Knock-knock-knock!!!

"Come in!"

"You wished to see me, your Majesty?"

"Did I?"

"It is I, your Majesty. Xavier!"

"Oh yes!"

Chandler put down a piece of parchment and waved the head of his kitchens into his office.

"Yes, yes, yes...Sorry I'm busy with this list..."

"List of what, your Majesty?"

"A guest-list, Xavier".

"For what?"

"That's what I wanted to see you about. I'm sure you read in the newspress of the...um...recent...event in the city square?"

"Event...?"

Chandler drew a chubby finger across his throat.

"Oh! That event! Oh yes sir!...What's that got to do with me?"

"Yes well...Given the um...significance of that event, the Queen and I thought it proper to hold a banquet. A formal dinner in recognition of this historic occasion".

"...The death of Lord Hephaestus?"

"Well...um...It's an important date and it's not one that should be forgotten. He was a horrible man and the Queen felt strongly that his end should be met with great celebration..."

"The Queen thought so, your Majesty?"

"Yes...Personally I don't know, but you know what the Queen is like...when her children are involved".

"Oooh. You mean Master Darius..."

"That's right".

"I see. So there is to be a celebratory feast in honour of this occasion?"

"That's right. I'm writing up a guest-list and I want you to organise with Jamie the preparation of the palace and the food of course, for this event".

"Certainly, your Majesty".

"Good. And the Queen would like you to see her about the menu".

"Yes, your Majesty".

The Head Chef got to his feet. He straightened out his traditional chef's uniform over his impressive belly, earned from years of taste-testing and 'quality control', bowed to the king and left the room.

Chandler sighed. He did not agree with the Queen about a feast celebrating the downfall of Hephaestus, but she sweet-talked him into it as usual...

The king looked at the empty box of chocolates sitting on an empty chair.

...Literally.