The next morning began with chaos.
Not the scary, shadowy kind—but the fluffy, sparkly, pancake-for-breakfast kind.
She barely had time to blink before Marta had pulled her into a bath and dressed her in a fresh cream-and-pink gown with strawberry embroidery.
"I missed your sweet giggles, Your Highness," Marta said, tugging her ribbons tight.
"I missed your blueberry muffins," Evelisse replied honestly.
Downstairs, her brothers were waiting.
Marcus was already up and sharpening quills downstairs. Jared was conducting an imaginary orchestra in the hallway using a wooden spoon. And someone—probably Leo—was trying to convince the suits of armor to wear sunglasses.
Evelisse padded into the dining hall, rubbing her eyes. "Good morning, everyone."
"Princess Sunshine!" Jared called, dramatically lifting her into the air and spinning her once before planting her in her usual seat beside the syrup jug.
"Brother Jared! No spinning before I eat," she giggled, clutching the table.
