2 Into the palace

Chapter 2 Into the palace "This must be a dream," Tom told himself, as he followed the prince down the palace corridors. He gazed around him in wonder. What's your name? Tom Canty, sir.

Finally, they came to a vast room. "Are you hungry?" asked the prince. "Aren't I always?" said Tom. "I mean, yes, Your Highness..." Prince Edward ordered a servant to bring food, and water so Tom could wash his hands and face. Tom ignored the water, and gobbled down the food.

"He's so dirty," thought the prince. "He eats like an animal." "Ooh!" said Tom, still chewing his food. "This room must be at least twenty times bigger than the one we live in." "You live in a room?" asked Prince Edward. "Yes, all six of us- my parents, sisters and my gran."

The prince looked so shocked, Tom had to laugh. "But life's not all bad. In summer I get to swim in the river and play in the mud." There's nothing better than wallowing in mud. "Oh!" said the prince, longingly. "I'd love to strip off my royal robes, just for one moment, and splash in the mud with no one to stop me..."

"And if for one moment I could take off my rags and put on your royal clothes, sir..." said Tom. "Let's swap clothes, Tom Canty," cried the prince. "But please," he added, "wash first!"

Once Tom had scrubbed himself down, Tom and the prince stood side by side, in front of the mirror, each wearing the other's clothes. They looked at each other, then they looked into the mirror again. Prince Edward touched Tom's hair, his face... and gasped.