Back in the Ashthorne Castle, the next morning arrived with birdsong and the scent of honey-baked oatcakes.
Sunlight filtered through soft lavender curtains, gently illuminating Evelisse's chamber.
She stretched in her bed, blinking awake slowly. Her blanket had half-slipped off her side, and Snugglewuff was snoring near her feet, tangled in a pillow.
Fluffy floated in midair, wearing a pretend monocle and sipping fake tea out of an invisible teacup.
"Ah," Fluffy chirped as she stirred, "and the Sleeping Princess awakens at last! Did we enjoy our twelve hours of sloth, m'lady?"
Evelisse rolled to one side and groaned, "I'm not slothful… just… recovering from extreme petal affection and cake-based exhaustion…"
"Excuses, excuses," Fluffy teased. "The castle let you sleep in and miss your etiquette review. Do you realize the privilege you wield?"
She grinned sleepily. "Perks of being seven and a half."
