Chapter 5: Host A Royal Tea Party (I)
Evelisse’s breath hitched, her eyes locked on the doll’s unblinking, glassy stare.
Her heart pounded, and a cold sweat broke out on her skin.
’Did someone... come in while I was gone?’ she thought, gripping the door handle tightly.
Fluffy’s fur bristled, floating closer to her shoulder. It whispered in a low, cautious tone, "We’re not alone."
Evelisse swallowed hard, forcing herself to breathe evenly. ’Calm down... calm down... it’s just a doll. Maybe I knocked it over earlier... or maybe... maybe Felix moved it while I was out. Yeah, that makes sense... right?’
She forced a laugh, hoping to sound casual. "Oh, I must have forgotten to put you back in the right spot," she said aloud, deliberately keeping her tone light and carefree. She picked up the doll, cradling it as if it were precious before walking over to the closet and gently setting it on a high shelf, facing the wall this time.
She gave a bright, innocent smile to the empty room. "There, all better!"
After a few deep breaths, Fluffy floated closer, patting her cheek with its tiny paw. "You’re brave. I’m proud of you."
She swallowed down the lingering fear. ’Brave? I’m terrified. But I can’t show it. If someone is watching me, they can’t know that I know.’
Fluffy hesitated, glancing back at the door before nodding slowly. "Good thinking, Princess. Act clueless. Don’t let anyone see you’re suspicious."
Evelisse forced herself to hum a little tune as she moved around the room, pretending to organize her plushies. Her mind raced with possibilities. ’If someone moved the doll... then they were in my room. They were in here while I was gone. What if... they’re still here?’