What would Miss Manners think?

You hope that the book of etiquette might give you a clue. The more you read it, though, the more you wonder that all princes aren't permanently depressed as a matter of course. Living life in what seems like a plastic bubble wouldn't suit you at all.

On the positive side, at least you are getting used to the wardrobe. It takes a little practice, but you can move about without being too clumsy. You think you'll be able to meet the prince without tripping and falling splat in front of him.

Then again, maybe a good pratfall will do the trick. When the time comes for you to attempt your cure, you deliberately misstep on the carpet as the Chamberlain leads you forward. But your landing firmly on your behind raises no princely amusement. Even the titter from a few pages when the Chamberlain neatly catches your flying shoe dies out quickly without any sign of spreading.

But you have a backup plan. First you require that everyone in the room besides yourself be seated. This operation requires a few moments. You then bring forward a high ottoman towards Prince Shane, explaining that, in the cure of melancholia, the positioning of the legs is all-important. They must be supported at precisely the correct points, you explain as the prince's legs are fully extended.

With a gambler's hopes you then stake your fate on your other idea. Breaking many of the oldest rules in the etiquette book, you use the positioning of the ottoman as a cover to give you the opportunity to slip off Prince Shane's shoes. The shocked prince cries out, "Wizard, what are you doing? GUARDS!" as soon as he realizes what is happening. But by the time the guards have struggled out of their sitting position and begun to rush towards you, you have begun to tickle the prince's feet...

Written by stephan

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