The Crystal Morning

Queen India stood on her crystal balcony, watching the servants scurry below like busy ants. Her purple gown shimmered in the morning light as she tapped her golden crown impatiently.

"Slower, you fools!" she called down to the maids cleaning the courtyard. "When I was Princess Isabella's age, servants knew their place!"

Her green eyes narrowed as she remembered how she had taken everything from poor Isabella—her beauty, her throne, even her life. Now the Castle of Castile belonged to her alone.

A strange rumbling sound echoed through the crystal walls. India frowned and gripped the balcony railing. The entire castle began to shake and spin, crystals chiming like bells in a storm.

The Great Tumble

The world spun like a top gone wild. India tumbled from her balcony, her crown flying off her head. She landed with a thud in the courtyard where her servants had been cleaning moments before.

"Your Majesty!" gasped Maria, the head maid with short gray hair. But something strange was happening. Maria's worn brown dress began to shimmer and change into a beautiful golden gown.

India tried to stand, but her purple dress had turned into rough servant clothes. Her beautiful face looked older and tired.

"What's happening?" India cried, but her voice sounded different—scratchy and weak.

Maria picked up the golden crown from the ground and placed it on her own head. "I think," Maria said with wonder, "everything has turned upside-down."