the punk, a wire net is released from the gadget, and Stig gets tangled up, the net forcibly constricting him.
"Hey – what the hell is this?" Stig cries, struggling in his restraints. "Get this thing off me!"
"Sorry, hon, love to stay and play, but I've got a princess to protect!" I say, running past him and out of the alley to catch up with Astrid and the holograms.
I use my watch-communicator to track Astrid's movements. She's nearly at the plaza, but there's the matter of the other three punk gang members to deal with. I've got to stop them before they reach the princess.
I arrive at the plaza, dashing across the intersection diagonally, barely dodging cars in my wake. I don't see Astrid or the holograms – they must be over on the other side. I sprint across the park, dashing past people walking their dogs, children at the play area, and the food stalls.
I'm nearly halfway across the plaza, just reaching the large flowing fountain in the centre, when I hear someone call my name. "Jenny!"
I stop and turn to see Astrid and the holograms coming towards me. They must have taken the long way round to the plaza.
Astrid catches up to me. "Jenny, are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," I reply. "Are you OK?"
The princess is about to answer when a voice yells out, "There they are!"
I whirl around and find the three punks running towards us. They must been waiting for the Astrid.
"All right, Little Miss Bodyguard – you have about five seconds to hand over the princess," says the punk girl with neon dreadlocks.
"Or you'll do what?" I ask.
"Or we'll rearrange that pretty face of yours and your sisters and take the princess from you!" the other punk girl says, and the two gang members nod in agreement.
"Then so be it."
The gang charge towards me, ready to rearrange my pretty face. I don't intend on fighting them – especially out here in the open where people can see. Instead I take out three more Tangled Net Grenades and throw them at the punks. The net ensnares the trio and as they try to free themselves, they unknowingly trip up over a stone and fall into the fountain. People are pointing and laughing at the thugs as flail around helplessly, trapped like a bunch of fish, ready to start dying – even though they're not.
"That's them sorted," I say, dusting my hands. "Come on, Astrid, we better get out of here before more would-be kidnappers show up."
We leave the soaking wet and entangled punks and head out of the plaza to where the car is waiting for us. I open the door for Astrid and she gets in – followed by the holograms and then myself. As soon as I close the door and we go on our way, I tug the earring and the four holograms disappear. Then I lean into my seat and let out a sigh. "What a day!" I say. "Who would have thought shopping would become a dangerous pastime?"
"Me too," says Astrid, leaning back. "But there's one thing I don't understand."
"What is it?"
"How did my assassin know where I would be? Only Niklas knows where you and I were going to be, and yet my assassin knew. Why?"
I sigh. It's time she knew the truth. "Astrid… I'm really sorry to tell you this, but… your assassin is someone working at Harvonia Castle."
"What?!" she gasps. "You mean one of the servants wants me out of the way?"
I nod.
"Oh." Astrid doesn't know what to say. I don't know what to say! She turns away from me and stares out of the window. She remains silent for the duration of the journey.
When we return to the castle, Astrid climbs out of the car, leaving her shopping behind and rushes inside. I make no attempt in stopping her – it's better to give her some space. I take the shopping out of the car and hand them to the servants who are waiting, and they take them to Astrid's room. Niklas is there too.
"Is everything all right, Miss Brownstone?" he asks, coming up to me. "I just saw Princess Astrid and she seemed most upset."
"No, Niklas, everything is not all right," I reply. "There's something I have to tell you. May we speak privately?"
The Royal advisor nods and we head up to the library. We sit on the chairs by the fireplace and I tell Niklas everything: the bugging device in my room, Astrid's close-call in the garden yesterday with a bullet hitting a bird instead of her, the possibility of having her food laced with poison despite Ophelia having that meal and today when we escaped the gang of punks.
"All this leads to an employee of the castle making the threats on the princess' life," I tell Niklas.
"I see," he says. "And do you know who could be the one responsible?"
"I'm afraid I don't. However, there's one…" I pause. Should I say it?
"There's one what, Miss Brownstone?"
"I was thinking if may not be an employee, but someone who is very close to the princess. In fact, you haven't heard from him in a week."
"You mean her uncle, the Prince Regent Sigurðr."
I nod. "He disappears without a trace, leaving no note or a phone call explaining where he's gone or when he's coming back. At the same time, attempts have been made on his niece's life. All this is happening before the coronation."
"Are you suggesting that the Prince Regent could be responsible for trying to assassinate his niece?"
"Yes, no, maybe, I don't know." I sigh. "Look, there's someone in this castle who doesn't want Astrid to be queen or someone hates her guts enough to want to try and kill her. Either way, I've only got a few days to find this person and wrap this case up, otherwise…" I daren't to finish my sentence.
Niklas and I sit quietly for what could be an eternity, but instead it's only been a minute.
Then Niklas speaks up. "My dear lady," he starts, "I have been working for the Royal family for over thirty years. I have seen and heard things that I would never pass on to another soul. But to hear you accuse Prince Regent Sigurðr of trying to assassinate his niece is something too bad to be tolerated. When the Queen of Faärland died when the princess was young, her father, King Andreas, was there to comfort her – as was the King's brother, the Prince Regent. When the King passed away last year, the Prince Regent was there to comfort her – just like he did all those years ago. What I am trying to say, Miss Brownstone, is that Sigurðr Andreasen is not capable of attempting to kill his niece. He loves her – he treats her as if she was his own child. He would rather die than take the life of someone he loves."
I sit speechless after what Niklas said. He's right – how can I accuse a relative of doing such a horrible thing? This isn't what you see in TV soaps or films, this is real life.
"Niklas, I… I'm sorry," I say. "After hearing what you said about Prince Regent Sigurðr not wanting to harm the princess, I now know he isn't the person responsible for what has been happening, and for that I apologize."
"That's quite all right, Miss Brownstone," he says. "You should also know that the Prince Regent is a pacifist. He believes that war and violence are unjustifiable, so now you know for certain that he's not your assassin."
I nod in affirmation.
"I will have a talk to with the staff and the severe punishment that will fall upon them if they are found responsible," says Niklas. "And I'll have the bugging device removed from your room."
"No, you can't," I exclaim. "If you remove it, the assassin will know that I'm onto them. You have to leave the device where it is until I can find the person who put it there."
"Very well – the bug stays. But I'll still have a word with the staff." Niklas stands up and is about to head out when he says, "You should know that I am not who you're looking for either. I am loyal to the princess and will continue to be loyal to her until the day I die."
And with that, Niklas exits out of the library.
I'm still in my seat, trying to get my head around the fact that it's not the Prince Regent who's out to kill Astrid. Nor is it Niklas – but I'm not too sure. I mean he was the only one who knew where Astrid was going. He could have been the one to have called up the punks and tell them to take out the princess. But knowing him, he's not too keen on using something as tech-savvy as the smartphone. OK, maybe it's not Niklas – and it's certainly not Ophelia, she still has the stomach bug, so she would have been sleeping all day…
Suddenly, another thought comes to me. What if the Prince Regent was kidnapped by the assassin? Maybe Sigurðr knew what the assassin was up to and had to be silence, just until Astrid was out of the way.
So not only is the assassin trying to murder the princess, they may have kidnapped the Prince Regent and could murder him afterwards.
What a mission this is turning out to be.