Tom looked in the Royal Ballroom.
Streamers hung from the ceiling.
Servants were putting flowers on the tables.
"What's going on?" Tom asked.
Cat peeked out of Tom's pocket.
"There's a birthday party tomorrow," she said.
"I heard Cook talking about it."
"Whose birthday is it?" Tom asked.
"Prince Eric's," Cat said.
Just then Dirk appeared.
"There you are, fool!" he snapped at Tom.
"The queen wants to see you at once.
Come with me!"
Tom hurried after Dirk to the Throne Room.
Cat was still in his pocket.
"Uh-oh," Tom thought.
"Cat might make the queen sneeze."
The queen sat on her throne.
Tom bowed. "Good morning, Your Majesty."
The queen's nose wriggled.
She pulled out her handkerchief.
"Ah-choo!" The queen sneezed.
"Tom, I need your help again," she said.
"Anything, Your Majesty," Tom said.
The queen blew her nose.
"Prince Eric's birthday is tomorrow," she said.
"And I need a special gift for him."
"What does Prince Eric want?" Tom asked.
"Prince Eric loves animals," the queen said.
"He wants a pet.
I want to get him a dog."
"A dog?" Tom repeated.
Hiss! A loud sound came from Tom's pocket.
Then he felt something sharp—Cat's claws!