Delphie grinned at Griff. This was going well! “The Princess is very pleased,” she told King Rat. “But she says she will only get married on a sunny day.”

“But that means I would have to take my spell off Enchantia,” King Rat frowned.

Delphie bent towards Priscilla and then looked at King Rat again. “The Princess will certainly not get married in the wintertime.”

“Oh very well,” King Rat said, looking at the princess. “Just for you, I will break the spell.”

“Now?” said Delphie hopefully.

“Now!” declared King Rat. “Well, just as soon as I have got myself ready.” He blew a kiss towards Priscilla. “I will be down in a few moments, my love,” he said, pulling his lips back and revealing his pointed teeth in what he obviously thought was a charming smile.

As he disappeared into the castle, Delphie breathed a sigh of relief.

“It’s worked!” said Griff in a low voice, and Skye twittered in delight.

Patiently they waited as King Rat stomped around, shouting at his servants. “Get me my biggest crown! No, not that one, you idiot! The one with the rubies in. I must look my very best for my bride!”

“I hope it doesn’t take him too long to get ready,” Delphie hissed to Skye and Griff.

The minutes ticked by. At long last there was a blast of trumpets. The great wooden door of the castle was thrown open and King Rat came marching out. He stopped and threw his arms open, as if expecting a round of applause.

There was a moment’s silence. King Rat started to frown and then his guards realised what he was waiting for and hastily began to clap.

Delphie only just stopped herself from giggling. The King’s whiskers had been tightly curled, and he had put oil on his greasy fur so it was slicked back and gleaming. Looking very pleased with himself, he preened vainly. “Well?” he called, looking at Delphie. “What does my princess think?”

Delphie looked round at Priscilla, preparing to make something up. She froze. Priscilla’s face was turning brown and green and wrinkly. King Rat had taken so long getting ready that Sugar’s magic was wearing off. Priscilla was turning back into a toad!

6
In Trouble

Delphie felt as if a bucket of cold, icy water had just been tipped all over her. What was she going to do now? She leapt forward and hastily pulled the veil over Priscilla’s face, feeling very relieved that King Rat was so busy posing that he wasn’t looking too closely at his bride-to-be.

From under the veil came a croak.