6 Substitute Teacher

CHAPTER 6

Substitute Teacher Lucas lay in bed and listened to the birds chirp happily along the castle wall. I wonder if Will's up? he thought. The prince hopped out of bed, changed his clothes, and ran down the spiral stone staircase to the dining room. Will and the king were already having breakfast. "Good morning, Will," said the prince. "How would you like me to show you more of Wrenly today?"

"I'd like that very much," Will replied. "I had planned to do some exploring." The king smiled. "What a wonderful idea!" he said. "It is a nice idea," said the queen, who had just entered the room, "but I'm afraid Lucas can't go. He has a music lesson today."

Lucas's fork clattered onto his plate.

"It's not like the lesson takes the whole day," he complained. "True," said his father. "But you've been late for your first two lessons." "But this is special," Lucas argued. "Will has never been to Wrenly before, and who knows when he'll be back?" The king shook his head and sighed. "Your Majesties, if you'll excuse me," said Will, "I have an idea." The king raised his eyebrows. "Well, let us hear it," he said. "What if I give Lucas his music lesson today? We could have it outside on the palace grounds."

The king looked to his wife. She nodded approvingly. "It's a perfect solution," she said. "I'll let Lucas's music teacher know that the prince has a special guest teacher today." "What do you say, Lucas?" asked Will. "I'll do it!" replied the prince. He would rather be outside with Will—even if it meant he still had to have a music lesson. "Now, don't forget your lute," his father said with a wink.