Princess Catrina has been catnapped, and right out from under the eyes of her own royal guards!

Only this morning, after looking appreciatively at herself in her magic mirror, the Princess put on her golden weekday crown, and called to her brother, Prince Whiskers.

"This morning is the first day of spring," she said. "Let's have our breakfast out at the tea table!"

Prince Whiskers loved a good breakfast, so he and Catrina hurried down to their front garden with some kibble and the teapot. They drank catnip tea.

"I have been thinking," said Catrina, enjoying the birds flying over their garden. "Let's have all our subjects come out today for a town picnic! We can give them presents."

"A fine idea," said Whiskers, who was gobbling down a bite of liver kibble. "Shall we give ourselves presents, too?"

"Of course," said Catrina, smiling at the thought.

As soon as they finished a second pot of tea, they hurried to their Writing Room to make up a Proclamation. Then Whiskers told the Town Crier to call out from the balcony that everyone should show up at the mossy brick in thirty minutes for a major announcement.

Which they did, living close by the castle, and having nothing much to do.

"Good morning, Loyal Subjects!" called down Catrina pleasantly. She loved her balcony, which looked out over all of Nice Town. Everyone below was looking up at her, which made her feel proud and happy. "Prince Whiskers and I wish to celebrate the first day of spring," she announced, holding up a Proclamation. "Please come to the picnic tables at noon, and we will give everyone a present!"

Of course, everyone cheered. Princess Catrina liked for them to cheer, so they always did. And today there would be presents, so they cheered very loudly.

--Please go to page two for the next part of my story.