When Princess Esmeralda L'Avalanché was very young, she eschewed

books about damsels trapped in towers and knights in polished plate mail.

Princess Esmeralda L'Avalanché preferred books about booze. 'I shan't drink 

booze now,' she declared to her nanny, Olivia Oranjeboom. "Not one drop

or jigger. But when I am older – when I am Queen, say– I shall set one

hundred men to the task of mixing the perfect hot toddy. And do know

what I shall do when at last they pour that perfect drink, Nanny Oranjeboom?"

she asked. "I'm sure I don't know," Nanny Oranjeboom said demurely.

"I shall drink it," Princess L'Avalanché replied. "Oh, yes. Oh my yes.

That's just what I'll do."