�What is lacking?�

�Has your mother ever told you any fairy tales?�

�Of course!� She proudly raised her chin and said, �Mommy has told me all the fairy tales in the world.�

�Well, think carefully, who else is missing besides the prince, princess, and queen in a castle?�

Abby scowled and paused before saying, �I know, the servants!�

Mr. Q was at a loss for words when he heard this.

�Aside from the servants, there are the guards, the evil witch, fairies, and��

The small girl identified every character in the narrative, but none of them was the one Mr. Q was implying.

�Hasn�t your mother told you that the most important character in a castle is the king?� he remarked earnestly. �Your palace is complete with the exception of a king.�

He cleared his throat and stood up straight, attempting to persuade the girl that he was the ideal candidate for kingship.

�That�s not true,� Abby responded, shaking her head. �My mother is the ruler of this castle. She�s fantastic!�

Mr. Q was stunned, and it seemed that Renee had a strong influence on Addie and Abby.

Margaret went to the kitchen to make supper in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Renee, Mr. Q, and Abby were playing games at the dining table.

�How about we play truth or dare? Here�s a deck of cards. Whoever receives the Joker must listen to the player who received the King and choose between either a truth or a dare.

Abby enthusiastically handed out the cards. This was her favorite game. Renee and Addie would constantly beat her and Margaret.

�Since the masked uncle is here, I must win for once!� she reasoned to herself.

Renee gave Mr. Q an uneasy grin and said, �It�s a little childish, but she likes it. Please play with her while you�re here!�

Mr. Q hesitantly agreed.

Abby soon finished delivering all of the cards.

They all opened their cards at the same time. Mr. Q was dealt the Joker, while Abby was dealt the King. JrNovels.com