PRINCESS ELIZABETH

Once upon a time, in a shining castle on a hill, lived King Roland, his gentle wife Queen Rebecca, and their sweet five‑year‑old daughter, Princess Elizabeth. Everyone in the kingdom knew she was the light of their lives.

But one day, something frightening happened.

A loud, angry crowd pushed through the heavy castle gates. They shouted and stomped, and they were getting closer and closer to the grand ballroom. They didn’t want a king anymore, and soon they would burst right inside.

King Roland and Queen Rebecca were not afraid for themselves. They were only worried about their little girl.

“Where can we hide her?” Queen Rebecca cried, looking around the huge room.

Jasmine, Elizabeth’s loving nanny, stood nearby. Jasmine adored the princess and would do anything to protect her. Even though her hands were shaking, she came up with a brave, clever idea.

“Elizabeth,” she whispered, “we’re going to play a very important pretend game.”

Jasmine quickly dressed the princess in a simple, dusty outfit—nothing like her sparkling gowns. She braided Elizabeth’s hair to look just like her own. In only a few minutes, Princess Elizabeth didn’t look royal at all. She looked like an ordinary helper’s child.

Her secret name was Ellie.

Jasmine carried her to a quiet corner of the ballroom and wrapped her arms around her. “I’ll keep you safe,” she promised softly.

In the center of the room, King Roland and Queen Rebecca stood tall and brave. They knew the crowd would take them away, but their hearts felt strong because their daughter was hidden.

The plan worked perfectly.

The crowd stormed into the ballroom. Their leader glanced around. When he looked toward the corner, he didn’t see a princess. He only saw a nanny holding her child.

“You two may leave,” he said.

Jasmine stayed perfectly still, holding Elizabeth close. They watched as the crowd led the King and Queen away.

When the castle finally grew quiet, Jasmine stood up, took Elizabeth’s hand, and together they slipped out the back door into the cool, safe night.

They didn’t know what adventures awaited them, but Jasmine made a sacred promise as she held the little girl close:

“One day, when you are grown, you will return to this castle. You will come home as Queen Elizabeth.”