Nanny Pinch raised her hand for silence. “Now, Drizella. Remember what we talked about. Think about how you’d like to rephrase that.”

Rebecca laughed. “Oh, that’s not necessary. He was an ugly old beast, or at least some thought so, but now he’s a beautiful king living his happily ever after with his true love, Queen Belle. And you won’t be living in their kingdom anyway. Theirs is the next kingdom over from ours. Kingdoms don’t usually intermingle so your paths will never cross. Don’t worry.”

Anastasia was confused. “What do you mean the king was living his happily ever after? Isn’t that what fairy tale authors usually say about the princess once she is saved by her prince?”

Rebecca laughed again. “Well, in this story it was the princess who saved the prince. Belle is the hero of that story.” Drizella and Anastasia clapped their hands.

“Oh, I like that! I would like to meet Queen Belle!” said Drizella. “Oh, Mama, you’re taking us to the most magnificent place. Thank you.” She kissed her mother on the cheek.

Lady Tremaine smiled and yawned.

“Come now, girls,” Nanny Pinch said, standing up. “Your mama is tired, and I think it’s time to let her rest.” She took each girl by the hand and led them into the adjoining room.

“I love you, my darlings,” said Lady Tremaine, blowing them a kiss. “I will see you later at dinner.” She was so happy her daughters were excited about this journey. “Rebecca, you stay with me for a while,” she said when they were alone. “What did you do with that book of fairy tales? I would like to read it on our journey to the Many Kingdoms.”

Rebecca cast her eyes downward. “I’m sorry, my lady. It’s in the crates down in cargo. I can find it for you the moment we get to the Many Kingdoms, as soon as I am able to unpack.”

Lady Tremaine signed. “Very well, then I am afraid you will have to answer all of my daughters’ and my questions about the Many Kingdoms for as long as this voyage takes.”

Rebecca laughed. “It would be my pleasure, my lady.”

Chapter IX: The Many Kingdoms

When the ladies disembarked from their ship after their unbearably long journey, it felt to Lady Tremaine as if they had indeed stepped into another world. She was so relieved to be on land again and hoped her life in the Many Kingdoms was worth the voyage. She decided almost at once it might be. She marveled at her surroundings, dazzled by the magnificent lighthouse, its Fresnel lens glistening in the sunlight.