*
Morning came far too early, but come it did. With the dawn came renewed preparations for the ball. Octavius was busy meeting with the other kings, making sure security would be at its highest level. Emmaline was busy with the last minute details for the ballroom decorations and making sure that all of the guests’ needs were met.
Norman was feeling quite upset as she found another paper rose on the small table next to her door. The guard swore that he had seen no one the whole night. Norman put the incident to the back of her mind, as she had to go over the food and drink lists with Harriet to make sure nothing would be accidentally overlooked. A favorite dish was prepared for each of the royal houses. Octavius had asked the princes to help relay their family’s needs to prepare for the ball to Queen Emmaline. The castle was a hive of activity, with everyone flying from one point to another.
Preparations were underway down in the troll village of Awll as well. King Octavius had asked Winifred if she could make some rolls and breads for the ball. It took Gertrude some time to explain to his mother that most humans do not like bugs in their food, even if they are ground up. Winifred finally relented and put whole grains into them for extra flavor. Derry had agreed to help her friend with the large order. Winifred wanted to be finished early so she could prepare for the ball. She was having Gertrude deliver the breads and rolls up to the castle.
Gertrude was busy being Grand Troll, taking care of the village’s own security. Since he had set up the guards, no new incidents had happened. He stopped by Toddy’s house to see her, but her mother would not let him in because Toddy was getting ready. She did not wish Gertrude to see her before she was ready to leave with him.
The day flew by and soon it was almost time for the ball. Everyone had checked and rechecked everything to make sure that the evening’s festivities would be an event to be remembered by all
Chapter Thirteen