Free Perilous Pranks (Renaissance Faire Mystery) by Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene Page B

them.
    “Any other messages from Wanda since you found her killer?” Chase asked as we approached the castle.
    “Nope. I’m hoping she’s gone now. Maybe she can rest in peace. Or at least make some other person’s life miserable.”
    He laughed and took my hand. “I’m sure everything will be fine. We’re getting married in less than a month! Life is good!”
    Princess Isabel was waiting at the side gate with Master at Arms, Gus Fletcher. She welcomed us to the castle, and we followed her inside.
    The Village had been rife with rumors about a romance between the princess and Gus. This followed the birth last year of Queen Olivia and King Harold’s new daughter, Princess Pea, who would no doubt take up Isabel’s princess responsibilities at some time in the future.
    I thought Gus, who was a former wrestler, was a good match for the spoiled princess. Everyone didn’t agree. After all Gus wasn’t a lord or even a knight. Some residents thought it seemed inappropriate.
    I thought they took Village life a bit too seriously.
    Isabel led us through the large entryway to the king and queen’s private quarters, past the seating area for the King’s Feast that happened every Sunday night. There was jousting in the Great Hall on those nights—along with singing, dancing, displays of valor, and Cornish hens.
    It was a great time for one and all, according to the ads on TV.
    “Greetings Sir Bailiff, Lady Jessie.” King Harold seemed happy about something. He was unusually jovial and friendly. “How goes my kingdom?”
    Chase glanced at me. “We have seen Wanda Le Fey’s murderer taken into custody. A good day’s work, sire.”
    King Harold glanced at Queen Olivia in much the same way that Chase had looked at me.
    “I had no idea such dreadful events were going on,” he protested. “Pray tell who this foul killer was.”
    “It was Ginny Stewart, sire. She confessed to killing Wanda, but said it was an accident.”
    “An accident?” King Harold roared. “By God, I ought to—”
    “Now, now, dear.” Queen Olivia laid her hand on his arm. “That is not the reason we summoned this couple to us.”
    “Quite right, my love.” King Harold smiled at us again as he strove to regain his composure. “We have a wonderful surprise for the two of you. It gladdens my heart to be able to tell you personally.”
    “We’re very anxious to hear what you have to say, Your Majesty.” I was starting to get a sinking feeling about this.
    “We have news this day that more than two hundred and fifty couples will be joining you on your day of wedded bliss. Adventureland is making it a theme day for the Faire. Consider this our gift to you for years of dedicated service, Sir Bailiff.”
    Two hundred and fifty other couples getting married at the same time?
    It was like some horrible nightmare. The king and queen gushed on about how exciting it was, and all the revenue it would bring into the Village—not to mention worldwide television and Internet exposure.
    Our thoughts and feelings on the subject were unimportant. Adventureland was going to make our wedding day one to remember for people we didn’t know, who would never know us.
    Chase grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Thank you, sire. We’re sure this will be a wonderful day.”
    “Yes, indeed,” I agreed with less enthusiasm than I’d ever had lifting a wet frog for a small child to catapult across the game booth. “A day to remember.”
    I heard Wanda’s raucous laughter echo through the castle. It seemed finding her killer hadn’t made her disappear into the hereafter either.
    Maybe we could elope.
     

Murderous Matrimony - Chapter One
     
    “I have a bad feeling about today, Jessie.”
     
    The ghost of Wanda Le Fey began humming Bad Moon Rising from Creedence Clearwater Revival as she inspected her nails.
     
    I put my hand to my head and sipped my triple shot mocha, even though I knew there wasn’t enough caffeine in the universe to help with this