Free Rescue Princesses #6: The Magic Rings by Paula Harrison Page B

of animals to rescue there, maybe rabbits or badgers, or even a brown bear?
    She was going to the kingdom of Peronia with her mom, dad, and Ally, to attend the Royal Dance Festival. Lots of royal families would be there. They would spend several days dancing and hold a grand performance on the final day.
    Her dad smiled at her across the aisle of the plane. “We’ll be there soon, Lottie. Did you remember to pack all your dancing shoes?”
    Lottie nodded. “Ballet shoes, tap shoes, and jazz shoes.”
    “Ah, if only I was young again! Your mom and I really knew how to rock and roll,” said the king of Middinglanddreamily. “Our favorite dance was called the jitterbug!”
    Lottie grinned at the thought of her mom and dad bopping around in their crowns and robes. She loved dancing and couldn’t wait for the festival. But she wasn’t just going there to dance. She was searching for girls who loved animals and adventure to join the Rescue Princesses. She unzipped her shoulder bag and peeked at the four jeweled rings lying safe inside. She loved the ruby ring the most, which was the one that Emily used to wear.
    Checking to be sure that no one was looking, she picked up the ring and pressed the ruby firmly. Nothing happened. She sighed and put it back in the bag again. She had tried the ring several times now, but it never lit up the way that Emily had told her it did.Maybe Ally would know why it wasn’t working.
    The airplane landed on the runway. They all climbed down the steps and got into a polished silver car that would take them the short distance to the Peronian Palace. Lottie stared out of the window as hedges flashed past, searching for signs of birds or animals that might need help.
    After a while, a row of tall gray towers rose above the hedges. They turned a corner and the whole palace came into view. It was a magnificent place with an enormous arched front door. Lottie counted twenty-two turrets along the roof. It was certainly one of the grandest palaces she’d ever seen.
    “Mom?” Lottie asked suddenly. “There will be other princesses at this dance festival, won’t there?”
    “Of course,” said her mom briskly. “There will be plenty of princesses, and princes, too. Just remember that you are from the royal family of Middingland, and must always behave with the utmost politeness.”
    Lottie nodded, her face lighting up. Plenty of princesses. That would mean plenty of potential Rescue Princesses!
    They rolled slowly up the gravel driveway, passing a boy with muddy boots leading a beautiful sandy-colored horse. The boy frowned at them, but Lottie was too busy looking at the horse to pay much attention. She loved horses and spent hours grooming them in the palace stables back home in Middingland. This horse had lovely chocolate-brown eyes and had been brushed until its coat shone.
    The car stopped at the front door just as a lady with a huge wide-brimmed hatcame bustling out to meet them. Lottie couldn’t help staring at her hat. It was lime green and covered with plastic purple grapes.

    “Here’s Queen Sofia of Peronia! Please remember to curtsy, Lottie,” said her mom.
    “How wonderful to see you,” boomed Queen Sofia.
    Lottie climbed out of the car and performed her best curtsy. She knew it was a little wobbly, but at least she didn’t fall over.
    “Thank you so much for inviting us to visit,” said the queen of Middingland.
    “Not at all! Now let me show you where you’re staying.” Queen Sofia led them into the palace, her lime-green hat bobbing as she walked.
    The palace was full of royal visitors. Orange lamps glowed on the walls, lighting up huge paintings of soldiersgalloping on horses. Queen Sofia led them up a grand staircase and down many hallways, until she suddenly stopped.
    “These are your rooms, my dears.” The queen patted Lottie on the head. “I hope we’ll see some splendid dancing from you. You look like just the kind of princess to treat us to a bouncy