The Lost Prince

Written by Michelle Mohrweis

Illustrated by Dante Gabriel Hookey

Chapter 1

It’s a beautiful day in the Kingdom of Pages. Naturally, my cousin Samara and I are stuck cleaning the antique shop.

“I wish we could go to the queen’s birthday feast tonight,” says Samara, sweeping up a cloud of dirt.

“I heard she invited adventurers to it,” I say, dodging the dust. “I want to meet one someday!”

Samara giggles. “You’re always thinking about adventure.”

“Always.” I grab a stack of books. “What should I do with these?”

Samara checks her notebook. “Oh! They’re for a delivery tomorrow. I’ll ask Mum where they should go.” She tosses her broom aside and skips up the stairs.

My cousin is a whirlwind, always bouncing between tasks and taking detailed notes on everything. She says it’s because she’s ADHD. Yet she still slows down to talk about adventure with me and help me when I’m overwhelmed. It’s part of why we get along so well.

I rock on my feet as I dust off the books.

Heel to toe.

Heel to toe.

The motion is soothing.

As I rock, the front door chimes.

Part of living at the antique shop for the summer includes helping customers. So, I put on my best smile (the one I practise in the mirror) and say, “Welcome to the Feather Quill, home of amazing antiques and artifacts! I’m Cleo MacGuffin, adventuring enthusiast.”

A boy stumbles inside. He tugs nervously at his bright blue tunic and looks around the shop. He seems … scared?

“Are you OK?” I ask.

“I’m … just looking,” he says. He peeks out of the window, then around the shop.

I shrug. “OK.”

The boy flinches at the barrel of swords in the corner. He gulps at the maps tacked to the walls. But when he sees the books on the counter, he brightens up, like a sunrise peeking through the clouds.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

The boy hesitates. “Ma— Theo. My name’s Theo.”

Chapter 2

I frown. Theo looks familiar. Where have I seen him before?

Suddenly Theo gasps. I look down and realise that the book I’m holding is glowing! It’s an old book, with gold letters on the worn-out cover that spell: Book of Secrets.

My fingers tingle. The glow brightens. The pages rustle, and the book floats into the air!