turns that made the crowd gasp Her act was one of many to be performed during Princess Serafina’s birthday festivities and she was determined to stand out Krystal’s confidence grew rapidly But on the last movement she misjudged her turn Her fingers slipped and she lost hold of the bar and toppled down Somehow she managed to grip on with her knee It was all that saved her from falling For several frightening moments Krystal dangled awkwardly like a rag doll Down below the crowd thought it was all part of her act Krystal reached up with shaking hands and grasped the bar She sat upright took a second to steady herself then held her arms wide for the applause When the crowd began cheering she reached for the rope and swung over to the ladder before sliding all the way down and landing on
Estrella’s back Go on girl Krystal told Estrella Her hands still trembled though she tried to hide it No one will mind if you use your enchantment magic It will make us both look better Estrella reared up and sent a flurry of magical sparks into the air The crowd was delighted with her radiant beauty People cheered and gave them a standing ovation Krystal grinned with relief Princess Serafina strode over to offer Krystal a bouquet of blood-red roses Thank you Princess Serafina Krystal said But shouldn’t you be the one receiving flowers today After all it’s your birthday Not this time Serafina said smiling These are for you I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift than your performance Krystal That last stunt was death defying Krystal blushed but didn’t say anything She didn’t want Serafina knowing she’d made a near fatal error It was death defying Queen Heart said as she strolled over with Jala the Unicorn Riders leader We’d better be careful Jala Krystal might run away to join the circus Jala laughed I hope not she said We need Krystal to help protect Avamay It was the Unicorn Riders job to protect their queen and their people
from danger and evil forces I’d never join the circus she declared proudly Not while I’m a Unicorn Rider You’d better not Ellabeth said We’d miss you You were brilliant Krystal Quinn beamed You made it seem so effortless said Willow That’s the skill of a great trapeze artist Jala said Making difficult moves look easy However I can certainly testify to the many hours Krystal spent perfecting her routine And the bruises she received for her troubles She’s almost depleted my supplies of magical healing ointment You know what they say Krystal said floating with all the compliments No pain no gain Suddenly a messenger ran up panting for breath Your majesty he said I have an urgent letter from Roark Fortress Queen Heart frowned I fear this may be bad news she said King Talfren has been ill for weeks Come we will read it in private Can I come too Princess Serafina asked Queen Heart shook her head No she replied You must stay here and enjoy the festivities The people are your first priority today They have come to watch your birthday celebrations and to see you Yes mother Serafina said She was clearly disappointed but she
didn’t argue The Riders and Jala followed the sweep of Queen Heart’s skirts out of the marquee across the lawn and into the palace She led them into a small room We won’t be disturbed here said Queen Heart The Queen broke the letter’s waxed seal which bore the image of a griffin the magical creature native to Haartsfeld Krystal held her breath wondering what news the letter contained
