The next day, the palace was a hive of activity. Servants scuried to and fro, carrying lines and foodstuffs. The cooks were busy preparing elaborate dishes, and the scullery maids were scrubbing every corner of the palace until it shone like new. The ground keepers were tending to the gardens, making sure every blade of grass was perfectly trimmed and every flower in full bloom. And the stable hands were grooming the horses until their coats gleamed. Every member of the palace staff was perfect for the arrival of the dragon keeper.