"What?" Princess Petronella stamped her foot in frustration. "Just tell me what's so funny!"
Nobody answered. They were too busy laughing.
But Nicola could feel the funniness seeping away.
Sure it was funny, but it wasn't hilarious.
The shrieks of laughter were replaced by sniggers and snickers, chuckles and chortles.
Actually, it wasn't even that funny at all.
The effect of the Mirth Missiles was wearing off.
The room became silent, except for the sound of people clearing their throats. Slowly everyone got to their feet, shamefaced and avoiding one another's eyes.
"My sincere apologies, Princess Petronella," said one of the men. "They attacked us with Mirth Missiles. Those weapons should be banned. They destroy dignity like that!"
He snapped his fingers to demonstrate and looked accusingly at the Space Brigade.
"Well, excuse me, but you were the ones knocking down our front door!" responded Shimlara.
"Yes, I am, ah, regretful, about that," said Princess Petronella. (Nicola remembered how horrified Princess Petronella's parents had been when they heard her use the word sorry. Apparently Globagaskarian royalty weren't meant to use language like that.) "Mom and Dad insisted I bring along the palace guards. The guards think that's how you open doors--by kicking them down."
"Is there another way?" said a confused voice from the back of the room.
"Why are you here, Princess Petronella?" said Shimlara.
"Just a moment," said Princess Petronella. She clapped her hands. "Guards! Wait for me outside!"
The room emptied in seconds. It was like a forest had suddenly cleared.
"They frightened us to death," said Nicola. "We thought they were here to kidnap us. You see, Shimlara's parents and little brother have gone missing and--"
"I know they've gone missing," interrupted Princess Petronella.
"You do?" said Shimlara.
"Of course. That's why I'm here."
CHARTER 6
"Do you know where they are?" asked Shimlara desperately.
"We think we do," said the princess.
"They're alive, then? You know they're alive?"
"We believe they're alive," said the princess. "Look, we're going to explain everything. That's why I'm here. To bring you back to the palace."
She turned to Nicola. "It's good to see you little Earthlings again! Have you been enjoying the Earth oceans that I saved for you?"
"You didn't save our oceans!" protested Sean."We convinced you not to destroy Earth."
"Details, details!" said the princess airily.
"Also, we don't just swim all day long," said Greta. "We have our educations to consider. We go to school. We have homework. Extracurricular activities."
The princess ignored Greta. She was busy looking out the back window at the Gorgioskio backyard. "Speaking of swimming, should we have a dip before we go? The palace pool must be twenty times the size of yours. I'd love to try a teeny pool!"