Royal Approval

In Petunia and the Good Knight by Karen Poth, the Queen of Scone is played by Penelope (the pear from "Daniel and the Lion's Den" and "Lyle the Kindly Viking"), hence Queen Penelope here.

On a similar note, it wasn't until after posting this that I went over Princess Petunia's Sweet Apple Pie again, and there the King of Scone is played by George (from Rack, Shack & Benny), but when I was writing this, the King was more like Chog Norrius in my mind. A big cucumber works better for what I intended.

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Duke, the Duke of Scone, was known for being cheerful and easygoing, if a little silly, but when it came to important matters, he often grew serious, whether it was jousting to help a beautiful princess with red hair and an adorable giggle, or seeing to it that a visit from the King of Scone would be perfectly dealt with.

"Are the minstrels getting ready?" Duke asked his trusted chamberlain, Lucas, as he hurried through Ducky Manor.

"They're practicing His Majesty's favorite songs as we speak, sire," replied Lucas.

"Do we have enough tarts for the banquet?"

"The chef is preparing them in apple, plum, and strawberry."

"Are all the suits of armor polished?"

"Twice, sire."

"Tapestries clean?"

"The chambermaids tended to them this morning."

"Are fresh garlands strung around the castle?"

"Upstairs, downstairs, and in my lady's chamber."

Duke spun toward him. "And my lady?"

"In her chamber, sire."

Duke changed direction, taking a passage that led to the east wing.

"Sire," said Lucas kindly, "I know you're usually the one to tell me to calm down, but maybe you should pause and try a few breathing exercises. The king has always thought highly of you."

"I can't pause, Lucas," Duke answered. "I never had to introduce a girlfriend to Uncle William before, much less a wife. I want everything to be impeccable!"

"You do have a point," Lucas conceded.

After Duke's parents died, the king had looked after Duke and provided for his schooling. When Duke wanted to join Ye Olde Knight School, the king had given his approval, and when Duke was disappointed after receiving his first Ye Olde report card, King William encouraged him to keep trying. When Duke had wanted to marry Petunia, he had sent the king and queen wedding invitations, but they were both touring the battle front, encouraging the pie-throwing troops. They had been away for six months and had only recently learned of Duke's marriage to a Rhubarbarian princess. The king had immediately told Duke he would be coming to visit him, with no word of congratulations.

Duke continued his questioning. "Does the kitchen have enough saffron?"

"Five cases, sire, along with nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices."

"Cloves for the royal breath after Uncle William brushes his teeth?"

"A whole bowl is ready, sire."

"Toothbrush for the royal teeth?"

"In gold and silver, sire."

"Toothpaste?"

"That hasn't been invented yet, sire," Lucas reminded him. "We use salt in the Middle Ages."

"Wait." Duke stopped in his tracks to stare at his attendant. "We have toothbrushes, but not toothpaste?"

"That's history for you, sire."