Just then, a plump, younger man with brown hair entered. He had a pleasant, chubby, cheerful face with a slight double-chin. He bowed.

"Your Majesty", he said.

"Ah, Billy!" said Daniel. "What can I do for you?"

"Luncheon is served in the North Dining Hall, my lord", Billy said.

"Ah, thank you. Help me up, my lad!"

Billy waddled over and pulled Daniel to his feet. The old king grabbed his walking-stick and straightened up.

"MMmmmmm-mmm-mmm-mmmmmm..." Daniel grunted. He yawned and stretched.

"Very well. Luncheon is it?"

"Yes m'lord!"

"Very good. Come along, my dear!"

"Me!?" Amelia asked.

"Certainly you!" said Daniel, "it's lunchtime. I'll not have a friend of my grandson eating in the servants' hall on her first day here!"

"Thank you, sir!" Amelia said. Daniel offered her a massive hand. She grabbed it and the king escorted her out of the library with Billy bringing up the rear.

Amelia gasped when she entered the North Dining Hall.

She'd only been here once before, and at the time, it was largely empty. Now, it was largely full! Members of the royal family were seated around a long table. Servant-boys bowed as King Daniel entered and mounted the dais. The king waved Amelia to a chair which, to her surprise, she found was directly opposite to Prince Tristan, and next to Prince Javelin!

"Ah, Amelia my dear!" said the Queen, "So very nice that you made it!"

"Yes ma'am!" said Amelia meekly. "His Majesty said I could join the family for luncheon, m'lady. I-I hope that's alright..."

"She's my friend!" said Tristan proudly.

King Chandler laughed. "Then it's certainly alright", he said and smiled. "Come along, boys! Start serving!" he said, and the servant-boys started dishing out the food.