The table was set with an exquisite pedestal chandelier. Delightful piano music wafted through the door. The King, the Prince and the Princess looked over the royal menus.

“What would you like to order?” asked the Queen.

“I want a fruit tray,” said the Prince.
The King watched as the Queen ducked under the table to pick up a menu.

“I will have steak, a sweet potato and peas,” said the King. “I would like Sesame Chicken, please,” said the Princess.

There was a commotion over by the door as the guests finished reading the menus.

“WHAT?” the prince and princess yelled, “There is a horse looking in the door!”

“Oh dear, oh dear!” said the queen as she rushed to the door and tried to get the horse out of the room. The Dragon was a bit distracted but he continued playing piano music to calm the diners.

“I must hurry to cook the food!” said the Queen as she entered the kitchen. “At least the cake is done. It looks great!”

The queen went up to the garden where she picked herbs and fresh oranges from the tree.

The kitchen bustled with activity as the meals were made.

Many meals were made ready for guests.

Soon the King was eating his delicious steak and sweet potato and peas. The Princess thought her sesame chicken was delicious and the Prince enjoyed his fruit, especially the watermelon and strawberries. He also got some extra food because he was still hungry.

“Would you like dessert?” the Queen asked. “Yes please!” they all said.

“I have to use the restroom,” said the King. The Prince and Princess ate all their food until there were just crumbs on their plates.

The Queen set the table with a plate of delicious chocolates, cupcakes and hot chocolate. The King had coffee.

Meanwhile, the Horse and Dragon went upstairs to the tea room because they were hungry too.

They looked over the menus and gave their orders to the Queen.

“This carrot is delicious,” said the Horse. “This is very tasty chicken,” said the Dragon. “Next time, I will order four whole chickens and skip the peas.”

Downstairs the guests finished their desserts. “Please refresh yourself in the garden,” said the Queen.

Soon everyone was in the garden getting fresh air.

Everyone had lots of energy because they ate so much dessert and didn’t want to just stand around.

The Prince was fascinated with the fountain, especially since it had fish in it.

“No, No!” said the Princess. “You must not get in the fountain!”

The Prince wanted to catch the fish. The Princess ran to talk to the horse.

The Princess fell over but then she got up and started running after the Prince and they decided to play a game of chase in the castle, going up and down the stairs. That upset the Queen because it was her restaurant so she locked herself in the secret room under the stairs so she would be safe while everyone was running around.

And there the story ended because the lively game of chase throughout the castle required all hands so no more pictures could be taken.

[I bought the book, Princess Palace by Jacqueline East, years before my granddaughter was born. It is one of her most loved books.]