Chapter One

One morning, at breakfast, king Roland had an announcement to make.
"Everyone, I am happy to announce that we will be holding a special dinner for all of our neighboring kingdoms this Friday evening." He declared.
"Really?" James asked. "We've never done anything like that before."
"Well, I think now would be a good time to start." Roland smiled. "Now, I'll expect you all to be on your best behavior."
"Of course, daddy." Amber nodded sweetly.
"When am I not on my best behavior?" James asked.
"Do you really want us to answer that?" Amber snaked.
"Hey!" James snarled.
"In fact, you'll be taking etiquette lessons from Baileywick this week." Roland added. "You will all be an example by which Enchancia is measured by our visitors, and you must make a good impression."
"You can count on us, dad." Sofia smiled.

The kids went into the study, where Baileywick was waiting with their first lesson.
"Now then, the first thing you need to learn is the proper way to greet our guests." He declared. "You must either bow or curtsy."
"That sounds simple enough." Madeline shrugged.
For a moment, the kids practiced their bowing and curtsying.
"Very good." Baileywick smiled. "Now, we move on to the dinner table."
Baileywick directed them to a small table.
"Now then." Baileywick continued. "You must sit down slowly and carefully. And sit up straight."
The kids complied. James slouched a little, but he pulled it off.
"Excellent." Baileywick smiled. "Now we move on to the cutlery."
A long line of forks and spoon were on each table placing.
"Choosing the right utensil is paramount." Baileywick declared. "You don't want to see a soup spoon on your pudding, do you?"

"Excuse me, Baileywick." Amber held up her hand. "But I already learned all this stuff when I was three. I don't see why I should even be here."
"Well, it never hurts to get a refresher course." Baileywick replied.
"But Baileywick, I've arranged to meet Clio and Hildegard soon." Amber protested.
"I'm sorry Amber, but you're staying put." Baileywick insisted.
"Oh, fine." Amber huffed.
"I'll be right back with tea and sweets." Baileywick declared.
"This is kind of fun." Madeline smiled.
"It is, isn't it?" Sofia agreed.
"Easy for you to say." Amber groaned. "You haven't already gone through this a hundred times."
"Lighten up, Amber." James snorted, earning him a glare from his twin sister.
Baileywick returned with the tea and sweets, and the lesson continued.
"Remember, when drinking tea, it is important to hold out your pinkie." He declared. "And have only one sweet at a time. That means you, James."
"I wasn't gonna..." James huffed.
The lesson continued for most of the day. Sofia and Madeline had some trouble here and there, but it all seemed satisfactory to Baileywick.
"Well, I'd say my work here is done." He smiled. "You're all set for the big dinner."
"I sure hope so." Sofia nodded.

"How about tonight at dinner, we practice what we learned today?" Sofia suggested.
"Good idea, Sofia." Madeline smiled. "That way, mom and dad can see that we're ready for the big dinner."
"I'm in." James nodded.
"I suppose so." Amber shrugged.
At dinner that night, Roland and Miranda were pleasantly surprised to see their children living up to the rules of etiquette; Though they weren't all perfect, they were good enough to satisfy any nitpickers at the dinner.
"Well done, all of you." Roland smiled.
"Yes, well done." Miranda added. "Thank you all for taking this so seriously.
"You should really be thanking Baileywick." Sofia smiled. "He's the one who taught us all this."
"We couldn't have done it without him." Madeline added.
"Good work, Baileywick." Roland declared.
"Just doing my job, your majesty." Baileywick nodded.
The royal family felt ready for the upcoming dinner. They could be an example for all the other kingdoms, and hopefully, nothing unfortunate would happen that night.