Laura Ellen Anderson - Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball

The students muttered excitedly.

‘I have ALSO been informed that, as of tonight, Prince Tangine will be joining Catacomb Academy as part of his king training, to get to know the young creatures of Nocturnia!’

The whole crypt exploded in squeals and burps of delight.

‘Oh, wasn’t it just AWFUL that his mother was EATEN by a fairy?’ cried Frankie, who had stitches over her face and bolts in her neck.

‘There will be NO mention of the fairy incident ,’ hissed Miss Inspine. ‘The prince is probably anxious enough, leaving the palace for the first time in years.’

‘So brave!’ said Frankie, fanning herself with her detatched ear.

‘The king has requested,’ the head teacher continued, ‘that Amelia Fang show Prince Tangine around the school and look after him while he settles in.’

‘That’s only because he used to be best buddies with Amelia’s dad!’ Frankie spat.

Amelia muffled a groan. Frankie was the most annoying ghoul in the whole of Catacomb Academy.

‘Enough, Frankie!’ said Miss Inspine, losing patience. ‘The prince is due to arrive any minute, and I want you ALL to be on your BEST behaviour.’

‘Imagine.’ Grimaldi grinned. ‘The three of us hanging out with the future king! We’ll be the coolest kids in school.’

‘HEY,’ said Florence. ‘WE ALREADY ARE.’

I wonder what Tangine is like , thought Amelia, before a loud noise caught her attention.

‘You stupid bird! Why can’t you ever land properly?’ came a high-pitched voice.

‘Oh! Wait here, everyone . . .’ said Miss Inspine, scampering out of the crypt.

Seconds later she returned looking flustered.

‘Students! It gives me great pleasure to welcome our special new student to Catacomb Academy . . . Prince Tangine the First!’

A long shadow appeared, stretching across the length of the crypt. Amelia watched as the shadow became smaller, and smaller . . . And smaller . . .

Until Prince Tangine stepped into view.

‘’OW WEENY IS ’E?’ Florence whispered loudly.

Miss Inspine shot her a sharp look.

The prince was tiny. Titchy even. Which was very unusual for a vampire.

Frankie began applauding frantically. ‘Tangine rules! Tangine, you’re amazing!’ she yelled across the room.

‘JOSEPHINE!’ Tangine bellowed, clapping his tiny hands twice.

A grubby Mummy Maid ran in and crouched down at Tangine’s feet so he could use her as a platform.

‘Yes, it is I, your future king!’ said Prince Tangine, revealing his pearly white fangs. ‘I suppose I look forward to learning stuff at your inferior little school.’

Amelia was a bit surprised by Prince Tangine’s tone. He must be nervous , she thought.

‘Anyway,’ continued Tangine, yawning. ‘I’m bored. I demand brunch . . .’ He clapped his hands again and shouted, ‘FRESCO!’

Maybe the nerves make him hungry , thought Amelia.

Another Mummy Maid rushed into the crypt, holding a tray of Slug-ends.

‘Ooh, isn’t he delightful?’ oozed Frankie as the Mummy Maid crawled back out of the crypt, still carrying Tangine.

‘Well.’ Amelia looked at Florence and Grimaldi. ‘Tangine seems . . . nice?’

After Abominable Assembly, Amelia waited outside Miss Inspine’s room for Prince Tangine. He was already ten minutes late for class. Maybe he’s lost? she thought.

Squashy sniffed around inside Amelia’s backpack, looking for something to chew.

‘No, no, Squashy, that’s my homework!’ Amelia giggled. ‘I knew you’d get hungry, so I took some of Dad’s breakfast for you . . .’

Amelia pulled out a fistful of Honeyroasted Maggots, and Squashy gently nibbled them from her hand.

She was still feeding him and rubbing his pumpkin tummy when a voice echoed down the corridor.

‘Aren’t you going to show me to the classroom then?’

‘Oh!’ said Amelia, clambering to her feet. Tangine was standing proudly on a Mummy Maid at the end of the corridor. ‘Hello, Prince Tangine!’ She smiled.

‘INGRID. Crawl!’ the prince demanded.

‘It’s so good to properly meet you,’ said Amelia. ‘Our fathers used to play Eyebowls together every week, y’know. Maybe we could ask them to teach us?’

Tangine didn’t answer.

‘And it’s really cool that you’re coming to the Barbaric Ball!’ she went on. ‘I usually hate going on my own. My mum makes me dance with all the posh old toads!’

Silence.

‘At least I’ll have someone to hang out with this year . . .’

‘What’s that?’ Tangine said suddenly, pointing at Squashy.

‘Oh, this is Squashy, my pet pumpkin,’ said Amelia.

Squashy smiled and squeaked three times.

‘Pets are silly,’ said Tangine, rolling his eyes.

Amelia’s cheeks burned. ‘Um,’ she said uncomfortably. ‘Well, shall we go to class then?’

‘Don’t they teach you manners in this school?’ said Tangine. ‘I am royalty, you must open the door for me!’

Amelia felt herself blush again, but at that moment the door suddenly burst open.

‘Oh, thank the grave,’ breathed Miss Inspine. ‘I thought you’d lost the prince, Amelia. Chop chop, you’ve made him late for class!’

‘But, Miss, I—’ Amelia began.

‘Not now, Amelia,’ said the head teacher. ‘Hurry up. There’s a special seat for Tangine next to you.’

Amelia and Tangine took their seats while Squashy nestled under the desk.

‘Did everyone complete their Creature and Critter Studies homework?’ said Miss Inspine. ‘Your Full Moon test is coming up and this year’s subject is “Creatures of the Light”. Can anyone tell me what they’ve learnt so far?’