Chapter 6

They watched the clouds for a while, then the horses. Annuetta found a clear spot to play jacks. After they ate their lunch, they played Cat's Cradle.

When the breeze started to get too chilly, Sally packed everything up and they walked back to the palace.

"Thanks, Sally," Annuetta said, and hugged her friend.

***

The following day, the palace started preparations for the King's birthday. Usually Annuetta gave him a scribbled card. This year she wanted to give him something special, but didn't know what to do, and she hardly had time to think. She peeled mountains of potatoes for the cook, and helped get rooms ready for the guests who would start arriving any day. Whatever Sally's job was for the day, Annuetta showed up to help. The day of the King's birthday, she still didn't know what to give him.

"You will need to put on your best dress, today," her mother told her.

"But I have to help Sally."

"Today, your job is to sit with your Father and greet all the guests."