Behind the Royal Mask

Etiquettes and Breakfast

"I still don't understand what there is to learn about eating," Beatrice grumbled as a table was draped in embroidered linens. Gleaming silver plates were arranged holding all kinds of exotic food - dates, grapes, figs, pastries, fine cheeses, a basket of freshly baked bread, a saffron custard with rose petals and peaches.

"You'd be surprised," Alaric chuckled and pulled a chair backwards, motioning Beatrice to sit on it. When she did, he slid it towards the table. Beatrice shot him a look as he settled into his chair.

"So, what now?" Beatrice asked, looking at the dishes which were a complete contrast to the breakfast she was used to - bread and butter.

"You start the breakfast with some fruits," Alaric said, picking up a bunch of grapes and placing them on her plate.

As she moved her hand forward to pluck one, Alaric interrupted her and said, "You don't use your hand. You'll use a fork."

"Fork?" Beatrice looked bewildered, "You need a fork to eat grapes?"

"I am afraid so," Alaric said and pointed at a small fork that laid beside Beatrice's plate, "Use the small one."

"Let me get this right," Beatrice said, "Different forks and different spoons for different dishes?"

"You've got it," Alaric said with a small, approving nod. "Each one has its purpose, even if it seems unnecessary."

Beatrice picked up the small fork gingerly, examining it with a mixture of confusion and amusement. She rolled her eyes, shaking her head.

"Nobles and their antics," she scoffed, "Who knew eating could be such a performance? I half-expect someone to jump out and announce a new act any moment now."

"I'd say that nobility is as much about appearances as it is about anything else," Alaric said, watching Beatrice spear a grape with a surprising delicacy.

"Yeah well I'd say nobility is about being stuck on high horses, Your Highness. No offence," Beatrice said, unable to hold the words in as she popped the grape in her mouth.

"None taken because I'd partly agree with you," Alaric said, his lips tugging slightly.

"I am done with the fruits. What's next?" Beatrice said, keeping down the work with a light clang.

"You must not make a noise when you keep down any utensil," Alaric pointed out. Beatrice bit back a retort and nodded.

"The next step is bread," Alaric continued, gesturing to the basket of freshly baked rolls and slices.

Beatrice picked up a bread and put it on her plate. It was sprinkled with sugar powder so must have been sweet. As she picked it up to take a bite, she paused. It surely wasn't the right way to eat.

"You must break the bread in smaller pieces before eating it," Alaric said, watching her with a patient expression.

"It feels so silly," Beatrice muttered, shaking her head. Alaric held back a laugh as he looked at her being grumpy.

"I would lose my appetite before I actually eat something," she said, picking up a small piece and putting it in her mouth.

"Trust me, I have been at that place," Alaric said, grinning as he recalled the awkward moments he'd experienced at royal feasts.

"I remember the first time I attended a grand banquet. I was so focused on not making a fool of myself that I accidentally spilled my drink all over the table. Everyone looked at me, and I turned beet red. After that, I spent the rest of the meal trying to hide my face and hoping no one would notice my mortification."