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Informationen zum Autor Jessica Burkhart (a.k.a. Jessica Ashley) is the author of the Unicorn Magic, Saddlehill Academy, and Canterwood Crest series, which you can learn more about at CanterwoodCrest.com. She is a former equestrian who writes from her apartment in Tennessee. (It’s not the size of Crystal Castle, but Jess tries to decorate like a princess!) Jess’s aura would be hot pink and she loves glittery things. If she had a unicorn, it would be named Sparkle. Visit Jess at JessicaBurkhart.com. Klappentext When Princess Bella throws a farewell party for her cousin, her evil aunt shows up and demands that Bella find a magic crystal hidden in the castle or lose Glimmer forever.The Hidden Treasure 1 Party Crasher Princess Bella stared at her evil aunt, Queen Fire, trying to look brave. Bella had been having a great time with the rest of her classmates at a fun dance that her parents, King Phillip and Queen Katherine, had planned to celebrate the end of the year. But Queen Fire had been a not-so-fun party surprise. “How long does this”—Bella pointed to the black powder that hid them both from the other guests—“last?” “Dear niece, don’t worry about our privacy,” Queen Fire said in a sugar-sweet tone. Bella’s aunt had raven-black hair that hung down her back, glittering eyes, and matching ruby-red lips and nails. “Did you have to come during my party?” Bella asked. “I can come and go whenever I please,” Queen Fire said. She glanced away from Bella, taking in the happy chatter and fun as Bella’s classmates danced nearby. Bella started to say something, but she bit her lip to keep quiet. Had she imagined the flicker of sadness on Queen Fire’s face? “Please let me go,” Bella begged. “Today and tomorrow are the last days I can spend with my cousin before she goes home. I know I owe you a favor, though, and I am not going back on my promise.” Images flashed through Bella’s mind—picture after picture of that horrible time when Glimmer, Bella’s unicorn, had run away to the Dark Forest. Bella and Glimmer had just started to get to know each other after the two had been matched on Bella’s eighth birthday. But Glimmer had run away, and when Bella had found her in the scary Dark Forest, they were suddenly in the path of Queen Fire’s dangerous unicorns. Bella and Glimmer had been seconds away from serious trouble before Queen Fire saved them. In turn, Bella had pledged to help her aunt if she ever needed it. And if she did not help Queen Fire, her aunt was going to take Glimmer away. Queen Fire crossed her arms. “I had a feeling you would back out of our deal.” “I’m not letting you have Glimmer!” Bella said. “Then I suggest you listen very carefully. There is a crystal hidden in your castle. It has, let’s say, sentimental value to me.” “Where is it?” Queen Fire laughed. “Niece, if I knew the answer, I would have told you. I’m not that evil.” “So that’s what I have to do?” Bella asked. “I have to find this crystal?” She paused. “Is it hidden away for a reason? Am I going to get in trouble for finding the crystal and giving it to you?” Queen Fire leaned close to Bella. “If you’re worried about getting in trouble, then don’t get caught.” Bella felt like she was underwater—like someone had stuffed cotton balls in her ears. The class party felt very far away, and she did not know what to say to her aunt. Bella swallowed. “Is that all? Because I really need to get back and—” “Fine.” Queen Fire sighed, waving a pale hand in the air. “Go back to your party, dear. I’m getting rather tired of hiding, though. I want you at my castle tomorrow. We need to talk. I need to make sure you understand the importance...
